Graphic Communications

GRA-116 - Digital Preflight Production

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

The main focus of this course is in preflighting techniques and color control. Advanced graphic design, color management skills and printing technologies will be used in complex projects. The importance of communication between printer/pressroom and the graphic designer is also emphasized. This course integrates all facets of the graphic communications coursework and should be taken during the student's final semester. Prerequisite: GRA-275.

GRA-127 - Illustrator I

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

This course is designed to introduce the student to the application of rendering techniques. Emphasis is placed on controlling various media, methods, surfaces, design problems and the appropriate media selection process.

GRA-137 - Digital Design

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

The student will gain familiarity with the function of graphic layout using electronic pagination software. Emphasis will be placed on publication design, development, reproducibility and utilization of proper design techniques. Students will use this publishing package to create a variety of print media.

GRA-140 - Digital Imaging

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

This course is designed to introduce the student to image manipulation software used in the electronic and print media industry. Emphasis will be placed on scanning, image editing techniques, using painting tool sets, color correction, ethics and digital photography techniques.

GRA-158 - Web Multimedia

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

An introduction to the creation of multimedia for use with web pages, kiosks and CD/DVD. Video camcorders, digital cameras, digital recorders, touch screens and iPods will be utilized in conjunction with computer hardware and software for media creation and manipulation. Media covered in the course will include podcasting, streaming video, streaming audio, live broadcasts and presentations.

GRA-166 - Web Animations

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

Animation can be an important part of information transfer from a web site to the viewer. Topics will include when animation is an appropriate tool to use, when animation should be avoided, what tools are the current standard for web animation and how animation can be used to present information. The class will be project-based, with the student solving animation-related problems based on real business situations.

GRA-173 - Typography

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course is designed to provide the student with an introduction to the history and mechanics of type and its application to layout and design. Topics include typographic fundamentals, anatomy, measurements, identification, type aesthetics, communicative aspects and production problems. A working knowledge of type in relation to images will be emphasized. 

GRA-175 - Graphic Design Principles

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

A beginning course in designing printed pieces. This course will provide the student with an introduction to some of the basic principles of design aesthetics for print and web media. A history of the desktop publishing process, basics of communication, basic document structure, typography, use of color and illustration will be covered.

GRA-190 - Electronic Media Projects

Lecture: 1

Lab: 4

Credit: 3

Students will interview originators to determine target audience, message and time and cost constraints for a project. They will then use various pagination software and graphic design skills to produce finished, print-ready pieces. Prerequisites: GRA-137 and GRA-175.

GRA-275 - Advanced Graphic Design

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

This course is designed to continue to guide the student in proper design and layout aesthetics. Emphasis will be on utilization of design principles and techniques for both short and long documents, publication planning, budgeting, scheduling, finishing processes and working with outside printing companies. Prerequisite: GRA-175.

GRA-299 - Electronic Portfolio

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

Electronic Portfolio will help prepare the student for the next step, whether that is moving into the work force or presenting to the teachers at a four-year institution. Skills taught in this class will include preparation of an electronic portfolio, career-advancement skills, resume writing and interviewing. Prerequisites: GRA-140, GRA-158, GRA-166 and WDV-101.

GRA-933 - Internship

Lecture: 0

OJT: 16

Credit: 4

This course is designed to provide the student with a practical experience in graphic communications prior to completion of the associate of applied science degree. Placement will depend on student's skill level and the availability of appropriate training firms. The internship should be taken during the student's final semester.

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