This course is part of the CSN Computer Graphics Program offerings and applies toward a Computer Graphics Design degree and certificate.

Electronic Prepress

GRC 278B
(3 Credits)

Section WC001—#46269

Prerequisite: 15 credits of GRC courses.

Weekly
Schedule

Instructor: Ed Kanet, CSN Professor

Office:  Room 2659G, Cheyenne

Office Hours: Monday–Wednesday 12–2pm
or by appointment.

CONTACT:

Phone:  651-4159 (Office)
Email: ed.kanet@csn.edu
Web: sites.csn.edu/cg/kanet/homepage

Index

Course Description | Course Objectives & Outcomes| Course Outline |Textbooks | Supplies | Testing
Grading | Submitting Assignments | Class Policies General —Inclass—Online | 10 Principles of Success | Special Help

Course Description:

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.

Class time consists of, on the average, at st two hours of lab per week with the balance for lecture and/or demonstration. Activities include hands-on demonstrations, in-class assignments, self-paced tutorials, and projects.

It is highly recommended that students plan to acquire additional lab time outside of the scheduled class period.

Prerequisite: GRC 140 and GRC 156.

Course Objectives

To provide the student with an understanding of the relationship between creating digital artwork and the physical printing process. This will include printing terminology, project planning, production flow, file preparation, font and color management, and file formats.

Course Outline:

Note:  The course outline shows the content which the course covers.
The course schedule outlines when the material will be covered.

1. Life Cycle of a Print Job
   1. The Olden Days
   2. Brave New World: Desktop Publishing
   3. Job Submission
   4. Scenic Tour of a Typical Printing Plant
   5. Glossary of Printing Terms

2. Color and Commercial Printing
1. Describing Color
2. Prepress Terms
3. Computer Graphics
4. Image Resolution and Line Screen
5. Printing Technologies
6. Offset Lithography
7. Other Printing Processes
8. Printing Terms
9. Imposition and Binding
10. Binding and Finishing Terms
3. Constructing a Publication
1. Guidelines for Specifying Colors
2. Using a Color Management System
3. Correcting Color
4. Color Terms
5. Scanning Tips
6. Image Size, Interpolation, and Resampling
7. Graphic File Formats
8. Special Techniques
9. Compensating for Register Error
10. Screen Frequency, Resolution, and Gray

4. Ink On Paper
   1. Fundamentals of Black-and-White Printing
   2. Fundamentals of Color Printing

5. Press Issues
   1. Digital Printing
   2. Your Monitor is Not Made of Paper
   3. Dot Gain
   4. Binding and Finishing
   5. One Size Does Not Fit All
   6. Folding: High-Speed Origami
   7. Imposition
   8. Binding Methods
   9. Moving Beyond Two Dimensions

6. Using Type and Fonts
   1. Font Formats
      
   2. Typographic Terms
      
   3. Font Flavors
      
   4. Activating Fonts in the Operating System
      
   5. Font Management Programs
      
   6. Font Licensing Issues
7. Cross-Platform Issues
   1. Crossing The Great Divide
      
   2. File Naming
      
   3. Fonts
      
   4. Graphics Formats
8. Imaging and Proofing
   1. Desktop Proofing Options
      
   2. What to Send to Production
      
   3. Checking Your Files
      
   4. Including a Report
      
   5. Color Proofing
      
   6. Types of proofs
      
   7. Checking color proofs
      
   8. Color bars
      
   9. Archiving Your Work
9. Job Submission
   1. Preparations During the Design Process
      
   2. Talking with the Printer
      
   3. Planning for Print
      
   4. Sending Job Files
      
   5. Preparing for Proofing Cycles
      
   6. Attending a Press Check
10. Project Management Guidelines
1. The Publishing Process
   
2. Money Matters
   
3. Reviewing Your Requirements
   
4. Who Does What?
   
5. Selecting Vendors
   
6. Decisions Involving Your Printer
   File Handoff Checklist
11. Preparing Raster Images
1. Ancient Times: B.P. (Before Pixels)
   
2. Now: A.P. (All Pixels, All the Time)
   
3. Resolution and Image Fidelity
   
4. Appropriate Image Formats for Print
   
5. Inappropriate Image Formats for Print
6. Photoshop Production Tips
   1. Off to a Good Start
   2. Working in Layers
   3. Transparency
   4. Silhouettes and Masking
   5. Beyond CMYK
   6. Beyond Pixels
   7. Saving for Other Applications
12. Vector Graphics
1. Vector File Formats
   
2. Handling Text
   
3. Incorporating Images into Vector Files
   
4. Avoiding Unnecessary Complexity
   
5. Illustrator Production Tips
   
   1. Why Versions Matter
   2. Saving for Earlier Versions
   3. Simplifying Complex Artwork
   4. Using Filters and Effects
   5. Creating 3D Artwork
   6. Transparency
   7. Flattening Transparency
   8. Linked and Embedded Images
   9. Blended Objects
   10. Changes in Pantone Recipes
   11. Saving for Other Applications
6. FreeHand Production Tips
   1. Fonts and Graphics
   2. Special Effects
   3. Simplifying Complex Artwork
   4. Exporting Freehand Files
   5. Linked Graphics, Package, and Prepare for
13. Output Tips for Working with Page-Layout Files
1. InDesign Production Tips
1. Graphics
2. Using Native Files
3. Swatches
4. Converting Legacy QuarkXPress and PageMaker Files
5. General Document Issues
6. Transparency
7. Finding & Fixing Problems
8. PDF Creation Methods
9. PDF Creation Settings
2. QuarkXPress Production Tips
   1. Versions
   2. General QuarkXPress Cautions
   3. QuarkXPress 7.0
   4. Troubleshooting
3. Acrobat Production Tips
   1. Acrobat Product Line
   2. Where Do PDFs Come From?
   3. Creating PDF Files
   4. Editing PDF Files
   5. Print Production Toolbar
   6. Using External PDF Editors
14. Print Production Resources
    1. Organizations
    2. Conferences and Trade Shows
    3. Design and Printing Books
    4. Software-Specific Books
    5. Publications

Course Objectives & Outcomes

Course Objectives:

1. To demonstrate the fundamentals of graphics preparation for the internet, emphasizing file formats and size
2. To learn the basic design principals and various layouts of a web page.
3. To explore the fundamentals Adobe Photoshop to prepare graphics for the internet.
4. To learn how to navigate and search the internet to gather information.
5. To learn about the software and hardware requirements necessary for internet browsing and publishing.
6. To learn the basics of HTML as a means for graphic design.
7. To learn to transfer files using FTP.
8. To learn to communicate and transfer files using e-mail.
9. To learn how to make 2D animation for the web.

Course Outcomes:

What the student can do at the end of the course.

1. 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 Principles of Success

These rules apply no matter if you want to succeed in the classroom, in the boardroom, on the playing field, on stage, in the studio, or any other place

1. Show up (log on)
2. Pay attention (read all the materials)
3. Ask questions (use the email and Discussion Boards and Live Classroom sessions)
4. Get help before you really need it. ( email the instructor or contact Tutoring Services)
5. Willingly help others. (respond to Discussion posts)
6. "I can't" is not synonymous with "I don't want to."
7. You don't have to "like" a task to excel at it.
8. Curiosity always beats intelligence.
9. The problem isn't the problem. How you handle the problem--that's the problem.
10. Don't even think of quitting.

Texts

Required Texts:

Official Adobe Print Publishing Guide, Second Edition: The Essential Resource for Design, Production, and Prepress, by Brian P. Lawler.
ISBN-10: 0-321-30466-7; ISBN-13: 978-0-321-30466-7, 200 pages,October 2005. Retail:

You do not have to purchase this book.
It is available through Safari Tech Books Online (see below)

Real World Print Production, by Claudia McCue.
ISBN-10: 0-321-41018-1; ISBN-13: 978-0-321-41018-4, 368 pages, July 2006.

You do not have to purchase this book.
It is available through Safari Tech Books Online (see below)

Safari Tech Books Online is a collection of thousands of full text electronic technical books from industry-leading publishers such as SAMS, O'Reilly, Cisco Press, Adobe Press, Macromedia, Java. Access from CSN campus computers is direct, however, CSN students can also access it from off campus by logging on as they would in the CSN Online Campus CE. (See help if necessary.)

If you want print versions of these books, check Amazon.com.

Recommended Text:

A Guide to Graphic Print Production, 2nd Edition Kaj Johansson, Peter Lundberg, and Robert Ryberg
ISBN: 978-0-471-76138-9, 320 pages, December 2006
See also graphicprintproduction.com

Retail: $65.00

The 1st edition of this book is availalbe at amazon.com from $7.75.

Supplies:

Each student will need:to purchase some output from a "service bureau" such as Kinko's or OfficeMax.

Grading:

In order to acquire a passing grade, the student must  accumulate a minimum of 60% of the total points possible in the course. See Responsibility Statement

Final grades are determined by accumulated scores (out of 600 possible points) on the quizzes, exercises, assignments, and final exam/practicum, according to the following scale:

Because the emphasis is on doing and producing, grades will be weighted as follows:
 

MISSED QUIZZES AND FINAL EXAM:

Missed quizzes and final exam count as zero points.

Only a student who has made arrangements beforehand—or is victim to an emergency beyond his / her control—will be given a chance to makeup the missed opportunity. See Responsibility Statement

Assignments

Submitting Assignments:

All assignments must be submitted to the student's web space with a link from his / her Projects Management page.

LATE ASSIGNMENTS:

Assignments that are late run the risk of not being being regraded on resubmission. The score earned will be lowered according to when the project was finally submitted.  Deduct 10% if one week late; 25% if two weeks late. Not accepted after two weeks late.

Resubmitting Assignments:

Students may resubmit graded assignments (any one but the final project) with the necessary corrections or adjustments to raise their score, however, resubmissions must be made within a week from the time the assignment or project was graded

General Policy

Use of Class ListServs (Mailing Lists): Effective July 1, 1998, a new "anti-spam" law went into effect in Nevada, which makes it an offense to send unsolicited email on the internet (unless a prior business relationship exists or you have given your consent to receive it).

The law makes the offense punishable by a fine of $10 per mail address. This shows how serious society has gotten to assure a non-harassing environment on the internet. In that spirit, the CCSN Computer Graphics Program will not tolerate messages sent to the listserv that are not relative to the course content, the computer graphics program, CCSN or of an academic nature, especially those that contain comments that are offensive, obscene, or of a personal nature.

Those who do not abide by this policy will lose class email privileges.

You are also encouraged to follow basic email etiquette.

Attendance Policy:

it is important that the student attends each and every class and lab period.
See Responsibility Statement

Attendance is taken each class and lab period.

EXCELLENT ATTENDANCE:

Students who do not miss more than one class session will have their final grade raised to the next half letter grade—for example, from an A- to an A.

TARDINESS :

If you arrive to class later than 10 minutes after starting time, you are tardy. Three  tardies are the same as being absent.

1 or 2 times	=	No Penalty
3 times	=	One Absence
6 times	=	Two Absences

ABSENCES:

If you arrive to class later than 30 minutes after starting time, you are considered absent.

Inclass Policy:

Headphones are not permitted during class lectures and discussions. Headphones are permitted during lab time only.  Volume has to be adjusted so that no one can hear your music, even with the headphones on.
Food and Drink: Absolutely no food or drink of any kind can be in the lab. If you need to leave the classroom for any reason, just quietly get up and do your business.
Cell Phones: You will be asked to turn your cell phone off, if it disrupts the class.
Disruptions: Continuous disruption of class will not be tolerated.  You will be ask to leave the classroom and the will be compelled to follow the college's policy for possible dismissal.
Lab Rules: Please follow the local computer lab and facility rules.
Software: Students are not allowed to download or install/delete any software, or change any settings that involve the hard drive, etc. If you have questions, ask first.
Internet Content: This is a school, professional, adult environment, please do not embarrass yourself or any classmate with undesirable content from the internet or any other means.

SAFETY, LAB POLICY AND CONCERNS:

Whenever you are working in a lab environment you should be aware of the safety issues respective to the equipment and materials with which you will be working. There are no major life or health-threatening conditions of concern to the typical student in the computer graphics lab, however, a few simple rules should be followed. These rules are mainly to protect the lab equipment, nevertheless, the student stands to benefit from their general observation.

1. Do not plug or unplug any power cords or cables attached to any of the lab equipment. If you feel you must do this, please discuss it first with the instructor or lab assistant. The only exception would be plugging in a USB device (e.g. thumb drive).
2. Be careful where you place your belongings. Keep them off the floor so as to prevent any unplanned trips.
3. DO NOT bring any opened food and/or drink container into the lab area. A strict open container and open package law will be enforced. Crumbs in the keyboard and drinks in the disk drives are more than damaging to the hardware--they will cost you lab privileges

Special Services to Help You Succeed

TUTORING SERVICES

If you need help with your classwork, go to Tutorial Services to see if there is a tutor available. You may receive up to 4 hours of tutoring for each credit hour you are taking, at no charge. The charge after that is $8.00 per hour. 

    Cheyenne Campus in the Library, 651-4232. 
    West Charleston Campus, Building D, 651-5732 
    Henderson Campus in the Writing Center, Building C, 651-3187 

If you are at Green Valley, Palo Verde, or Western, you should contact any of the locations above to sign up.

Degree seeking low-income, first-generation college, financial aid-grant recipients, and disabled students can contact TRIO’s Student Support Services at 651-4441 / Room 1121 Cheyenne campus for more information.

DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER:

If you have a documented disability that may require assistance, you will need to contact the Disability Resource Center located in the Student Service Center on each campus. The DRC can be contacted at the following numbers: Cheyenne Campus 651-4045, Henderson 651-3086, and West Charleston 651-5089.

For those students who would like to earn a little extra cash, stop by the Disability Resource Center to fill out a job interest card. This office hires students as note takers, readers, protectors, scribes, lab assistants, and research assistants as needed.

RETENTION OFFICE:

Thinking of quitting? Consider taking advantage of the services offered by the CCSN Retention Office:

• Free Guidance Appointments
• Faculty/Staff Mentors
• Tutoring Assistance (Student Coaches)
• College Survival Skills
• Learning the Ropes at CCSN

The Retention Office will help you come up with practical solutions to any challenges you may encounter and get you connected to the right resources.  The mission of the office is to help you stay in school and achieve your dreams for a brighter future.  They are here to help you and work with you.  Don’t quit CCSN before calling them at 651-2626.

The student is responsible for her own learning. In the event the student doesn't understand the material or assignment, he should take the initiative to get the help he needs. The instructor is available during lab periods, office hours and by appointment. Tutorial Services, as well as fellow students via the listserv, can provide additional assistance.

The student is responsible for communicating with the instructor concerning tardies, absences, missed work, difficulties in understanding the material or assignments and for saving and protecting his own work.