First Semester

When the degrees offered by the Computer Graphics program were updated in 2003, a group of CORE COURSES were created, common to each degree.

Students who don't know which of the degrees to pursue should register for any of these courses to avoid delaying their progress once they declare a major.

Because there are now a number of required courses which do not require computer skills, these are among those a student can take during their first semester.

These core non-software-based courses are.

• GRC 101—Introduction to Graphic Communications
• GRC 107—Design Fundamentals
• GRC 110—Illustration and Rendering

Good advice is to begin taking as many of these basic GRC (Graphic Communications) core courses as soon as possible.

Those working on a 2-year degree will need to take a number of General Education courses. Avoid the temptation to complete these first.

Because there are a number of software applications to learn and with which to gain experience, a wise student will get these prerequisite courses "under their belts" first so that they can get to the software-based courses in the second semester.

GRC 103—Introduction to Computer Graphics (3 credits)
Learn how to use the basic Operating System, how to paint and draw using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and understand basic computer and computer graphics terminology.

This is the software starting point for all beginners, no matter what area of computer graphics a student is going into.

GRC 103 is a prerequisite for all the basic software-oriented classes:

• GRC 119—Computer Graphics/Digital Media
• GRC 156B —Computer Illustration
• GRC 183B—Electronic Imaging

All Computer Graphics majors: if you already know the content of this course and can do all of the outcomes, you may test out of the Introduction class and begin your coursework with one of these courses listed above.

Once you know how to use the computers (Macintosh) and have an understanding of basic computer graphics concepts and terminology and have developed some basic Photoshop and Illustrator skills, the student can move onto one of these courses listed above.

Web Design or Multimedia Authoring majors: you should take GRC 119 next because it is a prerequisite for the following courses:

• GRC 175B—Web Design & Publishing I
• GRC 179—Multimedia Design & Production I
• GRC 185—Computer Animation I
• GRC 188—Web Animation & Interactivity

GRC 119—Computer Graphics / Digital Media (3 credits)
Learn the basic concepts and software tools that are used in multimedia, web development, and animation, which includes Macromedia Director, Dreamweaver and Flash, and Swift 3D.

This is the starting point for those who have completed GRC 103 or successfully challenged it AND are going into multimedia-related graphics, creating materials whose final production is sleighted for the screen or monitor.

It can be taken the same semester as GRC 103 if the student already has some experience with computers and software.

F•A•Qs (Frequently Asked Questions)

I already know the basics of graphics—painting, drawing, scanning—on a PC. Do I take GRC 103?
If that is true, you should be able to test out of (earn credit by examination) GRC 103; you should have an understanding of what is taught in that course before continuing in the program.

I am a novice, but only have access to a PC at home or wherever I will be working on my assignments. Will I have a problem taking GRC 103?
Although nearly all the computer graphics classes are taught on Macintosh, you can do your assignments elsewhere if you have paint/draw (Photoshop/Illustrator) software on your PC. However, if you aren't very familiar with Windows you should take the CIT 103—Introduction to Windows (1 credit) so that interacting with your computer will not be a barrier to completing your assignments. You can take this class the same semester as GRC 103.

When do I take GRC 101?
Introduction to Graphic Communications—required for the Computer Graphics Design degree—teaches the technology and basic concepts involved in the printing process—from concept to printing press to bindery. Those going into electronic publishing or other areas related to preparing computer files that will end up on a printing press, need to understand this entire process, the sooner the better. That is why it is a core requirement for the computer graphics degree. Take this class as soon as you can. It is advised that this class not be put off until the second or third semester. It can be taken the same time as GRC 103.

If you have any other questions, contact Ed Kanet at ed.kanet@csn.edu
Phone: 702-651-4159; FAX: 702-651-4186.