Graphic Design & Printing Course Descriptions
LART2120 Digital Photography (3 Credits)
This course is the digital compliment to Introduction to 35mm Photography (LART2100). It covers differences between film and digital cameras, the benefits and pitfalls of taking digital photographs, how to move your images from camera to computer, to a printer, or the web. Students will also learn how to use photographic techniques such as lighting and composition, and how to use the cameras automatic and manual settings. Finally, the student will produce a PowerPoint presentation using all of the skills they have learned. (Prerequisite: LART2100 or Permission of Instructor)
LGRA1340 Typography and Layout with Adobe® InDesign® (3 Credits)
A study of typography and type, its form, anatomy, races, design and measurement. A focused study of digital typesetting and Adobe® InDesign® essentials; working with documents, text, pictures, type, color, page elements and printing. Tutorials, lab exercises and hands-on projects will be assigned.
LGRA1350 Introduction to Graphic Design with Adobe® Illustrator® (3 Credits)This course introduces the student to graphic design: proportion, balance, sequence, emphasis (contrast), unity and color theory. The student will use creative thinking and experimentation to solve visual communication problems. Adobe® Illustrator® is introduced through tutorials, theory classes, demonstrations and hands-on projects. (Prerequisite: LGRA1340 or Permission of Instructor)
LGRA1460 Imaging for Graphic Design (3 Credits)
Using Adobe® Photoshop® , students will learn to produce and edit artwork for reproduction in various forms of print media. The course focuses on image acquisition and manipulation, color space, spot vs. process color, resolution requirements, trapping, printing templates such as die-cutting and folding, font issues, file formats and management, and common workflow.
LGRA1480 Introduction to Profiling/Prepress (3 Credits)
This course is a necessity to control and predict proper color reproduction in print media. Using color management software, students will design profiles for the scanner, camera, monitor, printers and presses, by calibrating output samples. Calibrations will be obtained for the different types of ink we offer, combined with different substrates, plates, and presses.
LGRA1530 Introduction to Printing and Bindery (3 Credits)
Pressroom and bindery department safety, history of graphic communications and printing, printing and bindery terminology, and major printing processes of today will be studied. The course introduces students to the operation and adjustments of specific bindery equipment. Hands-on lab work with basic stripping, plating and offset duplicators will be covered, as well as tasks assigned on bindery equipment.
LGRA1540 Lithography Fundamentals (3 Credits)
Offset press safety, anatomy, operating sequence, theory and practice of ink/water balance, continuous dampening systems and registration will be covered. Students are introduced to new specific bindery equipment and its safety. Students will produce a multi-color product which will provide lab experience. Fundamentals of paper and ink, such as manufacturing, storing, ordering, and important respective characteristics of each will also be studied.
LGRA1650 Survey of Graphic Arts Fundamentals (3 Credits)
An orientation/study of topics related to the Graphic Arts industry. Studies will pertain to learning about the purpose, needs, structure and vastness of this industry, career opportunities, elements of type, elements of design, the various products of the industry, major printing processes, and when used, offset printing and bindery equipment. Selected hands-on projects will be part of this course.
LGRA1760 Cooperative/Internship Education (3 Credits)
Provides the opportunity for the student to utilize learned course competencies in a real-life setting. A supplemental laboratory experience on an extensive array of equipment and processes may be provided. Resume, cover letter, weekly journal, and employer evaluation are required. Student needs to work ####### hours in a Graphic Design and Printing Technology job-related environment. Cumulative GPA 2.0 minimum required.
LGRA1900 Production and Estimating I (3 Credits)
Emphasis on the business philosophies and operations of small to large graphic design/printing establishments are covered including production planning, scheduling, new technology and processes, budgeted hourly rates, and production standards used today in the graphic design/printing industry.
LGRA2230 Graphic Design I (3 Credits)
A focused study of graphic design including; but not limited to, logo design, business package design and advertising design. The student will be given the opportunity to work on a project of their choice. Pre-flighting and digital mechanicals will be addressed. Adobe® Illustrator® and Adobe® InDesign® will be explored. (Prerequisite: LGRA1350 or Permission of Instructor)
LGRA2240 Publication Design (3 Credits)
Students will learn publication design theory, which they demonstrate through the integration of Adobe® Photoshop®, Adobe® Illustrator®, and Adobe® InDesign® to produce a unique magazine. Advanced typesetting and computer techniques will be addressed. (Prerequisite: LGRA1340 and LGRA1460)
LGRA2520 Press Materials and Mechanics (6 Credits)
The properties and use of lithographic plates, fountain solutions and additives, blankets, spray powder and drying units are examined. The mechanics of image transfer in the offset printing unit will be studied. Lab experience in preventive maintenance, maintenance issues, and scheduling of offset presses will take place. using operator’s and parts breakdown manuals. Roller and cylinder pressures will be studied and adjusted for proper operation of given offset presses using a micrometer. Ordering parts from vendors and after-market establishments will be explained. Options in service contracts will be studied. (Prerequisite: LGRA1540)
LGRA2653 Independent Study with Lab (3 Credits)
Students in an independent study option will engage in learning about a topic of special interest and/or need. This course has a 48-hour lab requirement. A written report on the topic of the independent study is required. (Prerequisite: Approval of advisor and department chair)
LGRA2660 Independent Study (3 Credits)
Students in an independent study option will engage in learning about a topic of special interest and/or need. A written report on the topic of the independent study is required. (Prerequisite: Approval of advisor and department chair)
LGRA2710 Screen Process Printing (3 Credits)
This course introduces the student to commercial screen printing techniques. Areas of emphasis include types of frames, terminology, fabric selection, photo mechanical stencil preparation, fabric stretching techniques, screen printing inks, squeegee selection, and substrates. Projects are selected and designed by each student and must be printed on predetermined substrates. Classroom theory will be supported by lab demonstrations. (Prerequisite: LGRA 1350)
LGRA2900 Production and Estimating II (3 Credits)
A study of the issues related to the planning and costing of composition, artwork, desktop publishing, camera/stripping, paper and ink estimating, sheet-fed and web printing, bindery and finishing, and marketing in the electronic era of today’s graphic design/printing establishments. (Prerequisite: LGRA1900)
LGRA2990 Production (6 Credits)
Comprised of students experiencing and working toward producing real “live jobs”. Students will interact with actual customers, will learn how to fill out Work Order Forms (or Job Ticket), maintain Work Order Logs as well as a Production Status Board, learn how to order paper and figure quantities with spoilage, order various supplies when needed, and maintain paper inventory. Aspects will comprise of pre-press, press and post-press tasks. (Prerequisite: Completion of all level 100 Graphic Design and Printing Technology classes or permission of advisor and department chair).
