Course Descriptions - Graphic Design (GDSN)

GDSN 094 PCE TOPIC
Non-credit professional and continuing education (PCE) courses offered to provide condensed coursework to meet the needs of working students and professionals. These courses are eligible for Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) and OPI Renewal Units and are transcribed on the student’s continuing education transcript.

GDSN 101 DESIGN TOPICS AND PRINCIPLES
Credits: 3
Term: (F)

This course begins with an overview of the graphic and web design programs and shows how they prepare students to enter the career fields of graphic and web design. Students will gain insight on the different career opportunities, expectations of the profession and programs, job outlook and salaries. Then, to lay the foundation for the programs, students will engage in exploratory activities to survey and study the fundamentals and principles of design, as well as gaining an understanding of copyright and ethics issues.

GDSN 109 DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Credits: 4 Term: (S) Prerequisite: CAPP 120 or permission of instructor

This course covers fundamental concepts and techniques of photography, including aesthetics and technical aspects as a basis for creating a photographic image. The student will learn to use the camera, practice digital processing, and examine composition. Students will be introduced to the techniques of digital photography and computer imaging. Students will learn how to use photography as a creative tool for self-expression, and still documentation.

GDSN 130 TYPOGRAPHY
Credits: 3
Term: (S)
Prerequisite: CAPP 120
Co-requisite: GDSN 101 or permission of instructor

The eye is trained to appreciate the sensibilities and subtleties of typographic conventions such as kerning, leading, style, and practice. Students will gain an understanding of the vocabulary surrounding letter forms and the design of text. Symbolic communication inherent in different typefaces will also be explored. Typographic relationships with other graphic elements will be investigated through brochures, posters and other two-dimensional projects.

GDSN 194 PCE TOPIC
Credits: VARIES (Sufficient Demand)

Credit-bearing professional and continuing education (PCE) courses offered to provide students and professionals condensed courses for skills upgrades, Professional Certification requirements, and as electives for the Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degrees. These courses may be eligible for financial aid for students pursuing the AA or AS degrees and are transcribed on the student’s undergraduate transcript.

GDSN 217 DIGITAL DESIGN
Credits: 3
Term: (F)
Prerequisite: GDSN 130 or permission of instructor

This course focuses on raster-based graphics and layout, and the tools/equipment used to accomplish the design/concept at hand. Students build their skills in brainstorming, preparation, designing posters, billboards, slides and photo retouching and restoration by producing several projects. The course includes a thorough examination and implementation of Adobe Photoshop.

GDSN 219 DIGITAL ILLUSTRATION
Credits: 3
Term: (F)
Prerequisite: GDSN 130 or permission of instructor

This course focuses on vector-based graphics and layout, and the tools/equipment used to accomplish the design/concept at hand. Students build their skills in brainstorming, preparation, designing, packaging, signing, and production of several projects. The course includes a thorough examination and implementation of Adobe Illustrator. 

GDSN 221 PUBLISHING & PRE-PRESS
Credits: 3
Term: (S)
Co-requisite CIT 280 or permission of instructor

This course provides a technical background to the Designer. The course covers material related to actual design production, which is often overlooked during education and must often be learned by experience. Press-checks, color specifications and proofing, file preparation, and paper selections will all be addressed. Field trips may also be included.