These courses are the foundation of our program of study. Most are prerequisites to advanced courses. As a new student, you should take these courses before any others. If you believe you already have these skills, follow the department prerequisite policy. See below for non-credit courses.
DSGN 101 – Design Fundamentals
A multidisciplinary collaborative design course covering the theories, processes, vocabulary, techniques and skills common to design disciplines. Equivalent to MMSP125 which focuses specifically on web design.
GRPH 23 – Orientation to Design & Graphic Communications
Survey class acquainting students with areas of study and employment in graphic design, illustration, industrial design, prepress and print production. Equivalent to
MMSP 110 which focuses on careers in the multimedia industry.
GRPH 25 – Digital Skills for Visual Media
Introductory Macintosh computer class – hardware and operating system software, networks, type and text formatting, raster and vector graphics, time-based media, layout for print and web, and best professional practices. Software covered includes Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Flash, Dreamweaver and HTML.
GRPH 27 – Survey of Print Production
Practical, hands-on course covering the print production process: copy preparation, paste-up, camera, film assembly and press operation. (Not required for multimedia students).
Graphic Communications Courses
These courses deliver the theory, skills and practical experiences required in our program. Multimedia courses are listed below. Please pay attention to the pre/corequisites.
GRPH 35 – Graphic Design
Introduction to design for visual communications. Design Fundamentals, basic typography and design process explored. Practical exercises and assignments.
GRPH 36 – Intermediate Graphic Design
Continued study of conceptual development, iterative design process, typography and layout for graphic design.
GRPH 37 – Advanced Graphic Design
An advanced design class focusing on the development of
a personal voice and conceptual approach to design thinking. Design process is emphasized.
GRPH 40 – Digital Printing / Publishing
Introduction to digital printing using a Xerox Production Nuvera 120 printing system. Production concepts and practices including job programming, workflow and navigation, file management and customer service.
GRPH 53A – Basic Typography
Beginning typography with a study of the terminology, classification, history and use of type in communications. Practical exercises and assignments.
GRPH 53B – Typographic Design
Continued study of typography with an emphasis on developing an awareness of typographic form and structure. Practical exercises and creative projects.
GRPH 60 – Product Finishing
Practical hands-on course in bindery including folding, drilling and stitching machine. Paper cutting, bindery methods and sheet estimating will be studied.
GRPH 68 – Design Studio Practicum
In-house design & production internship in Emerge Studio for the development of advanced skills. Class is repeatable up to three times.
GRPH 78 – Digital Scanning / Correction
Study of digital input and output using desktop scanners, Adobe Photoshop and imagesetters. Grayscale and color image correction will be covered.
GRPH 92A – Letterpress Printing
A hands-on course in letterpress printing. Course covers handset metal type, printing on the Vandercook and Chandler & Price presses, bookmaking and more.
GRPH 98A – Beginning Adobe Photoshop
An introductory hands-on course in digital imaging using the program Adobe Photoshop.
GRPH 98B – Advanced Adobe Photoshop
Advanced hands-on course in digital imaging using the program Adobe Photoshop as a creative tool.
GRPH 100A – Beginning Adobe Illustrator
Introduction to the program Adobe Illustrator and its use in graphic design and illustration.
GRPH 100B – Advanced Adobe Illustrator
Advanced class in digital illustration, focusing on the development of illustration skills.
GRPH 101A – Beginning Adobe InDesign
Introduction to Adobe InDesign for page layout: basic typesetting, introduction to styles and master pages, importing graphics, preparing jobs for print.
GRPH 101B – Advanced Adobe InDesign
Continued study and use of Adobe InDesign. Advanced typesetting; tables; complex documents; grid development and usage; transparency; and interactivity are covered.
GRPH 110A – Beginning Digital Illustration
This course covers techniques in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator for illustrators. While gaining technical knowledge, students will begin to explore stylistic options and build a body of work. Sketching and other techniques for developing concepts are also covered.
GRPH 112 – Digital Illustration for Fashion
This course covers techniques in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator for fashion designers.
GRPH 140– Graphic Design for Web
The design process for interactive media: information design, content/structure relationships, interface design and navigation, and presentation design issues. The design and production of a prototype for a simple interactive project.
GRPH 147 – Adobe Acrobat
Use of Adobe Acrobat to create pdf files for viewing and printing from any computer. Introduces the broad range of features from permissions to file creation, transmission and interactivity.
GRPH 149 – Portfolio Development
This course will assist advanced students in the conceptualization and development of a portfolio for employment or other uses. Topics covered include portfolio design strategies, format options, editing and sequencing, production and presentation for print and interactive media projects.
GRPH 153 – Book Structures, Boxes & Binding
A historical overview of contemporary book design & production techniques for portfolio use. Topics include contemporary book design and box structures.
GRPH 197 – Graphic Design Exp/Internship &
GRPH 198 – Production Art Work Exp/Internship
Application of graphic design skills (197) or application of production art skills (198) — proficiency development in a supervised work environment.
GRPH 199 – Print Production Work Exp/Internship
of print production skills and proficiency development in a supervised work environment.
The Multimedia Studies Program prepares students for entry-level employment in the multimedia industry. Created as a cooperative effort by many discimplines, the program offers instruction in the deisgn, development, tools, techniques, and production of computer-based interactive multimedia. Teamwork is emphasized, reflecting the interdisciplinary work environment of the multimedia industry.
MMSP 110 – Orientation to Multimedia Careers
survey class focused on the various opportunities for employment in the multimedia industry.
MMSP 125 – Multimedia Content and Form
Analysis of function and importance of visual elements and design principles in multimedia products.
MMSP 130 – Multimedia Process and Production
Overview of multimedia development, planning, and production.
MMSP 131 – Social Media For Professionals
course teaches students how to use online social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube to develop, integrate and leverage online social networks. Students learn how to set up a professional media campaign as they engage clients with these tools. Students also critique current social media practices.
MMSP 135A – Web Design with Dreamweaver
Beginning website production using Adobe Dreamweaver.
MMSP 135B – Advanced Web with Dreamweaver
Overview of advanced multimedia production for the Web using Dreamweaver. Topics include static versus dynamic websites, database-driven websites, creating and styling dynamic web pages, and standards-based web production.
MMSP 140 – Flash Essentials
This class covers the essential features of Adobe Flash, including drawing, animation, sound and interactivity using beginning ActionScript 3.0.
MMSP 145 – Storytelling and Storyboarding
Generation and development of content for multimedia that references traditional and digital storyboarding.
MMSP 146 – 2D Animation with Flash
An introduction to techniques used in animation using Adobe Flash.
MMSP 147 – 3D Imaging with 3D Studio Max
An introduction to techniques used in 3D modeling and imaging using 3D Studio Max.
GAME 100 – Exploring Game Worlds
An introduction to the history and status of interactive games. Students examine games as an art form and as part of an ever-growing industry. Includes an introduction to the career opportunities in the game industry. Students will learn how individual games are made, distributed and sold.
GAME 130 – Game Production Workflow
This course develops fundamental skills in production and project management for interactive games. Students will explore the process of game production through designing, scheduling and creating an original playable prototype in a 3D game engine. Students will design independently and as part of a team.
Design Collaborative Courses
Design Collaborative classes offer students a unique experience in design education. Our multidisciplinary approach is geared towards students interested in exploring many creative fields and solving design problems through multiple perspectives. Students will gain collaborative skills that will help distinguish them in today's highly competative workforce and increase their ability to be successful in the evolving marketplace of art and design.
DSGN 105 – Survey of Collaborative Design
A survey of influences and forces throughout history that drive change in design. Focus will be given to how collaborative processes lead to change. Students will research, analyze, and discuss design case studies.
DSGN 110 – Rapid Visualization
A free hand drawing course for the development of Visual thinking, covering processes, skills and techniques for the rapid visualization of design ideas. Practical application through individual and group exercise and projects.
Non-Credit Courses