Associate of Applied Science Degree

 Digital Graphic Design

Course Descriptions

INTRODUCTION TO GRAPHIC DESIGN
This course is an introduction to the field of Graphic Design. Students will learn about current trends, career possibilities, issues and practices in the industry. In addition, students will learn the basic theory, techniques, and processes involved in creating graphical elements.

PROFESSIONAL AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT

The student will prepare a resume, a cover letter, and a thank-you letter. Skills necessary to properly prepare typical pre- employment forms will be developed. Interviewing techniques are taught and practiced. Emphasis is placed on increasing the student's potential for employment by developing skills in communication, business etiquette, problem solving and critical thinking, time management and interpersonal skills.

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
The course will explore many fundamental techniques for digitally correcting, enhancing, and altering scanned or digitally photographed images. Students will discover methods for working with various “digital darkroom” tools and the options and palettes associated with them. Creative uses for layers and masks will also be explored.

DESIGN LITERACY
This course introduces students to fundamental visual design principles, vocabulary, and applications in design. Topics relevant to 2D and 3D design techniques for effective visual results will be covered.

ADVERTISING DESIGN I
Conceptual skills in visual advertising are taught. Students will study and develop forms of advertising such as broadcast, direct mail, sales promotion, outdoor and collateral. Students will research and develop layout ads with markers and other commercial media, and study design principles, consumer motivation, advertising and ad format.

DIGITAL ILLUSTRATION
This course focuses on drawing illustrative matter for commercial applications using various materials and techniques appropriate to the field of graphic design and illustration. Emphasis is placed on visualization and sketching of concepts. Students work with the latest painting and drawing software that digitally mimics traditional tools.

GRAPHIC DESIGN PORTFOLIO
In this course, students will focus on the development of a portfolio of projects in graphic design. Examination of career opportunities in graphic design and illustration is emphasized. Discussion of strategies for approaching and presenting to potential employers and/or clients are presented.

MULTIMEDIA DESIGN
This course introduces interactive multimedia design and production, focusing on the use of authoring programs to create interactive multimedia products. Projects emphasize user interface design, content design with storyboards or scripts, creation of graphics, animation, audio and/or video materials.

BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS
This course explores the principles and techniques of effective  written business communications. Students will discuss, critique, and practice business-writing strategies to produce e-mail messages, letters, reports, and presentations, while developing critical thinking skills. Business communication in a global business environment is also emphasized.

VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
This course provides an introduction to visual literacy by considering the fundamentals of visual communication. Emphasis is placed on human visual perception as it is applied to communication problem solving. Students will acquire a new visual language learning how to use design principles, composition typography, photography, color and other vital components of visual literacy.  The contributions, ethics, and methods of visual communicators will be explored by analyzing examples in a variety of visual forms, including print, graphics, illustrations, photographs, motion pictures, and computer imagery.

COLOR THEORY AND DESIGN
This course presents principles and techniques for the perception and effective use of color in all media. The student will explore the nature of color, the uses of color and will develop an understanding of color as a vital element in design. Includes work with color values and basic color schemes.

TYPOGRAPHY
This course introduces students to typography: the art of designing with type, including the planning of typeface, size, composition, and page layout. This course explores the fundamental principles of Typography and its integral role in graphic design. Through reading, assignments and practice, this course teaches the student how to utilize type conceptually and technically with digital graphic technologies.

ADVERTISING DESIGN II
In this course, students will develop concept, design, and presentation of complete multimedia strategies for ad campaigns consisting of newspaper, magazine, direct mail, promotion and other means that will reach target audiences.

WEB DESIGN I
This course will introduce beginners to the art of creating interesting, intelligent, usable, and well designed Web Sites. Students will learn the tools and techniques for creating a well-designed interactive Web Site.

WEB DESIGN II
Students continue their studies in web design. They will learn about aesthetics of designing for interactivity in nonlinear environments. The course introduces students to current authoring techniques and technologies to create and develop basic web design projects in which interactivity is the focus.

PACKAGE DESIGN
This course introduces students to elements and principles of package design. Emphasis is placed on compositional organization, mechanics and successful presentation. Students will study effective packaging and unique and aesthetically pleasing containers. Review of typography, materials and photography relevant to packaging will be covered.

COMPUTER FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS
Basic principles of computer terminology, file management, email, Internet, and basic word processing and spreadsheets will be explored. Fundamentals of computer literacy will be addressed, including reviewing the main elements of computer hardware and peripherals.  

DESKTOP PUBLISHING WITH INDESIGN

This course focuses on the uses of desktop publishing software for document layout and design. Students have the opportunity to learn how to integrate text, graphics, and photographs to create a variety of professional quality finished documents for practical and business use. Principles of layout and design will be practiced.

ART HISTORY
This course will acquaint the student with art history, the critical process, and the production of art in order to achieve a well-balanced appreciation for art and how it relates to the development of culture. The course emphasizes the connections among historical, political, social, religious and artistic developments, showing how artists and designers are influenced by the culture and time in which they live.

BUSINESS OF GRAPHIC DESIGN
This course presents the principles and techniques students need to work effectively in a graphic design firm. Students will learn proper file management techniques, budget and time management essentials through the development of an initiated project on a production schedule. The focus of this course will also allow students to have an understanding of the complete design process that will be applicable to the client’s need.

GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY
This course is an introduction to the field of psychology as the scientific study of the behavior of man. Through a blend of application and theory, students develop a basic understanding of psychological principles. These principles are then applied these principles in a variety of situations.

ENGLISH COMPOSITION
Principles of English composition are introduced and applied. Students develop clear and effective writing skills through the application of proper grammatical usage, paragraph development, and essay writing assignments.

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
Communication skills are developed through the use of effective listening, speaking, and writing skills. The student will develop the ability to speak clearly and effectively by learning to plan, compose and deliver ideas. Emphasis is on the global, ethical, technological, and customer service aspects of communication.

CRITICAL THINKING
This course introduces critical thinking skills. Students gain an introductory level experience in deductive/inductive reasoning skills. The student will discuss experiences of everyday life and the repercussions of decision-making at various levels.

COLLEGE MATH
This course is designed to develop mathematical and computational skills needed by college students and aids students in making the transition from computational to application mathematics. The student gains practice in mathematical calculations including percent, ratio, proportion, measurement, evaluation of numerical expressions and using charts, tables and graphs to solve problems. Emphasis is on solving for the unknown to help students become comfortable using variables to represent numbers.

INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY
This course provides a broad overview of sociology and how it applies to everyday life. Major theoretical perspectives and concepts are presented, including sociological imagination, culture, inequality, and social change. Students also explore the influence of social class and the family as a social structure.