Visual Communication Course Descriptions
COM 1000 Beginning HTML Syllabi
3 Credits 3 Class Hours
A beginning course in HTML, providing instruction in creating Web pages. Students will learn to
write HTML code by hand using a basic text editor. Topics include using HTML tags to format headings and text, to display images, and to create lists, links, tables, frames, and forms. Prerequisites: DSPR 0700, DSPW 0700, and basic computer and Web navigation skills
COM 1010 Basic Web Design Syllabi
3 Credits 3 Class Hours
Presents the principles for planning and designing attractive and informative Web pages and Web sites. Explores the factors that affect Web layout and design, such as browser choice, screen resolution, navigation, connection speed, typography, graphics, and color. Prerequisites: DSPW 0700, DSPR 0700, basic computer and Web navigation skills
COM 1020 Basic Web Graphics Syllabi
3 Credits 3 Class Hours
An introductory class using a graphics program, scanner, and other digital devices to create and edit graphic images for Web pages. Projects will be included to allow students to demonstrate mastery of the use of a graphics program. This course is taught using Photoshop¨. Prerequisite: COM 1000
COM 1040 Presentation Media Syllabi
3 Credits 3 Class Hours
An introduction to the development of effective visual presentations and slide shows in the digital environment using Keynote¨ and other applications. Prerequisites: DSPW 0700 and DSPR 0700, Basic computer skills (see special requirements)
COM 1111 Graphic Processes Syllabi
3 Credits 2 Class Hours, 2 Lab Hours
Acquaints the beginning student with graphic arts processes, techniques, and terminology. Topics in color, paper stocks, production workflows, printing operations, safety, and bindery systems are presented. Projects acquaint students with the use of design tools and techniques. Prerequisites: DSPW 0700 and DSPR 0700
COM 1120 Visual Communications Business Syllabi
3 Credits 3 Class Hours
Explores the relevant ethical and legal implications of the normal activities and transactions in the visual communications workplace. Specific topics include organizational structures, careers, job sheets, time sheets, estimates, usage agreements, and copyright. Prerequisites: DSPW 0700 and DSPR 0700
COM 1140 Design Fundamentals Syllabi
3 Credits 3 Class Hours
Topics include the principles and elements of design, basic drawing and media techniques and the design/creative processes for visual communications.
COM 1150 Type Concepts Syllabi
3 Credits 3 Class Hours
Topics include typestyles, terminology, type specifications, measurement, and type as a design element for visual communications. Prerequisites: DSPW 0700 and DSPR 0700
COM 1170 Imaging Technologies Syllabi
3 Credits 3 Class Hours
A course that introduces students to current industry standards of digital file preparation for reproduction. Topics include terminology, digital fonts, file formats, scanning, and desktop systems. Prerequisites: DSPW 0700 and DSPR 0700, Basic computer skills (see special requirements)
COM 1190 Basic Digital Photography Syllabi
3 Credits 3 Class Hours
An introduction to basic digital photography focusing on skills useful for a graphic designer. Topics include basic operation of a digital camera, composition, camera controls, exposure, and basic image enhancement for creative use.
COM 1210 Electronic Media I Syllabi
3 Credits 3 Class Hours
An introduction to the Macintosh¨ computer environment and operating system for desktop publishing. Topics include the use of word processing, database, spreadsheet, drawing, and painting components of an office software package. Prerequisite: Basic typing skills (see special requirements)
COM 1220 Graphic Design II Syllabi
3 Credits 2 Class Hours, 2 Lab Hours
Topics include the creative aspects of the design and production of applied art for visual communications, stressing the importance of concept, type, and graphics in practical project applications. Prerequisites: COM 1140, COM 2120, COM 1230 and COM 2210
COM 1230 Digital Imaging I Syllabi
3 Credits 2 Class Hours, 2 Lab Hours
An introduction to basic digital imaging using Adobe Photoshop¨. Topics include navigation of the interface, the tools, using layers, adjustment layers, layer styles, filters, creating and manipulating selections, masking principles, cropping, image size and resolution, and image compositing of raster images. Prerequisite: Basic computer skills
(see special requirements)
COM 1300 Site Building I - Dreamweaver® Syllabi
3 Credits 3 Class Hours
An introduction to Adobe DreamWeaver® software as a tool for the construction and maintenance of Web sites. Prerequisite: COM 1000
COM 1305 Multimedia I - Flash® Syllabi
3 Credits 3 Class Hours
An introduction to Adobe Flash® software. Topics include the integration of graphics, text, audio and video into animated and interactive Web presentations. Prerequisites: COM 1000, COM 1170
COM 2010 Digital Video Editing I Syllabi
3 Credits 3 Class Hours
An introduction to Apple Final Cut Pro® software. Teaches digital video techniques for post-production. Emphasis on editing and integrating special effects for video, CD-ROM and the Web. Prerequisites: Basic computer skills (see special requirements)
COM 2020 Storyboarding/Script Writing Syllabi
3 Credits 3 Class Hours
Introduction to basic terminology, tools and media. Teaches the development of thumbnails, storyboards, scripts, and other conceptual presentation processes used in pre-production. Prerequisite: ENGL 1010
COM 2030 Digital Video Editing II Syllabi
3 Credits 3 Class Hours
Continuation of digital video techniques for post-production using Apple Final Cut Pro¨ software. Emphasis on integration of special effects for video, CD-ROM and the Web. Prerequisite: COM 2010
COM 2120 Electronic Publishing I Syllabi
3 Credits 3 Class Hours
An introduction to page layout software using QuarkXPress¨. Topics include: page set-up, the use of text boxes, manipulation of text using basic typographic etiquette, and the use
of picture boxes in a variety of print documents. Prerequisites: Basic computer skills (see special requirements)
COM 2130 Electronic Publishing II Syllabi
3 Credits 3 Class Hours
A continuation of COM 2120. Topics include: use of style sheets and master pages, manipulation of text and images, and production of various print materials including a newsletter. Prerequisite: COM 2120
COM 2170 Portfolio Syllabi
3 Credits 2 Class Hours, 2 Lab Hours
Topics include portfolio preparation, resume development, job interview skills, and portfolio review by industry professionals. Prerequisites: COM 1170, COM 1220, COM 1230, COM 2130, and COM 2210
COM 2210 Electronic Illustration I Syllabi
3 Credits 3 Class Hours
An introduction to executing vector-based illustrations using Adobe Illustrator¨. Topics include navigation of the interface, the tools, drawing and manipulating basic objects, creating and manipulating type, drawing with the pen tool, applying color, using layers, and transformation and pathfinder techniques. Prerequisite: Basic computer skills (see special requirements)
COM 2220 Practicum Syllabi
3 Credits 2 Class Hours, 2 Lab Hours
Topics include the design and execution of a variety of electronic publishing projects utilizing graphic design, computer-based drawing, digital imaging techniques, working with a client, and job-based work production skills. Prerequisite: COM 1170, COM 1220, COM 1230, COM 2130
COM 2240 Digital Imaging II-Photography Syllabi
3 Credits 3 Class Hours
A continuation of COM 1230 using Adobe Photoshop®. Topics include manipulation of photographic images in a digital format, digital asset management, digital workflow, cropping, tone and color correction, selection techniques, masking, colorization, image enhancement, and sharpening techniques. Prerequisite: COM 1230 or program permission
COM 2250 Digital Imaging II-Design Syllabi
3 Credits 3 Class Hours
A continuation of COM 1230 using Adobe Photoshop®. Topics include drawing with shape layers, creating custom brushes and patterns, advanced selecting and masking techniques, learning and utilizing photographic and illustrative techniques to execute projects appropriate for the graphic design industry. Prerequisite: COM 1230 or program permission
COM 2270 Electronic Illustration II Syllabi
3 Credits 3 Class Hours
A continuation of COM 2210 using Adobe Illustrator®. Topics include logo re-creation, perspective and dimensional techniques, creating custom brushes, patterns, fills, the execution of complex vector objects, and the execution of a variety of design projects utilizing these techniques. Prerequisite: COM 2210 or program permission
COM 2280 Illustration with Painter® Syllabi
3 Credits 3 Class Hours
An introduction to digital illustration and painting techniques using Corel Painter®. Topics include navigation of the interface, the tools, using brushes, and layers. Different styles of illustration and turning photographs into art are covered. Prerequisite: COM 1230
COM 2300 Site Building II-Dreamweaver® Syllabi
3 Credits 3 Class Hours
Advanced topics in using Adobe Dreamweaver® software as a tool for the construction and maintenance of Web sites. Prerequisite: COM 1300
COM 2305 Multimedia II - Flash® Syllabi
3 Credits 3 Class Hours
Advanced topics in creating interactive Web presentations. Topics include the creation of user interfaces, using external data sources, and advanced ActionScript using Adobe Flash® software. Prerequisite: COM 1305
COM 2700 Capstone - Multimedia Syllabi
3 Credits 3 Class Hours
Provides opportunities to apply and incorporate skills learned from preceding courses in a Final Project. Emphasis is on problem solving and professional standards. Prerequisite: Instructor permission
COM 2800 Capstone - Web Design Syllabi
3 Credits 3 Class Hours
Provides opportunities to apply and incorporate skills learned from preceding courses in a Final Project. Emphasis is on problem solving and professional standards. Prerequisite: Instructor permission
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