Visual Communications Art and Design (VCA)

Explores the use of type as a major design element to solve visual communication problems. Includes computer drawing application, pencils, and markers to manipulate type forms creatively and produce interesting, attractive type-only designs. Lecture: 3 credits (45 contact hours).

Explores the visual dynamics of color as it relates to graphic design, including the basic characteristics of color: hue, value, and saturation. Explores perception and psychology of color, color harmonies, schemes using color wheels, and color modes. Lecture: 3 credits (45 contact hours).

Introduces the skills and techniques to capture and process digital photographs. Emphasizes basic digital camera operations, exposure, composition, and lighting techniques. Includes proper techniques to import and organize photographs. Includes discussions on appropriate resolutions and file formats. Integrated Lecture: 1 credit (15 contact hours). Integrated Laboratory: 2 credits (75 contact hours).

Explores advanced skills and techniques to capture digital photographs using various camera functions, exposure, lenses, and lighting. Explores proper presentation skills for professional photography displays. Explores Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom to edit photographs, Camera RAW shooting, and creating interesting compositions. Integrated Lecture: 1 credit (15 contact hours). Integrated Laboratory: 2 credits (75 contact hours).

Develops skills in visualization and illustration techniques as they apply to advertising and graphic design. Emphasizes visual interpretation of narrative textual information such as a story, poem, magazine article, editorials, advertising, and books. Uses a variety of media including traditional media and digital media to create professional illustrations. Integrated Lecture: 2 credits (30 contact hours). Integrated Laboratory: 1 credit (30 contact hours).

Teaches the use of 35 mm Digital SLR cameras, digital printers, and digital photography technology in relation to black & white photography and color photography. Includes basic photographic methods and skills in digital image capture, digital image manipulation, digital image printing, and presentation of photographs. Integrated Lecture: 2 credits (30 contact hours). Integrated Laboratory: 1 credit (30 contact hours).

Continues the study of the 35mm Digital SLR camera as it relates to commercial art primarily in a studio setting. Introduces the student to basic studio lighting and techniques for portraiture. Includes problem solving through assigned projects. Integrated Lecture: 2 credits (30 contact hours). Integrated Laboratory: 1 credit (30 contact hours).

Explores basic to intermediate skills in electronic publishing, design layout, type composition, and prepress for printing and publishing applications. Lecture: 2 credits (30 contact hours). Laboratory: 1 credit (30 contact hours).

Introduces the principles and practices of graphic design. Includes terminology and procedures commonly used in graphic design, along with the Macintosh computer system and software used in illustration and graphic design for the print and digital media. Navigation of search engines will be utilized. Integrated Lecture: 2 credits (30 contact hours). Integrated Laboratory: 1 credit (30 contact hours).

Explores basic to intermediate skills in electronic publishing, design layout, type composition, and prepress for printing and publishing applications. Integrated Lecture: 2 credits (30 contact hours). Integrated Laboratory: 1 credit (30 contact hours).

Applies principles and techniques with emphasis on digital color photographic illustrations captured in the studio. Begins use of lens perspective controls on the 35mm digital view camera. Includes problem solving through assigned projects. Integrated Lecture: 2 credits (30 contact hours). Integrated Laboratory: 1 credit (30 contact hours).

Emphasizes color photography, lighting, and color management of photographic projects inside the studio and on location. Guidance in portfolio development as well as exploration of business practices in photography. Integrated Lecture: 2 credits (30 contact hours). Integrated Laboratory: 1 credit (30 contact hours).

Creates and develops a total corporate identity emphasizing relationships between adequate research and development of appropriate concepts for a company image. Integrated Lecture: 2 credits (30 contact hours). Integrated Laboratory: 1 credit (30 contact hours).

Explores and reviews the role of advertising in the marketing mix, and the function of major media forms. Uses a creative brief process to research, create, and design promotional concepts that meet assignment specifications. Explores legal strategies involved in advertising. Integrated Lecture: 2 credits (30 contact hours). Integrated Laboratory: 1 credit (30 contact hours).

Introduces students to proper assembly of a professional portfolio and presentation skills. Gives students the opportunity to refine work created in previous classes, identify strengths and weaknesses in their work, create a self-promotional package, attend mock interviews, and participate in portfolio review. Integrated Lecture: 1 credit (15 contact hours). Integrated Laboratory: 2 credits (75 contact hours).

Prepares advanced design, photography, and web design students to complete a professional portfolio. Explores job interview techniques to help students understand their responsibilities in seeking positions. Integrated Lecture: 2 credits (30 contact hours). Integrated Laboratory: 1 credit (30 contact hours).

Incorporates and applies skills and techniques previously learned in the classroom and commercial art laboratory. Provides practical experience in a variety of commercial art establishments in the community. Provides supervised on-the-job work experience related to the student's educational objectives. Practicum: 4 credits (360 contact hours).