Course Descriptions

Graphic Arts Technology Course Descriptions

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(Enter Datatel Course Numbers with the dash. i.e. ENGL-100; use commas to separate multiple Course Numbers)

GRPH-122 - DIGITAL PREPRESS  3 credits
This lecture and lab course presents the various techniques, both traditional and electronic, of prepress preparation for printing. The lecture portion of the course will cover the specific requirements of image reproduction, including an overview of equipment, materials, software, and technique. The process of laying out a print job in the most efficient and economical configuration will be emphasized. In the lab portion, students will be introduced to traditional prepress techniques, including contacting, camera work, and film image assembly. Precision, calibration, and quality evaluation will be stressed. PREREQUISITE: None
GRPH-125 - TYPOGRAPHY AND LAYOUT  3 credits
This lecture and laboratory course is designed to introduce the student to the basic elements of type design and page layout. The lectures cover the history, terminology, specification, and aesthetics of type, as both text and design elements. The fundamentals of page layout will be covered with a focus on the effective visual presentation of type and images. In the lab the student will produce a variety of typographic and page layout projects using current professional page layout software. These projects will require the student to design effective visual solutions to communications problems, moving from concept development through the production of the completed design. Emphasis is placed on clean functional design. CO-REQUISITE: GRPH-125L
GRPH-131 - GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS  3 credits
This basic course is designed to introduce students to the printing industry. The story and printing is told chronologically through a series of lectures that cover the first attempts at communication, through the development of mass communication systems, to a vision of what the world of printing might be like in the future. Assignments are designed to challenge the student's understanding of the purpose of mass communications through various printing processes in today's society. PREREQUISITE: ALGB-078 level or permission of instructor.
GRPH-145 - INTRODUCTION TO THE GRAPHIC ARTS COMPUTER  3 credits
This lecture and laboratory course will introduce students to the graphic arts computer, particularly the Macintosh. Students will learn basic computer functions used in all graphic arts applications, such as mouse skills, reading and selecting from the menus, graphic user interface, disk and filing operations, and printing files. Students will become familiar with today’s popular graphics software, such as word processing, desktop publishing, drawing and painting, and photo manipulation. The class will receive individualized instruction in the laboratory groups. PREREQUISITE: None.
GRPH-170 - INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY  3 credits    Course Offered Thru SCE Only
This course is designed as an introduction in the use of a "point- and -shoot" digital camera as well as the more advanced single lens reflex models The course is designed for those who are too intimidated to read the owners manual and would like to have the features and procedures associated with their camera explained and demonstrated. This course will also benefit those who have yet to decide what type of digital camera to purchase or to upgrade to a more advanced model. In addition to lectures and demonstrations, students will have hands-on experience using supplied digital cameras and computer work stations that will show them how to record, store, e-mail and reproduce their digital images. While there are no prerequisites for this course, a basic understanding of computer use would be helpful.
GRPH-180 - DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY  3 credits
This course is an introduction to photographic processes that use computer-based technologies. Students will learn the basics of image capture with both conventional and digital cameras. From there they will explore the world of digital image processing, including electronic scanning of both reflective and transparent materials, using Adobe Photoshop software to prepare and modify the images, and outputting black & white and color prints. Lecture three hours.
GRPH-200 - INTRODUCTION TO WEB DESIGN  3 credits
This lecture and laboratory course is designed to introduce the concepts of the world wide website design and development. Students will learn the basics of HTML programming to create a home page that incorporates graphic, textural, and aesthetic perspectives. Each student will design a home page as part of the course. The present and future status of the world wide web will be discussed. Basic computer skills are required. Two lecture and 3 lab hours. PREREQUISITE: GRPH-145, CMPA-196, or permission of instructor.
GRPH-201 - INTERACTIVE MEDIA DESIGN  3 credits
This course is a continuation of GRPH-200 and will introduce the student to interactive multimedia techniques for the Internet. Using a wide range of software for media design and Rich Media creation (audio and animation-enhanced interactivity), the student will learn to produce dynamic interactive web pages. The course will focus primarily on the use of Flash and Dreamweaver software programs. Included are such topics as advanced compression technologies including video and audio compression, non-linear narrative, navigational interface design, and delivery for the world wide web. Two hours of lecture. PREREQUISITE: GRPH-200
GRPH-211 - FILM IMAGE ASSEMBLY  2 credits
This lecture and laboratory course presents the techniques of assembling film images for the preparation of lithographic image carriers (this task is commonly called "stripping" in the printing industry.) The lecture portion of the course will cover specific requirements of image reproduction, and the process of laying out a print job in the most efficient and economical configurations. The laboratory portion of the course will progress from basic single-color, single- page film assemblies through complex multiple-color, multiple-page assemblies. A rigid adherence to precise measurement and positioning will be required of all students.
GRPH-222 - IMAGE ASSEMBLY  3 credits
This lecture and laboratory course presents the techniques involved in the assembly of images for printing. The lecture part of the course will take the student from traditional film assembly techniques to electronic prepress, including such topics as press and bindery requirements, layout and imposition, color separation, trapping, platesetting, pre-flighting, and the various file formats. The laboratory part of the course will be project-based and progress from advanced film image assembly into electronic image assembly, including the assembly of complex multiple color, multiple page publications, proofing, and imagesetting. PREREQUISITE: GRPH-122
GRPH-280 - ADVANCED DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY  3 credits
This course is a continuation to the GRPH-180 Digital Photography course that uses computer based technologies to record and output photographic images. The student will learn advanced techniques in image capture with digital cameras. The students will continue to explore the world of digital image processing using the Adobe Photoshop software to prepare and modify images. Projects will include studio portraits, product photographs, macro-photographs, black and white conversion and color printing -- with the emphasis on quality output. PREREQUISITE: GRPH-180 or permission of instructor. CO-REQUISITE: GRPH-280L
GRPH-281 - ADVERTISING PHOTOGRAPHY  3 credits
Advertising Photography is an advanced digital photography course requiring students to produce images that command the viewers’ attention. The students will develop strong artistic and technical visual problem solving abilities, primarily in a studio environment. Product photography, fashion photography and food photography will be emphasized. Additional emphasis will be on client communication, professional business practices, and publication design. The students will produce an advertising publication using their own photographic and graphic design skills. Critiques are held to provide the student feedback for their work. PREREQUISITES: GRPH-280 or permission of instructor. CO-REQUISITE: GRPH-281L
GRPH-282 - PROFESSIONAL DIGITAL IMAGING TECHNIQUES  3 credits
Professional Digital Imaging Techniques is an advanced digital imaging course focusing on digital image manipulation using the Adobe Photoshop program. This course will teach students how to professionally modify their digital images to address specific imaging problems, including distortion and perspective correction and control, processing of RAW digital images, advanced defringing and retouching techniques, advanced image compositing and stitching techniques, high quality inkjet color and grayscale printing techniques, as well as other topics. Students will be given a series of projects that will incorporate the learned techniques. PREREQUISITE: GRPH-280 or permission of the instructor. COREQUISITE: GRPH-282L
GRPH-283 - PHOTOGRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION  3 credits
Photographic Illustration is an advanced digital photography course allowing students to express themselves through photography. The student will develop strong artistic and advanced digital image compositing skills. Fine art photography, still life photography, and photojournalism will be emphasized. Students will become skilled at electronic set building, and location photography. They will produce a series of projects, including some that will be self-directed. Additionally, students will be encouraged to study and create innovative photographic techniques. Critiques are held to provide the students feedback for their work. PREREQUISITE: GRPH-280 or permission of instructor. CO-REQUISITE: GRPH-283L
GRPH-321 - ELECTRONIC IMAGE ASSEMBLY  2 credits
Electronic Image Assembly is a two credit lecture and laboratory course which completes the two course series on the prepress process of image assembly. This course will deal primarily with the electronic (computer) assembly of images for lithographic image carrier preparation. The lecture portion of the course will discuss the specific requirements of electronic image configuration and register, image trapping, the hardware and software employed, imagesetting, and platesetting. The laboratory portion of the course will focus on electronic laying out and trapping of color images for printing. PREREQUISITE: GRPH-211
GRPH-322 - ELECTRONIC IMAGE ASSEMBLY  3 credits
This is an advanced lecture and laboratory course in the digital assembly of images for printing. The lecture part of this course will look at the various digital systems, hardware and software used in contemporary prepress. Particular emphasis will be placed on trapping, pre-flighting, file retrieval, and quality evaluation. The laboratory portion of the course will consist of a sequential set of projects designed to develop proficiency in the operation of digital prepress systems, including contemporary professional grade software. PREREQUISITE: GRPH-222.
GRPH-323 - PREFLIGHTING AND TRAPPING  3 credits    Course Offered Thru SCE Only
This is a lecture and lab course in which the most important elements of electronic prepress are discussed and practiced. Subjects included are the layout and positioning of images for printing, digital image assembly systems, image trapping, and preflighting jobs. Students will learn these skills on professional-level software such as Quark XPress, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, and Luminus Trapwise and Presswise. PREREQUISITE: GRPH-145
GRPH-360 - OFFSET PRESSWORK  3 credits
This course will familiarize the student with the theory and operation of the offset lithographic printing press. The technical components of these presses will be detailed emphasizing the advantages and limitations of the process, enabling the student to maximize and enhance his or her design capabilities. Printing substrates will be presented in detail along with color matching systems. Laboratory exercises will familiarize the student with the operation of small offset duplicators and larger offset presses. PREREQUISITE: GRPH-131.
GRPH-397 - GRAPHIC ARTS COOPERATIVE EDUCATION  3 credits
Graphic Arts Cooperative Education is a course which enables students to achieve work experience in assignments which are directly related to their major field of study. It provides valuable first-hand experience in the field, wages earned to defray most college expenses, and work experience to give participating students “paid experience” references for future employment opportunities. PREREQUISITE: Senior Standing; GRPH-122, GRPH-125, GRPH-131, GRPH-462.
GRPH-420 - COLOR REPRODUCTION PROCESSES  3 credits
This course is devoted exclusively to the reproduction of color images. The course begins by exploring some of the many fascinating aspects of color, including the nature of light and color perception. From there, the course will delve into the world of color measurement and specification, including a look at the various color spaces such as the Munsell and CIELAB. Topics covered will also include color printing characteristics, color standardization, hi-fi color, color proofing, and color management. The labs will be a combination of demonstrations and hands-on experiences including colorimetry, color evaluation, color scanning, image setting, and proofing. The aim of this course is to develop the skills required of graphic arts professionals to make critical and accurate color judgments. Lecture: two hours. PREREQUISITE: GRPH-131; CO-REQUISITE: GRPH-420L
GRPH-422 - COLOR MANAGEMENT  3 credits
In GRPH-422 Color Management the student will learn the basic techniques for setting up and evaluating the quality of a prepress system. The calibration of a closed feedback loop will be the heart of the course with special emphasis on color management techniques. The course will use CIE based color models as the foundation for color specification and tolerancing. Students will learn techniques for ensuring that the final printed output of printed materials is predictable and match the requirements of the job. Also covered will be such topics as dot shape, screen frequency, screen angles, moire' output resolution, and stochastic imaging. PREREQUISITE: GRPH-420 or permission of instructor.
GRPH-425 - COLOR REPRODUCTION  4 credits
As full color printing is now the standard rather than the exception it is very important that today's graphic arts professional have a good theoretical and practical understanding of the process involved. This lecture and laboratory course will cover the subject of color reproduction in graphic printing processes. The course will begin with a review of light and color, and proceed with such topics as color perception, color measurement and evaluation, color standardization, color printing characteristics, ink, color separation techniques, hi-fi color, and color proofing processes. The course will emphasize color management as a tool for maintaining precise color quality standards. PREREQUISITE: GRPH-131
GRPH-445 - GRAPHIC ARTS PORTFOLIO WORKSHOP  3 credits
This is a portfolio workshop in which students utilize the advanced technical skills that they acquired in previous Graphic Arts Technology courses. Students will be introduced to various graphic arts and multimedia software programs. The course will emphasize the development of subject matter, design techniques, and execution of audio-visual elements. Along with a resume detailing their technical and creative skills, the students will be required to produce several complex and involved projects. The primary focus of the course will be to develop a multimedia portfolio, which demonstrates the student's proficiency in various software applications. This portfolio can be used for future academic or professional employment presentations. PREREQUISITES: GRPH-462, GRPH-463; CO-REQUISITE: GRPH-445L
GRPH-455 - MACINTOSH OPERATING SYSTEMS  3 credits
Since the Apple Macintosh computer has become a staple “tool” for electronic prepress, learning proper operating procedures and maintenance is essential for all Graphic Arts Technology students. This hands-on lecture course explores system software basics through custom configuration, including disk and hard disk management, menus and hierarchies, System Folder and Finder, microprocessors and memory, loading and updating software, font storage, file formats, multitasking, third party utilities and extension conflicts, interfacing and inter-application communication, emulation, file sharing and networking, connecting peripherals, troubleshooting, and compatibility of popular software and hardware used in today’s printing industry. PREREQUISITES: GRPH-125, GRPH-145 or CMPA-196 or permission of instructor.
GRPH-461 - ELECTRONIC PUBLICATION-QUARK XPRESS  3 credits
This lecture and laboratory course covers the computer preparation of graphic elements for publication. In the lecture part of the course the topics of publication planning and organization, imaging requirements, color, and applications software will be discussed. An emphasis will be placed on how the finished job will look. The laboratory part of the course will be made up of a series of progressively more complex exercises designed to develop the student's skills on specific page layout software such as QuarkXpress. Each student will design and produce a series of projects for this course. PREREQUISITE: GRPH-125.
GRPH-462 - DIGITAL IMAGING-PHOTOSHOP  3 credits
This lecture and laboratory course covers the computer preparation of visual images for publication. The lecture part of the course will deal with such topics as scanning, image manipulation, and output requirements. A focus will be on the aesthetics of visual images. The laboratory part of the course will deal with the development of advanced skills using digital imaging programs such as Adobe Photoshop. Each student will produce a series of projects for this course to demonstrate his or her proficiency in digital image preparation. PREREQUISITE: GRPH-145.
GRPH-463 - DIGITAL ILLUSTRATION TECHNIQUES  3 credits
This lecture and laboratory course covers the rendering of images for illustration. Students will learn the techniques of drawing with a computer. In the lecture part of the course the topics discussed will include visual composition, form, space, perspective, color and a bit of modern art history, as well as Postscript and EPS format. The laboratory portion of the course will focus on exercises and projects using the Adobe Illustrator vector-based drawing program and the Adobe Acrobat PDF program. PREREQUISITE: GRPH-145
GRPH-464 - ADVANCED DIGITAL IMAGE PREPARATION  3 credits
This lecture and laboratory course is an advanced course in the techniques of image preparation using Adobe Photoshop software. In this course the student will expand upon the technical skills learned in GRPH-462 Digital Imaging Preparation such as image selection, image improvisation, image manipulation, and retouching. Each student will be required to produce a series of projects in order to demonstrate proficiency in the use of this software. PREREQUISITE: GRPH-462.
GRPH-491 - PHOTOGRAPHY AND THE DIGITAL DARKROOM  3 credits
This course is an introduction to photography that uses both conventional and computer-based technologies. It also covers the history and aesthetics of photography. The student will learn conventional black and white film processing and the photographic printing processes, including exposure/development theory. In addition, the student will learn how to scan both reflective and transparent originals and use Adobe Photoshop software for image processing and output (in both black and white and color). Students will be given a variety of picture-taking assignments to develop their composition and perspective skills, and to promote creativity. Critiques are held to provide students with feedback regarding their work. Professional mounting and presentation techniques will also be demonstrated.
GRPH-497 - GRAPHIC ARTS COOPERATIVE EDUCATION  3 credits
Graphic Arts Cooperative Education is a course which enables students to achieve work experience in assignments which are directly related to their major field of study. It provides valuable first-hand experience in the field, wages earned to defray most college expenses, and work experience to give participating students “paid experience” reference for future employment opportunities. PREREQUISITES: Senior Standing; GRPH-122, GRPH-125, and GRPH-462.