Course Descriptions
Visual Communications (VISC) Courses:
VISC 101 Fundamentals of Design 3 Credits
Prerequisites: Demonstrated competency through appropriate assessment or earning a grade of “C” or better in ENGL 024 or ENGL 093 and ENGL 031or ENGL 083. Corequisites: ENGL 093 and ENGL 083. Introduces students to fundamental design theory. Investigations into design theory and color dynamics will provide experiences in applying design theory, ideas and creative problem solving. Provides design experiences in applying design theories and concepts, and creative problem solving.
VISC 102 Fundamentals of Imaging 3 Credits
Prerequisites: Demonstrated competency through appropriate assessment or earning a grade of “C” or better in ENGL 024 or ENGL 093 and ENGL 031 or ENGL 083. Corequisites: ENGL 093 and ENGL 083. Introduces students to a full range of image input technology and manipulation including conventional photography, digital imaging, and computer scanners. Students will learn to communicate concepts and ideas through various imaging devices. Explores composition and fosters creativity.
VISC 105 Video and Sound 3 Credits
Prerequisites: Demonstrated competency through appropriate assessment or earning a grade of “C” or better in ENGL 093 and ENGL 083. Corequisites: ENGL 093 and ENGL 083. An introduction to the field of video technology. Students will learn the basics of planning, shooting, editing and post-producing video and sound. Projects include exercises in technical and creative skills application, equipment usage and production techniques.
VISC 110 Web Design I 3 Credits
Prerequisites: VISC 101 and VISC 115. An introductory level course, which focuses on the tools, strategies, and techniques for web site design, architecture, navigation, language and production.Explores the methods for creating successful web sites from concept to implementation. Examines the process of integrating text,graphics, audio, and video for effective communication of information.
VISC 111 Drawing for Visualization 3 Credits
Prerequisites: Demonstrated competency through appropriate assessment or earning a grade of “C” or better in ENGL 093 and ENGL 083. Corequisites: ENGL 093 and ENGL 083. Introduces students to the tools and methods of drawing. Presents drawing as a catalyst to seeing and a way of recording ideas. Gives students the necessary drawing preparation for the study of design.
VISC 112 Electronic Layout 3 Credits
Prerequisites: VISC 113 and VISC 115. Provides intermediate instruc-tion in practical and creative page layout.Uses an industry standard desktop publishing package designed for single and multi-page documents as a tool for executing layouts.Produces samples for student portfolios, which may include stationery, charts, forms, brochures, and calendars.
VISC 113 Typography 3 Credits
Prerequisites: Demonstrated competency through appropriate assessment or earning a grade of “C” or better in ENGL 024 or ENGL 093 and ENGL 031 or ENGL. Corequisites: ENGL 093 and ENGL 083. An introductory course which addresses the issues pertinent to the proper and creative use of type and the enhancement of communi-cation. Covers the history of type, typographic terminology, design, attention to aesthetics, common sense, and how we read. Projects emphasize an appreciation of and the practical use of type.
VISC 114 Graphic Design I 3 Credits
Prerequisites: VISC 101 and VISC 115. Provides introductory instruc-tion in design for communication primarily for print media. Teaches the steps in design development with meaningful message and concept.Produces samples for student portfolios, which may include elements or comprehensive projects in logo, stationery, newspaper, magazine, billboard, and interface design, etc.
VISC 115 Introduction to Computer Graphics 3 Credits
Prerequisites: Demonstrated competency through appropriate assessment or earning a grade of “C” or better in ENGL 024 or ENGL 093 and ENGL 031 or ENGL 083. Corequisites: ENGL 093 and ENGL 083. This course introduces students to fundamental computer graphics in visual communications. The initial focus of the course is on basic computer terminology and use, mastering fundamental skills, and developing efficient working styles. These skills are further developed through work with vector-based and page layout software used in the professional visual communications industry.
VISC 116 Electronic Illustration 3 Credits
Prerequisites: VISC 115. Provides intermediate instruction in illustration techniques using computer software designed for creating illustrations, technical, drawing, logos, packaging,maps, charts, and graphs. Emphasis is on preparing effective, creative illustrations for various media applications in an efficient, productive manner.Produces samples for student portfolios.
VISC 200 Interactive Media 3 Credits
Prerequisites: VISC 101 and VISC 102 and VISC 115. Explores various software programs involved in creating multimedia presentations, digital movies, digital animation, introductory scripting through a series of short projects. Explore the role of interactive in contemporary marketing and design.
VISC 201 Electronic Imaging 3 Credits
Prerequisites: VISC 101 and VISC 102. Examines the area of raster image editing and current electronic darkroom software packages. Experience with the digital imaging environment includes calibrating scanning processes, digital camera input, manipulating images in black and white and color,working with retouching for advertising, illustrating text, and working with various output devices. Digital color spaces as they relate to various output devices will be covered. Calibration for 4-color separations and prepress procedures will be discussed as well as preparing images properly for the web.
VISC 202 Special Projects 3 Credits
Prerequisites: Program Chair Approval. Provides advanced instruction in specific areas of student interest or at the instructor’s discretion may include actual community or non-profit projects. Requires performance and completed work to be portfolio quality and strengthen skills in visual communication emphases.
VISC 203 Independent Study 3 Credits
Prerequisites: Program Chair Approval. Provides advanced students with opportunities to design projects for specified areas of interest and skill development. Requires the project plan to be approved by the instructor. Restricts work to student program area emphasis. Requires performance and completed work to be portfolio quality.
VISC 204 Mobile App I 3 Credits
Prerequisites: VISC 110. This course brings together the skills learned in Web Design I, and Interactive Media I in the design and creation of simple mobile applications (apps). Students will implement XHTML/HTML5, CSS3, and Javascript to synthesize example mobile apps designed to run on current mobile computing devices. The focus of this course is to show the relationships between technologies that enable the creation of these applications, including current frameworks that aid in their development, with an emphasis on CSS (visual presentation) and Javascript (behavior).
VISC 205 Business Practices for Visual Artists 3 Credits
Prerequisites: VISC 101 and VISC 115 and ENGL 111. Examines legal and business issues affecting the professional visual artist.
VISC 206 Interdisciplinary Studies 3 Credits
Prerequisites: VISC 210 or VISC 217 or PHOT 109 or PHOT 209 or VIDT 202. Offers students the opportunity to complete selected projects while working in a team environment with students of other disciplines. Simulates situations found in industry.
VISC 207 Portfolio Preparation 2 Credits
Prerequisites: Program Advisor Approval and ENGL 111 and MATH 1XX. Provides advanced facilitation focusing on the students’ final preparation for the workforce. Requires an evaluation and portfolio development plan to be approved by the instructor. Finalizes project work demonstrating acquired knowledge and skills, along with resume and cover letter, for presentation to prospective employers. Also provides students with the opportunity to use one credit for field of study.
VISC 208 Mobile App II 3 Credits
Prerequisites: VISC 204 and VISC 210. This continuation course expands the concepts and skills from Web Design II and Mobile Web App Design I in the design and creation of a custom mobile web application. Students will propose a custom mobile web application, provide wireframes/ prototypes, create working model(s), perform user testing, and provide full documentation for the app. Upon completion, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the mobile web application development cycle, as well as a commercial-ready mobile web application for distribution.
VISC 209 3D Rendering and Animation I 3 Credits
Prerequisites: VISC 102. Examines the virtual world of 3D and how it can be applied as an illustration and animation element in multimedia. Students will explore navigation, modeling, rendering, animation, and camera and lighting techniques.
VISC 210 Web Design II 3 Credits
Prerequisites: VISC 102, VISC 110 and VISC 113. Further focuses on the tools, strategies, and techniques for web site design, architecture, navigation, language, and production. Explores more in-depth the methods for creating successful websites from concept to implementation. Explores the process of integrating text, graphics, audio, and video for effective communication of information.
VISC 212 3-D Rendering and Animation II 3 Credits
Prerequisites: VISC 209. Further examines the virtual world of 3D and how it can be applied as an illustration and animation element in multimedia.Students will expand on navigation, modeling, rendering, animation, and camera and lighting techniques.
VISC 213 Advanced Electronic Imaging 3 Credits
Prerequisites: VISC 201. The creation of the electronic image from digital imaging and scanning devices is further investigated. Advanced Adobe Photoshop illustration techniques are taught.Other software such as Adobe Dimensions and Fractal Painter are introduced. Students will work with both raster and vector software to create final output.An emphasis in final output is given to portfolio projects that are in the print,web, and film media.
VISC 214 Advanced Electronic Layout 3 Credits
Prerequisites: VISC 112. Provides advanced instruction in creative publication design. Uses an industry standard desktop publishing package to design and publish professional multi-page documents. Produces samples for student portfolios, which may include annual reports, catalogs, newsletters, menus, magazine design, newspaper design, book design and/or other multi-page communications. Requires performance and completed work to be portfolio quality.
VISC 215 Web Design III 3 Credits
Prerequisites: VISC 210. Further explores the topic of Web Design by introducing content management systems (Wordpress, Joomla, etc.), server and client-side scripting, frameworks, and the implementation of HTML5/CSS3 in modern web design. Explores the concepts associated with designing web pages for a variety of display devices.
VISC 217 Graphic Design II 3 Credits
Prerequisites: VISC 102 and VISC 113 and VISC 114. Provides intermediate instruction in design for communication primarily for print media. Further explores design theory by applying concepts to achieve meaningful marketing and advertising results. Produces samples for student portfolios, which may include elements or comprehensive projects appropriate to trade/industrial advertising, brochures, flyers, pamphlets, posters, direct mail and/or consumer magazine advertising/branding, etc.
VISC 218 Digital Process and Workflow 3 Credits
Prerequisites: VISC 113 and VISC 115. This course focuses on the issues of digital process and workflow in the visual communications industry. Emphasis is placed on successful creative problem-solving skills, production of multi-media solutions, and working in a team environment. Topics covered include video and sound, digital photography solutions (studio and location), graphic design, graphic print production, printing technologies, file management and various forms of interactive media.
VISC 219 Graphic Design III 3 Credits
Prerequisites: VISC 201 and VISC 217. Provides advanced instruction and experience with design projects/branding identity, which communicate a common theme or campaign through several different media – magazine, billboard, radio, television, direct mail, brochures, point of purchase, sales promotions and/or package design, etc. Produces samples for student portfolios.
VISC 280 Co-op/Internship 1-6 Credits
Prerequisite: Advisor’s Approval. Students work at job sites that are specifically related to career objectives. Provides on-the-job experience while earning course credit.
Photography (PHOT) Courses:
PHOT 104 Basic Photography 3 credits
Prerequisite: None.
Fine Arts (ARTS) Courses:
ARTS 100 Life & Object Drawing I 3 credits
ARTS 101 Life & Object Drawing II 3 credits
ARTS 102 Color & Design Theory 3 credits
ARTS 103 3D Design 3 credits
VISC 101 Fundamentals of Design 3 Credits
Prerequisites: Demonstrated competency through appropriate assessment or earning a grade of “C” or better in ENGL 024 or ENGL 093 and ENGL 031or ENGL 083. Corequisites: ENGL 093 and ENGL 083. Introduces students to fundamental design theory. Investigations into design theory and color dynamics will provide experiences in applying design theory, ideas and creative problem solving. Provides design experiences in applying design theories and concepts, and creative problem solving.
VISC 102 Fundamentals of Imaging 3 Credits
Prerequisites: Demonstrated competency through appropriate assessment or earning a grade of “C” or better in ENGL 024 or ENGL 093 and ENGL 031 or ENGL 083. Corequisites: ENGL 093 and ENGL 083. Introduces students to a full range of image input technology and manipulation including conventional photography, digital imaging, and computer scanners. Students will learn to communicate concepts and ideas through various imaging devices. Explores composition and fosters creativity.
VISC 105 Video and Sound 3 Credits
Prerequisites: Demonstrated competency through appropriate assessment or earning a grade of “C” or better in ENGL 093 and ENGL 083. Corequisites: ENGL 093 and ENGL 083. An introduction to the field of video technology. Students will learn the basics of planning, shooting, editing and post-producing video and sound. Projects include exercises in technical and creative skills application, equipment usage and production techniques.
VISC 110 Web Design I 3 Credits
Prerequisites: VISC 101 and VISC 115. An introductory level course, which focuses on the tools, strategies, and techniques for web site design, architecture, navigation, language and production.Explores the methods for creating successful web sites from concept to implementation. Examines the process of integrating text,graphics, audio, and video for effective communication of information.
VISC 111 Drawing for Visualization 3 Credits
Prerequisites: Demonstrated competency through appropriate assessment or earning a grade of “C” or better in ENGL 093 and ENGL 083. Corequisites: ENGL 093 and ENGL 083. Introduces students to the tools and methods of drawing. Presents drawing as a catalyst to seeing and a way of recording ideas. Gives students the necessary drawing preparation for the study of design.
VISC 112 Electronic Layout 3 Credits
Prerequisites: VISC 113 and VISC 115. Provides intermediate instruc-tion in practical and creative page layout.Uses an industry standard desktop publishing package designed for single and multi-page documents as a tool for executing layouts.Produces samples for student portfolios, which may include stationery, charts, forms, brochures, and calendars.
VISC 113 Typography 3 Credits
Prerequisites: Demonstrated competency through appropriate assessment or earning a grade of “C” or better in ENGL 024 or ENGL 093 and ENGL 031 or ENGL. Corequisites: ENGL 093 and ENGL 083. An introductory course which addresses the issues pertinent to the proper and creative use of type and the enhancement of communi-cation. Covers the history of type, typographic terminology, design, attention to aesthetics, common sense, and how we read. Projects emphasize an appreciation of and the practical use of type.
VISC 114 Graphic Design I 3 Credits
Prerequisites: VISC 101 and VISC 115. Provides introductory instruc-tion in design for communication primarily for print media. Teaches the steps in design development with meaningful message and concept.Produces samples for student portfolios, which may include elements or comprehensive projects in logo, stationery, newspaper, magazine, billboard, and interface design, etc.
VISC 115 Introduction to Computer Graphics 3 Credits
Prerequisites: Demonstrated competency through appropriate assessment or earning a grade of “C” or better in ENGL 024 or ENGL 093 and ENGL 031 or ENGL 083. Corequisites: ENGL 093 and ENGL 083. This course introduces students to fundamental computer graphics in visual communications. The initial focus of the course is on basic computer terminology and use, mastering fundamental skills, and developing efficient working styles. These skills are further developed through work with vector-based and page layout software used in the professional visual communications industry.
VISC 116 Electronic Illustration 3 Credits
Prerequisites: VISC 115. Provides intermediate instruction in illustration techniques using computer software designed for creating illustrations, technical, drawing, logos, packaging,maps, charts, and graphs. Emphasis is on preparing effective, creative illustrations for various media applications in an efficient, productive manner.Produces samples for student portfolios.
VISC 200 Interactive Media 3 Credits
Prerequisites: VISC 101 and VISC 102 and VISC 115. Explores various software programs involved in creating multimedia presentations, digital movies, digital animation, introductory scripting through a series of short projects. Explore the role of interactive in contemporary marketing and design.
VISC 201 Electronic Imaging 3 Credits
Prerequisites: VISC 101 and VISC 102. Examines the area of raster image editing and current electronic darkroom software packages. Experience with the digital imaging environment includes calibrating scanning processes, digital camera input, manipulating images in black and white and color,working with retouching for advertising, illustrating text, and working with various output devices. Digital color spaces as they relate to various output devices will be covered. Calibration for 4-color separations and prepress procedures will be discussed as well as preparing images properly for the web.
VISC 202 Special Projects 3 Credits
Prerequisites: Program Chair Approval. Provides advanced instruction in specific areas of student interest or at the instructor’s discretion may include actual community or non-profit projects. Requires performance and completed work to be portfolio quality and strengthen skills in visual communication emphases.
VISC 203 Independent Study 3 Credits
Prerequisites: Program Chair Approval. Provides advanced students with opportunities to design projects for specified areas of interest and skill development. Requires the project plan to be approved by the instructor. Restricts work to student program area emphasis. Requires performance and completed work to be portfolio quality.
VISC 204 Mobile App I 3 Credits
Prerequisites: VISC 110. This course brings together the skills learned in Web Design I, and Interactive Media I in the design and creation of simple mobile applications (apps). Students will implement XHTML/HTML5, CSS3, and Javascript to synthesize example mobile apps designed to run on current mobile computing devices. The focus of this course is to show the relationships between technologies that enable the creation of these applications, including current frameworks that aid in their development, with an emphasis on CSS (visual presentation) and Javascript (behavior).
VISC 205 Business Practices for Visual Artists 3 Credits
Prerequisites: VISC 101 and VISC 115 and ENGL 111. Examines legal and business issues affecting the professional visual artist.
VISC 206 Interdisciplinary Studies 3 Credits
Prerequisites: VISC 210 or VISC 217 or PHOT 109 or PHOT 209 or VIDT 202. Offers students the opportunity to complete selected projects while working in a team environment with students of other disciplines. Simulates situations found in industry.
VISC 207 Portfolio Preparation 2 Credits
Prerequisites: Program Advisor Approval and ENGL 111 and MATH 1XX. Provides advanced facilitation focusing on the students’ final preparation for the workforce. Requires an evaluation and portfolio development plan to be approved by the instructor. Finalizes project work demonstrating acquired knowledge and skills, along with resume and cover letter, for presentation to prospective employers. Also provides students with the opportunity to use one credit for field of study.
VISC 208 Mobile App II 3 Credits
Prerequisites: VISC 204 and VISC 210. This continuation course expands the concepts and skills from Web Design II and Mobile Web App Design I in the design and creation of a custom mobile web application. Students will propose a custom mobile web application, provide wireframes/ prototypes, create working model(s), perform user testing, and provide full documentation for the app. Upon completion, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the mobile web application development cycle, as well as a commercial-ready mobile web application for distribution.
VISC 209 3D Rendering and Animation I 3 Credits
Prerequisites: VISC 102. Examines the virtual world of 3D and how it can be applied as an illustration and animation element in multimedia. Students will explore navigation, modeling, rendering, animation, and camera and lighting techniques.
VISC 210 Web Design II 3 Credits
Prerequisites: VISC 102, VISC 110 and VISC 113. Further focuses on the tools, strategies, and techniques for web site design, architecture, navigation, language, and production. Explores more in-depth the methods for creating successful websites from concept to implementation. Explores the process of integrating text, graphics, audio, and video for effective communication of information.
VISC 212 3-D Rendering and Animation II 3 Credits
Prerequisites: VISC 209. Further examines the virtual world of 3D and how it can be applied as an illustration and animation element in multimedia.Students will expand on navigation, modeling, rendering, animation, and camera and lighting techniques.
VISC 213 Advanced Electronic Imaging 3 Credits
Prerequisites: VISC 201. The creation of the electronic image from digital imaging and scanning devices is further investigated. Advanced Adobe Photoshop illustration techniques are taught.Other software such as Adobe Dimensions and Fractal Painter are introduced. Students will work with both raster and vector software to create final output.An emphasis in final output is given to portfolio projects that are in the print,web, and film media.
VISC 214 Advanced Electronic Layout 3 Credits
Prerequisites: VISC 112. Provides advanced instruction in creative publication design. Uses an industry standard desktop publishing package to design and publish professional multi-page documents. Produces samples for student portfolios, which may include annual reports, catalogs, newsletters, menus, magazine design, newspaper design, book design and/or other multi-page communications. Requires performance and completed work to be portfolio quality.
VISC 215 Web Design III 3 Credits
Prerequisites: VISC 210. Further explores the topic of Web Design by introducing content management systems (Wordpress, Joomla, etc.), server and client-side scripting, frameworks, and the implementation of HTML5/CSS3 in modern web design. Explores the concepts associated with designing web pages for a variety of display devices.
VISC 217 Graphic Design II 3 Credits
Prerequisites: VISC 102 and VISC 113 and VISC 114. Provides intermediate instruction in design for communication primarily for print media. Further explores design theory by applying concepts to achieve meaningful marketing and advertising results. Produces samples for student portfolios, which may include elements or comprehensive projects appropriate to trade/industrial advertising, brochures, flyers, pamphlets, posters, direct mail and/or consumer magazine advertising/branding, etc.
VISC 218 Digital Process and Workflow 3 Credits
Prerequisites: VISC 113 and VISC 115. This course focuses on the issues of digital process and workflow in the visual communications industry. Emphasis is placed on successful creative problem-solving skills, production of multi-media solutions, and working in a team environment. Topics covered include video and sound, digital photography solutions (studio and location), graphic design, graphic print production, printing technologies, file management and various forms of interactive media.
VISC 219 Graphic Design III 3 Credits
Prerequisites: VISC 201 and VISC 217. Provides advanced instruction and experience with design projects/branding identity, which communicate a common theme or campaign through several different media – magazine, billboard, radio, television, direct mail, brochures, point of purchase, sales promotions and/or package design, etc. Produces samples for student portfolios.
VISC 280 Co-op/Internship 1-6 Credits
Prerequisite: Advisor’s Approval. Students work at job sites that are specifically related to career objectives. Provides on-the-job experience while earning course credit.
Photography (PHOT) Courses:
PHOT 104 Basic Photography 3 credits
Prerequisite: None.
Fine Arts (ARTS) Courses:
ARTS 100 Life & Object Drawing I 3 credits
ARTS 101 Life & Object Drawing II 3 credits
ARTS 102 Color & Design Theory 3 credits
ARTS 103 3D Design 3 credits
If you are looking for a course that you don't see listed above, you can download the entire Course Description Catalog.