College Catalog

Course Descriptions

Classes may be offered during the day, evening, online, or a combination. Students should refer to Self Service for the availability of classes.

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GRD-110: Typography I

This course introduces the history and mechanics of type and its application to layout and design. Topics include typographic fundamentals, anatomy, measurements, composition, identification, and terminology. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate proficiency in design application, analysis, specification, and creation of typographic elements.

Requisites:
Take 1 group; Option: Take ENG-002; Option: Take ENG-111(S26393); Option: Take ENG-025; Option: Take ENG-110(S26392); Take previously. Required.Take 1 group; Option: Take MAT-003; Option: Take MAT-025; Option: Take MAT-035; Option: Take MAT-110(S26398); Take previously. Required.
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:2
Lab Credits:3
Clinic Credits:0

GRD-121: Drawing Fundamentals I

This course increases observation skills using basic drawing techniques and media in graphic design. Emphasis is placed on developing the use of graphic design principles, media applications, spatial considerations, drawing styles, and approaches. Upon completion, students should be able to show competence and proficiency in finished works. Students should process basic drawing ability to successfully complete drawing at the college level.

Requisites:
Take 1 group; Option: Take ENG-002; Option: Take ENG-111(S26393); Option: Take ENG-025; Option: Take ENG-110(S26392); Take previously. Required.
Total Credits:2
Class Credits:1
Lab Credits:3
Clinic Credits:0

GRD-141: Graphic Design I

This course introduces the conceptualization process used in visual problem solving. Emphasis is placed on learning the principles of design and on the manipulation and organization of elements. Upon completion, students should be able to apply design principles to projects.

Requisites:
Take 1 group; Option: Take ENG-002; Option: Take ENG-111(S26393); Option: Take ENG-025; Option: Take ENG-110(S26392); Take previously. Required.
Total Credits:4
Class Credits:2
Lab Credits:4
Clinic Credits:0

GRD-142: Graphic Design II

This course covers the application of graphic design principles. Topics include creation of various designs, such as branding, advertisements, and publication design. Upon completion, students should be able to apply design principles and develop design solutions.

Requisites:
Take ART-121(S23014) or GRD-141(S26201); Take previously. Required.Take 1 group; Option: Take GRD-155 GRD-154; Option: Take GRD-152(S10154); Take previously. Required.Take GRD-110(S25910); Take either previously or concurrently. Required.
Total Credits:4
Class Credits:2
Lab Credits:4
Clinic Credits:0

GRD-145: Design Applications I

This course introduces visual problem solving. Emphasis is placed on application of design principles. Upon completion, students should be able to produce projects utilizing basic design concepts.

Requisites:
Take GRD-141(S12629); Take either previously or concurrently. Required.Take GRD-155; Take previously. Required.Take GRD-152(S10154) or GRD-154; Take either previously or concurrently. Required.
Total Credits:1
Class Credits:0
Lab Credits:3
Clinic Credits:0

GRD-146: Design Applications II

This course is designed to provide additional hands-on training in graphic design. Emphasis is placed on producing comprehensive projects utilizing concepts and technologies covered in GRD 141 and GRD 142. Upon completion, students should be able to provide solutions to design problems.

Requisites:
Take GRD-142(S12559); Take either previously or concurrently. Required.Take GRD-152(S10154) or GRD-154; Take previously. Required.
Total Credits:1
Class Credits:0
Lab Credits:3
Clinic Credits:0

GRD-151: Computer Design Basics

This course introduces software applications for graphic design. Emphasis is placed on utilizing digital tools to generate design solutions. Upon completion, students should be able to use industry-standard software as a creative tool.

Requisites:
Take 1 group; Option: Take ENG-002; Option: Take ENG-111(S26393); Option: Take ENG-025; Option: Take ENG-110(S26392); Take previously. Required.
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:1
Lab Credits:4
Clinic Credits:0

GRD-152: Computer Design Techniques I

This course covers complex design problems utilizing various design and drawing software applications. Topics include the expressive use of typography, image, and organization to communicate a message. Upon completion, students should be able to use appropriate computer software to professionally present their work.

Requisites:
Take 1 group; Option: Take MAT-003; Option: Take MAT-025; Option: Take MAT-035; Option: Take MAT-110(S26398); Take previously. Required.Take GRD-151(S10206); Take previously. Required.
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:1
Lab Credits:4
Clinic Credits:0

GRD-154: Vector Imaging Software

This course is an introduction to the creation of vector imagery using industry-standard software. Topics include drawing illustrations, transforming objects, working with layers, generative AI, patterns, brushes, and filters, and using effects. Upon completion, students should be able to create vector-based illustrations and design solutions.

Requisites:
Take 1 group; Option: Take ENG-002; Option: Take ENG-111(S26393); Option: Take ENG-025; Option: Take ENG-110(S26392); Take previously. Required.
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:1
Lab Credits:4
Clinic Credits:0

GRD-155: Publication Design

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of publication layout and design in an industry-standard page layout software application. Topics include typography, digital assets, generative content, color, grid systems, paragraphs and character styles, parent pages, and pre-flighting. Upon completion, students should be able to create single and multiple-page print and digital publications.

Requisites:
Take 1 group; Option: Take ENG-002; Option: Take ENG-111(S26393); Option: Take ENG-025; Option: Take ENG-110(S26392); Take previously. Required.
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:1
Lab Credits:4
Clinic Credits:0

GRD-167: Photographic Imaging I

This course introduces basic camera operations and photographic production. Topics include subject composition, depth of field, shutter control, light control, color, photo-finishing, and digital imaging, correction and output. Upon completion, students should be able to produce traditional and/or digital photographic prints with acceptable technical and compositional quality.

Requisites:
None
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:1
Lab Credits:4
Clinic Credits:0

GRD-182: Digital and Print Marketing

This course introduces the elements of marketing as it relates to digital and print media. Topics include promotion, placement, identifying a target audience, conducting research, analytics, selection of media, use of social media platforms, and search engine optimization as a marketing tool. Upon completion, students should be able to apply marketing concepts to digital and print design scenarios.

Requisites:
Take 1 group; Option: Take GRD-141(S26201) GRD-151(S26203); Option: Take GRD-154; Take previously. Required.
Total Credits:2
Class Credits:1
Lab Credits:3
Clinic Credits:0

GRD-183: Concept, Design, and Process

This course introduces students to the conceptual requirements of the design profession. Emphasis is placed on design thinking, research, brainstorming, ideation, analysis, and testing. Upon completion, students should be able to apply critical and design thinking skills necessary to conceive unique design solutions.

Requisites:
Take GRD-142(S26202); Take previously. Required.
Total Credits:2
Class Credits:1
Lab Credits:3
Clinic Credits:0

GRD-240: User Interface and User Experience

This course introduces a design-centric approach to user interface and user experience design, and offers practical, skill-based instruction centered around a visual communications perspective. Emphasis is placed on demonstrating the stages of the UI/UX development process, including user research and analysis, choosing methodologies, defining a project's strategy, scope, and information architecture, developing sitemaps and wireframes, performing user testing, and producing prototypes. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate current best practices and conventions in UX design and apply them to create effective and compelling digital screen-based experiences.

Requisites:
Take DME-125; Take previously. Required.
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:2
Lab Credits:3
Clinic Credits:0

GRD-241: Graphic Design III

This course is an advanced exploration of various techniques and media for graphic design. Emphasis is placed on advanced concepts and solutions to complex and challenging graphic design problems. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence and professionalism in visual problem solving.

Requisites:
Take GRD-142(S26202); Take previously. Required.Take GRD-152(S10154) or GRD-154; Take previously. Required.
Total Credits:4
Class Credits:2
Lab Credits:4
Clinic Credits:0

GRD-246: Design Applications III

This course is designed to provide additional hands-on training in graphic design. Emphasis is placed on producing complex design projects utilizing concepts and technologies taught in GRD 241. Upon completion, students should be able to produce complex design projects for reproduction.

Requisites:
Take GRD-241(S12281); Take either previously or concurrently. Required.
Total Credits:1
Class Credits:0
Lab Credits:3
Clinic Credits:0

GRD-265: Digital Print Production

This course covers preparation of digital files for output and reproduction. Emphasis is placed on preflighting, output options, cost and design considerations. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare files and select appropriate output methods for design solutions. Topics include sustainable and eco-friendly printing solutions including Forest Stewardship Council certification.

Requisites:
Take GRD-142(S26202); Take previously. Required.
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:1
Lab Credits:4
Clinic Credits:0

GRD-280: Portfolio Design

This course covers the organization and presentation of a design portfolio and appropriate related materials. Emphasis is placed on development and evaluation of the portfolio, resume and self-promotional materials, and interview techniques. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare and professionally present a portfolio and related self-promotional materials.

Requisites:
Take GRD-142(S26202); Take previously. Required.Take GRD-146 WEB-140(S25584); Take previously. Required.
Total Credits:4
Class Credits:2
Lab Credits:4
Clinic Credits:0

GRD-281: Design of Advertising

This course covers the development of advertising. Emphasis is placed on the development and production of advertising structure campaigns and materials using design principles. Upon completion, students should be able to produce advertising for targeted audiences.

Requisites:
Take GRD-142(S26202); Take previously. Required.
Total Credits:2
Class Credits:1
Lab Credits:3
Clinic Credits:0

GRD-282: Advertising Copywriting

This course covers copywriting for print, online, and digital advertising and promotion.Topics include advertising strategies, proposals, headlines, slogans, and text copy for various types of advertising. Upon completion, students should be able to develop content used to market and promote goods and services and comprehend the ethical and regulatory environment for advertising.

Requisites:
Take ENG-110(S20133) or ENG-111(S13673); Take previously. Required.Take GRD-142(S12559); Take previously. Required.
Total Credits:2
Class Credits:1
Lab Credits:3
Clinic Credits:0

GRD-285: Client/Media Relations

This course introduces media pricing, scheduling, and business ethics. Emphasis is placed on communication with clients and determination of clients' design, advertising, branding, or marketing needs. Upon completion, students should be able to use professional communication skills to effectively orchestrate client/media relationships. Additional topics include evaluation of career choices, resources, job search techniques and for students to consider an appropriate personal direction of career specialization.

Requisites:
Take 1 group; Option: Take GRD-142(S12559) GRA-121; Option: Take GRD-142(S12559) GRA-152; Option: Take GRD-142(S12559) GRD-152(S10154); Take previously. Required.
Total Credits:2
Class Credits:1
Lab Credits:3
Clinic Credits:0