Graphic Communications (GRC)

Course Descriptions

Brief explanations of the scope of each course.

CIT 104 Introduction to Macintosh (1 credit) Go To Top
Thorough introduction to the Macintosh computing environment. Hands on tutorials and projects on Macintosh systems help students understand how to use this popular graphic oriented user interface.
CSCO 175B Cisco Fundamentals of Web Design (4 credits) Go To Top
Focuses on the overall production processes surrounding Web site design with particular emphasis on design elements involving layout, navigation and interactivity. Site and page design using Adobe applications—Photoshop, Illustrator, GoLive, LiveMotion, and Premiere. Course is part of Cisco Network Academy Program. Prerequisite: some experience with a computer and the world wide web; familiarity with a graphic application is recommended.
GRC 101 Introduction to Graphic Communications (3 credits) Go To Top
An introductory survey class on the theories, processes, systems and technologies relevant to the graphic communications/digital media industry. Graphic communications history, industry makeup, job opportunities and basic theories/technologies will be explored.
GRC 103 Introduction to Computer Graphics (3 credits) Go To Top
Hands-on approach to learning fundamental concepts and terminology for creating and editing basic electronic paint and draw type graphics. Includes software, hardware and operating system basics and a thorough understanding of the Macintosh Operating System.
GRC 104 Layout & Typography Fundamentals (3 credits) Go To Top
Introduction to typography and page layout rendered traditionally and manipulated by computer. Typographic theory, copy acquisition, proofreading, and fundamentals of typographic layout and design for publications and collateral pieces.
GRC 105 History of Graphic Design (3 credits) Go To Top
An introduction to the evolution of graphic design with emphasis on acquiring knowledge of the basic visual and conceptual skills necessary for understanding the relationship between design, its audience and technology.
GRC 107 Design Fundamentals (3 credits) Go To Top
An introductory course in the application and appreciation of the basic principles and elements of design, including form, shape, value, spatial relationships and color. Emphasis will be placed on developing creative skills and working with the design process.
GRC 109 Color & Design (3 credits) Go To Top
Color theories, color technologies and the application of color in art and design. Intermediate two-dimensional design problems focusing on the compositional, optical and psychological aspects of visual communication. Prerequisite: GRC 107
GRC 110 Rendering & Illustration (3 credits) Go To Top
Introductory class in developing techniques for visualizing and rendering images in 2D and 3D presentations using a variety of manual techniques and applications in the electronic environment. Go To Top
GRC 111 Airbrush I (3 credits) Go To Top
A hands-on approach in the use of airbrush and related equipment for illustrative, fine art and graphic purposes. Techniques, including friskets (adhesive and handheld), gradients, color, 3D effects, are explored through the different types of airbrush, painting materials and special effects.
GRC 112 Airbrush II (3 credits) Go To Top
Continuation of Airbrush I with emphasis on the development of the area and style of most interest to the individual student. Prerequisite: GRC 111B.
GRC 119 Computer Graphics/Digital Media (3 credits) Go To Top
Continuation of Introduction to Computer Graphics. For students interested in producing graphics for multimedia and animation. An introduction to basic concepts dealing with image manipulation, web graphics, 3D modeling, storyboarding, and basic animation and multimedia creation. Hands-on projects using various graphics applications. Prerequisite: GRC 103.
GRC 120B Color Scanning (1 credit) Go To Top
Intensive overview of scanning technology. Emphasis on how to capture the best file size, resolution, and color information from desktop scanners. Prerequisite: GRC 103.
GRC 121B Intermediate Macintosh (.5-1 credit) Go To Top
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 125B Graphics Software (.5-1 credit) Go To Top
A variety of short courses in software packages specific to graphic communications and digital media applications. Classes will include current software packages and upgrade-specific training. Verify type of software and level of instruction in current schedule of classes. Taught as pass/withdraw only.
GRC 140 Electronic Publishing I (3 credits) Go To Top
Electronic page layout and type crafting with an emphasis on design and assembly using Quark XPress software. Class projects involve using the computer exclusively as the tool for preparing publication material, including scanned images. Prerequisites: GRC 103 and GRC 104.
GRC 156B Computer Illustration I (3 credits) Go To Top
Thorough exploration of a bézier-curve based application as a professional illustration and design tool. Hands-on projects using Adobe Illustrator or another industry standard application. Prerequisite: GRC 103.
GRC 158 Cartooning (3 credits) Go To Top
Cartooning characters, newspaper comics, editorials, caricatures, and mascots denoting humorous people and situations
GRC 161 Advertising Design I (3 credits) Go To Top
Introduction to basic layout and design principles and concepts, applied to advertising. Creative evaluation of marketing strategies, conceptual thinking, and use of color and design is stressed. Hands-on, problem-solving approach involving logo development, typographical design, story boarding, print and billboard ads. Various graphic techniques explored. Prerequisite: GRC 104.
GRC 165B Electronic Painting (3 credits) Go To Top
Using professional painting software as a professional tool to create advanced bitmapped artwork used as textures, backgrounds and images in game and educational CDs, web pages, 3D animation, and print productions. Prerequisite: GRC 103.
GRC 173B Digital Photo Retouching (2 credits) Go To Top
Hands-on projects to master the techniques necessary to retouch photographs using Photoshop, including colorizing B&W, fixing focus, removing scratches, adjusting contrast and color. Prerequisite: GRC 103.
GRC 175B Web Design & Publishing I (3 credits) Go To Top
Creating graphics and pages for distribution on the world wide web. Emphasis on designing professional web page layouts and creating and incorporating graphics, animation, multimedia and sound. Prerequisite: GRC 119.
GRC 179 Multimedia Design & Production I (3 credits) Go To Top
Overview of the basic concepts of multimedia and how to plan and produce projects which merge text, graphics, animation, video, and sound. Hands-on projects using Premiere and Director software. Prerequisite: GRC 119.
GRC 183B Electronic Imaging I (3 credits) Go To Top
Scanning and working with photographic and illustrative images using Adobe Photoshop. Hands-on projects dealing with photo correction, manipulation, compositing, and illustrative design explore the tools ad basic features of this industry-leading image manipulation application. Prerequisite: GRC 103.
GRC 185 Computer Animation I (3 credits) Go To Top
Beginning 2D, 3D and character animation construction and techniques using the Macintosh. Students learn to model, light, create, and manage their own animation project. Prerequisite: GRC 119.
GRC 188 Web Animation & Interactivity I (3 credits) Go To Top
Creating and preparing bitmap and vector-based animations for the web, using Photoshop and Macromedia Flash.
GRC 207 Electronic Design (3 credits) Go To Top
Basic design concepts, principles, and methodology for effective visual communications in print and multimedia. Class projects involve using the computer exclusively as the tool for preparing design materials and/or as the final medium. Prerequisite: GRC 107 and GRC 119.
GRC 225B Macintosh Troubleshooting & OS Management (2 credit) Go To Top
File and font management, hardware/software installation and configuration, troubleshooting, safety and maintenance related to the Macintosh platform. Prerequisite: CIT 104 or GRC 103.
GRC 228B 3D Electronic Design (3 credits) Go To Top
Explores the design concepts and process related to creating effective 3D digital images and scenes. Class projects involve using 3D software for preparing design materials for print, multimedia, and animation. Prerequisite: GRC 107 or 195.
GRC 229 Advanced Typography (3 credits) Go To Top
Study of typography’s informative, expressive, and experimental potential. Hands-on projects, using the computer as a design tool, include typesetting, designing with type, and creating special type effects. Students learn both technical and creative ways type can be crafted. Prerequisite: GRC 104, 107.
GR C 240B Electronic Publishing II (3 credits) Go To Top
Applying the advanced features of Quark XPress and non-page layout programs to solve complicated publishing problems and prepress issues. Hands-on, project-oriented approach is for the designer who wants to master the required tools in the design and publishing industry. Prerequisite: GRC 140.
GRC 256B Computer Illustration II (3 credits) Go To Top
Advanced illustration techniques on Macintosh computers with emphasis on special projects and graphic solutions using Illustrator. Prerequisite: GRC 156.
GRC 264B Advanced Illustration (3 credits) Go To Top
A continuation of Rendering & Illustration. Emphasis is placed on developing problem solving strategies for the individual interested in the field of illustration. Various medium will be explored including: water medium, colored pencil and electronic media. Effective use of color in illustration will be an important aspect of the course. Prerequisite: GRC 110.
GRC 271 Advertising Design II (3 credits) Go To Top
Continuation of Advertising Design I principles, methods, components, materials and media of advertising design. Recommended for those seeking to specialize as a graphic designer. Prerequisite: GRC 161.
GRC 275B Web Design & Publishing II (3 credits) Go To Top
Advanced and cutting edge techniques for creating and developing world wide web graphics and pages. Web site development, promotion, and maintenance. Prerequisite: GRC 175.
GRC 278B Electronic Prepress (3 credits) Go To Top
Creating, preparing, and managing desktop files to assure that they correctly output. Includes electronic stripping, art preparation, advanced type handling and scanning, color management, separations, and pagination. Prerequisite: GRC 140 and GRC 156.
GRC 279B Multimedia Design & Production II (3 credits) Go To Top
Multimedia production using Director. Lingo scripting will be emphasized for producing advanced techniques. Prerequisite: GRC 179.
GRC 283B Electronic Imaging II (3 credits) Go To Top
Advanced techniques working with both photographic and illustrative images in B&W and color, using Photoshop and related third-party software. Prerequisite: GRC 183.
GRC 285B Computer Animation II (3 credits) Go To Top
Advanced 3D modeling techniques and animation construction using mid-level industry software on the Mcintosh. Prerequisite: GRC 195.
GRC 286B Digital Video Pos-Production (3 credits) Go To Top
Using an industry-standard application to do non-linear video editing. Emphasis on producing a finished video from existing footage. Prerequisite: GRC 195.
GRC 288B Web Animation & Interactivity II (3 credits) Go To Top
Advanced techniques of vector-based animation for the web; continuation of the exploration of Macromedia Flash. Prerequisite: GRC 188B.
GRC 289B Special Projects for Graphic Communications (3 credits) Go To Top
Students work on individual design and communications projects under the direction of a faculty advisor; projects, provided by real world businesses and organizations, relate to the student’s selected major emphasis. Prerequisite: 21 GRC course credits.
GRC 290 Internship for Graphic Communications (1-3 credits) Go To Top
Supervised work experience within a selected graphic communications firm, dependent upon student’s selected major emphasis. Designed by company official and faculty advisor to apply knowledge to on-the-job situations. Available to students entering their last semester of instruction for degree. Contact department for application, screening and required skills evaluation.
GRC 293B Job Preparation for Graphic Communications (3 credits) Go To Top
Students will be required to learn job application skills and interview for employment. Includes field trips to sites in the design/graphics industry. Prerequisite: 15 hours of GRC credit.
GRC 294B Portfolio Workshop (1 credit) Go To Top
Development of a portfolio for employment in the graphic communications or digital media field, or for transferring to a four-year program. Class will deal with the professional and legal requirements of working in the graphic communication/digital media industry. Prerequisite: 21 credits of GRC coursework.