Computer Graphics Technology - CGT 231

Course Description

This course emphasizes the integration of design and software skills to create more effective layouts for print media. Students will explore photography and digital imaging, illustration, graphic design and page layout. Students learn to use type effectively, create and integrate images and type, set up projects for printing and apply design principles to create effective and readable documents. Instruction in advanced software techniques and in the use of a variety of peripherals is featured. Emphasis will be on the application of software and design skills to a variety of realistic graphic design projects.

Prerequisites

(A requirement that must be completed before taking this course.)

Course Competencies

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

• Demonstrate professionalism through such practices as - showing awareness of copyright issues, obtaining permissions, applying appropriate proofing conventions and practicing good file management skills.
• Create projects which balance effective design with the client and reader needs - such as choice of type, colors, images and graphic elements appropriate to a given audience, a given client and a given budget.
• Use appropriate software, hardware and peripherals - such as scanners, printers, digital cameras and file servers - to create a variety of publishing design projects.
• Apply professional typographic skills to a variety of design projects - such as an awareness of fonts and formatting of type for readability and style.
• Apply professional color management skills to a variety of design projects - such as an awareness of spot/process inks, registration issues and technical considerations such as trapping, choking and bleeds.
• Apply efficient project management skills to a variety of publishing design projects - such as setting up style definitions and grids, selecting color definitions appropriate to desired output, using large document management tools and choosing appropriate file formats for importing, exporting and final delivery.
• Create projects within the limitations inherent in the various printing processes through appropriate design, formatting and layout choices.
• Use Portable Document Format in the production workflow to properly create and use files for proofing, print production and screen viewing.
• Demonstrate an ability to work across software applications by properly setting up files for import and using appropriate formats in the creation of elements for publishing projects.

Course Schedule