Academics
GRAPHIC ARTS COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
2-year Diploma Program
Program Description & Job Opportunities
Course Listings
Course Descriptions
GA207 Advanced Computer Graphics (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This course is designed to further examine scanning various medias, photo-retouching and image manipulation using Adobe Photoshop using advanced techniques. Students will use software to manipulate photos using an assortment of techniques, masking, filters, resize, colorize, and re-sample for various design and multi-media formats.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Computer Graphics (Photoshop).
CP243 Advanced Web Site Design (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This course will continue to introduce new and advanced features of web site graphics development using Adobe Photoshop / ImageReady along with an introduction to Macromedia Flash. Various methods of site design will be covered and students will be given more of a foundation on which to further explore the possibilities of Web site graphics including site design, navigation, color theory, photo manipulation, optimization, and animation. Prerequisite: Web Site Design.
GA204 Advertising Design (2.5 credits/60 clock hours)
This course explores theories, methods and strategies for effectively selling a product. Provides the students with concepts of a product, price, promotion, and market analysis. Students will be lectured on target audiences, budgets, strategies, and overall company vision. Hands-on projects and presentations will be developed by the students. Prerequisites: Electronic Design I or II, Typography, Computer Graphics - Illustration
GA106 Analysis of Form & Space (Drawing) (2.0 credits/60 clock hours)
Further develops basic drawing skills and understanding of visual language through studio instruction/drawing/lecture. Introduces concepts such as proportion, space, perspective, tone and composition as applied to still life, landscape and the figure. Uses drawing media such as pencils, charcoal, ink wash and color media. Prerequisites: Fundamentals of Drawing
GE120 Art History (4.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This course will cover the history of art. Focusing on the primary periods in time which have altered the face of design. It will explore the inter-relationship between historical, social, political, religious, and technological developments. This course will discuss the modern artist’s role in society. Prerequisites: None.
LE115 Business Law (2.0 credits/36 clock hours)
Provides the student with a basic understanding of the principles of law and its application to business. The student is introduced to the definition of law, why and how government regulates business, and the aspects of contracts and their relationship of law. Review of legal principles in the areas of business, contracts, and individual rights in business are discussed. Discussion will revolve around how business and law work and the law benefit the business organization and the consumer. Prerequisites: None.
EN108 Business Writing (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
Students will apply the principles of effective writing, and psychology to write business messages by composing memo and letters for typical business situations. Students will learn acceptable business correspondence format and prepare a resume, a letter of application, and a thank-you letter. Students will design a user’s guide as the last project. Prerequisites: English I & II.
CD211 Career Preparation (2.0 credits/30 clock hours)
This course supplements the on-the-job training of the internship. Individuals from the business community present material that enhances class work and the internship experience. The purpose is to help students become more professional, more self-confident, and ultimately, more successful. Among the areas covered are professional image building, ethics, sexual harassment, financial management, and health management for men and women. Sessions are held for two hours one day a week to allow time for the presentations. Prerequisites: As per internship policy.
GA110 Collateral Design (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
The role of graphic design in collateral materials will be introduced and explored with a focus on brochures, billboards, posters, transit cards, point of sale materials, direct mail pieces, sales and promotional materials, etc. The process of developing unified advertising collateral materials involving multiple presentations will be emphasized. Prerequisites: Electronic Design I or II
GA104 Color Theory (2.0 credits/36 clock hours)
This fundamental course provides an introduction to the principles of color and the exploration of color theory. Various degrees of color theory are examined, including the psychological and cultural aspects. And how these determine and assist the designer in making appropriate design color decisions. Prerequisites: None.
GA206 Computer Graphics - Illustration (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This course will explore the history, social, and artistic interpretation of typography and digital design elements. Focus will be placed upon a systematic approach and application of typographic elements to stress readability and visibility as well as communications for video, digital publishing, computer animation and broadcast graphics. Desktop application activities will include the integration of computers and vector-based drawing programs. Prerequisites: Introduction to Computing
GA206 Concept Development (1.5 credits/36 clock hours)
This course focuses on real-world applications of graphic design principles and theory. Problem identification, solving and research methods will be explored. Design solutions will be developed geared to a targeted audience and market will be emphasized. Effective interaction with a creative team will be developed and employed as a resource in the conceptual process, as well as idea-generating exercises. Prerequisites: Electronic Design I or II, Introduction to Computer Graphics (Photoshop).
GA304 Design for Interactive Media (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
In this course students will be introduced to computational design in the context of interactive media applications. Students will learn to utilize software within design processes and to develop interactive applications for digital media. The objective of this course is to explore digital media through exercises, presentations, critiques and discussions. Static, dynamic and interactive graphics will be developed in a series of exercises, dealing with form, image, motion, gesture and interface. Prototyping skills for working with interactive media will be acquired while developing creative ideas and concepts. Prerequisites: Electronic Design I or II, Typography, Computer Graphics - Illustration.
GA300 Digital Photography (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
Introduces students to the history and aesthetics of photography, while encouraging artistic expression and experimentation with picture content and design. Focused around identifying the basic photographic tools and their intended purpose, including the proper use of camera systems, lighting, and composition. Students will learn how to operate a camera, download, print making to editing, along with presentation. Prerequisites: None.
GA208 Digital Pre-Press (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
Students complete multiple-page digital pre-press documents that include scanned and edited images, object-defined graphics and text through the integration of a variety of file types. The place of digital page make-up in modern print production is studied. Prerequisites: Electronic Design I or II.
GA102 Electronic Design I (Quark) (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This course expands the various elements, skills, and tools of graphic design to include the computer. Employing various page design software programs, the knowledge of traditional typography and production will be translated into the electronic environment. Techniques specific to computer generated design will be introduced. Prerequisites: None.
GA107 Electronic Design II (InDesign) (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This course expands the various elements, skills, and tools of graphic design to include the computer. Employing various page design software programs, the knowledge of traditional typography and production will be translated into the electronic environment. Techniques specific to computer generated design will be introduced. Prerequisites: Introduction to Computing.
EN101 English I (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
Students will learn the essentials of grammatical terminology, grammar, punctuation, usage, and paragraph writing. Commonly misspelled words are studied weekly. Students will write journal entries, which will be handed in several times during the year. Prerequisites: None.
GE127 English II (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
Students will continue studying and practicing the four bases of writing (unity, support, coherence, correctness). Students will write paragraphs, essays, summaries of short articles, continue to write in their journals, and write a research paper. Prerequisite: None.
GA101 Fundamentals of Design (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This course will introduce the basics principles of design. Using a variety of materials and techniques, the creative process will be introduced and developed. By exploring design elements and relationships, the students will begin to establish a basic aesthetic sensitivity. Aesthetic sensitivity that will further be utilized in various courses throughout the Graphic Art program. Prerequisites: None.
GA103 Fundamentals of Drawing (2.0 credits/60 clock hours)
Visual awareness is expanded through detailed observation of the principles of light upon an object. How then to translate the light cast on a three-dimensional form into a two-dimensional drawings. Exploring simple to highly detailed objects, the student will develop and understanding and skills to construct drawings using lines, shapes, and dimension. Prerequisites: None.
GA601 Graphic Arts Internship (8.0 credits/336 clock hours)
A field internship is required to provide practical experience in a setting which is relevant to the student's course of study. Work performed during the students internship may be utilized in developing a more cohesive portfolio upon graduation. A comprehensive final paper must be written. Prerequisites: As per internship policy.
GA109 Graphic Design Studio I (2.5 credits/60 clock hours)
This course introduces students to graphic design as a conceptual and visual discipline. Varied projects are introduced to the student with an emphasis on solving visual problems from a wide range of topics in a variety of media. Prerequisites: Electronic Design I or II
GA211 Graphic Design Studio II (2.5 credits/60 clock hours)
Students in the class will work on a wide variety of projects for arts and educational groups, social welfare and environmental organizations, and other clients in the nonprofit sector. Projects done in the class will actually be produced--either in print or, in the case of websites, posted online. Students will be responsible for production preparation and supervision for course projects which could include identities, brochures, posters, invitations, and advertising campaigns. Prerequisites: Graphic Design Studio I.
GA302 Graphic Symbolism Corporate (3.0 credits/60 clock hours)
This course examines the importance of graphic symbols in design. Logos and other symbolic images will be examined in classical and contemporary contexts. Graphic elements including typography, imagery, and abstract shapes will be then utilized to create logo designs and other symbolic images. A large scale corporate identity package consisting of the following will be included: logo design, stationery and collateral materials that include a variety of forms such as booklets, brochures, posters, advertising, signage and packaging. Prerequisites: Electronic Design I or II, Typography, Computer Graphics - Illustration.
GE109 Human Relations (2.0 credits/36 clock hours)
This course is designed to be an in-depth study and the building of specific skills in the area of one-to-one communication. Emphasis is placed on group dynamics, conflict resolution, dealing with diversity, and social responsibility. Prerequisites: None.
GE119 Interpersonal Communication (1.0 credit/24 clock hours)
This course is designed to be an introduction to the process of one-to-one communication. A complete study of the communication process as well as skill building in the areas of perception, listening, verbal and non-verbal communication is explored. Prerequisites: None.
GA108 Introduction to Computer Graphics (Photoshop) (3.0 credits/ 60 clock hours)
This introduction course is based on the software Adobe Photoshop. Students will learn to scan photographs and manipulate them using Photoshop tool box and special effects filters. They will learn the basics in color correcting photos; mask image using channels; create duotone, tritone, and quadtone images; and prepare photos for use in printing and on the web. Prerequisites: Introduction to Computing.
CP101 Introduction To Computing (1.5 credits/30 clock hours)
This accelerated course is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in using personal computers and the Windows XP Professional operating system. Although there are no pre-requisites for this course, it is recommended that the student have prior experience working with a Windows-based personal computer. Prerequisites: None.
CD204 Job Search Skills (1.0 credit/24 clock hours)
This course instructs students in job seeking skills. Topics such as informational interviewing resume development, application completion and job interviewing will be covered. Students will identify work and personal skills, role-play mock interviews using the video camera, and start to develop a list of prospective employers for which they would like to work. Prerequisites: None.
KE100 Keyboarding Essentials (1.5 credits/ 30 clock hours)
This course is designed to teach the student the correct keyboarding techniques and to help the student operate the letters, numbers, symbols, and number pad by touch. Introduction to letters and simple reports will also be taught. Prerequisites: None.
GA111 Media and Design Study (3.0 credits/ 60 clock hours)
This course will provide the students with an in-depth study and history of graphic design elements, and related arenas (animation art, design, multi-media / web), and how they have impacted our society. Furthermore it will focus on assisting the student in preparing a career path and skills necessary for success. Regional differences and employment types are also discussed. Prerequisites: Electronic Design I or II, Introduction to Computer Graphics.
GA210 Packaging Design (2.5 credits/ 60 clock hours)
This course focuses on package design for a variety of products. Some assignments address real-world content while others are more experimental. Students work with concept, surface design, materials and the physical construction of three-dimensional forms. Prerequisites: Electronic Design I or II, Typography, Computer Graphics - Illustration.
GA212 Print Portfolio (2.5 credits/ 60 clock hours)
The course focuses on the development of the student's portfolio in preparation for entering the graphic design profession. Several projects will focus them on developing their conceptual skills, execution of final projects and professional presentation. Students will design a self-representing identity campaign incorporating a personal logo, resume, and supporting body of work. Prerequisites: Electronic Design I or II, Typography, Introduction to Computer Graphics, Computer Graphics - Illustration, Typography as Design, Graphic Design Studio I, Concept Development, Advertising Design, Publication Design, Web Site Design.
CD212 Professional Development (2.0 credits/30 clock hours)
This course is taken concurrently with the internship. The faculty advisor and the student discuss the student’s progress at the internship site in a group setting and, for specific problems and successes, individually. Weekly reports are submitted and the experiences of the week are reviewed. In addition, classroom instruction may be given to address areas where the interns, faculty, or site supervisors feel additional work is needed. Fields trips to explore different business environments and/or to expand knowledge about the of area of study may be taken. Prerequisites: Taken concurrently with the internship.
GA209 Publication Design (2.5 credits/ 60 clock hours)
Using skills learned from previous classes, students will apply those principles to complex design problems which involve lengthy manuscripts, multiple page documents, large scale formats, periodicals and/or books that are functional and typographical solutions that are sophisticated and visually distinctive. Prerequisites: Electronic Design I or II, Typography, Computer Graphics – Illustration.
GA105 Typography (3.0 credits/ 60 clock hours)
This fundamental typography course focuses on the expressive and functional aspects of typography in graphic design. Assisting the student in forming a basic understanding of typography based design elements to enable them to advance themselves imaginatively, creatively, and eloquently. Prerequisites: None.
GA203 Typography as Design (3.0 credits/ 60 clock hours)
Continuing the study of typography, this course will further examine the relationship of type and graphic design. Using traditional and computer generated typography as the dominant element; projects will be accomplished to study current typographic trends in graphic design. Prerequisites: Typography.
GA205 Typography - Expressive & Experimental (3.0 credits/ 60 clock hours)
Emphasis is placed on the expressive potential of typography. How the form of the written word(s) affects the meaning is studied experimentally. The emphasis is on design elements from the perspective of history, psychology, and artistic interpretation executed with digital tools. Prerequisites: Typography.
GA303 Typography - Hierarchy (3.0 credits/ 60 clock hours)
This course is a continuation of the study of traditional typography. Exercises and projects focus on the hierarchical qualities of typography. The development of marketable, original, and creative problem solving solutions will also be examined with an emphasis on creative techniques. Industry standard software will be used in the development of digital typography and hierarchal skills. Prerequisites: Typography.
GA301 Video Production and Editing (3.0 credits/ 60 clock hours)
This course introduces the student to video production and non-linear digital video editing. Instruction is given on basic techniques of production incorporating camera operation, lighting, audio, and storyboarding. Using appropriate software the student will learn how to operate desktop non-linear editors. Prerequisites: None.
CP233 Web Site Design (3.0 credits/ 60 clock hours)
This course introduces Web site design using Macromedia Dreamweaver and Web graphics editing using Macromedia Fireworks. Students will learn the basic techniques of creating web sites using Dreamweaver as well as HTML/DHTML programming code. Various methods of site design will be covered. The course will then cover intermediate and advanced Web design features, enabling students to create more dynamic, interactive and commercially viable Web pages. Students will also learn to create and edit graphs, images, and animation for the Web using Fireworks. Prerequisites: Introduction to Computing.
