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Visual Communications Art and Design (VCA)

VCA 105  (3 credit hours)  
Drawing Concepts  

Develop drawing skills and illustration concepts as they apply to graphic design. Emphasizes how to create form in space and to draw in proper perspective for reproduction purposes. Students must receive a final grade of "C" or better to advance in all Visual Communication courses. Lecture/Lab: 3.0 credits (60 contact hours).

Attributes: Technical
Components: LEC: Lecture
VCA 106  (3 credit hours)  
Creative Typographical Design  

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).

Pre-requisite: VCC 150 and VCA 173.
Attributes: Technical
Components: LEC: Lecture
VCA 108  (3 credit hours)  
Digital Color Theory  

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 and schemes using color wheels; and color modes. Lecture: 3.0 credits (45 contact hours).

Attributes: Technical
Components: LEC: Lecture
VCA 120  (3 credit hours)  
Digital Photography I  

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. Lecture/Lab: 3.0 credits (90 contact hours).

Attributes: Technical
Components: LEC: Lecture
VCA 131  (3 credit hours)  
Digital Photography II  

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. Lecture/Lab: 3.0 credits (90 contact hours)

Pre-requisite: VCA 120 and VCC 125.
Attributes: Technical
Components: LEC: Lecture
VCA 132  (3 credit hours)  
Illustration For Advertising  

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. Lecture/Lab: 3.0 credits (60 contact hours).

Attributes: Technical
Components: LEC: Lecture
VCA 151  (3 credit hours)  
Digital Filmmaking I  

Provides training in non-studio video production and editing. Includes applied aesthetics and production of dramatic, informational or experimental work on video. Lecture: 2.0 credits (30 contact hours). Laboratory: 1.0 credit (30 contact hours).

Attributes: Technical
Components: LAB: Laboratory, LEC: Lecture
VCA 152  (3 credit hours)  
Digital Filmmaking II  

Provides training in computer based editing and pre-production planning. Includes applied aesthetics of video editing production of dramatic, informational or experimental work on video. Pre-requisite Or Lecture: 2.0 credits (30 contact hours). Laboratory: 1.0 credit (30 contact hours).

Co-requisite: VCA 160 and VCC 166 with a grade of C or better.
Attributes: Technical
Components: LAB: Laboratory, LEC: Lecture
VCA 160  (3 credit hours)  
Commercial Photography I  

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/Lab: 3 credits (60 contact hours).

Attributes: Technical
Components: LAI: Integrated Laboratory, LEI: Integrated Lecture
VCA 161  (3 credit hours)  
Commercial Photography II  

Continues the study of the 35mm camera as it relates to commercial art primarily in a studio setting using digital photography. Includes problem solving through assigned projects. Lecture/Lab: 3.0 credits (60 contact hours).

Pre-requisite: VCA 160 with a grade of C or better or consent of instructor.
Attributes: Technical
Components: LEC: Lecture
VCA 163  (3 credit hours)  
Basic Photography  

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/Lab: 3 credits (60 contact hours).

Attributes: Technical
Components: LAI: Integrated Laboratory, LEI: Integrated Lecture
VCA 164  (3 credit hours)  
Portrait Photography  

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/Lab: 3 credits (60 contact hours).

Pre- or co-requisite: VCA 163 or VCA 120 with a grade of "C" or better.
Attributes: Technical
Components: LAI: Integrated Laboratory, LEI: Integrated Lecture
VCA 170  (3 credit hours)  
Advertising Design I  

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 media and for the Internet, and navigation through and searching for information on the Internet using a web browser. Lecture: 3 credits (45 contact hours).

Attributes: Computer Literacy, Technical
Components: LEC: Lecture
VCA 171  (3 credit hours)  
Advertising Design II  

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).

Pre-requisite: VCA 170 with a grade of C or better or Consent of Instructor.
Attributes: Technical
Components: LAB: Laboratory, LEC: Lecture
VCA 173  (3 credit hours)  
Basic Advertising Design  

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/Lab: 3 credits (60 contact hours).

Pre- or co-requisite: VCC 150 or VCC 125.
Attributes: Technical
Components: LAI: Integrated Laboratory, LEI: Integrated Lecture
VCA 174  (3 credit hours)  
Publication Design  

Explores basic to intermediate skills in electronic publishing, design layout, type composition, and prepress for printing and publishing applications. Integrated Lecture/Lab: 3 credits (60 contact hours).

Pre-requisite: VCC 125 or VCC 150 and VCA 173.
Attributes: Technical
Components: LAI: Integrated Laboratory, LEI: Integrated Lecture
VCA 251  (3 credit hours)  
Digital Filmmaking III  

Provides training in single-person video production with an emphasis on Electronic News Gathering style of video. Covers news, interviews, TV commercials, and documentaries. Pre-requisite Or Lecture: 2 credits (30 contact hours). Laboratory: 1.0 credit (30 contact hours).

Pre-requisite: VCA 152 with a grade of C or better or Consent of Instructor.
Co-requisite: VCA 160 with a grade of C or better or Consent of Instructor.
Attributes: Technical
Components: LAB: Laboratory, LEC: Lecture
VCA 252  (3 credit hours)  
Digital Filmmaking IV  

Provides training in multiple-person video production with an emphasis on Film-Style video production, story telling, TV commercials, and documentaries. Lecture: 2.0 credits (30 contact hours). Laboratory: 1.0 credit (30 contact hours).

Pre-requisite: VCA 251 with a grade of C or better or Consent of Instructor.
Attributes: Technical
Components: LAB: Laboratory, LEC: Lecture
VCA 260  (4 credit hours)  
Commercial Photography III  

Continues Commercial Photography II. Applies principles and techniques with emphasis on digital color photographic illustrations captured in the studio and on location. Begins use of lens perspective controls on the camera. Lecture/Lab: 4.0 credits (90 contact hours).

Pre-requisite: VCA 161 with a grade of C or better or consent of instructor.
Attributes: Technical
Components: LEC: Lecture
VCA 261  (4 credit hours)  
Commercial Photography IV  

Continues Commercial Photography III. Emphasizes color photography and color management. Guidance in portfolio development as well as exploration of business practices in photography. Lecture/Lab: 4.0 credits (90 contact hours).

Pre-requisite: VCA 260 with a grade of "C" or better or consent of instructor.
Attributes: Technical
Components: LEC: Lecture
VCA 263  (3 credit hours)  
Product Photography  

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/Lab: 3 credits (60 contact hours).

Pre-requisite: VCA 163 and VCA 164 and VCC 166 with a grade of "C" or better.
Attributes: Technical
Components: LAI: Integrated Laboratory, LEI: Integrated Lecture
VCA 264  (3 credit hours)  
Commercial Photography  

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/Lab: 3 credits (60 contact hours).

Pre-requisite: VCA 163 and VCA 164 and VCC 166 with a grade of "C" or better.
Attributes: Technical
Components: LAI: Integrated Laboratory, LEI: Integrated Lecture
VCA 270  (4 credit hours)  
Advertising Design III  

Emphasizes computer design and layout based on extensive use of the industry standard page layout and drawing programs; and critical thinking for problem solving, preparation, and production of electronic artwork. Lecture: 2 credits (30 contact hours). Laboratory: 2 credits (60 contact hours).

Pre-requisite: VCA 171 with a grade of C or greater or Consent of Instructor.
Attributes: Technical
Components: LAB: Laboratory, LEC: Lecture
VCA 271  (4 credit hours)  
Advertising Design IV  

Extends VCA 270 to include creation of a professional portfolio. Lecture: 2 credits (30 contact hours). Laboratory: 2 credits (60 contact hours).

Pre-requisite: VCA 270 with a grade of C or greater or Consent of Instructor.
Attributes: Technical
Components: LAB: Laboratory, LEC: Lecture
VCA 273  (3 credit hours)  
Corporate Design  

Creates and develops a total corporate identity emphasizing relationships between adequate research and development of appropriate concepts for a company image. Integrated Lecture/Lab: 3 credits (60 contact hours).

Pre-requisite: VCA 106 and VCA 173 and VCA 174 and VCC 166 with a grade of "C" or better.
Attributes: Technical
Components: LAI: Integrated Laboratory, LEI: Integrated Lecture
VCA 274  (3 credit hours)  
Advertising Design  

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/Lab: 3 credits (60 contact hours).

Pre-requisite: VCA 106 and VCA 173 and VCA 174 and VCC 166 with a grade of "C" or better.
Attributes: Technical
Components: LAI: Integrated Laboratory, LEI: Integrated Lecture
VCA 280  (3 credit hours)  
Professional Portfolio Development  

Introduce 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. Lecture: 1.0 credit (15 contact hours). Lab: 2.0 credits (75 contact hours).

Pre-requisite: Permission of Instructor.
Attributes: Technical
Components: LAB: Laboratory, LEC: Lecture
VCA 290  (3 credit hours)  
Folio Seminar  

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. Lecture: 2 credits (30 contact hours); Laboratory: 1 credit (30 contact hours).

Pre-requisite: VCA 273 and VCA 274 or VCA 263 and VCA 264 or VCM 230 and CIT 140 or Consent of Instructor.
Attributes: Technical
Components: LEC: Lecture
VCA 298  (2-6 credit hours)  
Practicum  

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. Lecture: 1 credits (15 contact hours) Lab/Practicum: 3 credits (150 contact hours).

Pre-requisite: VCA 290 and VCA 264 or VCA 274 or VCM 230 with a grade of "C" or greater or Consent of Instructor.
Attributes: Technical
Components: LAB: Laboratory, LEC: Lecture