Graphic Communications (GRC)

Course Outcomes

What the students will be able to do at the end of the course.

CIT 104 Introduction to Macintosh (1 credit) Go To Top

1. To learn the basics of computer memory, what it is, how to measure it, and how to allocate it.
2. To understand the fundamentals of the Macintosh Desktop metaphor —  e.g. folders, files, icons, menus, windows, dialog boxes, etc.
3. To learn how to use the mouse —  pointing, moving, clicking and selecting, dragging, multiple selecting.
4. To learn how to select, open, close, save, copy, delete, and print files.
5. To learn how to use the keyboard —  inputting and editing type and menu shortcuts.
6. To learn how to install, select, and use fonts (type).
7. To learn how to install, select, and use desk accessories (items under the Apple Menu).
8. To learn the basics of the new System 7.5.x and the MultiFinder.
9. To generally prepare a student to learn any software package which uses the Macintosh interface.

GRC 101 Introduction to Graphic Communications (3 credits) Go To Top

1. List the basic history of graphic communications.
2. Discuss past equipment and working procedures of the industry and how they relate to the development of current and future technologies.
3. List job descriptions and skill requirements for employment in the industry.
4. Describe various measurement systems and how to use them.
5. Discuss the history, basic design principles, theories and applications as they relate to creativity in graphic communications.
6. List the various areas of image creation, including past and current techniques relative to illustration, photography and image manipulation.
7. Give an overview of the past and present developments of type, including type design, traditional and technologies for typographic imaging.
8. List and describe the past, present, and future printing processes, including traditional plate technologies, electronic non-plate technologies and related technologies.
9. List a variety of posts-production processes and their applications in the industry.
10. Describe the growing number of new technologies relevant to the industry, including the internet, multimedia, 3D imaging, CD-ROM, digital video, direct-to-plate and on-demand/electronic printing.
11. List, recognize, and describe the five printing classifications; distinguish their strengths and weaknesses.
12. Pasteup type and art elements and cut overlays.
13. Produce film from mechanical art, prepare plate-ready negatives, and strip flats for printing.
14. Use a process camera to produce negative film and paper positives.
15. Define post-press operations and processes —  holograms, die cutting, conversion.
16. Output a computer graphic file to an imagesetter to produce film or paper.
17. Identify types of substrates and bindery processes.
18. Set up a job for scoring, cutting, and folding.
19. Choose inks appropriate for a job.

GRC 103 Introduction to Computer Graphics (3 credits) Go To Top

1. Define basic computing terms dealing with graphic software applications, hardware, memory, system interface, resolution, graphic formats, color and printing.
2. Perform basic calculations concerning computer memory, disk storage, and file size: e.g. unit (KB, MG, GB) conversions, memory and storage measurements.
3. Operate a computer with a thorough understanding of its operating system and interface: i.e. select, create, open, close, save, rename, convert format, copy, delete, move, organize, find, print, backup files and folders using the Macintosh interface at the Desktop as well as within application using both the mouse and the keyboard, performing some modifier key shortcuts; perform basic computing procedures: booting, quitting, shutting down, ejecting disk, accessing a server, selecting a printer.
4. Perform basic word processing and general application functions, e.g. inputting, editing, copying, pasting, importing type and graphics using menus and keyboard shortcuts.
5. Troubleshoot basic work session problems: e.g. recovering from frozen screen and system bombs, detecting and removing viruses, solving basic printing problems.
6. Design and create raster and vector artwork using industry-standard applications (e.g. Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photosho); convert from one graphic type (bitmapped image, vector object, bitmapped object) to another, import and export graphics; select, combine, transform, layer, group, delete, lock, color, and otherwise edit all types of graphics.
7. Prepare and format files for outputting using basic computer graphics terminology and concepts.

1. Develop methods of type specifications.
2. Identify type anatomy and properly use type specification and measurement terms.
3. Identify and compare the similarities and difference between the major type classifications.
4. Choose an appropriate typeface for a particular background, match a particular type personality with a message.
5. Design a piece solely with type.
6. Establish a hierarchy of information through type treatments.
7. Craft type using a page layout program by controlling all character and paragraph formatting, including control over kerning and tracking, tabs and indents, leading.
8. Create proportioning thumbnails, roughs, and comprehensive layouts.

GRC 105 History of Graphic Design (3 credits) Go To Top

1. Develop a basic understanding of the relationship between design and its audience.
2. Learn basic vocabulary and visual skills necessary to analyze elements and principles to all types of graphics.
3. List and describe the pivotal individuals who shaped the direction of graphic design.
4. List and describe the new developments that shaped and changed graphic design through time including technological advances.
5. Recognize major design movements and concepts.
6. GRC 107 Design Fundamentals (3 credits)
7. Verbalize, analyze, and evaluate good design.
8. Apply design principles in work usable for portfolios and job applications.
9. Utilize technology in course projects.
10. Have exposure to art and design history through slides and lectures thus becoming aware of differences in cultural backgrounds and geography and how to apply this awareness to the graphics field.
11. Understand the act of creativity, its process and apply this to their own conceptual thinking.

GRC 109 Color & Design (3 credits) Go To Top

1. Verbalize, analyze, evaluate what is good design.
2. Apply this learning to projects usable for their portfolios.
3. Communicate their design ideas to perspective employers and peers.
4. Develop individual creativity in art and design.
5. Explore the application of computers and their uses in the commercial world.
6. Apply knowledge of cultural difference to projects that are gender based or geographically based.
7. Use appropriate vocabulary for talking about color and its psychological effects as applied to the graphic areas.
8. Discuss the various color theories, models and technologies available.

GRC 110 Rendering & Illustration (3 credits) Go To Top

1. Demonstrate basic drawing skills.
2. Define twenty terms unique to the field of illustration.
3. Create pen and ink illustrations.
4. Create illustrations utilizing electronic illustration media.
5. Create illustrations using colored inks.
6. Create still-life drawings using graphite pencil.
7. Create illustrations using Coquille board.
8. Create 2- and 3-point perspective illustrations.
9. Analyze illustrations and determine their medium of execution.
10. Compare illustration styles.

GRC 119 Computer Graphics/Digital Media (3 credits) Go To Top

1. List, define, and describe the basic terminology and concepts relative to non-print area of computer graphics —  multimedia, animation and web development, including color models, file formats, resolutions, and bit depths.
2. Determine general violations of copyright and software licensing.
3. Create a basic web page using HTML.
4. Prepare graphics for the web using Photoshop.
5. Produce a 2D GIF animation for the internet.
6. Incorporate sound and movies into a basic web page.
7. Perform a basic grayscale/color scan using a flatbed scanner.
8. Create, edit, control bézier paths in Illustrator and Photoshop.
9. Outline the multimedia process and develop a storyboard.
10. Model, animate and render a basic 3D animation.
11. Author an interactive movie/animation using Director.

GRC 120B Color Scanning (1 credit) Go To Top

1. Identify/list types of scanning technology and scanning devices.
2. Set up a scanning system; calibrate a monitor.
3. Calculate and determine the correct scaling factor and bit depth, resolution and file size for all types of desktop scanning projects.
4. Determine when and how to compress files.
5. Determine what originals will produce good scans.
6. Perform line art, grayscale, and color scans —  both from negative and positive images.
7. Perform basic post-scanning functions to properly prepare a file for printing, including sharpening the image, correcting contrast and brightness, adjusting colors, choosing the correct file format.
8. Define color in RGB and CMYK models, convert color gamuts, convert color to B&W halftones.
9. Customizing and configuring the Macintosh interface and basic troubleshooting of the operating system for efficient operation. Prerequisite: CIT 104 or a basic understanding of the MacOS.

GRC 121B Intermediate Macintosh (1 credit) Go To Top

1. Slim and trim the System folder.
2. Configure the Control panels.
3. Install fonts, ATM, printer drivers
4. Set up and configure the Chooser
5. Organize the hard drive and customize the Apple menu.

GRC 125B Graphics Software (.5-1 credit) Go To Top

1. Use the tools and features of a particular software package in a short period of time.

GRC 140 Electronic Publishing I (3 credits) Go To Top

1. Control advanced typography of a design piece using Quark XPress, including all character and paragraph formatting.
2. Import, position, manipulate, crop, resize, arrange, and modify graphics elements of all complexities..
3. Enter, edit, spell check text; use the search and replace and find commands within Quark XPress.
4. Link, unlink, runaround text, and otherwise manipulate and fine tune type within Quark XPress.
5. Set up columns, guides, and grids to facilitate layouts.
6. Set up, apply, and edit master pages and style sheets within Quark XPress.
7. Specify, define, edit, and apply color within Quark XPress.
8. Preflight a Quark XPress file for printing and separating.
9. Apply basic design principles —  contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity —  to a new page layout design or to make-over an existing page layout.

GRC 156 Computer Illustration I (3 credits) Go To Top

1. Use layers to create templates for tracing and to organize complicated artwork.
2. Operate the tools in Illustrator’s toolbox.
3. Draw, select, and adjust bézier lines and objects using the bézier tools.
4. Manually trace and autotrace imported artwork.
5. Rotate, scale, skew, and reflect objects; use the blend tool to morph objects and create custom blends.
6. Measure, constrain, fill, and stroke objects.
7. Create, edit, and apply gradients, custom patterns, compound paths, and masks.
8. Define, apply, and edit color; prepare files for color separation.
9. Control the use of type in an illustration application including outline type, textwrapping, text linking, path type, area type, and character and paragraph formatting.
10. Demonstrate a number of advanced techniques such as interlocking letters and objects, modified outlines, perspective and 3D drawing, unusual line effects.
11. Use filters to streamline work and create special effects.
12. Import bitmapped images into Illustrator; rasterize objects within Illustrator.

GRC 158 Cartooning (3 credits) Go To Top

1. Create a pen-and-ink cartoon character.
2. Create a newspaper comic strip.
3. Create a pen-and-ink caricature.
4. Create a pen-and-ink editorial cartoon.
5. Create a pen-and-ink mascot for an advertisement.
6. Create a full-color (water color) cartoon.
7. Compare different cartooning styles of professional cartoonists.
8. Compare traditional cartooning techniques with computer-generated techniques.

GRC 161 Advertising Design I (3 credits) Go To Top

1. Define 20 terms unique to the field of advertising design.
2. Develop a company logo.
3. Create a magazine advertisement.
4. Create newspaper advertisements.
5. Develop a television storyboard.
6. Create a billboard advertisement.
7. Compare advertising design principles: balance, proportion, sequence, unity, and emphasis.
8. Create an advertisement utilizing electronic media.

GRC 165 Electronic Painting (3 credits) Go To Top

1. Use basic tools to create bitmapped images in Painter and Photoshop.
2. Employ layers, masks, floaters, shapes, channels to produce a complex composition.
3. Use paint brushes for a variety of tasks, including retouching, recoloring, tinting photos, cloning and rubber stamping, and special effects.
4. Create and use custom fills and patterns.
5. Describe and work with color in 1, 8, 16 and 24 bit environments.
6. Create textures and backgrounds.
7. Create special text effects.
8. Design and create artistic paintings using the computer as the palette and tools.
9. Describe traditional art terms, such as value, tone, light, shade, line, and form; apply these practices to computer painting techniques.
10. Describe the proportions and basic shape and form of the human figure and portrait.
11. Create artistic paintings using image editing methods.
12. Transform photos into other art forms —  from pencil drawings to oil paintings.

GRC 173B Digital Photo Retouching (3 credits) Go To Top

1. Identify problems with photos —  scratches, exposure, contrast —  and the degree of retouching needed —  minor, average, major.
2. Create a basic color scan.
3. Use Photoshop basic "retouching tools" —  cloning tool, paintbrush, spotting airbrush, spotting pencil.
4. Correct the color, contrast, exposure of photographs.
5. Colorize a B&W photograph by creating a duotone and demonstrating hand coloring technique.
6. Remove and add an object from a photograph.

GRC 175 Web Design & Publishing I (3 credits) Go To Top

1. Set up web pages using basic Hypertext Markup Language (HTML).
2. Use Photoshop to prepare graphics for the World Wide Web, with optimal file formats, bit depth, resolution, and size.
3. Demonstrate good graphic design and layout of web pages, using tables, image maps, and HTML.
4. Navigate and search the internet to gather information.
5. Describe differences of the software and hardware requirements necessary for internet browsing and publishing.
6. Transfer files using FTP.
7. Communicate and transfer files using e-mail.
8. Make a 2D animation for the web.
9. Organize the files of a web site for efficient updating
10. Express professional criticism of others work in a group setting via critiquing. (HUMAN RELATIONS COMPONENT)
11. Perform basic calculations concerning computer memory, disk storage, and file size: e.g. unit (KB, MG, GB) conversions, memory, storage, and timeline measurements. (COMPUTATIONAL COMPONENT}

GRC 179 Multimedia Design & Production I (3 credits) Go To Top

1. List terms and associated elements of the multimedia building blocks: text, still images, animation, sound, and video.
2. Build basic text movies within Director.
3. Create and add still image files into a Director project.
4. Create basic animation within Director, including film loops, real-time recording and step recording.
5. Capture and edit AIFF sound files in Adobe Premiere.
6. Capture and edit basic Quicktime digital video in Adobe Premiere.
7. Create linear and nonlinear movies in Macromedia Director containing all multimedia building blocks and basic Lingo scripting.
8. Create Director projector movies for playback on Mac and PC computing platforms.
9. Burn a CD-ROM with associated project files.

GRC 183 Electronic Imaging I (3 credits) Go To Top

1. Select, configure, and operate hardware and software used in electronic imaging.
2. Capture black-and-white and color images using flatbed and film scanners.
3. Access Photo CD images.
4. Correct minor damaged photographic images using Photoshop.
5. Modify color and control density, contrast, and sharpness using Photoshop.
6. Work with selections, masks, layers, and channels to prepare a professional project.
7. Select, manipulate, and work with multiple graphic formats.
8. Import and export files in Photoshop, resize and convert them to the appropriate size, bit depth, and format to meet the needs of the project.
9. Output digital images to desktop printers.
10. Prepare and import digital photographs into a page assembly application for color separation.
11. Organize, format, and otherwise prepare files for output at a service bureau.

GRC 185 Computer Animation I (3 credits) Go To Top

1. Describe the differences between classical animation, 2D computer animation, and 3D computer animation.
2. Describe the animation production process and the various production tasks.
3. Use Photoshop to create backgrounds and textures to apply to models and scenes.
4. Create a hand drawn and colored storyboard and an animated flipbook for a 2D animation sequence/story.
5. Create a traditional 2D animation sequence.
6. Create a 2D computer animation story with a title, story and credits, and transitions between each scene.
7. Model, animate, and render basic shapes in a short 3D animation, including title, story, and credits.

GRC 188 Web Animation& Interactivity I (3 credits) Go To Top

1. Create GIF animations and animated banners.
2. Create interactive menu bars.
3. Prepare streaming audio files for downloading on the web.
4. Convert 3D models to web animations.
5. Prepared Shocked animations using Macromedia Flash.s

GRC 207 Electronic Design (3 credits) Go To Top

1. List basic principles (unity, emphasis, balance, proportion, rhythm) and elements (line, shape, texture, space, value, motion, color) of design.
2. Explain and demonstrate the components of a good layout.
3. Conduct research for design projects; use the information to formulate ideas and make decisions to solve design problems.
4. Describe and determine the meaning of various fine, commercial and computer graphic art, based on the aesthetics of each art form.
5. Explain the purpose of thumbnails, roughs, and comprehensive layouts; create both traditional and computer-generated thumbnails, roughs and comprehensive layouts.
6. Define, evaluate and interpret a design problem; choose an appropriate solution which communicates the purpose and intent of a message to a specific audience.
7. Organize information to clearly communicate a message.
8. Examine and critically scrutinize his/her and others' work.
9. Differentiate fact and opinion, objectivity and subjectivity, propaganda and stereotypes in a variety of forms of communication.
10. Prepare and present an oral presentation to a client; describe the work done and convince the client of its success.

GRC 225B Macintosh Troubleshooting & OS Management (2 credits) Go To Top

1. Install and update the Macintosh Operating System, including device drivers.
2. Install third party utility software.
3. Adjust and manage control panels, extensions, and preferences to improve system performance and enhance user production.
4. Organize hard drive and customize the Apple menu.
5. Install and manage fonts.
6. Troubleshoot and remedy basic hardware, software, and system corruption.
7. Troubleshoot and rectify common problems and system crashes which occur during normal usage (e.g. replace the PRAM battery, zap the PRAM, rebuild the Desktop, trash Preference files, perform a clean install, optimize a disk, format/reformat and partition a hard drive).
8. Expand the hardware capabilities of a Mac (e.g. add RAM, add and address SCSI peripherals, upgrade hard drive).
9. Set up an AppleTalk network to share programs and files by assigning user IDs and privileges and which accesses printers.

GRC 228B 3D Electronic Design (3 credits) Go To Top

1. Electronically draw all basic shapes in perspective to create depth and geometrical representations of a third dimension using and industry standard 2-D computer graphics program
2. Electronically paint primitive objects and shapes to create the illusion of depth using an industry standard computer graphics bitmap program.
3. Electronically model primitive objects with basic shapes and paths using a 3D animation/modeling software program.
4. Electronically draw, paint and render a complete building/landscape composition using simple, complex and irregular forms in angular perspective using an industry standard draw and/or paint program.
5. Design, model and render a complex real life object using a 3D animation/modeling software program.
6. Describe and use all 3D design principles, theories, and skills to efficiently, creatively design on the x, y, and z-axis.

GRC 229 Advanced Typography (3 credits) Go To Top

1. Identify the required type context for a design piece and choose appropriate fonts.
2. Design a typeface and create a computer font from it.
3. Choose an appropriate typeface for a particular background, match a particular type personality with a message.
4. Design a piece solely with type.
5. Establish a hierarchy of information through type treatments.
6. Craft type using a page layout program by controlling all character and paragraph formatting, including advanced control over kerning and tracking, tabs and indents, leading.
7. Create a number of special type effects, for example, distressed type, illusion of depth, glowing text, semitransparent text containers, recessed text, embossed text.

GRC 240B Electronic Publishing II (3 credits) Go To Top

1. Control advanced typographic and layout control of a design piece using Quark XPress.
2. Import, position, manipulate, crop, resize, arrange, and modify graphics elements of all complexities.
3. Enter, edit, spell check text; use the search and replace and find commands within Quark XPress.
4. Link, unlink, runaround text, and otherwise manipulate and fine tune type within Quark XPress.
5. Set up columns, guides, and grids to facilitate layouts.
6. Set up, apply, and edit master pages and style sheets within Quark XPress for advanced applications.
7. Specify, define, edit, and apply and master the use of color within Quark XPress.
8. Preflight a Quark XPress file for printing and separating.
9. Apply basic design principles —  contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity —  to a new page layout design or to make-over an existing page layout.

GRC 256B Computer Illustration II (3 credits) Go To Top

1. Produce bézier artwork with advanced treatment of lines and outlines.
2. Apply advanced text effects and type control in Illustrator.
3. Build a variety of traps.
4. Create a number of special effects using filters in Illustrator.
5. Import and export artwork to, from, and between Illustrator and Photoshop.
6. Use Illustrator and Photoshop together to produce painted textures, photorealistic product illustrations, and simulated block printing and silkscreening.
7. Apply advanced masking techniques.
8. Create interactive graphs within Illustrator.
9. Build complex blends and gradients in Illustrator to mimic photographic quality.
10. Set up and illustrate one-point, two-point, and multi-point perspectives.
11. Rasterize vector-based artwork.
12. Explain what an illustration is and what it should do.
13. Create illustrative solutions to complex and abstract communication problems.

GRC 264B Advanced Illustration (3 credits) Go To Top

1. Create pen & ink illustrations.
2. Create wash illustrations in full-color.
3. Create mixed media illustration in full-color.
4. Create colored pencil illustration in full-color.
5. Create full-color illustrations in electronic media.
6. Develop a professional illustration portfolio.

GRC 271 Advertising Design II (3 credits) Go To Top

1. Develop an advertising campaign for a company or organization.
2. Develop a corporate identity.
3. Care a full-page magazine ad utilizing electronic media.
4. Create a direct-mail advertising brochure.
5. Create a full-color newspaper ad.

GRC 275B Web Design & Publishing II (3 credits) Go To Top

1. Use stylesheets to control web page layout.
2. Write and edit a basic JavaScript program.
3. Create active and inactive functions in web pages using JavaScript programming, such as mouseover buttons, setting client cookies, automatic time dating).
4. Access external programs and/or information in the automatic creation of web pages with database, CGI scripting or JavaScript.
5. Integrate client side and server side scripting.
6. Apply advanced techniques to web usability.

GRC 278B Electronic Prepress (3 credits) Go To Top

GRC 279B Multimedia Design & Production II (3 credits) Go To Top

1. Create intermediate and advanced multimedia presentations using Director.
2. Program advanced effects and interactivity in a multimedia presentation using Lingo programming language.
3. Develop animated images, movies, and film loops.
4. Include sound and video in Director movies and to "shock" them for the web.
5. List resources and explain processes required to complete an interactive program.

GRC 283B Electronic Imaging II (3 credits) Go To Top

GRC 288B Web Animation & Interactivity II (3 credits) Go To Top

1. Program some content using Action Scripting.
2. Create preloaders.
3. Use GET and POST commands for uploading scripts.
4. Create interactive game features.
5. Import and use large Photoshop files.
6. Import and use CorelDraw and Illustrator files.

GRC 289B Special Projects for Graphic Communications (3 credits) Go To Top

GRC 290 Internship in Graphic Communications (3 credits) Go To Top

1. List basic policies and procedures of the employer.
2. Describe the office, studio, or shop workflow.
3. List at least a dozen names of industry members met during the internship and classify them by job and role in the local industry.
4. List the qualifications, responsibilities, and career opportunities of at least six industry members met during the internship.
5. Explain the importance and necessity of continued learning in the graphic communications industry.
6. Call upon at least two people as references as to your ability to work effectively with others, think creatively, make decisions at the level permitted, understanding and give written and oral instructions.
7. Produce work using the employer’s tools at a reasonable rate and with reasonable quality.
8. Others depend upon internship contract developed by employer, intern, and faculty advisor.

GRC 293B Job Preparation for Graphic Communications (3 credits) Go To Top

1. Develop a portfolio that creates a strong, positive first impression with an arrangement of subject matter of sufficient quantity and quality in a professional arrangement.
2. Render job applications, resumes.
3. Present oneself with a professional appearance.
4. Develop typed reports using graphic, communication, and advertising language.
5. Compare interviews, video critiques of past students.
6. Travel on field trips to meet graphic supervisors, and experience the work environment and appearance of employees in a graphics enterprise.

GRC 294B Portfolio Workshop (1 credit) Go To Top

1. Define what a portfolio is, describe the three main types of portfolios, and list the steps for creating a portfolio plan.
2. Plan, organize and physically assemble a professional-style portfolio that relates to a chosen career in computer graphics.
3. Evaluate and respond critically to his/her own work and the work of others; explain how ideas are developed and the purpose of each piece in the portfolio.