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Graphic Design Classes

GRC 107 • DESIGN FUNDAMENTALS (3.0 credits)
Prerequisite: None. Challenge by portfolio is available. 
Foundation course in the application and appreciation of the basic principles and elements of design, including form, shape, value and spatial relationships. Emphasis will be placed on developing creative skills and working with the design process. Challenge by portfolio is available.

GRC 109 • COLOR AND DESIGN (3.0 credits)
Prerequisite: GRC 107/ART 107 or approval of instructor. GRC 103 recommended. Challenge exam by portfolio is available. 
Color theories, color technologies and the applications of color in art and design. Intermediate, two-dimensional design problems focusing on the compositional, optical and psychological aspects of visual communication.

GRC 110B • RENDERING AND ILLUSTRATION (3.0 credits)
Prerequisite: None. Challenge by portfolio is available. 
Foundation course for developing basic skills and techniques in visualizing and rendering images in 2D and 3D presentations. Projects will focus on manual techniques and their applications in print and digital media. Challenge by portfolio is available.

GRC 111B • HISTORY OF VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS (3.0 credits)
Lecture course on the history of visual communications from European cave paintings to the present. Special emphasis will be placed on the Roman Empire, the Renaissance, the Industrial Revolution and the 20th century. The class will focus on the impact of communication and technology on society and its influences on the shaping of civilization.

GRC 118 • COMPUTER GRAPHICS/PRINT MEDIA (3.0 credits)
Prerequisite: GRC 107, GRC 109 and GRC 110B or approval of instructor. 
Foundation course that introduces computer systems and applications as they relate to graphic communication for print media. Class will present a project-based overview of vector-draw, image manipulation, page layout and electronic publishing software. Challenge exam is available.

GRC 122B • LETTERFORMS (3.0 credits)
Prerequisite: GRC 107, GRC 109 and GRC 110B or approval of instructor. 
Foundation course on creating and manipulating typographic forms for print and digital media. Introduction to the theories and technologies of letterform communication, design and execution.

GRC 144B • ELECTRONIC LAYOUT AND TYPOGRAPHY (3.0 credits)
Prerequisite: GRC 107, GRC 109 and GRC 110B or approval of instructor. 
Introduction to typography and page layout software. Typographic theory, copy acquisition, proofreading and fundamentals of typographical layout and design.

GRC 156 • COMPUTER ILLUSTRATION (3.0 credits)
Prerequisite: GRC 118 and GRC 122B or approval of instructor. 
An introductory/intermediate class in the creation and execution of designs and illustrations in the digital environment. Class will focus on vector-draw software, including the tools and techniques required to produce professional-level artwork.

GRC 183 • ELECTRONIC IMAGING (3.0 credits)
Prerequisite: GRC 118 and GRC 122B or approval of instructor. 
An intermediate course in the application of graphics software to create pixel based images using industry standard pixels based software. Class will cover digital camera and scanner operation and emphasize image manipulation and optimization processes for pixel images.

GRC 198B • SPECIAL TOPICS IN GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS (0.5-6.0 credits)
Prerequisite: Dependent upon class offering. 
Various short courses and experimental classes covering a variety of subjects. The class will be a variable credit of one-half to six credits depending upon class content and number of hours required. The course may be repeated for up to six credits.

GRC 244B • ELECTRONIC LAYOUT AND TYPOGRAPHY II (3.0 credits)
Prerequisite: GRC 144, 156 and 183, or approval of instructor. 
Advanced studio covering typography, graphic design and advertising theories and techniques for print media. Class will focus on creativity and the creative process and how these principles affect communication of ideas. Topics include image/copy interaction, production techniques and the use of type in complex compositions as well as multipage documents.

GRC 256B • COMPUTER ILLUSTRATION II (3.0 credits)
Prerequisite: GRC 156 and 183, or approval of instructor. 
An intermediate/advanced class in the creation and execution of designs and illustrations in the electronic environment. Class will focus on vector-draw software and more advanced principles of design to produce artwork for print and digital media.

GRC 283B • ELECTRONIC IMAGING II (3.0 credits)
Prerequisite: GRC 156 and 183, or approval of instructor. 
An advanced course in the application of graphics software to create pixel based imagery using industry standard pixel based software. Class will cover advanced image manipulation and optimization processes for pixel images as well as simple based animation and video manipulation.

GRC 290B • INTERNSHIP IN GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS (1.0-8.0 credits)
Supervised work experience with a selected graphic communications business, dependent upon students selected major emphasis. Course is designed to apply knowledge to real on-the-job situations in a program designed by a company official and a faculty advisor. Available to students entering their last semester of instruction for the GRC associates degree. Contact the department advisor for application, screening and required skills evaluation. 75 hours on the job per credit.

GRC 294B • PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO (1.0-3.0 credits)
Prerequisite: Minimum 21 credits of GRC/DGM classes or approval of instructor. 
Development of a portfolio for employment in the graphic communications or digital media or transfer to a four-year program. Class will deal with the professional and legal requirements of working in the graphic communications or digital media industry.

GRC 298B • SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS (0.5-6.0 credits)
Prerequisite: Dependent upon class offering. 
Selected advanced topics and workshops relating to specific areas of graphic communications. The class will be a variable credit of one-half to six credits depending upon class content and number of hours required.

GRC 299B • INDEPENDENT STUDY (1.0-2.0 credits)
Prerequisite: Approval of instructor. 
This course is designed for advanced students to pursue work in a specific area of graphic communications. Students must submit a written proposal which becomes a contract for the course of study. Students must meet with a faculty advisor on a regular basis.