Graphic Design is a program in the Computer Studies Department. While courses in Graphics & Multimedia and Web Development offer instruction in the use of design tools, the emphasis in the Graphic Design Program is on design principles. Two certificates and a major may be earned.
| Graphic Design Courses | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course # | Course Name | Units | CL |
OL |
| GD 51 |
Introduction to Graphic Design: Visual Basics | 3.0 | X |
|
| GD 52 | Rapid Viz: Drawing Techniques for the Designer | 1.5 | X | |
| GD 53 | Design Techniques in Illustrator | 3.0 | X | |
| GD 54 | Beginning Page Layout and Advertising Design | 3.0 | X | |
| GD 20 | Typography and Letterforms | 3.0 | X | |
| GD 55 | Tools, Methods and Materials | 3.0 | X | |
| GD 56 | Digital Illustration in Photoshop | 1.5 | X | |
| GD 57 | Digital Prepress and Print Production | 3.0 | X | |
| GD 59 | Package Design Techniques | 3.0 | X | |
| GD 15 | History of Graphic Design | 3.0 | X | |
| GD 58 | Advanced Page Layout and Advertising Design | 3.0 | X | |
| GD 63 | Online Resources for the Graphic Designer | 1.5 | X | |
| GD 60 | Creating the Professional Portfolio | 1.5 | X | |
| GD 65 | The Business of Graphic Design | 1.5 | X | |
| GD 61 | Color in the Digital World | 3.0 | X | |
| APGR 72 (GD 72) |
Principles of Screen Design | 1.5 | X | |
CL = classroom
OL = online
Course Descriptions
GD 51 Introduction to Graphic Design: Visual Basics – 3 units
This course is an introduction to the field of graphic design. Students explore various careers available in the industry, as well as the principles, concepts, and protocols used for creating effective visual communication. Projects explore the creative development of print design ideas from start to finish.
GD 52 Rapid Viz: Drawing Techniques for the Designer – 1.5 units
This course teaches graphic design students how to sketch graphic design concepts quickly using effective and dynamic visual shorthand (Rapid Viz) for communication with clients and other graphic designers. The student will learn how to handle the basics of form, composition, perspective, light, shadows, and shading using rapid indication of elements in a design with hands-on tools. The emphasis is on creating basic thumbnails and rough sketches using professional development protocols and industry recognized materials.
GD 53 Design Techniques in Illustrator – 3 units
An intensive course designed to teach students how to create effective logos, type treatments, illustrations, and informational graphics for professional visual communications projects using Adobe Illustrator.
GD 54 Beginning Page Layout and Advertising Design – 3 units
This course focuses on effective design techniques for page layout and advertising. Students use industry-standard page layout and photo manipulation software to develop creative solutions to a variety of design situations, including: resumes, advertisements, multipage newsletters and forms. (Formerly taught as APGR 52B)
GD 20 Typography and Letterforms – 3 units
Development of practical and visual skills for using type in effective graphic communications. Includes terminology, survey of typefaces, design basics, advanced typography skills, and computer production techniques.
GD 55 Tools, Methods and Materials – 3 units
A hands-on course concentrating on the application of basic hand-done illustration and mock-up techniques for the graphic designer. Students will learn how to use a variety of graphic tools, materials, and techniques to create professional quality design projects. Students have an opportunity to learn from demonstration and by application the basic methods of graphic collaging, texture creation, illustration techniques, and mock-ups (comprehensive) techniques. Projects will be taken full cycle with the integration of hand-done illustration to output on digital printers.
GD 56 Digital Illustration in Photoshop – 1.5 units
Demonstration and use of illustration techniques using PhotoShop. Emphasis placed on creating effective graphic communications using PhotoShop.
GD 57 Digital Prepress and Print Production – 3 units
A course designed to prepare the graphic design student for dealing with the prepress and print production process. The student will learn the skills needed to create accurate files for printing using a variety of processes as well as learn skills necessary to communicate and work with prepress vendors and printing firms.
GD 59 Package Design Techniques – 3 units
An intensive course designed to teach students how to use graphic design principles and skills to create three-dimensional packages.
GD 15 History of Graphic Design – 3 units
Exploration of the development of graphic design. A broad survey of notable stages and accomplishments in the evolution of graphic design from prehistory to the present. Examines how, through the centuries, particular cultures, movements, works, and individuals affect graphic design today.
GD 58 Advanced Page Layout and Advertising Design – 3 units
The course prepares the graphic design student to deal with the demands of advertising design and page layout for books and magazines. The course also addresses topics including: exploitation of gender in advertising, developing brands for the global marketplace, bilingual design, and environmental responsibility.
GD 63 Online Resources for the Graphic Designer – 1.5 units
A course to survey the resources available for graphic designers on the Internet. Topics will include how to use a variety of methods to find and assess online graphic design information, techniques for locating and downloading fonts/clipart and software, tips for using e-mail and Web browsers, and subscribing to discussion groups that specialize in graphic design. Students must have an e-mail account and access to the Internet. (Formerly taught as APGR 69)
GD 60 Creating the Professional Portfolio – 1.5 units
A course for the design student to prepare professional portfolios. The student will learn skills needed to create a physical, digital, and self-promotions portfolio. The student will also learn portfolio presentation techniques and industry protocols. A body of at least 15 high quality pieces as determined by the instructor for portfolio development are strongly recommended for success in this course. (Formerly APGR 70)
GD 65 The Business of Graphic Design – 1.5 units
A course designed to prepare the graphic design student to interact with business. Provides the information necessary to develop accurate bids, schedule projects, keep accurate records, establish a freelance business, legally understand taxes, and work with clients, vendors, and colleagues in a professional manner. (Formerly APGR 65)
GD 61 Color in the Digital World – 3 units
An intensive course on how to set up and manipulate files and profile and calibrate equipment to obtain reliable color output for print design.
APGR72 (To be GD72) Principles of Screen Design – 1.5 units
An intensive course that teaches the Web site development student how to create effective Web sites utilizing typographic and design principles.