VC Class Descriptions
4 class hrs/wk, 4 cr.
Presents an overview of the graphic arts and the Visual Communications program. Includes the history and practice of communications and graphic arts, the evolution of digital graphics and current career possibilities.
Prerequisite: enrollment in the Visual Communications program or consent of instructor. F
2 class and 4 lab hrs/wk, 4 cr.
Includes the Mac OS page layout, illustration and photo manipulation software.
Prerequisite: CIS101 or equivalent and enrollment in the Visual Communications program. F
2 class and 4 lab hrs/wk, 4 cr.
Introduces interactive and time-based software for the graphic arts. Includes web editors, FTP clients, video editors, and multimedia authoring tools, file formats and output.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in the Visual Communications Program or consent of
instructor. W
2 class and 4 lab hrs/wk, 4 cr.
Introduces the basics of page layout using InDesign software.
Prerequisite: successful completion of VC111, VC114, and ART224, or consent of instructor. Sp
2 class and 4 lab hrs/wk, 4 cr.
Develops the basic skills required in the design and layout process of the graphic arts. Includes assignments in advanced electronic page layout with type, and graphic elements.
Prerequisite: successful completion of VC121. F
2 class and 4 lab hrs/wk, 4 cr.
Applies the concepts and skills of the design and layout process to the principles of publication design.
Prerequisite: second-year standing in the Visual Communications program and successful completion of VC122 Layout and Design 2. Corequisite: VC246 and VC238. W
1 class and 2 lab hrs/wk, 2 cr.
Introduces the concepts and techniques of digital image manipulation and correction.
Prerequisite: previous computer experience. F, W, Sp, Offered as needed.
1 class and 2 lab hrs/wk, 2 cr.
Introduces the use of Macromedia Dreamweaver software for the creation of Web pages and maintaining a Web presence.
Prerequisite: Previous computer experience. Offered as needed.
1 class and 2 lab hrs/wk, 2 cr.
Introduces the concepts and techniques of creating animation, sound and interactivity for Web sites.
Prerequisite: Previous computer experience. Offered as needed.
1 class and 2 lab hrs/wk, 2 cr.
Covers techniques including bringing sound, advanced interactivity, and video into Flash Projects, as well as optimizing movies.
Offered as needed.
1 class and 2 lab hrs/wk, 2 cr.
Introduces the use of vector graphic software, Illustrator.
Prerequisite: previous computer experience. F, W
1 class and 2 lab hrs/wk, 2 cr.
Continues the use of vector graphic software Illustrator.
Prerequisite: VC139 or consent of instructor. Sp
2 class and 2 lab hrs/wk, 3 cr.
Introduces commercial printing processes and the preparation of digital files including raster images, vector artwork, and application files for offset printing.
Prerequisite: enrollment in the Visual Communications program and successful completion of VC111 and VC114. W
2 class and 2 lab hrs/wk, 3 cr.
Introduces students to interface design for desktop and mobile browser-based platforms. Curriculum approaches design problems from both a design principles point of view as well as user-centric perspectives. Includes requirements analysis, design process, grid and hierarchy, usability, and basic technical features and limitations of the medium.
Prerequisite: VC114, VC121, and ART224. W, Offered as needed.
2 class and 4 lab hrs/wk, 4 cr.
Introduces the techniques and skills needed to plan and create basic graphics and pages for the Web using industry standard coding practices, Web editors, and graphics applications.
Prerequisite: computing and Internet browsing basics. F, Offered as needed.
2 class and 4 lab hrs/wk, 4 cr.
Develops the techniques and skills needed to plan Web sites and create complex graphics and pages for the Web using industry standard Web editors and graphics applications.
Prerequisite: VC237. W, Offered as needed.
2 class and 4 lab hrs/wk, 4 cr.
Further develops advanced techniques and skills needed to plan, design, build and launch complex web sites using industry standard technologies and web editors. Focuses on building sophisticated web sites using standards-based coding practices in Cascading Style Sheets and HTML5, and on the study of web hosting, web statistics, content management, and other advanced topics in web design.
Prerequisite: VC238. Sp, Offered as needed.
2 class and 2 lab hrs/wk, 3 cr.
Builds knowledge of preparing digital files for film output and printing. Presents common file problems and their solutions.
Prerequisite: second-year standing in the Visual Communications program or equivalent work experience; working knowledge of the Mac Operating System and graphic arts software. Corequisite: VC221. F
1 class and 3-6 lab hrs/wk, 1-3 cr.
Provides the opportunity to work with an instructor on the production of live jobs. Any combination of the courses may be repeated for a maximum of six credits.
Prerequisite: second-year standing in the Visual Communications program. Offered as needed.
4 class hrs/wk, 4 cr.
Introduces running a creative business. Emphasizes graphic arts trade practices, production schedules, estimating, working with clients, markups, hourly rates, recordkeeping, and billing procedures.
Prerequisite: second-year standing in the Visual Communications program and concurrent enrollment in VC284. Sp
2 class and 4 lab hrs/wk, 4 cr.
Serves as a capstone course for all students in the Visual Communications program. Includes portfolio building, job markets, résumés and business stationery, and mock interviews. Participation in a class portfolio show is a graduation requirement.
Prerequisite: second-year standing in the Visual Communications program and concurrent enrollment in VC241 and VC283. Sp