Visual Communications

 

The two-year Associate of Applied Arts and Sciences Degree in Visual Communication Technology prepares its graduates for first-time employment in the varied and rapidly changing field of visual communications. > more

 

Following are course descriptions. Check the Annual Schedule to plan your schedule.

 

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 111
Survey of Production Arts (4)

Students explore various production processes for print including file evaluation, workflow integration, and troubleshooting and correction for output to inkjet, offset and toner-based printing. Mandatory decimal grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 124
Basic Macintosh Systems Operations (2)

An introductory course in the fundamental operations and uses of the Macintosh computer. Students learn how to efficiently use the current operating system as related to visual communications design and production. (Call 206.546.4671 to test out of this class.) Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 125
Intro to Image Construction, Editing & Output (3)

Introduces current information, tools and techniques used to create digital materials for a variety of visual communications applications. Highlights digital image attributes including: resolution, color modes, editing, file formats and output. Prerequisites: Students completing any AAAS degree in the VCT program are required to maintain a minimum grade of 2.0 in each VCT or ART course in order to progress to the next class. May repeat class or obtain advisor's waiver. Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 128
Page Layout I with InDesign (4)

Introduction to page layout design, concepts and skills with emphasis on typical industry documents. Projects include single, multiple page and multiple panel layouts such as letterhead and brochure design. Basic graphic design principles, software integration, and preparation for output are addressed. Previously VCT131. Prerequisites: VCT 124 (or equivalent) and 125 (or equivalent), or instructor approval. Prior or concurrent enrollment in VCT 101 or instructor permission. Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 134
Digital Illustration I w/Illustrator (4)

Develop a fundamental understanding of the design and creation of digital illustration for press, web, and multimedia, using vector-based applications. Problem-solving skills related to illustration techniques, software; hands-on industry-level projects completed as part of this curriculum. Prerequisite: VCT 124 (or equivalent) and 125 (or equivalent), or instructor approval. Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 135
Flash I: Introduction to Multimedia (4)

This course includes both theory and practice in creating 2-D animation projects. Students develop skills using industry software and interactive media. This is the first course in a three-course sequence. Previously ART 130. Prerequisites: VCT 124 (or equivalent) and 125 (or equivalent) and VCT 130, and instructor approval. Recommended: completion of or concurrent enrollment in VCT 134. Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 136
Photoshop I (4)

Photoshop for commercial, fine art and photo applications; including image acquisition, file preparation, importing as well as the alteration, manipulation and enhancement of images. Emphasis on image construction for concept development including strategies for use with web, multimedia, print and video production. Previously VCT 129. Prerequisites: VCT 124 and VCT 125 or skills test. Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 144
Digital Photography for Industry (4)

This introductory course explores the modes and roles of digital photography, the possibilities of the medium, and creative and aesthetic issues. Students use digital image capture and output and work in both black and white and color through assignments, lectures, and critiques. Previously VCT 141. Prerequisite: VCT 124 (or equivalent) and VCT 125 (or equivalent) and VCT 136, or portfolio review. Instructor permission required. Mandatory decimal grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 154
Printing Processes: Offset (4)

Students explore production-based offset printing processes. This in-depth course includes file workflow, troubleshooting, digital image setting, film assembly, offset print production and bindery/finishing operations. Previously VCT 112. Prerequisite: VCT 111 or concurrent enrollment with instructor permission, or portfolio review. Mandatory decimal grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 155
Digital Printing (4)

Students explore inkjet and digital printing processes. In-depth course includes equipment, materials selection, workflow, troubleshooting, large format print production and print quality, mounting and finishing for a variety of applications. Previously VCT 113. Prerequisites: VCT 111,124, 125 and 136 or equivalent or concurrent enrollment. Mandatory decimal grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 157
Electronic Prepress & Publishing I (4)

Students prepare digital files for output. Multiple-page, multiple-signature formats are used for digital files. Students address workflow, file preparation, and print coordination. Previously VCT 122. Prerequisite: completion of VCT 101, VCT 111, VCT 136, VCT 128 and instructor signature or instructor permission with portfolio review. Mandatory decimal grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 170
Web Design I with Dreamweaver (4)

Introduces students to interactive design and electronic publishing for the Web, using Dreamweaver, Photoshop and Fireworks. Focuses on web design process, concept development, image optimization and web page usability. Prerequisites: VCT 124 or equivalent and VCT 125, or equivalent, or web portfolio review. VCT 136 recommended. Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 190
Internship in Visual Communications (5)

Application of visual communication techniques and theories in an off-campus production environment. Site approval must be obtained by student. Course may be repeated. Prerequisite: Completion of at least 45 credits in Art/VCT and instructor's permission. Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 199
Visual Communications Study Center (5)

Students complete supplemental study projects for Visual Communications to support their progress in the VCT program. This course may be taken multiple times for credit. Continuous enrollment is allowed for this class. Previously VCT 099. Prerequisites: VCT 124 or equivalent and VCT 125 or equivalent. Instructor permission required. Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 204
Graphic Design IV Packaging & Event Graphics (5)

Explores graphic design principles used in product packaging, environmental graphics, point of purchase displays, and event booth signage, with an adherence to a standardized design process. Prerequisite: Completion of VCT 103, 134 and 136, or equivalent education and experience with instructor permission. Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 205
Graphic Design V Studio (5)

Students explore portfolio development as they pursue an individual direction, producing new design solutions, and reworking existing projects. Both hard copy and digital formats of finished portfolios are created. Prerequisite:Completion of VCT 201 or equivalent with instructor's permission. Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 224
Portfolio for Graphic Design Track (4)

Using media appropriate to the developer's areas of expertise, the advanced VCT student designs, develops and produces a portfolio and resumΘ which represent developed skills and abilities. This course may be repeated for credit. Previously VCT 222. Prerequisite: Completion of and/or concurrent enrollment in VCT foundation curriculum and area of specialization. Ability to create a resume and portfolio in appropriate format for area of specialization. Instructor permission required. Mandatory decimal grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 225
Portfolio for Animation Track (4)

Using media appropriate to the developer's areas of expertise, the advanced VCT student designs, develops and produces a portfolio and resume which represent developed skills and abilities. This course may be repeated for credit. Previously VCT 222. Prerequisite: Completion of and/or concurrent enrollment in VCT foundation curriculum and area of specialization. Ability to create a resume and portfolio in appropriate format for area of specialization. Instructor permission required. Mandatory decimal grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 226
Portfolio for Video Track (4)

Using media appropriate to the developer's areas of expertise, the advanced VCT student designs, develops and produces a portfolio and resume which represent developed skills and abilities. This course may be repeated for credit. Previously VCT 222. Prerequisite: Completion of and/or concurrent enrollment in VCT foundation curriculum and area of specialization. Ability to create a resume and portfolio in appropriate format for area of specialization. Instructor permission required. Mandatory decimal grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 228
Page Layout II with InDesign (4)

Continuation of VCT 128. Page layout design, concepts and skills with an emphasis on more complex industry projects. Projects include single and multiple page layouts for print and electronic delivery. Graphic design principles, software integration and output issues are addressed. Previously VCT 133. Prerequisites: VCT 101 and 111 and 128, or skills test/ instructor approval. Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 234
Adv. Digital Illustration Using Illustrator (4)

Students develop advanced skills in creating vector graphics, illustration techniques, software features, and output for a variety of uses.Projects may include scientific, prototype and infographic illustration. Previously VCT 232. Prerequisite: VCT 124 (or equivalent) and 125 (or equivalent) and 136 and 134, and instructor permission. Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 236
Photoshop II (4)

Continuation of VCT 136. Complex image construction and editing techniques using Photoshop. Production workflow techniques are used to create images for use in print, web and multimedia. Previously VCT 229. Prerequisites: VCT 136 or equivalent and instructor permission. Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 257
Electronic Prepress & Publishing II (4)

Further development in digital file preparation for output. Students learn prepress as well as skills for refining of trapping, impositions and pagination, customer relations and time management. Troubleshooting file formats for digital output and workflow management are addressed. Previously VCT 123. Prerequisite: VCT 157 and instructor signature or instructor permission with portfolio review. Mandatory decimal grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 267
Editing II: Avid Media Composer Lab (3)

Intensive video editing lab with Avid Media Composer. Second course in the video editing sequence. Prerequisite: Film 265 or Film 266 or instructor's permission. Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 268
Editing II: Final Cut Studio Lab (3)

Intensive video editing lab with Final Cut Studio. Second course in the video editing sequence. Prerequisite: Film 265 or Film 266 or instructor's permission. Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 270
Web Design II with Dreamweaver (4)

An intermediate course addressing concept, design and usability issues for web development. Current technologies for web applications are explored through lecture and hands-on projects that involve the exploration of human/ computer interaction through dynamic graphics elements and structure. Previously VCT 238. Prerequisite: VCT 170. Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 274
Flash II: Interface Design (4)

This course introduces students to user-interface screen design for rich-media applications such as CD, DVD, web, kiosk and handheld devices. Students gain experience with animation technologies and software while focusing on visual communications concepts and project development. Previously VCT 174. Prerequisites: VCT 124 (or equivalent) and 125 (or equivalent) and 134 and 135, or portfolio review. Instructor permission required. Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 275
Flash III: Interactive Animation Studio (4)

Focus on typical interactive projects from industry including animated logos, presentations, games, web sites and kiosks. Use advanced animation and design methods, movie clip-based architecture, library sharing, tips and optimization techniques. Add interactivity and dynamic content through scripting in ActionScript 3.0. Previously VCT 277. Prerequisite: VCT 274, instructor signature or instructor permission with portfolio review. Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 276
3D Modeling with Maya (4)

An entry-level course in 3D modeling techniques using industry-standard animation software. The course addresses organization of resources and processes in creating high-quality 3D static modeling content for print, multimedia, web, video, kiosk and mobile devices. Previously VCT 175. Prerequisites: VCT 124 (or equivalent) and 125 (or equivalent) and 134 and 136, or instructor permission with portfolio review. Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 277
3D Animation with Maya (4)

This course focuses on planning and producing high-quality 3D animation for use in multimedia, web, kiosk, mobile devices and video applications. Students use a variety of animation techniques to create realistic movement. Previously VCT 275. Prerequisite: VCT 276 and instructor signature, or instructor permission with portfolio review. Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 278
Compositing with After Effects (4)

Course provides theory and practice in using After Effects for post production work in compositing, animation and motion effects. Topics include composition, effects, alpha channels, color correction, tweening, motion paths, importing and exporting. Prerequisites: VCT 134 and VCT 135 and VCT 136, and VCT 267 or 268, or instructor approval. Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 291
Special Topics in VCT (1)

Classes focusing on specific issues and/or topics of interest in visual communications technology. Previously VCT 281.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 292
Special Topics in VCT (2)

Classes focusing on specific issues and/or topics of interest in visual communications technology. Previously VCT 282.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 293
Special Topics in VCT (3)

Classes focusing on specific issues and/or topics of interest in visual communications technology. Previously VCT 283.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 294
Special Topics in VCT (4)

Classes focusing on specific issues and/or topics of interest in visual communications technology.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 295
Special Topics in VCT (5)

Classes focusing on specific issues and/or topics of interest in Visual Communications Technology.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 297
Individual Project VCT (1)

Individual project in a specific area of VCT. By arrangement with instructor. Prerequisite: Instructor permission, based on evaluation of students' educational and work experience. Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 298
Individual Project-VCT (2)

Individual project in a specific area of VCT. By arrangement with instructor. Prerequisite: Instructor permission, based on evaluation of students' educational and work experience. Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 299
Individual Project-VCT (3)

Individual project in a specific area of VCT. By arrangement with instructor. Prerequisite: Instructor permission, based on evaluation of students' educational and work experience. Student option grading.