May 17, 2024  
2018-2019 Arapahoe Community College Catalog 
    
2018-2019 Arapahoe Community College Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions


 

Multimedia Graphic Design

  
  • MGD 101 - Introduction to Computer Graphics


    3 Credits

    Introduces the student to the computer system and software used to develop graphics. The student will learn the hardware and software components for publication and multimedia production through execution in various vector, raster, page layout and multimedia programs. Students will be introduced to career opportunities within graphics fields.

  
  • MGD 102 - Introduction to Multimedia


    3 Credits

    Introduces the basic components of multimedia: text, graphics, animation, sound, and video. Students gain an introductory knowledge of various multimedia and design software programs. Students gain hands-on, technical, conceptual and aesthetic experience pertaining to the creation of multi-dimensional design and time-based media via an array of projects and demonstrations. Students will be introduced to career opportunities within multimedia fields.

  
  • MGD 103 - Intro to Production Design


    3 Credits

    Explores the use of tools, computer graphics techniques and design layout principles to produce professional graphic designs. Studies include printing basics, typography and digital color systems. Students use creative thinking to solve communication and design concepts for the output process.

    Prerequisite(s): MGD 105  and ART 131  with a grade of “C” or better

    Corequisite(s): MGD 114  

  
  • MGD 105 - Typography and Layout


    3 Credits

    Covers the creation and production of graphic projects, emphasizing the layout creative design process, problem solving, and research. Provides experience producing thumbnails, roughs and digital layouts emphasizing refined creative typography.

  
  • MGD 111 - Adobe Photoshop I


    3 Credits

    Concentrates on the high-end capabilities of Adobe Photoshop as an illustration, design and photo retouching tool. Students explore a wide range of selection and manipulation techniques that can be applied to photos, graphics and videos. Course competencies and outline follow those set out by the Adobe Certified Associate exam in Visual Communication Using Adobe Photoshop.

  
  • MGD 112 - Adobe Illustrator I


    3 Credits

    Acquaints students with the processes of a vector drawing program on the computer. Students learn how to use the tools to create digital artwork that can be used in web design, print media and digital screen design.

  
  • MGD 114 - Adobe InDesign


    3 Credits

    Introduces students to InDesign, a page layout program which integrates seamlessly with other Adobe design programs. InDesign delivers creative freedom and productivity to DTP. Class discussions and independent projects supplement hands-on classroom work.

  
  • MGD 117 - Introduction to Visual Communications


    3 Credits

    Surveys visual communications, its history and impact on society. A foundation course for graphic design and illustration majors and a survey for non-majors who are interested in the field. Assignments require minimal artistic talent.

  
  • MGD 118 - Digital Color Theory


    3 Credits

    Covers color theory as it relates to multimedia. The psychology of color is taught as well as how to effectively design with color. Students learn how to correct color photographs and create color separations. Color scanning technology is also covered.

    Prerequisite(s): MGD 111 , MGD 112 , and MGD 114  with a grade of “C” or better

  
  • MGD 128 - Multimedia Hardware


    3 Credits

    Teaches the principles and techniques of maintaining, upgrading, and customizing personal computer systems. Emphasis will also be placed on various emerging and established technologies related to graphic computing.

  
  • MGD 141 - Web Design I


    3 Credits

    Introduces web site planning, design and creation utilizing HTML through industry-standard development tools [may list specific software]. Emphasis is placed on applying stylistic decisions using cascading style sheets. Web-based considerations regarding color, typography, aesthetics, user interface design, and process integration with visual-based design tools will be explored.

  
  • MGD 143 - Motion Graphic Design I: (Software)


    3 Credits

    Stresses creation of animation and dynamic interactive media for web and multimedia applications to a professional standard. Students will learn how develop projects for time-based media, key-frames, tweens and symbols. Students will learn how to use actions to trigger timeline events to create interactive behaviors.

  
  • MGD 152 - 2D Animation Production


    3 Credits

    Presents the fundamental principles and applications of traditional 2D character animation. Students develop an awareness and appreciation of the depth of skill and abilities required to create 2D animation. Students compare/contrast 2D skills application toward the creation of 3D animation and develop the fundamental skills of character animation such as pencil testing and evaluation, ink and paint production and compositing. Students produce a finished piece of original animation, highlighting the skills acquired in class.

    Prerequisite(s): Students must complete one of the following: MGD 101 , MGD 102 , with a grade of “C” or better and MGD 207  OR ART 121  with a grade of “C” or better

  
  • MGD 153 - 3-D Animation I


    3 Credits

    Encompasses all major aspects of creating 3D characters using animation software. Using developed characters, the student will learn how to animate for personality.

  
  • MGD 163 - Sound Design I


    3 Credits

    Explores the use of sound in multimedia production and audio storytelling. Students examine the principles of recording. Classes focus on how sound can enhance interactive productions and improve computer presentations. Students learn how to use the computer as a full audio editing studio.

    Prerequisite(s): Students must complete one of the following: MGD 101 , MGD 102 , MGD 111 , MGD 112 , MGD 114 , MGD 141 , MGD 143 , MGD 153 , MGD 164  with a grade of “C” or better

  
  • MGD 164 - Digital Video Editing I


    3 Credits

    Introduces to digital non-linear video editing. Students will capture, compress, edit, and manipulate video images using a personal computer. Assembly techniques including media management, editing tools, titles, and motion control; transitions and filters, and special effects are explored.

  
  • MGD 175 - Special Topics


    1-6 Variable Credits

    Provides students with a vehicle to pursue in depth exploration of special topics of interest.

  
  • MGD 207 - Illustration I


    3 Credits

    Addresses methods and techniques used in the profession of illustration for advertising, brochures, books and other forms of printed communications. Course concentrates on developing expertise in producing line and continuous-tone black-and-white art with emphasis on design and the creation of art for reproduction.

    Prerequisite(s): ART 121  with a grade of “C” or better

  
  • MGD 208 - Illustration II


    3 Credits

    Addresses methods and techniques used in the illustration profession beyond those covered in Illustration I. Course concentrates on developing expertise in producing color art for reproduction.

    Prerequisite(s): MGD 207  with a grade of “C” or better

  
  • MGD 209 - Illustration III


    3 Credits

    Continues Illustration II with added emphasis on conceptual development and proficiency in technique.

    Prerequisite(s): MGD 208  with a grade of “C” or better

  
  • MGD 210 - Illustration IV


    3 Credits

    Covers advanced illustration techniques including manual, computer, and mixed media techniques.

    Prerequisite(s): MGD 209  with a grade of “C” or better

  
  • MGD 211 - Adobe Photoshop II


    3 Credits

    Develops and reinforces image composition techniques learned in MGD 111 - Adobe Photoshop I . Fundamentals are continuously reinforced as new design techniques are introduced.

    Prerequisite(s): MGD 111  with a grade of “C” or better

  
  • MGD 212 - Adobe Illustrator II


    3 Credits

    Enables the student to continue development of electronic drawing skills through practice and use of state of the art illustration software.

    Prerequisite(s): MGD 112  with a grade of “C” or better

  
  • MGD 214 - Macintosh Troubleshooting for Designers


    3 Credits

    Addresses terminology, hardware, graphics software applications, peripherals, and troubleshooting needs of designers who use the Macintosh computer as a production tool.

    Prerequisite(s): MGD 101  with a grade of “C” or better or Instructor’s permission

  
  • MGD 217 - Typography II


    3 Credits

    Expands the investigation of typographic form, function and meaning within the context of contemporary visual language. Students will learn to effectively use typography as a solution to many diverse visual language applications. Students will build conceptualization skills while further experimenting with the aesthetic, formal and functional role typography plays in the creation of meaning. Students will learn how type is applied to grid systems and will explore an increasing complexity of content organization, encompassing multipage formats, websites, and systems design considerations.

    Prerequisite(s): MGD 105  with a grade of “C” or better or Instructor’s permission

  
  • MGD 227 - Marcomm Practices


    3 Credits

    Explores techniques and approaches in the practice of marketing communications (marcomm), including: advertising; branding; direct marketing; packaging; promotion; publicity; sponsorship; public relations; sales; online marketing; social media marketing, and more. Focuses on understanding the relationships between the different components of marketing communications to achieve maximum message effect.

    Prerequisite(s): MAR 216  

  
  • MGD 241 - Web Design II


    3 Credits

    Expands on previously learned fundamentals of HTML introducing cascading style sheets, DHTML, JavaScript’s and CGI forms. Color usage and interface design principles are emphasized in this course. In this course we’ll examine Web sites that employ more complex structures, optimal site architecture and navigation necessary for larger and more complex sites.

    Prerequisite(s): MGD 141  with a grade of “C” or better

  
  • MGD 242 - Web Architecture: Open Source Design


    3 Credits

    Provides an overview of current open source tools used in the design industry for designing and implementing Web architecture. Course content changes with trends in the industry. Design focus is on information hierarchy in how it pertains to User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) and Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Topics include current content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress and/or Drupal, identifying web scripting languages, and an overview of open source programming and database integration.

    Prerequisite(s): MGD 141  

  
  • MGD 243 - Web Motion Graphic Design II


    3 Credits

    Stresses the complex creation of 2D animated motion graphics concentrating on the prior skills learned and the use of scripting and behaviors. Students will create motion graphics using these skills and apply them to Web sites. Web site justification of motion graphics will be stressed, appraised and weighed.

    Prerequisite(s): MGD 143  with a grade of “C” or better

  
  • MGD 250 - Emerging Multimedia Technologies


    3 Credits

    Provides a broad-based overview of current trends and issues in multimedia development and related industries. The class format will include lectures, readings, demos, discussion, research, projects, and a final student presentation. Course content changes each semester. May include topics such as voice/data/video integration, virtual environments, broadband, streaming media architectures, telco/CATV/satellite technologies, network-based applications, using technology for building community, wireless technology, current thinking in human factors and usability, XML and the semantic web, groupware and collaborative tools, pervasive computing, and others.

    Prerequisite(s): MGD 102  with a grade of “C” or better

  
  • MGD 256 - Graphic Design Production


    3 Credits

    Provides an opportunity to combine several draw and paint applications into one design and layout class. Students will explore advanced techniques in creating and designing computer art.

    Prerequisite(s): MGD 105 , MGD 112  AND MGD 114  with a grade of “C” or better

    Corequisite(s): MGD 111  

  
  • MGD 258 - Web Design Production


    3 Credits

    Stresses web site development and usability issues, as well as, pre-production, production and post-production concepts. Students will prepare project evaluations, objectives and analysis reports, project budgets and time-lines, content outlines, storyboards, and flow charts. Students will also examine interactive interface design for several Web applications. Projects will vary from semester to semester.

    Prerequisite(s): MGD 141  

  
  • MGD 260 - Graphic Design Production II


    3 Credits

    Continues design and production techniques with further instruction in computer file set-up and creation of camera-ready art. Use of black and white and spot color for a variety of design projects.

    Prerequisite(s): MGD 111  and MGD 256  with a grade of “C” or better

  
  • MGD 262 - Graphic Design Production III


    3 Credits

    Covers advanced study in design and production techniques and processes, including use of full color for publication design and book formats, advertising campaigns, business reply mail, promotional items, and editorial design.

    Prerequisite(s): MGD 260  with a grade of “C” or better

  
  • MGD 264 - Digital Video Editing II


    3 Credits

    Looks at the more complex and advanced techniques of digital video editing. Areas of editing such as masking, filtering, blue/green screening, track mattes, and image mattes will be examined. Students will produce a movie project in this class and discuss practical ways to distribute to various audiences.

    Prerequisite(s): MGD 111 , MGD 164  with a grade of “C” or better

  
  • MGD 275 - Special Topics


    1-6 Variable Credits

    Provides students with a vehicle to pursue in depth exploration of special topics of interest.

  
  • MGD 280 - Internship


    3 Credits

    Provides students with the opportunity to supplement coursework with practical work experience related to their educational program. Students work under the immediate supervision of experienced personnel at the business location and with the direct guidance of the Instructor.

    Prerequisite(s): MGD 111 , MGD 112 , MGD 114  and MGD 256  with grades of “B” or better

  
  • MGD 285 - Independent Study


    1-6 Variable Credits

    Meets the individual needs of students. Students engage in intensive study or research under the direction of a qualified Instructor.

    Prerequisite(s): To be determined by the Instructor

  
  • MGD 287 - Cooperative Education


    1-6 Variable Credits

    Provides students an opportunity to gain practical experience in applying their occupational skills and/or to develop specific skills in a practical work setting. The Instructor will work with the student to select an appropriate work site, establish learning objectives and to coordinate learning activities with the employer or work site supervisor.

    Prerequisite(s): To be determined by the Instructor. Student must also have a resume and portfolio to present

  
  • MGD 289 - Capstone


    1-6 Variable Credits

    A demonstrated culmination of learning within a given program of study.

    Prerequisite(s): MGD 256   with a grade of “C” or better

    Corequisite(s): MGD 260