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Graphic Arts Program Course Descriptions

GRT:108   Introduction to Graphic Arts
Technology  4 cr.
The objective of this course is to give students a complete introduction to the graphic communications industry. Students will cover safety, an introduction to the graphic communications, history of the graphic arts, traditional and electronic pre-press procedures, press and finishing operations, web development and multi-media. This course is an introduction to the graphic communications industry and students should be prepared for an intensive course of study.

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GRT:107  Introduction to Macintosh/Windows Computing  1 cr.
This specialized course is designed for students entering the graphic arts technology program. Students will be introduced to basic computing concepts including: cross-platform explanations of common operating systems, working with files, accessing and submitting information across networks, font and file management, and basic troubleshooting.

GRT:110  Calculations and Measurements
for Graphic Arts 3 cr.
This course is a study of the basic math skills necessary for students who will pursue a career in the graphic arts industry including: graphic design, pre-press, press, and bindery.

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GRT:121  Electronic Publishing  3 cr.
Participants will gain an in-depth working knowledge of QuarkXPress, with an emphasis on technical skills. In addition they will learn about the basics of design and layout, typography and about the many tools & resources available. Participants will study and apply the design elements of emphasis, contrast, balance, alignment, repetition, flow, use of images, color and typography by completing specific projects designed to increase their understanding of each element and through class critiques of each project.

GRT:130  Quality Concepts and Regulations
for the Graphic Arts  2 cr.
Students will develop individual and team skills needed to be effective employees. Students will evaluate employment opportunities in the graphic arts industry and through the continuous improvement process students will learn about customers, quality and teams and will apply techniques for idea generation, team building, decision-making and communication.

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GRT:160  Electronic Pre-Press 3 cr.
This course will cover advanced topics in design and layout and the addition of two new page layout software applications. Students will increase their layout and technical skills by completing advanced graphic design projects. In addition, quality control, attention to detail, setting up electronic files correctly, and choosing an appropriate paper will be emphasized.

GRT:162  Introduction to 3D Modeling  3 cr.
This course will introduce students to polygonal and spline- based modeling concepts. From there students will explore issues related to surfacing and texturing objects as well as lighting and rendering scenes.

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GRT 164  Authoring and Web Development I  3 cr.
This course will instruct students on planning, designing, and managing effective web sites. Focus is placed on developing manual HTML and CSS scripting skills as well as incorporating XML-ready and XHTML-ready script into the code. Throughout this class special consideration given to creating sites which are W3C and ADA compliant. 

GRT:170  Color Theory  2 cr.
A basic course designed to increase the intellectual and visual awareness of the technical aspects of color, its manipulation and control. Basic color principles, terminology, and applications, will be discussed. We will experiment with the interaction of color and its implications. In addition, we will explore color harmony, how color interacts, and its qualities and possible combinations.

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GRT:205  Advanced Press/Finishing Operations  3 cr.
A specialization course in press operations. The student will perform advanced work in lithographic processes. Concepts such as process color, ink trap, dot gain, impositions, press machines, and troubleshooting will be highlighted.

GRT:215  Advanced Pre-Press Techniques  3 cr.
An in-depth study of prepress and press issues of the printing process from concept to finished project. Students will study how each step of the printing process affects the rest of the process and consider problem-solving issues throughout the process. This specialization course will detail photomechanical techniques and processes detailing half-toning, duotones, advanced film assembly, contacting operations, and press related issues. Other concepts explored will include densitometry, pin register systems, chemistry of paper, inks and solvents associated with the process, maintenance of various pre-press equipment and digital imposition strategies.

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GRT:220  Electronic Color Control  3 cr.
Students will be introduced to the appropriate software for working with bitmap images. Image acquisition (scanning), manipulation (tonal and color correction as well as image retouching) and output (print & web) as it applies to the Graphic Arts industry will be emphasized.

GRT:222  Digital Output for Graphic Management  3 cr.
This course will focus on advanced electronic file preparation issues.  Time will be spent on exploring and applying the tasks and processes required for preparing and delivering efficient digital content. Experience in fixing incorrectly prepared files and preparing files for electronic distribution and online use will be emphasized.

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GRT 230  Advanced Electronic Color Control  3 cr.
As the Graphic Arts production process compresses more and more to the designer, Graphic Artists are being expected to take on more of an active role in the capturina and manipulation of bitmap images for print. Students will explore advanced topics related to the creation and capture, manipulation, and targeting of bitmap images for print and the web. Prerequisite: GA 220

GRT:245  Issues in Graphic Arts Technology  3 cr.
Students will cover a variety of business topics related to the graphic arts, including professional relationships, business practices, pricing and trade customs, salaries, legal issues and professional and technology related issues. In addition forms and contracts will be covered. The course will cover graphic design, web design, illustration, animation and other areas of specialty.

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GRT:250  Electronic Imaging  3 cr.
This course will instruct students to designing and creating images using illustration software. Students will use illustration software to create common line art applications such as logos, charts and graphs, and more complex illustrations.

GRT:260   Multimedia & the Internet I 3 cr.
This course will explore the creation of advanced interactive websites based upon vector-based graphics and animation.

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GRT 264   Authoring & Web Development II  3 cr.
This specialization course will introduce the student to advanced concepts in web development. Students will develop skills in scripting JavaScript and DHTML.

GRT:266  Technical Changes in the Graphic Arts  2 cr.
Students will discuss industry trends, setting up a safe and effective work environment and the rights and responsibilities of employee vs. employer in the graphic arts industry. In addition, students will develop a professional development plan to keep skills current throughout their career.  Participants will be introduced to environmental concerns, right-to-know issues, OSHA requirements and utilizing Material Safety Data Sheets.

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GRT 268  CD Authoring  3 cr.
Often times the file sizes and download times of multimedia content often exceeds what is generally considered acceptable for the Internet. In these situations thought needs to be given to distributing multimedia content on CD and DVD-based media. This course will explore the creation of interactive content for CDs and DVDs.

GRT 275  Special Projects in Graphic Arts Technology  3 cr.
This course is designed by the student and members of the graphic arts technology faculty to provide a highly individualized learning experience within the areas of electronic pre-press, multi-media, web page design, graphic design, animation, graphic arts management, or press operations. Specific advanced tasks and projects are identified and customized for the student for completion in one semester. Students will create a portfolio highlighting the skills they have developed throughout the program. Prerequisite:  All courses from the first three semester of the Graphic Arts program.

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GRT 281, 282, 283  Special Topics in Graphic Arts Technology  1, 2, or 3 cr.
This is a special topic course offered at discretion of the instructor. Students will be able to explore in greater detail a subject which does not normally fall within the scope of the current curriculum for the Graphic Arts Technology program, but is related to the topic of Graphic Arts. The description for this course will be determined on a case by case basis as appropriate to the content.

CP:205  Graphic Arts Process Production Co-op 5 cr.
The Graphic Arts Technology  Co-operative Work Experience Program incorporates experience in the industry with the classroom. The student will be assisted in finding a position(s) that coincide with the student's interests and skills in press/post press, electronic pre-press, web page design, graphic design or photography as they relate to the Graphic Arts.  The student will work at the host company, observe professionals and complete actual work on site. Participation will depend upon the student's knowledge and work skills. Prerequisite:  All courses from the first three semester of the Graphic Arts program.