GRA: Graphic Arts

LAYOUT DESIGN Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C in GRA 1142C or department approval. A practical course in utilizing industry-standard layout software to convert rough ideas into technically sound print-ready layouts. Students are encouraged to apply various design fundamentals, such as color, balance, hierarchy and the typographic grid. (Special Fee: $117.00).

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR DESIGNERS Students will learn how to best prepare for a career in design. Activities include developing an educational plan, and learning about employer expectations such as how to prepare for an internship or employment, designing a résumé, how to develop a portfolio and the importance of networking.

PHOENIX DESIGN PROJECT Prerequisite: A minimum grade of C in GRA 1206C or department approval. Students will be charged with the tasks of working with the editorial staff of the Phoenix (the college's literary magazine) to design and produce a finished layout for print. Each spring term a small group of students will work alongside Phoenix’s editorial staff and faculty advisor to transform student submissions of literary work and visual artwork into a finished publication. This publication will be submitted for competition with other student literary publications. (Special Fee: $117.00).

PUBLICATION DESIGN Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in both GRA 1203C and GRA 1206C. This course is designed to provide students with hands on usage of high-end publishing software and hardware for the production of quality publications. A focus on good graphic design skills will include: composition, layout, typography, pagination, style, balance, format and project planning. (Special Fee: $117.00) 202110.

ADVANCED INTERACTIVE DESIGN II Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in GRA 2132C or department approval. Provides instructions on advanced design, coding and prototyping techniques to produce sophisticated, portfolio quality interactive work. Special emphasis will be placed on designing for cohesive branding, personal and collaborative workflow and project management of schedule based projects. Understanding of web site maintenance and administration will be covered. (Special Fee: $117.00) 202410.

ILLUSTRATING Prerequisites: ART 1300C and a minimum grade of C in GRA 1142 or department approval. A basic course in the application of various traditional (non-computer) illustration styles, materials, and techniques used to visually communicate. (Special Fee: $117.00) 202110.

VECTOR ILLUSTRATION Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C in either ART 1300C or DIG 2132C and a minimum grade of C in either DIG 2109C or GRA 1142C; or departmental approval. A course covering the concepts of electronic publishing and the ability to create and manipulate full color graphic illustrations. Students will receive training on Adobe Illustrator or the most current vector illustration program standard in the industry. Class lecture will be supported with handouts and demonstrations. (Special Fee: $117.00).

ELECTRONIC IMAGING Prerequisites: GRA 1142 or department approval. This course explores digital image creation and manipulation using industry-standard raster-based software. Students will develop technical proficiency in creating original imagery, editing and enhancing visual content, and preparing graphics for both print and screen-based applications. Through project-based learning that mirrors professional workflows, students will apply design principles to produce high-quality visual content suitable for diverse design projects. (Special Fee: $117.00).

GRAPHIC REPRODUCTION PROCESSES Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C in GRA 1203C or department approval This course explores contemporary print production techniques used in today’s design industry, with a focus on both historical context and current practices. Students will examine the evolution of print reproduction, study key tools and technologies, and develop an understanding of production planning, workflows, and communication strategies. Hands-on experiences may include guided tours of commercial printing facilities and participation in local industry events, offering valuable insights into real-world production environments. (Special Fee: $117.00).

BUSINESS & ETHICS OF GRAPHIC DESIGN Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in GRA 1142C This course helps students understand fundamental business operations, procedures, contracts, copyright laws, etiquette, and ethical concerns specific to the graphic design industry.

ADVANCED CSS DESIGN Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in GRA 2723C or departmental approval Students will apply visual communication, creative problem solving and typographic layout techniques to create advanced level web site solutions for their professional portfolios. Students will plan, design, and develop standards-compliant, visually attractive web pages utilizing advanced CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) and other industry standard software and coding languages. (Special Fee: $117.00).

SELECTED TOPICS IN GRAPHIC ARTS Prerequisite: Department approval In-depth study of various advanced concepts, methods and techniques currently employed in graphic arts field. Explores state-of-the-art applications through research, experimentation, discussion and demonstration. Multiple credit course. May be repeated for credit but grade forgiveness cannot be applied.