WILLIAM RAINEY HARPER COLLEGE
CAREER PROGRAMS DIVISION
GENERAL COURSE OUTLINE
GRA
Course
Prefix
120
Course
Number
GRAPHIC DESIGN I
Course Title
(2-2)
(Lec-Lab)
3
Credit
Hours
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Focuses on beginning fundamentals of graphic design utilizing all design principles and involves an
overview of design and layout rendering techniques. Focuses on typography, images and graphics,
utilizing design processes (including research and sketching) and current graphic software for print.
Projects are critiqued for aesthetics and production for print.
Prerequisite: GRA102 with a grade of C or better.
TOPICAL OUTLINE
I.
Understand Basic Graphic Design Concepts and Techniques
II.
Overview of Advertising and the Visual Communication Profession
III.
Understand Principles to Create Aesthetic Designs for Print
IV.
Utilize Current Graphic Software in Design Creation
V.
Strategies to Understand the Audience of Creative Projects
VI.
Prepress and Print Understanding to Prepare Page Layout Files
VII.
Basic Color Management and Stock Needs
METHODS OF PRESENTATION
1.
PowerPoint Lecture
2.
In-class lab work
3.
Problem solving and discussion
STUDENT OUTCOMES: (The student should…)
1.
demonstrate knowledge of design principles.
2.
understand the visual communication profession.
3.
understand creative approaches through research, sketching and execution of concepts.
4.
learn presentation techniques of design projects.
5.
understand the print production needs of design.
6.
utilize graphic software to prepare comprehensive designs and page layout.
METHODS OF EVALUATION
1.
Lab assignments
2.
Tests and quizzes
TEXTBOOKS/INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Landa, Robin, Graphic Design Solutions. 5TH ed., Thompson, Delmar Learning, 2014.
ISBN: 9781133945529.
PREPARED BY:
Dated:
Patricia Bruner, Coordinator
Spring 2016
Data:Web_updates:2016 Current course outlines:GRA120.docx