GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS COURSES (GCOMM)

GCOMM 110 - INTRODUCTION TO GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS

This course introduces the basic principles, materials and equipment used in the major printing processes. Beginning skills in typography, electronic desktop publishing, photography, scanning, image manipulation, creation of printing plates, and press operation are emphasized.

4 Credit Hours (TC) - Lecture Hours: 2 Laboratory Hours: 4

GCOMM 112 - VECTOR GRAPHICS WITH ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR

This course is a study of the techniques used to prepare vector artwork for production and page layout of small documents. Students are taught the methods and conventions of drawing, painting, typesetting, and art manipulation with Adobe Illustrator using Macintosh computers. Basic techniques of digital image capture, color separation, and electronic file preparation for single and multiple color jobs are also included in this course.

3 Credit Hours (TC) - Lecture Hours: 1 Laboratory Hours: 4

GCOMM 130 - PAGE LAYOUT WITH ADOBE INDESIGN

This course is an introduction to the tools and techniques utilized in page layout, commonly known as desktop publishing. The more common configurations of hardware and software are discussed, and skills are developed in the use of Adobe InDesign software. The importing of word processing files, prepared art, and scanned images or digital photographs into the layout are covered. Use file templates, master layouts, and text-formatting styles to dramatically improve production workflow. Students will also be taught to use conditional text and layers to develop customized versions of a document to further layout efficiency. Design considerations in the correct selection of typefaces and use of line elements, and the outputting of files for printed media or electronic publishing are covered.

3 Credit Hours (TC) - Lecture Hours: 1 Laboratory Hours: 4

GCOMM 140 - PRINTING METHODS

Prerequisite: GCOMM 110 with a grade of "C" or better, or department approval. This course covers offset lithography and silk screen press operation.

4 Credit Hours (OC) - Lecture Hours: 2 Laboratory Hours: 4

GCOMM 150 - PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES AND PROCESSES

Prerequisite: GCOMM 110 with a grade of "C" or better. This course is designed to provide a study of the materials, supplies, and production concerns found in the printing industry. The basics of estimating job costs, using both conventional and computerized methods, are presented. Production concerns from the copy preparation stage to those encountered in binding and finishing are discussed, and their impact on the scheduling of printing production is covered.

3 Credit Hours - Lecture Hours: 1 Laboratory Hours: 4

GCOMM 160 - OCCUPATIONAL PHOTOSHOP TECHNIQUES

This course contains practical applications of image editing and digital enhancement with Adobe Photoshop for occupational use. Techniques in the manipulation of digital photographs and commercially available images with Photoshop for industry-specific needs will be covered in this course.

1 Credit Hour (OC) - Lecture Hours: 0 Laboratory Hours: 2

GCOMM 225 - SCREEN PRINTING

Prerequisite: GCOMM 110, GCOMM 112, GCOMM 250 all with a grade of "C" or better or department approval. This course will provide an introduction to the screen printing trade. Students will explore copy preparation, mesh selection, frames, stencil systems, printing techniques, ink and substrate compatibility, reclamation of screens, and how screen printing affects the finishing processes. A combination of technical laboratory applications and theory will provide the foundation for this course.