Course Descriptions

GR DES 18, Introduction to Graphic Design Applications
3 Units
Prerequisite: None
This computer course provides an overview of applications used in the field of Graphic Design: Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. Also covered: Operation Systems, file management and computer navigation basics.

GR DES 21, Electronic PrePress and Publishing
3 Units
Prerequisite: None
This course provides an introduction to electronic publishing, printing, and the history of printing and other areas of graphic communications. It includes orientation to the computer, typesetting, electronic page layout software, camera work, basic stripping, platemaking, proofing, presswork, quality control techniques, and post-press operations. Students will learn to operate Macintosh computers and various models of printing presses to reproduce various types of camera-ready artwork.

GR DES 31, Graphic Design Studio 1 (2,2)
2 Units
Prerequisite: None
This studio course introduces the graphic design process including concept, visualization, documentation, and professional presentation. With an emphasis on visual communication strategies, students will explore the fundamental text and image interaction and develop various types of graphic identity designs including symbolic, pictorial, or typographic. This is the first in a sequence of three courses.

GR DES 32, Marker Techniques (2,2)
2 Units
Prerequisite: None
This course covers the use of markers and felt pens in the advertising and rendering professions. Through lectures and projects, this course focuses on various marker sketch techniques including color application, texture, form, and shadow.

GR DES 33, Typography Design 1
2 Units
Prerequisite: Graphic Design 18
This studio course introduces classical typography - tradition, terminology, specification, and production. With an emphasis on legibility and craftsmanship, students will develop rectilinear typographic compositions while learning type indication, comping, and professional presentation techniques. This is the first in a sequence of two courses.

GR DES 34, Publication and Page Design 1
3 Units
Prerequisite: None
This computer course introduces students to Adobe InDesign, a page layout computer application. Students will learn to incorporate type and imagery into creative projects, such as brochures, print publications and posters.

GR DES 35, Drawing for Graphic Design (2,2)
2 Units
Prerequisite: None
This studio course is an introduction to quick sketching techniques for graphic design students. Students will develop and practice techniques employed by working graphic artists to quickly create drawings for concept, layout development and communication to clients, photographers, illustrators and associates, utilizing a variety of media, including pen, pencil, and markers.

GR DES 38, Digital Illustration 1
4 Units
Advisory: Graphic Design 35
This computer course is designed for students interested in the computer as a beginning illustration tool. The courses covers how to use the digital computer drawing application Adobe Illustrator. Students will create, draw, layer, and edit shapes and objects on the computer.

GR DES 41, Graphic Design Studio 2
2 Units
Prerequisite: Graphic Design 31
This studio course introduces the application of graphic identity designs to corporate identity programs, retail identity systems, and other uses primarily in 2-D. With an emphasis on visual problem-solving strategies, students will generate design criteria research, analysis, design implications, and design system development. This is the second in a sequence of three courses.

GR DES 43, Typography Design 2
2 Units
Prerequisite: Graphic Design 33
This studio design course provides a survey of typography history and current design directions to inspire the development of dynamic, contemporary typographic compositions. With an emphasis on verbal communication strategies, students will explore the metaphoric and stylistic refinement of text - the fundamental element of graphic design style. This is the second in a sequence of two courses.

GR DES 44, Publication and Page Design 2
3 Units
Prerequisite: Graphic Design 34
A continuation of Graphic Design 34, this computer course stresses the use of graphic design computer applications to develop professional solutions to page layout design problems.

GR DES 50, Graphic Design Portfolio Preparation
2 Units
Prerequisite: Graphic Design 34
This studio course focuses upon the development of an effective graphic design portfolio-refining existing work and also defining and executing additional portfolio projects to meet a student's need for transfer application or employment in the field.

GR DES 51, Graphic Design Studio 3
2 Units
Prerequisite: Graphic Design 41
This studio course introduces the development of multi-faceted promotional design programs with applications in 2-D and 3-D. With an emphasis on unifying concepts, students will create comprehensive design programs which may include print, packaging, advertising, media, and environments. This is the third in a sequence of three courses.

GR DES 54, Digital Illustration 2
3 Units
Prerequisite: Graphic Design 38
Created for students interested in the computer as an illustration tool, this extension of Graphic Design 38 begins with simple black and white drawings and progresses to advanced techniques for more involved, multi-layered color illustrations.

GR DES 64, Digital Imaging for Design
3 Units
Prerequisite: None
Using Adobe Photoshop, this computer class teaches students how to scan, manipulate, and enhance digital images for graphic reproduction and use on the web. Includes retouching, color adjustment and color correction techniques.

GR DES 65, Web Design 1
2 Units
Prerequisite: Graphic Design 18 or Entertainment Technology 11
This course is designed as an introduction to web design for students with a basic knowledge of computers and graphic design applications. Students will learn to think critically about web design and apply basic conceptual design principles. Components of design such as color, typography, layout and composition will be discussed. Other topics include: an overview of the web and how it works, designing a navigation interface, web graphics, information architecture, HTML, web hosting, and file/site management. Students will design and create a simple web page utilizing basic features of a web authoring software.

GR DES 66, Web Design 2
3 Units
Prerequisite: Graphic Design 65 and Graphic Design 64, or Entertainment Technology 37
This computer-based course is focused on the successful design and implementation of web sites and builds on the concepts and fundamental techniques covered in Graphic Design 65. Students will learn different approaches and technologies in delivering online content. Topics include: Dynamic HTML, web hosts and servers, search engines, web graphics, web animation, and web authoring tools. Design issues such as effective communication, technical constraints, typography, navigation interface, and information architecture will be addressed. Students will design and create a multi-page web site utilizing advanced features of a web authoring software.

GR DES 67, Web Design 3
3 Units
Prerequisite: Graphic Design 66 and Entertainment Technology 34
This computer-based advanced web course builds on the conceptual and technical knowledge acquired in Graphic Design 66, and focuses on developing and creating complete, commercial quality web sites. Working in teams, students will participate in a directed design and implementation of a medium-sized commercial web site. Technical topics include: Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), advanced page slicing, layer-based menus, optimization schemes, and site maintenance. Students will also learn how to embed audio, video and vector-based animation on their web sites. Other topics include: client management, production methodology, content accessibility, teamwork, and site production budgets. Students will conceptualize, design, and produce a complete and dynamic commercial-quality web site with multimedia components.

GR DES 71, Motion Graphics
3 Units
Prerequisite: Graphic Design 64
This hands-on course focuses on bringing together the elements of photo, text, movies and sound to create a complete video project.  Students will concentrate on the techniques, skills, and theory of video editing and how to apply those techniques to enhance, pace and set the mood for film or video projects.  Included will be demonstrations of a variety of available editing equipment.

GR DES 88A, Independent Studies in Graphic Design
1, 2, 3, or 4 Units
Prerequisite: None
Independent study is intended for superior students interested in doing independent research on special study topics.  To be eligible, a student must demonstrate to the department chairperson the competence to do independent study.  To apply for Independent Studies, the student is required, in a petition that may be obtained from the department chair, to state objectives to be achieved, activities and procedures to accomplish the study project, and the means by with the supervision instructor may assess accomplishment.

(Note: For the Internship Program below, the assignment of units earned will depend on the number of hours you work in a week)
GR DES 90A, 90B, or 90C Internship, Graphic Design
1 Unit, 2 Units, or 3 Units
Prerequisite: None
Students must arrange an approved internship prior to enrolling in the class. The Internship Program is designed to provide the students with “real life” experience in a graphic design environment.  Students will work with a local firm to apply graphic arts principles.

PHOTO 1, Introduction to Photography
3 Units
Prerequisite: None
This non-laboratory course is an introduction to photography including camera techniques and artistic considerations.  Using 35mm format and natural light, students shoot exclusively slide films for specific assignments emphasizing exposure, depth-of-field, composition, and image quality.  A 35mm camera with manual capabilities focus is required.  *A maximum of 12 units for this and art performance courses is allowed on transfer.

ET 34, Web Animation I
3 Units
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: Entertainment Technology 11
This class focuses on all aspects of web animation, giving special attention to characters and graphics, as well as interactivity and light programming. Students learn the tricks of controlling file size, special approaches for importing and creating animation, and all other production techniques needed for building complete web animation projects.