Course Descriptions

CD140 Rapid Visualization
4 credit hours
This course is an introduction to the techniques of freehand drawing and its application to technical sketching and design visualization. Exercises include drawing of two- and three-dimensional shapes and objects, spatial thinking and eye-hand coordination in relation to the practice of drafting and design.

GE117 Composition I+
4 credit hours
This course covers phases of the writing process, with special emphasis on the structure of writing and techniques for writing clearly, precisely and persuasively. Prerequisite or Corequisite: TB133 Strategies for the Technical Professional or equivalent

GE127 College Mathematics I+
4 credit hours
This course will include, but is not limited to, the following concepts: quadratic, polynomial and radical equations, linear functions and their graphs, systems of linear equations, functions and their properties and triangles and trigonometric functions. Activities will include solving problems and using appropriate technological tools. Prerequisite: GE184 Problem Solving or TB184 Problem Solving or GE150 Survey of the Sciences or equivalent; Prerequisite or Corequisite: TB133 Strategies for the Technical Professional or equivalent

GE184 Problem Solving+
4 credit hours
This course introduces students to problem solving techniques and helps them apply the tools of critical reading, analytical thinking and mathematics to help solve problems in practical applications.

GE192 College Mathematics II+
4 credit hours
This course will include, but is not limited to, the following concepts: exponential and logarithmic equations and functions, graphs of trigonometric functions, trigonometric equations, polar coordinates, oblique triangles, vectors and sequences. Prerequisite: GE127 College Mathematics I or equivalent

GE217 Composition II+
4 credit hours
This course focuses on appropriate rhetoric structures and styles for analytical and argumentative writing. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, reading skills and elements of research in the information age. Prerequisite: GE117 Composition I or equivalent

GE347 Group Dynamics+
4 credit hours
In this course, students examine elements of successful teams and small decision-making groups. Emphasis is on communication, critical thinking and group process techniques. Prerequisite: GE117 Composition I or equivalent

GE364 Art Appreciation+
4 credit hours
This course is a basic introduction to visual art, focusing primarily on drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and architecture. Students will examine well-known works of art through the study of content, technique, form and purpose.

IT107 Instructional Design
4 credit hours
Students are introduced to the theories and practices of instructional design in relation to the creation of interactive tools for training.

IT212 Broadcast Graphics
4 credit hours
Principles of type design, image manipulation and communication are applied in the creation of models and motion graphics for the broadcast industry. Prerequisites: IT209 3D Modeling or VC210 Modeling in 3D, IT210 Visual Design Theory or VC100 Introduction to Design

IT309 Animation I
4 credit hours
This course is a continuation of the 3D Modeling course. Principles of form topology, visual design and movement are applied in the creation of simple animated sequence. Prerequisites: CD140 Rapid Visualization, CD340 Physical and Computer-Aided 3D Modeling or IT209 3D Modeling or VC210 Modeling in 3D

IT310 Audio/Video Techniques
4 credit hours
Techniques of integrating visual and audio features into an edited multimedia or animated piece are introduced in this course. Students will have opportunities to output projects onto videotape or CD-ROM.

IT311 Animation II
4 credit hours
This course is a continuation of Animation I. Students will be introduced to methods of integrating lighting, texture mapping, rendering and the finer details of motion graphics to create 3D computer animated solutions. Techniques of concept development, story boarding, project planning and script writing will be applied during the creative process of generating a computer-animated sequence. Prerequisite: IT309 Animation I

TB133 Strategies for the Technical Professional+
4 credit hours
The course reviews characteristics and trends of the global information society including basic information processing, Internet research, other skills used by the technical professional and techniques that can be used for independent technical learning.

TB332 Professional Procedures and Portfolio Development+
4 credit hours
Students are required to plan and compile their projects in the form of a portfolio. Instruction on interviewing procedures and writing business communications is also included in this course. Prerequisite: Students must have completed 72 quarter credit hours prior to taking this course

VC100 Introduction to Design
4 credit hours
The fundamental principles of design and color through creative problem solving exercises are covered in this course. Elements of two dimensional form, Gestalt principles, the working relationship between perceptual design principles and communication concepts in the graphic design context will be examined.

VC110 Typography
4 credit hours
This course focuses on principles of printing design and typography. Assignments encompass technical specifications, aesthetics, functionality and meaning in typographic design. Prerequisite: VC100 Introduction to Design

VC130 Digital Type and Image Manipulation
4 credit hours
This course focuses on image manipulation and typography with a focus on utilizing existing images and type to create new and unique compositions in a digital framework. Prerequisite: VC110 Typography

VC210 Modeling in 3D
4 credit hours
Students explore principles of 3-dimensioning and apply them in the creation of 3D computer representations using appropriate modeling software. Emphasis will be placed on creation of accurate models rendered with color, shading, texture mapping and lighting to simulate effects of materials, finishes and surface graphics. Prerequisite: CD140 Rapid Visualization

VC215 Interactive Communication Design
4 credit hours
Students apply design principles to create an interactive software application that is both communicative and intuitive for its user. Prerequisite: VC100 Introduction to Design

VC220 Graphic Design Production Processes
4 credit hours
This course introduces concepts, applications and projects in page composition, document design and color pre-press. Text processing, typesetting, printing formats, color correction, page layout and pagination are also emphasized. Emphasis is placed on workflow production of documents in print. Prerequisite: VC130 Digital Type and Image Manipulation

VC230 Digital Prepress
4 credit hours
This course presents advanced printing production processes and various conventions used in industry. Students are familiarized with the conventions, practices and terminologies used in traditional and computer-based printing processes. Prerequisite: VC220 Graphic Design Production Processes

VC240 Visual Design for the Web
4 credit hours
Using current electronic media technologies, this course focuses on basic Web site design and development with emphasis on the intelligent and aesthetically cogent incorporation of still images and type. Prerequisites: VC215 Interactive Communication Design, VC220 Graphic Design Production Processes

VC250 Design Project
4 credit hours
The Design Project course provides an independent learning experience directed towards the completion of a graphic design project from start to finish. Project will require prior approval by the instructor. Prerequisites: Completion of a minimum of 80 credits earned in the program of study including IT311 Animation II or equivalent and VC230 Digital Prepress or equivalent