Graphic Communication: Graphic Arts Technology (AAS)
66 Total CreditsStudents in this program will connect computer technology with the printing press and will develop the skills required for careers in printing technology, printing sales and marketing, digital pre-press and presswork. Join us in the exciting world of digital graphics!
Goals & Outcomes
The program will provide opportunities for students who have interest in beginning careers as professionals in graphic arts technology.
- Graduates of the program will be employed in various sectors of the graphic arts industry.
- Graduates of the program transfer with full junior status to a four-year institution in a related field. of study.
- Students of the program will interact with a diverse student program population.
- Graduates of the program will start new businesses and will continue to hire future graduates.
- The program will prepare students to communicate in a manner appropriate to the subject area.
- Students will make articulate, persuasive and influential presentations when producing projects.
- Students will use planning to successfully organize production workflow.
- Students will effectively use and understand planning documents used in the production of projects.
- Students will effectively interact with each other and with faculty in a production environment.
- Students will work with each other and faculty to successfully complete projects.
- Students will demonstrate logical thinking and solve quantitative problems in the subject area.
- Students will successfully demonstrate procedures used in graphic art measurement and the geometry of layout.
To prepare students to demonstrate information literacy.
- Students will use traditional and contemporary information technology.
- Students will identify, access, and appropriately use authoritative sources of information.
First Semester 16.5 Credits
ED100 College Seminar 1 cr
This course develops the skills necessary to improve success in college. It covers general College procedures, time management and study skills, and specific student responsibilities. Collaborative projects are included. Corequisites: This course must be taken in the students first fifteen hours of study.
EN101 English 1: Composition 3 cr
This course focuses on self-expressive, informative, and argumentative/persuasive writing. Emphasis is placed on the composition of clear, correct, and effective prose required in a variety of professions and occupations. Prerequisites: The required developmental reading (DS050 Developmental Reading, DS051 Essential Reading & Study Skills, or DS080 Study Reading), or SL115 ESL4: Advanced Reading, and/or writing courses (EN099 Introduction to College English or SL116 ESL4: Advanced Composition) or permission of the instructor or designee.
GC101 Foundation Drawing 3 cr
This course introduces the tools,media, and theory used in drawing for reproduction. It includes the fundamentals of perspective, the theory of light and shade, and a survey of graphic representation. Projects are executed using line, value, form, texture, space, and proportion.
GC110 Digital Design 3 cr
This course introduces the principles, techniques, and technologies used to produce graphic design on the computer. The visual elements and language of graphic design are taught through the demonstration and mastery of programs and problem-solving methods. It includes becoming technically proficient in the use of software, learning the methodology of graphic design, and demonstrating problem-solving ability.
GC121 Digital Typography 3 cr
This course covers the fundamentals of typesetting and typography. It includes a study of the development of type designs, typesetting methods, type measurement, and page layout. Computers are used to prepare multi-color mechanicals while becoming familiar with one or more software programs appropriate for typesetting and page construction.
GC141 Digital Illustration 3 cr
This course introduces computer graphics and digital illustration by using desktop computers, video interfacing equipment, desktop scanners, and other devices to generate and output computer graphic images.
PE Physical Education .5 cr
A wide variety of credit courses including but not limited to swimming, fitness center, badminton, tennis, golf, bowling and aerobic dance.
Second Semester15.5 Credits
EN102 English 2: Ideas & Values in Literature 3 cr
This course encourages a deeper understanding of human nature and the human condition through the study of ideas and values expressed in imaginative literature and a full-length book of nonfiction. Emphasis is placed on the use and development of critical thinking and language skills. Library-oriented research is required. Prerequisites: EN101 English 1: Composition.
GC125 Color & Design 3 cr
This course covers the application and importance of color to graphic design. Emphasis is placed on the symbolic, aesthetic, and psychological aspects of color. Experimentation and flexibility of approach are stressed, as are two- and three-dimensional applications. Color theory, subtractive color mixing, and additive color mixing are explored. Prerequisites:GC110 Digital Design, or both GC111 Basic Graphic Design and GC141 Digital Illustration.
GC122 Digital Prepress and Process Camera 3 cr
This course introduces prepress production procedures that include additional typesetting and page layout on the desktop computer, the reproduction of line and continuous tone copy, image assembly, and contact and chromacheck proofing. Prerequisite:GC121 Digital Typography.
GC126 Basic Photography 3 cr
This course introduces photography and the photograph as a medium of the graphic communicator. It covers photographic principles and procedures, including how to operate a 35mm adjustable camera, develop black-and-white film,make contact prints, and enlargements.The aesthetics of the photograph, and its use as a medium of graphic communications, is emphasized.
GC142 Digital Imaging 3 cr
This course introduces digital imaging technologies impacting graphic communication. It explores the potential of imaging software, scanners, dye sublimation printers, and other technologies. The use of digital media and the creation of computer-based imagery is emphasized. It is balanced between aesthetic potential and technological mastery. It covers input image and text, and how to combine and manipulate those visual elements.
PE Physical Education .5 cr
A wide variety of credit courses including but not limited to swimming, fitness center, badminton, tennis, golf, bowling and aerobic dance.
Third Semester15.5 Credits
GC215 Publication Design 3 cr
This course explores visual problem-solving as it relates to publication design.Design principles are tested by applying them to magazine cover design, brochure design, and annual reports. Experimentation in several areas of publication design is encouraged. Prerequisites:GC121 Digital Typography; and GC142 Digital Imaging or PT207 Digital Photography.
GC221 Prepress Procedures 3 cr
This course covers the design and production of projects using computer software for the creation of graphic images, typesetting, and color separation. Prerequisite:GC122 Digital Prepress and Process Camera.
MA108 Concepts in Mathematics 3 cr
This course is a survey of mathematics for students in those programs that do not require a mathematics sequence. It provides an appreciation of mathematical ideas in historical and modern settings. Topics include problem solving, logic, geometry, statistics, and consumer mathematics. Prerequisite: An appropriate placement test result or MA045 Basic Math Skills or MA050 Introductory Mathematics.
Social Science Electives
AN101 Biological Anthropology 3 cr
This course presents the biological and evolutionary history of humans. Basic concepts of evolutionary theory, human genetics, human biological adaptation and diversity, and the hominid fossil record are explored. It includes the behavior and ecology of living non-human primates.
AN102 Cultural Anthropology 3 cr
This course examines the cultural evolution of humans in a cross-cultural perspective. It includes the study of kinship, marriage, family, political and economic organization, the arts, and the individual in society. It covers the historical background of development of the discipline, research methods, and concepts proposed by various schools of anthropological thought.
BM101 Survey of Economics 3 cr
This course introduces economic theory and its relevance to daily life in a market economy. Topics include scarcity, supply and demand, choice, economic growth, taxation, and the role of government in the economy. Attention is given to current economic issues and their impact upon everyday life.
HI101 History of Civilization 1 3 cr
This course introduces the nature and study of history, and covers the emergence and development of Eurasian civilization to about 1500 A.D. in the Near East, India, China, Europe, theWestern Hemisphere, and Africa. Attention is given to religion in these civilizations and on the rise of theWest to a position of world power during the Middle Ages.
HI102 History of Civilization 2 3 cr
This course is concerned with civilizations and their influences on each other in the modern world. It traces the rise of theWest to a position of world dominance and its impact on non-Western societies. Emphasis is placed on the major forces that have shaped the contemporary world - industrialization, urbanization, nationalism, militarism, imperialism, democracy, and communism.
PS101 American National Government 3 cr
This course introduces the discipline of political science through the study of American government. Topics include the concept of the political system, democracy in theory and practice, the historical background and content of the Constitution, Federalism, and the role of the Supreme Court in civil rights. It stresses these aspects of the American political system: public opinion, voting behavior, the electoral system, political parties, and modern campaigning techniques.
PY101 Introduction to General Psychology 3 cr
This course introduces the many and varied facets of psychology. Emphasis is on interactions of individuals in their cultural, social, and economic environments as determined by their cognitive, behavioral, and emotional experiences and training.
SO101 Introduction to Sociology 3 cr
This course gives an understanding of and a feeling for the society in which we live. The concepts and theories discussed relate to humanity, its culture and society, and to those forces that contribute to the smooth operation of this society as well as those forces that contribute to conflict and social problems. Topics include culture, socialization, stratification, population, and patterns of social organization.
PE Physical Education .5 cr
A wide variety of credit courses including but not limited to swimming, fitness center, badminton, tennis, golf, bowling and aerobic dance.
Fourth Semester17.5 Credits
GC215 Publication Design 3 cr
This course explores visual problem-solving as it relates to publication design.Design principles are tested by applying them to magazine cover design, brochure design, and annual reports. Experimentation in several areas of publication design is encouraged. Prerequisites:GC121 Digital Typography; and GC142 Digital Imaging or PT207 Digital Photography.
GC218 Prof Practices for Graphic Designers 4 cr
This course prepares for entry into graphic design as a practicing professional. Emphasis is placed on the preparation of resumes and portfolios for professional presentation. It augments the ability to solve advanced graphic design problems in corporate identity. Prerequisites: GC125 Color and Design, GC213 Graphic Design for theWorld Wide Web, GC215 Publication Design.
Natural Science Elective
BI108 Functional Human Anatomy 3 cr
A study of human anatomy with emphasis on the integration of form and function. The structure of each region of the body is considered systematically. The laboratory session will include student's own drawings of anatomical structures and some laboratory dissection. This course includes written assignments and is especially suitable for students interested in the arts.
BI105 Environmental Science 4 cr
This course increases appreciation and interest in human interaction with other organisms and with the physical environment. Topics include basic ecological concepts as well as human impact on the earth with an emphasis on selected environmental problems (i.e. natural resource use, pollution, wildlife conservation, agriculture, hazardous waste etc.). The laboratory component supplements lecture topics by providing practical experiences. Field experiences are required.
PH112 Science of Light 1 4 cr
This course introduces the concepts of light and optics. Topics include the historical development of optical instruments, electromagnetic spectrum, lenses and image formation, light-sensitive materials and processes, color filters, Kirlean imaging, and holography. Examples are chosen from a variety of fields, including photography, human vision, and nature.
PE Physical Education .5 cr
A wide variety of credit courses including but not limited to swimming, fitness center, badminton, tennis, golf, bowling and aerobic dance.
Prerequisite
- High School math 1 or its equivalent
- We will accept you at your current level of readiness and provide opportunities for you to be successful at the college.
