Catalog: 2011–2012 Catalog Year

Course Descriptions

Graphic Communications (GRC)

Communications and Fine Arts Division

GRC 109: Color and Design

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: ART 100 or consent of instructor; Recommended: GRC 118

Teaches color theories, color technologies and the application of color in art and design. Intermediate two-dimensional design problems focus on the compositional, optical and psychological aspects of visual communications.

GRC 118: Computer Graphics - Print Media

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: none

Introduces the processes involved in the creation and reproduction of graphic design for print media. Graphic communications history, design theory, software applications, production processes, printing processes and job opportunities are covered. This course will present a hands-on overview of a variety of graphic design software.

GRC 119: Computer Graphics - Digital Media

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: none

Offers a foundation that introduces computer systems and applications as they relate to graphic communications for digital media. Class will present a project-based overview of content creation, web design and web animation.

GRC 125: Graphic Software

Units (Credits): 0.5–1; Prerequisites: varies based on level of software offered

Offers a variety of short courses in software packages specific to graphic communications applications. Classes will include current software packages and upgrade-specific training. Verify type of software and level of instruction in current schedule of classes. Course taught as pass/withdraw only. Repeatable up to six units. Note: Non-transferable for an NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.

GRC 144: Electronic Layout and Typography

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: none; Recommended: GRC 118 or consent of instructor

Introduces electronic page layout software with an emphasis on typographic layout and design. Note: Non-transferable for an NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.

GRC 156: Computer Illustration I

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: basic computer skills; Recommended: GRC 118

Offers an introductory/intermediate class in the creation and execution of designs and illustrations in the electronic environment. Focuses on Adobe Illustrator Vector-Draw software, including the tools and techniques required to produce professional-level artwork. Knowledge of the following basic computer skills required: saving, opening, and printing documents, opening and closing applications, creating and managing folders and subfolders, viewing the contents of disk drives and external storage devices, managing desktop items.

GRC 175: Web Design and Publishing I

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: GRC 119 or consent of instructor.; Recommended: GRC 183

Introduces authoring for the World Wide Web using industry standard software applications. Topics covered include planning, designing and building a web site, aesthetics, creating and optimizing computer graphics for web, information architecture, navigation and interactivity, web publishing, web hosting and site management. Knowledge of the following basic computer skills required: saving, opening, and printing documents, opening and closing applications, creating and managing folders and subfolders, viewing the contents of disk drives and external storage devices, managing desktop items.

GRC 179: Multimedia Design and Production I

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: GRC 118, GRC 119 and basic computer skills or consent of instructor

Introduces animation using the computer. Focuses on creating and combining multimedia, making movies that can be viewed either on the Internet or as a stand-alone projector saved on a disk using industry standard software.

GRC 181: Digital Video I

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: GRC 119 or consent of instructor

Introduces the basic principles and practices of digital video production. Covers every phase of introductory digital video pre-production, production and post-production processes from idea to final output including: story and concept development, lighting, recording and capturing footage, importing and managing clips, editing methods and creating transitions, special effects, titles and credits, sound design and output to different formats. Note: Non-transferable for an NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.

GRC 183: Electronic Imaging

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: ART 100 & GRC 118 or consent of instructor

Teaches an intermediate class in the application of computer graphics software to create and edit digital images and designs with raster/paint software (Adobe Photoshop). Students entering this class should already have an understanding of graphic communications processes and have graphics software skills. Knowledge of the following basic computer skills required: saving, opening, and printing documents, opening and closing applications, creating and managing folders and subfolders, viewing the contents of disk drives and external storage devices, managing desktop items.

GRC 185: Computer Animation I

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: basic computer skills; Recommended: GRC 118

Provides a practical understanding of the knowledge and skills required of fine and applied visual artists in today's 3-D digital design studio. Computer lab assignments and lectures will provide diversified experiences. Various interdisciplinary aspects will be considered.

GRC 188: Web Animation and Interactivity I

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: GRC 119 or approval of instructor. Basic computer skills required.; Recommended: GRC 175 & GRC 183

Continues advanced web site design. The second in a sequential set of courses that focus on advanced design theories in relation to the Internet and applications for animating web sites. Exercises will focus on advanced visual design and the creation of animation, as well as related concepts and practices. Knowledge of the following basic computer skills required: saving, opening, and printing documents, opening and closing applications, creating and managing folders and subfolders, viewing the contents of disk drives and external storage devices, managing desktop items.

GRC 244: Electronic Layout and Typography II

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: GRC 144

Continues GRC 144 with an emphasis on advanced desktop publishing procedures. Note: Non-transferable for an NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.

GRC 256: Computer Illustration II

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: GRC 156

Offers intermediate vector-based visual design using the computer. The second in a sequential set of courses on visual design. Exercises and advanced design problems will challenge the student to create various design solutions on the computer.

GRC 275: Web Design and Publishing II

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: GRC 175 & AMP;GRC188 or consent of instructor

Offers advanced web page design using industry-standard applications. Topics include CCS layout, advanced site building features, site management, interactivity, and customization. Note: Non-transferable for an NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.

GRC 281: Digital Video II

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: GRC 181 or consent of instructor

Offers a second course in the video series which builds upon skills learned in Digital Video I. Intermediate level techniques in non-linear editing, sound design and special effects, including an introduction to motion graphics production and video composting, including titles and credits. Note: Non-transferable for an NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.

GRC 283: Electronic Imaging II

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: GRC 118 & AMP;GRC183 or consent of instructor

Studies advanced applications of graphics software to create pixel based imagery using industry standard pixel based software. Covers advanced image manipulation and optimization processes for pixel images as well as simple pixel based animation and video manipulation. Note: Non-transferable for an NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.

GRC 294: Professional Portfolio

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: minimum of 21 units of GRC design/production classes or consent of instructor

Focuses on the development of a portfolio for employment in the graphics communications field. Professional and legal requirements will be explored. Note: Non-transferable for an NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.



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