Graphic Design Technology

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Graphic Design Technology — Diploma

First Year – First Semester

Course# Course Title Credits
Introduction to Visual Communications 2

This is an introductory course that prepares all students for entry into the Visual Communications field. General overviews will be given of the visual arts, photography and graphic design fields. Students will learn basic computer operation, how to use the local network, and learn general operational methods used in the Visual Communications Department. Additionally, students will learn to prepare, mount and display artwork. All these skills are a prerequisite for other courses in the Vis Com Department.

Prerequisites: None. Offered: Fall, Spring

Credit Breakout: 1.00 lecture, 1.00 lab, 0.00 other.

Student Expectations: Each student is expected to attend all lectures/labs, participate in class activities, participate in class discussions and turn in assignments when due.

Color Theory and Applications 2

This course covers the historical background of color. Artist colors are explored using terminology in conjunction with painting mixing to reflect the terminology. Creative color assignments are given to enhance their knowledge. Commercial reproduction of color will be addressed with the translation of artist colors to print colors. Color interpretations and trends are also discussed. Digital color, corrections on digital files and how color works on the computer monitor and web will be covered as well as printing from digital files. Color management of files will also be included.

Prerequisites: None.

Credit Breakout: 1.00 lecture, 1.00 lab, 0.00 other.

Student Expectations: Each student is expected to attend all lectures/labs, participate in class activities, participate in class discussions and turn in assignments when due.

Layout I 2

This course covers development of page layout and basic graphic design processes. It provides an overview of the graphic design profession and a historical framework for modern graphic design/page layout practices. The student will overcome visual design problems by employing design elements and principles used as the foundation of any design work. It includes the "how to's" of creating effective page layout for print and screen. Practical applications of typography and use of visual concepts will be explored. This course will utilize hand layout tools exclusively.

Prerequisites: None

Credit Breakout: 1.00 lecture, 1.00 lab, 0.00 other.

Student Expectations: All students are expected to attend all lectures/labs, participate in class activities, participate in class discussions and turn in assignments when due.

Visual Design Fundamentals 3

This course will take the principles of design along with art fundamentals and apply them to the development of graphic design projects. Students will be introduced to basic drawing techniques to illustrate their ideas. The elements of design and color will be studied. Presentation skills and professional attitude will be practiced. Specific emphasis will be made in developing creativity and overcoming creative blocks. The student will be able to apply these design fundamentals to all aspects of the visual communications field.

Prerequisites: None. Offered: Fall, Spring

Credit Breakout: 2.00 lecture, 1.00 lab, 0.00 other.

Student Expectations: Each student is expected to attend all lectures/labs, participate in class activities, participate in class discussions and turn in assignments when due.

Scale and Prospective 2

This beginning drawing course covers drawing techniques for drawing linear perspective in a rapid manner. Drawing without tools is emphasized although tool use is explained and demonstrated by the student for both sketchbook drawing and drafting board drawing. One, two and three point perspective drawing is explained. Drawing style, composition and use of color are also explained.

Prerequisites: None. Offered: Fall, Spring

Credit Breakout: 1.00 lecture, 1.00 lab, 0.00 other.

Student Expectations: Each student will spend at least 5 hours per week preparing for class. Attendance is critical in this class.

Creative Problem Solving 3

In this course various methods of solving creative problems will be explored through design projects. The elements and principles of design will be utilized applying methods of creative problem solving.

Prerequisites: None. Offered: Varies

Credit Breakout: 2.00 lecture, 1.00 lab, 0.00 other.

Student Expectations: All students are expected to attend all lectures/labs, participate in class activities, participate in class discussions and turn in assignments when due.

Typography Fundamentals 2

Students will learn the basics of typography. Measurement, type fitting, design with type and an appreciation of type in the design process will be stressed.

Prerequisites: None. Offered: Varies

Credit Breakout: 2.00 lecture, 0.00 lab, 0.00 other.

Technical Elective* 2

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  Total Credits 18

First Year – Second Semester

Course# Course Title Credits
Introduction to Photoshop 2

This is an introduction of the basic tools used for image manipulation in Adobe PhotoShop. Image modification and compositing, use of the scanner, and mastery of PhotoShop tools are stressed. Image adjustment and enhancement and layer masks are also taught.

Prerequisites: None. Offered: Fall, Spring

Credit Breakout: 1.00 lecture, 1.00 lab, 0.00 other.

Student Expectations: Each student will spend at least 3 hours per week preparing for class. Attendance is critical in this class.

Introduction to Photography 3

In this course the student will learn how to use all the manual 35mm camera controls to create good black and white photographs. We will practice using the motion and depth-of-field controls in different kinds of outdoor and natural lighting conditions. The student will combine the knowledge of different films and exposure techniques with the study of artistic composition to produce-pleasing images. Discussion of basic accessories and special techniques will round out the camera knowledge.

Prerequisites: None.

Credit Breakout: 3.00 lecture, 0.00 lab, 0.00 other.

Student Expectations: Each student will be responsible for all shooting, reading and worksheet assignments and completing them outside regular class time. The student will participate in classroom discussion. At least 2 hours per week will be needed for preparing and taking photos for class assignments. Attendance is critical in this class due to the amount of information discussed in this class.

Introduction to InDesign 2

Students will become familiar with Adobe InDesign as an electronic publishing program. Emphasis will be placed on software operation. Use of text, graphics, tabs, style sheets, and master pages will be incorporated into projects.

Prerequisites: VCOM1000 recommended. Offered: Varies

Credit Breakout: 1.00 lecture, 1.00 lab, 0.00 other.

Student Expectations: Each student will spend at least 2 hours per week preparing for class. Attendance is critical in this class.

Introduction to Illustrator 2

This course is a comprehensive look into the drawing tools of Adobe Illustrator, a computer illustration application. Students will develop skills using the basic drawing tools. Use of the transformation tools, templates, layering, spot and process color and file output will be emphasized.

Prerequisites: VCOM1000 recommended. Offered: Fall, Spring

Credit Breakout: 1.00 lecture, 1.00 lab, 0.00 other.

Student Expectations: Each student will spend at least 2 hours per week preparing for class. Attendance is critical in this class.

Print Processes I 2

This graphic design course is designed to give the student a hands-on overview of the print processes. Print theory and terminology, paper knowledge, press and bindery processes will be emphasized. Students will create projects during the process of learning various production.

Prerequisites: None.

Credit Breakout: 1.00 lecture, 1.00 lab, 0.00 other.

Student Expectations: Each student will spend an average of at least 4 hours per week preparing for class. Classroom attendance is critical in this class.

Interpersonal Communications 3

This course focuses on the practical and theoretical concepts of human communications and the styles used in personal, social and professional environments. Students will also acquire skills in critical thinking, perception, listening, emotional communication, verbal and non-verbal expressions and conflict resolution.

Prerequisites: None. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Credit Breakout: 3.00 lecture, 0.00 lab, 0.00 other.

Student Expectations: Each student will spend at least 6 hours per week preparing for class. Attendance is critical in this class.

  Total Credits 16

Second Year – First Semester

Course# Course Title Credits
Advanced Photoshop 3

This course builds on the tools and techniques learned in VCOM 1010 (Intro PhotoShop). The student will use and become more proficient with all the tools used to modify photographs. Some of the special effects power of these software will be introduced during this class. Emphasis will be placed on using this software to produce commercially acceptable photographs and advertisements, as well as hard copy outputs.

Prerequisites: VCOM1010. Offered: Fall, Spring

Credit Breakout: 2.00 lecture, 1.00 lab, 0.00 other.

Student Expectations: Each student will spend at least 3 hours per week preparing for class. Attendance is critical in this class.

Advanced Electronic Publishing 3

Students will create electronic publishing projects using InDesign or QuarkXPress. Emphasis will be on advanced publishing techniques, use of color, color separations, and design of portfolio quality projects.

Prerequisites: VCOM1400 and VCOM1430. Offered: Fall, Spring

Credit Breakout: 2.00 lecture, 1.00 lab, 0.00 other.

Student Expectations: Each student will spend at least 3 hours per week preparing for class. Attendance is critical in this class.

Advanced Computer Illustration 3

This course is a project driven course. Students will use Intro Illustrator to create a variety of portfolio quality drawings.

Prerequisites: VCOM1410. Offered: Fall, Spring

Credit Breakout: 2.00 lecture, 1.00 lab, 0.00 other.

Student Expectations: Each student will spend at least 3 hours per week preparing for class. Attendance is critical in this class.

Print Processes II 3

This graphic design course is designed to give the student a hands-on overview of the print process. Print theory and terminology, paper knowledge, hands-on press operation, plate making and bindery processes will be emphasized. Students will create and print projects during the process of learning press and pressroom operation.

Prerequisites: VCOM1421, Intro to the Printing Industry or VCOM1422, Print Processes I

Credit Breakout: 2.00 lecture, 1.00 lab, 0.00 other.

Student Expectations: Each student will spend an average of at least 4 hours per week preparing for class. Classroom attendance is critical in this class.

Introduction to Flash 2

Students will use Macromedia object based 2D animation program to create animated segments for use in web pages. Timing, storyboarding, design and software tools will be emphasized.

Prerequisites: VCOM1010, VCOM1410 recommended. Offered: Varies

Credit Breakout: 1.00 lecture, 1.00 lab, 0.00 other.

Web Page Construction I 2

This class will familiarize students with the concepts of web page design and construction. Emphasis will be on good design for both graphic elements and logical web page information flow.

Prerequisites: VCOM1010 recommended and VCOM1410 required or instructor approval. Offered: Varies

Credit Breakout: 1.00 lecture, 1.00 lab, 0.00 other.

Student Expectations: Each student will spend at least 2 hours per week preparing for class. Attendance is critical in this class.

  Total Credits 16

Second Year – Second Semester

Course# Course Title Credits
Portfolio for Graphic Design 2

This class will concentrate on preparing the student to enter the multimedia, print industry and illustration job market. Students will be required to create a finished graphics portfolio in the area of their degree. Students will use skills learned in other software applications to refine and develop projects for use in their portfolio. Projects will be created using multimedia and web authoring programs. Projects for inclusion in the portfolio will be created in pixel based, object based, layout, web authoring and multimedia programs.

Prerequisites: This course must be taken in conjunction with VCOM2730

Credit Breakout: 0.00 lecture, 2.00 lab, 0.00 other.

Career Research Skills 1

This class will concentrate on preparing the student to enter the Visual Communication's job market. Students will be required to create a cover letter, resume and finished mini-portfolio. Students will practice job interviewing skills and prepare to present their portfolios. This course should be taken the last semester of study and should be taken in conjunction with VCOM2724, Portfolio Development (Applied Visual Arts) or VCOM2721 Portfolio Development (Graphic Design) or VCOM2722 Portfolio Development (Multimedia/Web)

Prerequisites: Senior level status.

Credit Breakout: 1.00 lecture, 0.00 lab, 0.00 other.

Composition I 3

This course emphasizes the process of writing expository and persuasive essays using effective writing skills and a variety of research techniques. Also included in the course content are critical reading and logical reasoning.

Prerequisites: Must pass Accuplacer test or successfully complete ENGL0130 - English Essentials or receive instructor approval. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Credit Breakout: 3.00 lecture, 0.00 lab, 0.00 other.

Student Expectations: Each student will spend at least 6 hours per week preparing for class. Attendance is critical in this class.

General Education Electives** 7

We're Sorry. But the information for course NONE1234 is not available. Please check back later. Thank-you.

Technical Electives* 3

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  Total Credits 16
Total Program Requirements 64

This is a sample course sequence resulting in a diploma.
Please consult your program advisor regarding your academic plans.

* Technical electives may be selected from course subject area: VCOM.

** Select General Education electives from any MnTC goal area.