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Graphic Communications

Course Code
GCOM 150  Credits
Title Survey of Graphic Communications Industry 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description A survey of various graphic communication production processes and careers. The survey topics include, but are not limited to, computer graphics, desktop publishing, web design, multimedia, animation, virtual reality, commercial printing, photography, and television. 



Course Code
GCOM 152  Credits
Title Design for Graphic Communications I 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description This class is the first in a series of two that will lead the student through exercises aimed at developing basic design and aesthetic skills needed by graphic communicators. The course will be broken into three distinct areas: developing one's creative processes, working with type and images, and creating visually appealing graphics. 



Course Code
GCOM 190  Credits 1-3 
Title Topics in Graphic Communications 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description This is a lower division course in Graphic Communications and may be repeated when the topic changes. 



Course Code
GCOM 252  Credits
Title Design for Graphic Communications II 
Prerequisite GCOM 152 GCOM 255 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description Builds upon the principles of design and visual elements introduced during GCOM 152. Focus is placed on the design process. Students are required to research, plan, and execute creative design that communicates an intended message. 



Course Code
GCOM 255  Credits
Title Beginning Computer Graphics 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description Computer graphics pertains to the production of print related 2D graphics, illustrations, typesetting, and preparation of press-ready art. This course introduces students to the Macintosh computer and Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign software applications. 



Course Code
GCOM 266  Credits
Title Introduction to Multimedia 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description Exploration of different modes of multimedia production to include computer-based music, television, film, and the Internet. 



Course Code
GCOM 290  Credits 1-3 
Title Topics in Graphic Communication 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description This is a lower division topical course and may be repeated when the topic changes. 



Course Code
GCOM 355  Credits
Title Intermediate Computer Graphics 
Prerequisite GCOM 255 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description This intermediate course builds on the student's basic knowledge of computer graphics pertaining to the production of print related 2D graphics, illustrations, typesetting, and preparation of press-ready art. The Macintosh platform and the software applications used in the graphic communications industry will be explored in more depth. 



Course Code
GCOM 366  Credits
Title Intermediate Web Design 
Prerequisite GCOM 266 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description GCOM 366 focuses on current tools used in front end web design and development. Subjects include site planning and concept development, foundational HTML5 and CSS, forms, and FTP clients. Advanced topics will include JavaScript libraries, SEO, analytics and social media. 



Course Code
GCOM 368  Credits
Title Advanced Web Design 
Prerequisite GCOM 366 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description GCOM 368 builds on the skills and subjects mastered in Intermediate Web Design. Subjects include advanced HTML5 and CSS3, responsive design, CSS frameworks and preprocessors, scrolling and parallax sites, PHP, and Content Management systems. 



Course Code
GCOM 390  Credits 1-4 
Title Topics in Graphic Communication 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description This is an upper division topics course and may be repeated when the topic changes. 



Course Code
GCOM 452  Credits
Title Graphic Communications Management 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description Study of graphic communications project management. Topics range from cost estimating, facility design, equipment purchasing, payroll and project management as well as developing GCOM estimating skills. This course is designed to provide the participant a general background in these processes. Only open to GCOM majors. Must be taken in conjunction with GCOM 459A or 459B. 



Course Code
GCOM 455  Credits
Title Advanced Computer Graphics 
Prerequisite GCOM 355 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description Advanced Computer Graphics is an in-depth exploration of two of the most widely used programs in the graphic communications industry today, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop. In this course, students will learn advanced techniques in Adobe Illustrator, how to combine Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop files, and will begin learning advanced techniques in Adobe Photoshop. 



Course Code
GCOM 457  Credits
Title Digital Prepress 
Prerequisite GCOM 455 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description Digital Prepress includes all facets of a project from concept to print. It is not only important to know how to use computer applications to create projects for print, it is also important to know how to create these projects so that they are capable of being printed. This requires knowledge of printing processes and materials and how they fit together with what is created on the computer. This course is based upon the offset lithographic printing process and the digital prepress process that it uses. It utilizes Macintosh computers and programs that are used in the graphic communications industry today. 



Course Code
GCOM 458  Credits
Title Digital Design and Production Studio 
Prerequisite GCOM 457 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description Advanced study in digital design & production techniques. GCOM 458 is the culminating course in the computer graphics and digital prepress course series. It is designed to bring together all of the computer graphics and digital prepress knowledge already learned, to prepare students for presenting projects, working with clients, and to continue the in-depth exploration of Adobe Photoshop. 



Course Code
GCOM 468  Credits
Title Interactive Multimedia Studio 
Prerequisite GCOM 368 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description Interactive Multimedia Studio provides students with the opportunity for high-level studio practice in multimedia design. It builds sequentially upon the skills and knowledge of multimedia by providing a focus on creative image and media production for a range of art and design applications. 



Course Code
GCOM 469  Credits 1-12 
Title Internship 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description Available to all Graphic Communications students in junior or above status. Approved practical work experience. Supervised by departmental faculty. A maximum of 12 internship credits may be applied to the degree. 



Course Code
GCOM 490  Credits 1-3 
Title Topics in Graphic Communication 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description This is an upper division topics course and may be repeated when the topic changes. 



Course Code
GCOM 492A  Credits
Title Graphic Communications Final Project A 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description Capstone experience for Graphic Communications students. Culminating final project focusing on skills and knowledge ascertained from previous semesters. Students must also complete GCOM 492B the following semester. Only for GCOM majors in senior status and consent of advisor. 



Course Code
GCOM 492B  Credits
Title Graphic Communications Final Project B 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description Capstone experience for Graphic Communications students. Culminating final project focusing on skills and knowledge ascertained from previous semesters. Students must be GCOM majors in Senior status and successful completion of GCOM 492A as well as completion of all other GCOM program requirements, with the exception of GCOM 452, prior to registering for this course