Below are the course descriptions for the Graphic Design courses offered at JCCC. Please follow the link below to search the JCCC open/closed class schedule. The course prefix is "GDES".

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Click on the course number for more information on the course and its requirements.

GDES 120

Introduction to Graphic Design (3 CR)

This course is designed to acquaint the student with the various aspects of the graphic design field. Topics include the ways in which visual messages are used in society, the skills needed by a graphic designer and the potential areas of specialization and employment. This class will have guest speakers from the field of graphic design. Emphasis will be on assisting the student to make an informed decision about graphic design as a career. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.
Associated Costs: In addition to the course tuition, fees, and textbooks, this course has additional expense considerations that are estimated to be $40 to $50.

ART 124

Design 2D (3 CR)

Prerequisite or corequisite: CDTP 145

This is an introductory study of the principles of visual perception, two-dimensional space organization and the visual elements of line, shape, texture and space. Concepts, materials and processes necessary to an understanding of two-dimensional form are explored using traditional and digital tools and techniques. Working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator is required. 6 hrs. lecture and studio/wk.
Associated Costs: In addition to the course tuition, fees, and textbooks, this course has additional expense considerations that are estimated to be $200 to $400.

ART 127

Design 3D (3 CR)

Prerequisite: ART 124

This is a study of the function of three-dimensional organization in the development of visual ideas. Concepts, materials and processes necessary to an understanding of the three-dimensional relationships of space, form, form evolution and the dynamics of structure are explored. 6 hrs. lecture and studio/wk.
Associated Costs: In addition to the course tuition, fees, and textbooks, this course has additional expense considerations that are estimated to be $200 to $400.

ART 129

Design Color (3 CR)

Prerequisite or corequisite: CDTP 135

This is a study of the nature of color, its physical properties and visual qualities. Basic theories, phenomena and their applications will be explored using pigment, colored paper and digital color systems. Working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop is required. 6 hrs. lecture and studio/wk.
Associated Costs: In addition to the course tuition, fees, and textbooks, this course has additional expense considerations that are estimated to be $200 to $400.

GDES 130

Drawing and Media Methods 1 (3 CR)

Prerequisites: GDES 120 and ART 124 and CDTP 135 and CDTP 140 and CDTP 145

This course will provide instruction in perceptual techniques, perspective theory and drawing process methods that relate to the visual analysis of the three-dimensional forms drawn from life. Focus will be on the application of theory, processes and techniques to attain structural accuracy and the illusion of three-dimensional form on a two-dimensional surface. 6 hrs. lecture and studio/wk.
Associated Costs: In addition to the course tuition, fees, and textbooks, this course has additional expense considerations that are estimated to be $200 to $400.

GDES 131

Drawing and Media Methods 2 (3 CR)

Prerequisite: GDES 130

This course is a continuation of Drawing and Media Methods I, with emphasis on the creative application of perspective theory, perceptual skill and drawing methods. Drawing methods and rendering techniques will be applied to visual problem-solving processes and the communication of design concepts. 6 hrs. lecture studio/wk.
Associated Costs: In addition to the course tuition, fees, and textbooks, this course has additional expense considerations that are estimated to be $200 to $400.

GDES 132

Typography (3 CR)

Prerequisites: ART 124 and GDES 120 and CDTP 135 and CDTP 140 and CDTP 145

This course will provide instruction in the basic principles of contemporary typographic design. Information concerning typography, from traditional letterpress through digital type design and typesetting, will be included. The course content will emphasize effective methods of communicating to a mass audience through the printed letter, word, line and page. Working knowledge of QuarkXpress and Adobe InDesign required. 6 hrs. lecture and studio/wk.
Associated Costs: In addition to the course tuition, fees, and textbooks, this course has additional expense considerations that are estimated to be $200 to $400.

GDES 134

Layout Design (3 CR)

Prerequisite: GDES 132

This course will provide a basic study of layout elements. Students will acquire the skills necessary to produce layouts. These skills include photographic indication techniques, comp lettering, advertising and editorial grid systems and electronic page design. This course is typically offered in the spring semester only. 6 hrs. lecture and studio/wk.
Associated Costs: In addition to the course tuition, fees, and textbooks, this course has additional expense considerations that are estimated to be $200 to $400.

GDES 140

Technical Processes (3 CR)

Prerequisites: PHOT 121 and CDTP 135 and CDTP 140 and CDTP 145

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: In addition to the course tuition, fees, and textbooks, this course has additional expense considerations that are estimated to be $200 to $400.

GDES 230

Drawing and Media Methods 3 (3 CR)

Prerequisites: GDES 131 and GDES 132 and GDES 134

This course will provide an understanding of the application of illustration to graphic design. Visual problem-solving processes acquired in Drawing and Media Methods 2 will be further developed through problems in image composition emphasizing expressive communication. Techniques in traditional and digital media are explored. This course is typically taught in the fall semester only. 6 hrs. lecture and studio/wk.
Associated Costs: In addition to the course tuition, fees, and textbooks, this course has additional expense considerations that are estimated to be $200 to $400.

GDES 231

Advanced Typography (3 CR)

Prerequisite: GDES 134

This course is a continuation of Layout Design. Emphasis will be on typographic solutions that explore verbal/visual messages. Projects include designs for publication, such as posters, brochures, packaging and graphic campaigns. Typography as a functional and experimental medium will be stressed. Design problem-solving for a diverse range of specifications, including audience, client needs and budget constraints, are included. Traditional and digital tools will be incorporated to produce comprehensives. This course is typically offered in the fall semester only. Working knowledge of Macromedia Dreamweaver is required. 6 hrs. lecture and studio/wk.
Associated Costs: In addition to the course tuition, fees, and textbooks, this course has additional expense considerations that are estimated to be $200 to $400.

GDES 235

Production Methods (3 CR)

Prerequisites: GDES 134 and GDES 140

This course will provide the fundamentals of preparing art for reproduction. Traditional camera-ready art techniques and digital prepress production methods will be emphasized. This course is typically offered in the fall semester only. 6 hrs. lecture and studio/wk.
Associated Costs: In addition to the course tuition, fees, and textbooks, this course has additional expense considerations that are estimated to be $200 to $400.

GDES 236

Electronic Production (3 CR)

Prerequisites: GDES 230 and GDES 231 and GDES 235

This course is a continuation of the Production Methods course, providing experience in digital prepress and electronic production techniques. The student will apply production skills to problems of professional scope and complexity, including specialty processes, trapping and color separation. Preparation of graphic files for screen presentation and for the Web will be explored. This course is typically offered in the spring semester only. 6 hrs. lecture and studio/wk.
Associated Costs: In addition to the course tuition, fees, and textbooks, this course has additional expense considerations that are estimated to be $200 to $400.

GDES 244

Communication Systems (3 CR)

Prerequisites: GDES 230 and GDES 231 and GDES 235

This course will explore the scope and potential of graphic design as a vehicle for visual communication in contemporary society. Signs and symbols, as well as communicative power of typographic, hand graphic and photographic modes, will be studied. Traditional and electronic methods will be used to develop projects. This course is typically offered in the spring semester only. 6 hrs. lecture and studio/wk.
Associated Costs: In addition to the course tuition, fees, and textbooks, this course has additional expense considerations that are estimated to be $200 to $400.

GDES 245

Advanced Design Practice (3 CR)

Prerequisites: GDES 230 and GDES 231 and GDES 235

This course will focus on the use of the student's total design capability and technical knowledge in solving graphic design problems of professional scope and complexity. Students will have the opportunity to work with three art directors and produce three professional projects for potential inclusion in their portfolios. This course is typically offered in the spring semester only. 6 hrs. lecture and studio/wk.
Associated Costs: In addition to the course tuition, fees, and textbooks, this course has additional expense considerations that are estimated to be $200 to $400.

GDES 272

Professional Preparation (3 CR)

Prerequisites: GDES 230 and GDES 231 and GDES 235 Prerequisite: The student must have completed all required studio courses in the graphic design program prior to the semester for which he or she is enrolling in this course or be co-enrolled in all fourth-semester studio courses.

This course will provide graphic design majors instruction in the organization and presentation of his or her work in a portfolio format of professional quality. A portfolio, digital portfolio archive, self promo, resume and business ensemble will be produced. Instruction in interviewing techniques and employment searches will also be provided. 6 hrs. lecture and studio/wk.
Associated Costs: In addition to the course tuition, fees, and textbooks, this course has additional expense considerations that are estimated to be $200 to $400.

GDES 275

Graphic Design Internship (1 CR)

Prerequisite: Graphic design faculty review committee approval

Students will work in an approved training situation under instructional supervision. The internship is designed to give the student the opportunity to use the skills learned in the graphic design program. Student interns will complete a minimum of 180 hours on the job and will be compensated with at least the minimum hourly wage.
Associated Costs: In addition to the course tuition, fees, and textbooks, this course has additional expense considerations that are estimated to be $50 to $100.