Foundation course in the application and appreciation of the basic principles and elements of design, including form, shape, value and spatial relationships. Emphasis will be placed on developing creative skills and working with the design process.
Color theories, color technologies and the applications of color in art and design. Intermediate, two-dimensional design problems focusing on the compositional, optical and psychological aspects of visual communication.
Foundation course for developing basic skills and techniques in visualizing and rendering images in 2D and 3D presentations. Projects will focus on manual techniques and their applications in print and digital media.
Foundation course that introduces computer systems and applications as they relate to graphic communication for print media. Class will present a project-based overview of vector-draw, image manipulation, page layout and electronic publishing software.
Foundation course that introduces computer systems and applications as they relate to graphic communications for digital media. Class will present a project-based overview of content creation, Web design, Web animation, digital video and 3D modeling.
Introduction to the principles and techniques of 2D animation. Manual assignments will be completed for output to analog and digital formats for screening and portfolio. Course lectures and discussions will include professional production processes for TV, film, games and the Web, as well as potential strategies to gain employment in the field.
Introduction to techniques and strategies for visual storytelling. Visual language and syntax for narrative, non-linear, alternative and experimental storytelling methodologies will be explored. Story structure, character development, style, premise, genre, and format (commercial ad, interstitial, PSA, short, feature, music video, Web, games, etc.) will be discussed.
Introduction to typography and page layout software. Typographic theory, copy acquisition, proofreading and fundamentals of typographical layout and design.
An intermediate course in commercial printing processes including screen printing and offset lithography. Hands-on class will focus on electronic pre-press and printing methods used in commercial printing.
An introductory/intermediate class in the creation and execution of designs and illustrations in the digital environment. Class will focus on vector-draw software, including the tools and techniques required to produce professional-level artwork.
Introduction to authoring for the World Wide Web using industry standard software applications. Topics covered include planning, designing and building a Web site, aesthetics, creating and optimizing computer graphics for Web, information architecture, navigation and interactivity, Web publishing, Web hosting and site management.
Introduction to the basic principles and practices of digital video production. The course covers every phase of introductory digital video preproduction, production and post-production processes from "concept to final output", including story and concept development, lighting, recording and capturing footage, importing and managing clips, editing methods, transitions, special effects, titles, and credits, sound design and output to different formats.
An intermediate course in the application of graphics software to create pixel based images using industry standard pixels based software. Class will cover digital camera and scanner operation and emphasize image.
Introduction to animation and interactivity for use in CD-ROM, DVD or Web based interactive documents using industry standard software applications. Course content focuses on planning, design and building animated and interactive digital content. Topics include information architecture, interface design and navigation, introductory programming, drawing, audio, video, and publishing options.
Various short courses and experimental classes covering a variety of subjects. The class will be a variable credit of one-half to six credits depending upon class content and number of hours required. The course may be repeated for up to six credits.
Advanced studio covering typography, graphic design and advertising theories and techniques for print media. Class will focus on creativity and the creative process and how these principles affect communication of ideas. Topics include image/copy interaction, production techniques and the use of type in complex compositions as well as multipage documents.
An intermediate/advanced class in the creation and execution of designs and illustrations in the electronic environment. Class will focus on vector-draw software and more advanced principles of design to produce artwork for print and digital media.
Advanced Web page design using industry-standard applications. Topics include planning and design, programming, interactivity, behaviors, animation, page weighting, meta tags, databases, Web hosting and site management.
The principles of animation and motion design applied to graphics production for use in time-based and interactive scenarios. An exploration of animated title sequences, time-based image composing, and audio design principles for applications in entertainment and advertising content creation.
An advanced course in the application of graphics software to create pixel based imagery using industry standard pixel based software. Class will cover advanced image manipulation and optimization processes for pixel images as well as simple based animation and video manipulation.
Introduction to basic 3 dimensional modeling and animation techniques and production processes. Topics include 3D modeling, texturing, lighting, animation and rendering using industry-standard 3D software.
Advanced animation and interactivity for the Web and CD-ROM using Macromedia Flash. The course extends the skills acquired in GRC 188: Web Animation and Interactivity I, and emphasizes methodology and problem solving.
Supervised work experience with a selected graphic communications business, dependent upon students selected major emphasis. Course is designed to apply knowledge to real on-the-job situations in a program designed by a company official and a faculty advisor. Available to students entering their last semester of instruction for the GRC associates degree. Contact the department advisor for application, screening and required skills evaluation. 75 hours on the job per credit.
Development of a portfolio for employment in the graphic communications or digital media or transfer to a four-year program. Class will deal with the professional and legal requirements of working in the graphic communications or digital media industry.
Selected advanced topics and workshops relating to specific areas of graphic communications. The class will be a variable credit of one-half to six credits depending upon class content and number of hours required.
This course is designed for advanced students to pursue work in a specific area of graphic communications. Students must submit a written proposal which becomes a contract for the course of study. Students must meet with a faculty advisor on a regular basis. Course may be repeated up to 6 credits.
