Description:

This course covers digital prepress applications, scanning, image manipulation and color output devices. The transition from conventional to digital production will be covered. Analysis of output and file management and the understanding of proofing systems will be covered. Proper usage of peripheral equipment will be emphasized. 6 hrs. lecture and studio/wk.

Associated Costs: These are additional (out-of-pocket) expense considerations that students should expect in addition to the course tuition, fees, and textbooks. $200 to $400.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Define conventional reproduction photography in terms of photographic exposure and equivalent comparisons to digital processes.
2. Identify materials including: line paper print, positive line film, negative film and halftone line screens.
3. Identify production problems derived from evaluation of product including overexposure, underexposure, processing errors and handling errors.
4. Explain enlargement and reduction as it relates to reproduction ratios and proper dpi for correct correlation for output line screening.
5. Analyze and identify various proofing processes including color key, cromalins, blue lines and other digital output proofs.
6. Define halftone negatives and identify the qualities of a good halftone.
7. Describe color reproduction methods and procedures including: flat or match color, four color process, CMYK, RGB and spot color.
8. Demonstrate printing on various paper stocks.
9. Prepare film work to produce a color key, than produce a color key working with line art.
10. Describe color key materials and processes.
11. Describe several introductory methods used in desktop prepress technology including: scanning photographic prints and slides, using a film recorder, and color output devices.
12. Document the steps in correcting scanned images for proper output.
13. Differentiate between and create various digital photo manipulation techniques used in the print industry.
14. Demonstrate appropriate procedures for concise file management for file output.
15. Demonstrate managing digital files for use on a network and procedures for storing digital files.
16. Recognize and demonstrate productive attitudes and work habits in the studio/lab.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Transition from Conventional to Digital Production
   A. Define conventional reproduction photography.
   B. Trace the history of pre-press, on-press, and post-press.
   C. Define digital reproduction photography. 
      
II. Color Reproduction
   A. Define flat or match color.
   B. Define four color process.
   C. Identify different forms of proofing and printing options.
   
III. Material Identification and Quality Inspection
   A. Identify and demonstrate an understanding of the use for the
following items: 
      1. Line paper print
      2. Line film
      3. Line negative film
      4. Halftone line screens
      5. Printing plate
      6. Blue line
      7. Color Key
      8. Cromalins
      9. Digital proofs
   B. Troubleshoot problems for the above materials which could include:
      1. Overexposure
      2. Underexposure
      3. Processing errors
      4. Handling errors

IV. Enlargement and Reduction
   A. Calculate scaling ratios.
   B. Calculate and demonstrate proper digital reproduction ratios for:
      1. Line art
      2. Continuous tone images 
   C. Contrast the differences between resizing and resampling.   

V. Scanning Input
   A. Identify the differences between raster graphics and vector
graphics.
   B. Define and delineate the relationship between the following:
      1. Bitmaps
      2. Pixels
      3. Pixel depth
      4. Pixels per inch
      5. Dots per inch
      6. Spots per inch
      7. Lines per inch
   C. Utilize appropriate scanning techniques from both reflective art and
transparencies.
   D. Utilize appropriate scanning techniques to produce the following:
      1. Line art
      2. Grayscale
      3. RGB
      4. CMYK

VI. Image Manipulation
   A. Correct an image for reproduction by using the following items:
      1. Levels
      2. Curves
      3. Brightness and contrast
      4. Threshold
      5. Sharpening
      6. Color correction
   B. Demonstrate the ability to work with the following:
      1. Layers
      2. Masks
      3. COB
      4. Clipping Path
      5. Retouching
      6. Merging multiple images
   C. Produce the following types of images:
      1. Posterization
      2. Mezzotint
      3. Combined filters
      4. Duotone

VII. File Management
   A. Articulate the particular purpose for saving work in:
      1. TIFF
      2. EPS
      3. DCS
      4. JPEG
      5. PICT
      6. GIF
      7. PDF
   B. Prepare files using the proper file formats. 
   C. Employ managing file size.
   D. Develop managing naming files and arranging files.
   E. Demonstrate saving work to various storage devices to include:
      1. Removable storage disks
      2. Hard drive
      3. Server  
   F. Demonstrate the use of placing files and extracting files from a
server.

VIII. The Film Recorder and Building a Queue
   A. Demonstrate the use of the film recorder.
   B.    Create a series of slides by building a queue using the available
software.

IX. Printing
   A. Assemble proper settings for printing a document.
   B. Demonstrate and differentiate between the various printing
technologies to include:
      1. Black and white laser printer
      2. Color thermal wax printers
      3. Color laser printer
      4. Dye-sublimation printer
      5. Ink jet printer

X. Preparation and Completion of a Color Key
   A. Employ stripping procedures with film negatives.
   B. Utilize opaquing techniques to complete the stripping procedure.
   C. Describe and employ the process in developing a color key for line
art and halftone. 
   
XI. Attitudes and Work Habits
   A. Identify and develop positive attitudes toward tasks and fellow
employees appropriate or the workplace, including giving and accepting
criticism and praise.
   B. Identify and develop productive work habits, including attending to
detail, completing tasks, maintaining the work setting and recording
data.
   C. Identify and develop collaborative/teamwork skills, including
solving problems in groups, building consensus and responding to
supervision.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Minimum of four projects     40 - 65% of grade
Minimum of two examinations  20 - 45% of grade
Studio performance           15 - 25% of grade
Total                          100%

Grades for projects will be based on project objectives and competencies
evaluated in class critiques, evaluation forms and individual
conferences.

Studio performance grade is based on the student's attendance record,
degree of productivity, ability to work independently and level of
participation in class critiques. 

Grade scale: 
      4.0  = A 
      3.75 = A-    
      3.25 = B+
      3.0  = B
      2.75 = B-   
      2.25 = C+
      2.0  = C
      1.75 = C-
      1.25 = D+
      1.0  = D
below 1.0  = F

Semester Grade: total grade averaged to A, B, C, D or F.

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.