AAS in Graphic Design

This course is an introduction to the writing process and the formulation of appropriate workplace communication, as well as the essentials of essay writing. Instruction in effective academic and career reading strategies are introduced, along with basic information literacy skills to retrieve, evaluate, and appropriately use the ideas of others.

Students demonstrate the process of creative problem solving by producing thumbnail sketches and rough layouts to complete communication problems. Students will identify and apply the elements and principles of design through various projects and techniques including traditional rendering, color techniques, basic drawing skills and use of multiple mediums.

An introduction to the fundamentals of computer design and production is offered. Students utilize industry-standard software to execute typographic designs, manipulate text and create page layouts.

History, letterstyle, structure, and construction of type is studied. Students gain an understanding of how type is used in design, selection of type, creative use of type and combining type with images in grid layouts.

Students gain an understanding of print production and printing technologies through lecture and hands-on projects. Managing production, mechanicals, paper, and electronic pre-press are covered.

Students apply advanced design and illustration techniques to produce graphic design projects on the computer. Emphasis is on production of design and images through an illustration software program.

An advanced course where students develop skills in the synthesis of words and image to communicate messages. The concepts of creative thinking, design, layout, and production are explored to produce design projects.

Exploration of electronic image scanning, manipulation, and alteration to solve complex design problems.

Skills and methods learned in Graphic Design I are expanded to solve complex design problems in Graphic Design II. The design process, visual techniques, and production methods will be applied to long- term projects which contain multiple components. Simulated client meetings will challenge students to determine objectives and complete design briefs. The relationship of graphic design in advertising will also be explored.

Students utilize up-to-date page layout software, while developing skills in importing and editing text, working with typography, importing and linking graphics, and combining files into books.

This course introduces students to the basic use of computer hardware and software, electronic communication, and the Internet. Students will develop and utilize their technical knowledge, skills, and abilities in working with office technology in order to efficiently perform tasks and complete projects for contemporary academic, professional, and personal use. Students will apply fundamental theoretical, analytical, and problem solving strategies to advance their understanding of computer literacy.

This course will help students learn and apply concepts relating to various workplace situations. Learners will gain a fundamental understanding of the connectivity across course disciplines that incorporate numerical calculations, ratios, proportions, percent, measurement, algebraic concepts, and the ability to visually communicate numerical information.

The internship provides students with valuable field experience under the supervision and evaluation of a cooperating facility and the College. Students apply knowledge and skills gained in the career program for 90 hours at the host site. Students also dedicate 45 total hours for program coordination purposes, evaluation of the internship experience, and refinement of their portfolio.

This course introduces students to the basic tenets of the communication process and the necessity of effective communication in order to achieve academic, professional (career), social, and personal goals. Students will consider factors which influence the achievement of those goals for academic, professional (career), social, and personal success, as well as for the creation of productive learning communities and students' transformation into agile, lifelong learners.

In this course, students are instructed in the various rhetorical modes of academic essay writing, including informative, persuasive, and research-based papers. In addition to academic writing, students are introduced to oral presentations. Students learn to examine the purpose and audience of written and oral communications and craft appropriate messages. Students will also refine their revising and proofreading skills.

This course helps students develop quantitative literacy skills for personal and professional lives. Students will use reasoning and mathematical methods to find solutions to real-world problems. Students will use algebraic, financial, proportional, probabilistic, and statistical methods to draw conclusions and/or make decisions.

In this course students will review career development theory as it relates to the decision- making and planning processes. Students will consider their competencies and behaviors when searching for internship and career entry positions. Learners will process feedback on their self-marketing techniques and input regarding career development practices.