MWCC College Catalog 2008-2009 — Computer Graphic Design
A grade of C or higher is recommended for students taking CGD courses.
CGD101 DESIGN THEORY
3 credits
This course is an introduction to the graphic design field. Special emphasis is on understanding the fundamentals of design, including the elements and principles of design and typography as they are applied to the development of effective visual communication pieces for both print and web design. Students will create a promotional campaign consisting of the design and layout of a print and web project for the company or organization of their choice. This course also addresses audience definition; research and analysis; concept development; and the production of thumbnail sketches, rough drafts, and the preparation of final comprehensive layouts. Prerequisites: ENG100, RDG100, or placement. Co-requisite or prerequisite: CGD104. Fall for CGD/CGW students. Spring for
non-majors.
CGD102 PUBLICATION DESIGN (QUARK XPRESS)
3 credits
This course is a continuation of Design Theory and focuses on an advanced understanding of graphic design principles and electronic page layout software (QuarkXPress and InDesign). Students prepare more sophisticated, multi-faceted projects with an emphasis on publication design while utilizing QuarkXPress, Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator. Topics include grids, typography, and complex layout techniques such as master pages and style sheets. Prerequisites: CGD101, CGD104, CGD105, and CGD235. Fall.
CGD103 PRINT PRODUCTION FOR DESIGNERS
3 credits
Students will learn how to turn their creative ideas into printed material.
Knowledge of print production techniques eliminates frustration, saves
time and are invaluable and necessary skills for any print or web designer.
This course addresses print capabilities, an overview of the printing process,
how to obtain printing quotes, preparing files for high resolution output,
and understanding pre-press techniques. Special issues, such as handling photography
and artwork for premium reproduction quality, understanding the use of process
and Pantone inks, and creating a PDF, will also be covered. Prerequisites:
CGD101, CGD104, CGD105, and CGD235 or CGD237. Spring.
CGD104 DIGITAL IMAGING (PHOTOSHOP)
3 credits
This course introduces Adobe PhotoShop and its uses for both print and web design. PhotoShop is the industry standard for image editing and graphic manipulation. Students start by learning the basics of preparing electronic artwork with special emphasis on understanding the tools, palettes, and menus of this highly sophisticated program. Students will be able to transform digital images into new pieces of art through the use of file manipulation techniques using filters, blending modes, layers, masks, channels, and layer effects, as well as create, optimize, and save graphics for the web. Emphasis is on the creation of high-quality graphics for print, multimedia, and the World Wide Web. Prerequisites:*Basic computer skills, ENG100, RDG100, or placement. Fall and spring.
CGD105 ELECTRONIC ILLUSTRATION (ILLUSTRATOR)
3 credits
This course introduces the features of Adobe Illustrator for print and web
design. Students learn how to create complex electronic illustrations and
single page layouts with special emphasis on understanding the tools, palettes,
and menus. Students will learn to produce detailed illustration templates
and how to use these templates to produce complex electronic illustrations.
Special emphasis is on understanding the Bezier pen tool, as well as learning
specialized techniques for creating line-art, color illustrations, and three-dimensional
drawings via this electronic medium. Prerequisites: CGD101 or permission
of instructor. Spring.
CGD106 PORTFOLIO PREPARATION (CAPSTONE COURSE)
3 credits
This practicum is the capstone for the CGD Web Design degree. This course is focused on helping students prepare for the job market with career planning, skill assessment, resume writing, interviewing, and job market analysis listed as topics, as well as compile professional-quality print and digital portfolios. No new major software programs are taught; however, skills and program knowledge, including page layout, digital imaging, and electronic illustration programs from other required courses will be used to redesign and enhance students’ previous design pieces for preparation for a final print portfolio. Students will engage in a real-world, client-based project with careful consideration of audience definition, research, concept development, time management, and the implementation of effective design and layout, while meeting strict deadlines. Special emphasis of this course will be on developing a strong print portfolio that is a culmination of all the computer graphic design courses. Prerequisites: CGD101, CGD102, CGD104, CGD105, CGD204, CGD235, CGD240. Co-requisite: CGD103. Spring.
CGD107 DESIGNING BUSINESS GRAPHICS (PHOTOSHOP)
3 credits
This course is for CIS, Business, or any non-CGD program majors only. It will include an introduction to the industry standard for image creation and editing, Adobe PhotoShop. Students will learn to use basic tools, palettes, menu items, layers, masking, and channels. Focus will be on scanning, creating and saving graphics, separating photo subjects from the photo’s background, creating practical marketing pieces for print and internet output, as well as creating animations for use on the worldwide web. Not open to CGD/CGDC or CGW/CGWC majors. Prerequisite: *Basic computer skills. Fall and spring.
CGD109 INTRO TO WEB MEDIA
3 credits
Learn how to create interactive web pages! Unravel the mysteries of web codes and build useful web pages by following simple understandable steps. Afraid to sign up for an online course? Learn to use AND understand online/web/ Blackboard courses. Explore Internet, World Wide Web, and Information Literacy resources. Use media tools such as email, search engines, newsgroups, blogs, image viewers, web games, and PDF documents. Discover new media concepts and technologies, such asXHTML, CSS, and web design standards, which save time and effort. Design a website that can enrich the experience of web page visitors. View and test your designs using new generation web browsers: Opera, Firefox, and Safari. Follow step-by-step basic activities that culminate in informative and visually attractive, multi-page websites. No previous experience with the Web, Internet ,or web page creation is needed for this course. Prerequisite: *Basic computer skill and RDG100. Fall.
CGD110 INTRODUCTION TO ANIMATION AND GAME DESIGN (FLASH)
3 credits
Create presentations with impact! Animate your imagination! Learn to make images move! Tell a tale making your audience smile and take notice. No previous experience needed. Use Adobe Flash (drawing, designing, advertising, gaming, and authoring software) to build basic objects and draw simple shapes and text that can be moved in creative ways. Individuals who have never sketched before or think they cannot draw have found this course accessible. Stick figure people move, cartoons are created, stories are plotted and storyboarded. Exploration of webisodes, anime, online games and character animation takes place. Learn how the latest animated movie was made and analyze examples of dynamic animated computer art. The basics of vector-based animation will be used to create web motion graphics. Create original animations and build interactive digital games. Animation techniques, such as motion guides, key frames, and shape/motion tweening are taught through a series of structured and freeform activities and projects that are fun, informative, and creative. Prerequisites: RDG100 and *Basic computer skills. Fall.
CGD112 COMMUNICATION IN DESIGN and TECHNOLOGY
3 credits
Professional multimedia communication skills are essential for success in a fast-paced, diversified work environment. Multimedia communication is a world of video tubing, image manipulation, word and game play, voice streams, sound bytes, searches, avatars, music rips, and downloads--the world of Digital/Information Literacy. Are you prepared to weave together effective media presentations? Core topics help students develop a solid understanding of visual communication coupled with an overview of current multimedia tools, concepts, terminology, and techniques. Learn to create an inspiring presentation, chart out ideas, and write effective media materials. Hands-on experience using a number of software programs (Fireworks, Acrobat, Inspiration, and InDesign) is part of a practical guide to the development of digital media projects. Students apply communications principles (analysis, prototyping, flowcharting, storyboarding, image editing) to slide presentations, business cards, brochures, and professional business correspondence. Students learn professional production techniques and the foundations of portfolio building, interviewing and career skills using digital multimedia methods. Open to all students. Prerequisites: ENG100, RDG100, or placement. Non-majors: *Basic computer skills. Required for CGW majors; recommended for CGD majors. Spring.
CGD204 ADVANCED DIGITAL IMAGING (ADVANCED PHOTOSHOP)
3 credits
This project-based course, for both Print and Web students, goes beyond the basics of Adobe Photoshop and challenges students to use the advanced techniques and features of this sophisticated digital imaging program. Use of layers, layer masks, and image compositing techniques will be extensive, and more complex digital photomontages using masks and filters will be used in multifaceted projects for print. In addition, this course will more intensely focus on creating, optimizing, and saving graphics for the web, as well as slicing interfaces, creating rollovers, remote rollovers, animation, and tweening in Photoshop. Students will output final montages and digital images to mount for exhibit or portfolio use, and will be incorporating their Photoshop and web interfaces to web authoring program or electronic portfolio. Traditional and/or digital photography will be encouraged. Prerequisite: CGD104 or permission of instructor. Fall.
CGD205 DIGITAL PHOTO ART (PHOTOSHOP OR PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS)
3 credits
This project-based course is open to all students and begins with a component in computer literacy and continues on to teach students Photoshop, a “state-of-the-art” digital imaging program or Photoshop Elements. Students with previously acquired Photoshop skills are encouraged to enroll in the course as well. Students will choose to use either Adobe Photoshop Elements or Adobe Photoshop. Students learn artistic techniques and the ability to recognize and use light and composition as vital elements for creating abstract and photographic digital artwork. Students will explore digital collages and techniques that blend color, shape, and texture to form exciting and dynamic digital art pieces. Course projects focus on the artistic and creative uses of Adobe Photoshop Elements or Adobe Photoshop, rather than on digital manipulation for communication and graphic design pieces. Focus will also be on printing complex digital art pieces. Prerequisites: RDG100, ENG100 or placement. Spring and fall.
CGD210 ADVANCED WEBSITE PORTFOLIO (CAPSTONE COURSE)
3 credits
This practicum is the capstone for the CGD Web Design degree. Participants will need to apply skills learned in prerequisite courses to complete a professional portfolio and a publishable client website. This course is focused on helping students prepare for the job market through career planning, skill assessment, resume writing, interviewing, and job market analysis. Participants will produce high quality marketing packages, which will include a promotional website and professional portfolio. No new major software programs are taught; however, skills and program knowledge, including authoring, animation, text/image editing tools from other required courses, will be used to develop client-based websites in a real-time environment. Participants will create an advanced website for a client with careful consideration of navigational architecture and interface design. The site is to be designed, revised, tested, and delivered within very compressed deadlines. Special emphasis will be on developing a revised and enhanced multimedia portfolio that is a culmination of all the computer graphic design courses. Prerequisites: CGD101, CGD104, CGD109, CGD110, CGD112, CGD204, CGD240, CGD241, or permission of instructor. This practicum should not be taken without adequate preparation and completion of all prerequisites, since it is a very demanding and challenging course. Spring.
CGD235 TYPOGRAPHY IN VISUAL COMMUNICATION (INDESIGN)
3 credits
This course introduces students to the techniques and tools used to create, manipulate, and organize graphic images and text using the industry leading page layout programs, Adobe InDesign and QuarkXPress. Special emphasis and focus will be on an advanced understanding of typography in visual communication, and students will gain a more solid understanding of design theory, page layout, basic grids, and style sheets. Projects include a typography analysis/history poster, a visually enhanced quotation piece and/or an early letterform assignment, and a web newsletter or a brochure utilizing grids and style sheets. Prerequisites: CGD101 and CGD104, or permission of instructor. Spring.
CGD240 CREATIVE WEB DESIGN (DREAMWEAVER)
3 credits
Students will create engaging web pages and websites using Adobe Dreamweaver in Code view and Design view. Students learn to design structurally (the building blocks of pages) as well as aesthetically (visual look of pages) using text, images, and links. Course work will include single and multiple web page projects with students applying the Principles of Web Design and accessibility to each project. Interactive pages, CSS navigation, CSS page layout, forms, adding Flash and other multimedia, the new integration between Photoshop and Bridge, and Dreamweaver's new Spry Widgets are just a few of the topics included in this course. This course utilizes the concepts and skills from the CGD109 course and continues building upon a solid working knowledge of the fundamentals of building web pages using HTML, XHTML, and CSS. For their final project, students will plan, design, build, and publish a multi-page website utilizing Dreamweaver's FTP upload capabilities. Prerequisites: CGD109 or permission of instructor. Also recommended: CGD112 (taken concurrently with CGD240). Spring.
CGD241 INTEGRATED WEBSITE DESIGN (ADVANCED AUTHORING: DREAMWEAVER)
3 credits
This project-based course is designed for students to develop higher-level websites utilizing advanced web authoring techniques and effective graphic design concepts , while increasing their working knowledge of CSS techniques and Adobe Dreamweaver. Students will use a combination of new and previously learned skills including hand-coding, Adobe Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Flash to build their projects. Topics include project planning, templates, multimedia including podcasts and Flash Video, behaviors, images, advanced CSS techniques, designing CSS layouts, Spry for dynamic pages, image galleries, pdf downloads, HTML Email campaigns, blogs, print style sheets, designing for Contribute and working with Dreamweaver's built-in group management features. Multi-tasking web development is emphasized through the creation of one comprehensive business oriented website, including an HTML email campaign and one extensive team website project. Prerequisites: CGD109 and CGD240 or permission of instructor. Fall.
CGD242 ADVANCED WEBSITE ANIMATION (ADVANCED FLASH)
3 credits
Go beyond the boundaries of static website designs! This course examines the creative use of multimedia interactivity: where media methods collide with meaningful messages! Advanced Adobe Flash animation techniques and action scripting are used to assemble text, images, animation, sound, and video. Students build interactive presentations utilizing multiple media formats saved in Flash animated websites. Topics include digital audio, digital video, dynamic text, animated graphics, vector-based navigation, action scripting and interactive interfaces. A foundation in basic Flash techniques is necessary for participation. The focus of this course is on creating Flash websites with built-in functionality, interactivity, and accessibility. Prerequisites: CGD110, or skills with vector- based animation programs, and permission of instructor. Spring.
CGD244 DESIGNING FOR E-COMMERCE (WEB DATABASE DESIGN)
3 credits
The Internet has reshaped our world and shopping online is now as common as stopping at your neighborhood corner store used to be. The ability to create an online store has become an essential element of a web designer’s skill set. This course will examine the basic components necessary for an E-commerce website including designing your store, shopping carts, merchant accounts, payment methods, SSL, shipping, sales tax, managing your store, marketing your store, promoting your products, and tracking your store statistics. Students will research and explore a wide variety of online store building options and discuss how to select the solution that best fits their client's needs. For their course project students will plan, design and build a full store prototype for their portfolios and then implement their store using available e-commerce software. Prerequisites: CGD109, CGD240. Co-requisite or prerequisite: CGD241. Fall.