Course Descriptions: Desktop and Web Publishing

GCA 166 Introduction to the Visual Arts

GCA 224 Drawing and Painting I

GCA 225 Drawing and Painting II

GCA 226 Fundamentals of Art and Design

GCD 111 History of Graphic Design (also offered as GHS 111) (Annual)

Historical overview of graphic design using publications, reference material, audio and visual media, as well as field trips to museums and places pertinent to course content. Through historic example, this lecture format course provides a thorough visual and conceptual background of visual communication in graphic design. The handling of word and image has a diverse and fascinating history; this class provides an overview to that investigation. In addition to the lectures, research projects are assigned.

3 credits

GCD 130 Survey of PC Applications (Fall, Spring)

This course includes an introduction to microcomputer systems, the use of a graphical user interface and peripheral devices, operating system, the study of document production applications, electronic spreadsheets and database programs, graphic and presentation applications. Software will be updated to reflect current popular applications used in the business world. Outside lab time is required for class assignments.

4 credits

GCD 150 Foundations of Design I (Fall, Spring)

In this course, students are taught the basics of two-dimensional design as related to graphic design and desktop publishing. The basic vocabulary of visual form is taught, and materials and board skills necessary for these projects are explored. The development of students’ visual creative skills will be emphasized. The course requires students to produce projects which reflect their understanding of the concepts and skills taught.

Co-requisite: GCD 130. 3 credits

GCD 155 Foundations of Design II (Fall, Spring)

In this course, the student’s knowledge of basic design is extended into the area of graphic communication and typography in order to develop a framework on which to do professional desktop publishing. The course explores the following concepts: visual form as communication; the relationship of content and visual form; typography as a visual form; basic technical typography; a brief history of graphic communication and typography; and a working methodology for problem solving. Students will work in a studio classroom setting, and will maintain a notebook for required research. The course requires students to produce projects which reflect their understanding of the concepts and skills taught.

Prerequisite: GCD 150. 3 credits

GCD 221 Photography (Annual)

This course uses camera and photographic processes as vehicles for artistic expression, perceptual discovery and design, and explores traditional and experimental use of photographic processes. Students provide their own cameras and basic materials.

3 credits

GCD 230 Electronic Desktop Publishing I (Fall, Spring)

This course introduces students to the principles of desktop publishing, graphic design, page layout, and typography. The relationship of typography to pictures and graphics in a full-color environment is explored through the assignment of various projects. Output requirements and the correct preparation of files are discussed. Good design and appropriate solutions are emphasized, with students presenting their work at the end of the semester. Software will be adjusted to reflect the constantly changing technologies.

Prerequisite: GCD 130. Co-requisite: GCD 155. 3 credits

GCD 231 Electronic Desktop Publishing II (Fall, Spring)

Students build upon previous knowledge of software by designing material for a business or advertising environment, including stationery, business cards, corporate identity, logos, and brochures. The course is conducted as a workshop/lab; topics covered include scanning, color separation, and setting up files for pre-press. Students are required to complete projects and to meet class deadlines. Lab time is necessary for class assignments. Students present their work during class critiques. Software will be adjusted to reflect the constantly changing technologies.

Prerequisite: GCD 230. 3 credits

GCD 235 Computer Graphic Design I (formerly GCD 165) (Fall, Spring)

This course introduces students to a vector-based software to create illustrations, use typographic design principles, create logos, and incorporate images with graphics. The focus is on understanding the use of the Adobe Illustrator software as an illustration tool and beginning to develop original ideas. Design principles, use of color, and composition are emphasized. Lab time is necessary for class assignments. Students present their work at the end of the semester. Software will be adjusted to reflect the constantly changing technologies.

Prerequisites: GCD 130 and GCD 150. 3 credits

GCD 236 Computer Graphic Design II (formerly GCD 166) (Fall, Spring)

This course introduces students to working with pictures in an electronic environment through the use of Adobe Photoshop. Digital imagery, color correction, scanning and manipulating images are explored, as well as using type as a graphic force in design. Students work on various projects that assimilate "real world" design for advertising and publicity. Preparing images for the Web and basic web image principles are introduced. Lab time is necessary for class assignments. Students will present their work at the end of the semester. Software will be adjusted to reflect the constantly changing technologies available.

Prerequisite: GCD 235. 3 credits

GCD 262 Electronic Desktop Publishing III (Fall, Spring)

Page layout implementing images and illustrations into a multi-page document is the theme of this course. Explanation of pre-press, preparing images for output, and use of crop marks, bleeds, and color separation are discussed. Students are expected to work independently on projects and to meet in class. Lab time is necessary for class assignments. Students present their work during class critiques. Software will be adjusted to reflect the constantly changing technologies.

Prerequisite: GCD 231. 3 credits

GCD 263 Web Page Design I (Fall, Spring)

Introduction to web design. Students learn basic skills to author and publish hyper-linked documents in HTML on the Internet. Design skills are applied to web-page construction. Desktop publishing software is explored as an alternative in web-page design, along with current web design software such as Macromedia Dreamweaver. Students learn to apply their knowledge of print design and computer software to web design. The course assumes basic competency in the following programs: Quark Xpress, Illustrator, and Photoshop. Lab time outside of class is necessary for class assignments.

Prerequisites: GCD 231 and GCD 236. 3 credits

GCD 264 Web Page Design II (Fall, Spring)

Students design a website integrating text, graphics, and interactivity. Website planning, navigation, site and graphic design, and digital imaging for the Web. Previous knowledge of web page design software is required. Software used includes Dreamweaver, Flash, and Photoshop.

Prerequisite: GCD 263. 3 credits

GCD 267 Computer Graphic Design III (Fall, Spring)

In this course, in a lab/workshop environment, students gain understanding and skill in using the advanced tools and palettes of Photoshop in order to create, correct, and manipulate images. Emphasis is placed on developing visual literacy in color and image manipulation. Adobe Illustrator is also used as a complement to various techniques used in Photoshop. The development of the sequential thinking required to do advanced work is stressed. Lab time is necessary for class assignments. Students present their work at the end of the semester. Software will be adjusted to reflect the constantly changing technologies.

Prerequisite: GCD 236. 3 credits

GCD 290 Publication Portfolio & Review (Fall, Spring)

Students create various forms of elaborate page layouts, complex logos, financial charts, graphs and reports on a presentation level for future job interviews. Utilizing all previous core course software, students prepare pre-press work so that it is ready to go to print, and learn effective mounting and matting. Students present an entire portfolio at an end-of-semester group show. Lab time is required for class assignments. Software will be adjusted to reflect the constantly changing technologies.

Prerequisites: GCD 262 and GCD 267. 3 credits

GCD 302 Web Design III (formerly GCD 300 Multimedia Design I) (Fall, Spring)

This course in advanced website design covers topics such as client interaction, case studies, marketing strategies for website design, navigation design, team projects, project planning and user testing. Students are required to create at least one fully-functional website. Advanced techniques using web software are covered.

Prerequisite: GCD 264. 3 credits

GCD 303 Multimedia Design (formerly GCO 301, Multimedia Design II) (Fall, Spring)

Students create animations and interactive QuickTime movies, CDs and DVDs using multimedia software. Software will be adjusted to reflect the constantly changing technologies.

Prerequisite: GCD 302. 3 credits

GCD 320 Information Design (Annual)

The visual display and interpretation of quantitative information are increasingly critical in the information age. This course is concerned with the graphic designer’s contribution to the handling of complex quantitative data both in printed designs and on the Web.

Prerequisite: GCD 263. 3 credits

GCD 335 Advanced Design Studio (Fall, Spring)

This course thoroughly acquaints students with traditional design skills necessary for the creation of professional-level designs. Emphasis is placed on mechanical techniques, conceptual thinking, and expanding the student’s visual vocabulary. Thumbnails, roughs, and mechanical layouts are taught, including the use of typography, hand lettering, color usage, audience research and targeting, and copy writing.

Prerequisites: GCD 262 and GCD 267. 3 credits

GCD 357 Computer Illustration (Annual)

In this course, students use a vector-based computer drawing program, Adobe Illustrator, as a visual thinking tool, with experimental approaches to a variety of applied illustration problems. The focus is on conceptualizing and executing illustrative designs appropriate to a number of markets (advertising, editorial, informational). Students are encouraged to use innovation while honing skills in conceptualization, technique, design and presentation of computer illustrations, and to understand how to use source material as the basis for computer illustration. Projects completed in this course add an important dimension to the student designer’s portfolio.

Prerequisites: GCD 235. 3 credits

GCD 360 Video Production Studio (Annual)

An introduction to digital video. Students create projects using Adobe Premiere and Adobe After-Effects to compose multilayered videos for DV and VHS tape. Sound editing, transfer of analog to digital, and streaming media are covered, while pre-production planning and storyboarding are stressed.

Prerequisite: GCD 302 or departmental approval. 3 credits

GCD 420 Authoring Languages (Fall, Spring)

Introduction to programming languages for interactive digital media. Each semester offering is devoted to a specific language. This course may include Java script and other interactive programming languages. Intended only for those who are already fluent in at least one programming language.

Prerequisites: GCO 230 or GCO 272 or GCO 222, or a second-level programming course or equivalent. 3 credits

GCD 480 Senior Project (Annual)

An advanced studio course devoted to individual portfolio-quality projects. Students choose one field of design in which to concentrate in developing a portfolio project for the semester. Focus may be in such areas as multimedia design and website print design (advertising, corporate, information, etc.)

Prerequisite: Departmental approval. 3 credits

GCD 490 Senior Portfolio (Annual)

Students design professional-level pieces such as complex page layouts and spreads, logos, book cover designs, package designs, and illustrations, and prepare pre-press work so that it is ready for print. Effective resumes and how to prepare for job interviews, as well as job searches, are discussed. Students present finished portfolios to members of the faculty in the Desktop and Web Publishing department for evaluation at the end of the semester. Presentation skills such as mounting and matting work are included. Lab time is required for class assignments.

Prerequisites: Senior status and departmental approval. 3 credits

GCD 498 Internship in Desktop and Web Publishing (Fall, Spring)

Internships provide students with practical, hands-on experience to complement their coursework. Through the Office of Career and Job Placement at Touro, students are assigned an internship position in which they perform as members of a design team in a desktop or web-based environment. Weekly logs and design work are required for internships, and are reviewed by members of the Desktop and Web Publishing department at the completion of the internship.

Prerequisite: GCD 302. 3 credits