Course Descriptions: Desktop and Web Publishing

MCD 111/COA 111/ History of Graphic Design (Bi-annual)

Historical overview of graphic design using publications, reference material, audio and visual media, as well as field trips to museums and places pertinent to course content.  Through historic example, this lecture-format course provides a thorough visual and conceptual background for understanding communication in graphic design.  Research projects are assigned.  3 credits.

 MCD 140 Computer Concepts with Microcomputer Applications (Fall)

This course introduces the student to much of the technology unique to the computer world.  Operating systems with related applications and a general understanding of hardware will be covered.  3 credits.

MCD 150 Foundations of Design I (Fall)

In this course, the student will be taught the basics of two-dimensional design as related to graphic design and desktop publishing. The basic vocabulary of visual form will be taught. Materials and board skills necessary for these projects will be explored. The development of the students’ visual creative skills will be emphasized. Projects will be assigned to familiarize students with the concepts presented. Successful completion of the course will require the student to produce projects which reflect their cumulative understanding of the concepts and skills taught.  3 credits.

MCD 155 Foundations of Design II (Spring)

In this course, the student’s knowledge of basic design will be extended into the area of graphic communication and typography in order to develop a framework on which to do professional desktop publishing. The course explores the following concepts: visual form as communication; the relationship of content and visual form; typography as a visual form; basic technical typography; a brief history of graphic communication and typography; and a working methodology for problem solving. Students will work in a studio classroom setting. Projects will be assigned to familiarize students with the concepts presented. Students will maintain a notebook for required research. Successful completion of the course will require the student to produce projects that reflect their cumulative understanding of the concepts and skills taught.  Prerequisite: MCD 150.  3 credits.

MCA 166 Introduction to the Visual Arts (Bi-annual)

Survey of the Visual Arts including an appreciation of both the developments of the form and its many varieties, principally painting, sculpture, and architecture, as well as their presentation and their interconnection with their milieu. The time period covered is from the Ancient World through the 19th Century, with major emphasis on the period from the Renaissance to 1900. Trips to museums and included as part of the course. 3 credits.

MCD 221 Photography (Bi-annual)

This course uses camera and photographic processes as vehicles for artistic expression, perceptual discovery and design, and explores traditional and experimental use of photographic processes. Students provide their own cameras and basic materials.  3 credits.

MCD 224 Drawing and Painting I (Bi-annual)

In this course, students will learn how to draw basic forms and objects, the fundamentals of perspective, and composition, and develop an understanding of the use of light and shadow in rendering 3-dimensional objects.  3 credits.

MCD 230 Electronic Desktop Publishing I (Fall)

This course will introduce students to the principles of desktop publishing, graphic design, page layout, and typography using Adobe InDesign. The relationship of typography to pictures and graphics in a full color environment will be explored through the assignment of various projects. Output requirements and the correct preparation of files will be discussed. Good design and appropriate solutions will be encouraged. Students will present their work at the end of the semester.  Software will be adjusted to reflect the constantly changing technologies.  Corequisites:  MCD 150 and MCO 140.  3 credits.

MCD 231 Electronic Desktop Publishing II (Spring)

This course focuses on advanced features of Adobe InDesign. Students build upon previous knowledge of the software by designing material for a business or advertising environment, including stationery, business cards, corporate identity, logos, and brochures. This class includes a workshop/lab; topics covered will include scanning, color separation and setting up files for pre-press. Students will be required to complete projects and to meet class deadlines. Lab time will be necessary for class assignments. Students will present their work during class critiques. Software will be adjusted to reflect the constantly changing technologies.  Prerequisites:  MCD 230 and MCD 235.  Corequisite:  MCD 236.  3 credits.

MCD 235 Computer Graphic Design I (Fall)

This course will introduce students to using Adobe Illustrator, a vector-based software, to create illustrations, use typographic design principles, create logos, and incorporate images with graphics. The focus is on understanding the use of the Adobe Illustrator software as an illustration tool and on beginning to develop original ideas. Design principles, use of color, and composition will be emphasized. Lab time will be necessary for class assignments. Students will present their work at the end of the semester. Software will be adjusted to reflect the constantly changing technologies.  Corequisites:  MCD 150 and MCO 140.  3 credits.

MCD 236 Computer Graphic Design II (Spring)

This course will introduce students to working with pictures in an electronic environment through the use of Adobe Photoshop. Digital imagery, color correction, scanning  & manipulating images will be explored, as well as using type as a graphic force in design. Students will work on various projects that assimilate “real world” design for advertising and publicity. Preparing images for the Web and basic Web image principles will be introduced. Lab time will be necessary for class assignments. Students will present their work at the end of the semester. Software will be adjusted to reflect the constantly changing technologies.  Prerequisite:  MCD 235.  Corequisite:  MCD 155.  3 credits.

MCD 262 Electronic Desktop Publishing III (Fall)

The focus of this course is on complex layout and designing for print, using Adobe InDesign and other software. Compositing images and illustrations into a multipage document, explanation of pre-press, preparing images for output, and use of crop marks, bleeds, and color separation will be discussed.  Students are expected to work independently on projects in addition to class meetings. Lab time will be necessary for class assignments. Students will present their work during class critiques. Software will be adjusted to reflect the constantly changing technologies.  Prerequisite:  MCD 231.  3 credits.

MCD 263 Web Design I (Fall)

Students learn basic skills needed to author and publish hyperlinked documents in HTML on the Internet. Design skills will be applied towards Web page construction. Desktop publishing software will be explored as alternatives in Web page design, along with current Web page design software such as Macromedia Dreamweaver. Students learn to apply their knowledge of print design and computer software to Web page design. This course assumes a basic competency in the following programs: Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Photoshop. Lab time outside of class will be necessary for class assignments. Software will be adjusted to reflect the constantly changing technologies.  Corequisite:  MCD 267.  3 credits.

MCD 264 Web Design II (Spring)

This course covers topics such as client interactions, case studies, marketing strategies for web site design, navigation design, team projects, project planning and user testing.  Students will be required to create at least one fully-functional web site. Advanced techniques using Adobe Dreamweaver will be covered. Prerequisite:  MCD 263.  3 credits.

MCD 267 Computer Graphic Design III (Fall)

In this course, using a lab/workshop environment, students will gain understanding and skill in using the advanced tools and palettes of Photoshop in order to create, correct, and manipulate images. Emphasis will be placed on developing visual literacy in color and image manipulation. Adobe Illustrator will also be used as a complement to various techniques used in Photoshop. The development of the sequential thinking required to do advanced work will be stressed. Lab time will be necessary for class assignments. Students will present their work at the end of the semester. Software will be adjusted to reflect the constantly changing technologies.  Corequisite:  MCD 262.  3 credits.

MCD 302 Web Design III (Fall)

Students will learn the skills needed to design a fully functional web site that includes: animation, sound, graphics, and interactivity. Project planning, navigation, and user ability, along with a focus on good design are the goals of this course. Previous knowledge of web page design software is required. Software used: Adobe Flash, Adobe Dreamweaver, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator. Software will be adjusted to reflect the constantly changing technologies. Prerequisite:  MCD 264.  3 credits.

MCD 303 Multimedia Design (Upon Request)

Students will learn to use Adobe Flash to create animation and interactive Web sites. Advanced Actionscript will be covered. Students will learn how to create interactive movies with sound, images, and interactivity as well. Software will be adjusted to reflect the constantly changing technologies.  Prerequisite:  MCD 302.  3 credits.

MCD 320 Information Design (Upon Request)

The visual display and interpretation of quantitative information are increasingly critical in the information age. This course is concerned with the graphic designer’s contribution to the handling of complex quantitative data both in printed designs and on the Web. Software will be adjusted to reflect the constantly changing technologies.  Prerequisites:  MCD 263.  3 credits.

MCD 335 Advanced Design Studio (Spring)

This course integrates the use of print software: Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop. Class assignments are aimed at integrating software technology and aesthetics for print media. Typography, color, text formatting, and sophisticated design techniques are emphasized. Pre-press, production, and color separation will be discussed and used as a basis for class assignments.  Software will be adjusted to reflect the constantly changing technologies.  Prerequisite:  MCD 267.  3 credits.

MCD 357 Computer Illustration (Bi-Annual)

In this course, students will use a vector-based computer drawing program, Adobe Illustrator, as a visual thinking tool, with experimental approaches to a variety of applied illustration problems. The focus is on conceptualizing and executing illustrative designs appropriate to a number of markets (advertising, editorial, informational). Students will be encouraged to use innovation while honing skills in conceptualization, technique, design and presentation of computer illustrations, and understand how to use source material as the basis for computer illustration. Projects completed in this course will add an important aspect to the student designer’s portfolio.  Prerequisite:  MCD 235.  3 credits.

MCD 360 Video Production Studio (Upon Request)

This class is an introduction to desktop video with an emphasis on design for both small-format QuickTime movies for the Web and full-frame output to tape. Students create short projects using Adobe Premiere and After Effects to compose multilayered video. The course covers pre-production planning, storyboarding, production shooting and lighting in preparation for methods of digital editing.  Corequisites:  MCD 302.  3 credits.

MCD 420 Authoring Languages (Upon Request)

Introduction  to programming languages for interactive digital media.  Each semester' offering is devoted to a specific language.  May include Java and other interactive programming languages.  Intended only for those who are already fluent in at least one programming language.  Prerequites:  MCO 232 and MCD 264; Corequisite MCD 302.  3 credits.

MCD 480 Senior Project (Upon Request)

An advanced studio course devoted to individual portfolio-quality projects. Students choose one field of design to concentrate on in a portfolio project for the semester. Focus may be in such areas as: Multimedia, Website, or Print design (advertising, corporate, information, etc.).  Prerequisite:   Departmental permission.  3 credits.

MCD 490 Senior Portfolio (Fall)

In this course, students will be required to design professional level pieces such as complex page layouts and spreads, logos, book cover design, package design, and illustrations, and are expected to complete all work for formal presentations and grading. Discussions on effective resumes and how to prepare for job interviews, as well as job searching will be explored. Students will present finished portfolios to members of the faculty in the Desktop and Web Publishing Department for evaluation at the completion of a semester. Presentation skills such as mounting and matting work will be included. Lab time will be required for class assignments.  Prerequisite:  MCD 335 and MCD 498.  Corequisite:  MCD 302.  3 credits.

MCD 498 Internship in Desktop and Web Publishing (Spring)

This course requires students to complete an internship in a Desktop or Web Publishing related field. Weekly logs and design work are required for internships, and are reviewed by members of the Desktop and Web Publishing Department at the completion of the internship. The purpose of the internships is to provide students with practical experience to complement their coursework.  Corequisite:  MCD 264.  3 credits.