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Graphic Arts Courses

Graphic Arts Courses

Laney College Graphic Arts Dept. Mission Statement:
The Laney College Graphic Arts Department provides a first-tier education in Graphic Arts at an affordable rate. The diversity of the multi-generational and multicultural population of students and faculty provides a unique learning experience. We teach graphic design and new-media skills using the latest software used in the print and online media industries. These tools include the Adobe Creative Cloud products: lnDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and web and animation technologies. We offer degree and certificate programs in Applied Graphic Design and digital media. We recently added a new animation certificate to our program. We are offering a mix of online, hybrid, and in-person classes in Spring 2022.

The Graphics Arts courses are uniquely suitable for online and hybrid courses with digital lectures, video tutorials, and online discussions

The online courses are taught remotely using Canvas and Zoom and the hybrid courses are taught 50% remotely using Canvas and Zoom and 50% in-class on the Laney campus In-person classes are taught fully masked with appropriate social distancing
Our instructors are available via Zoom and Canvas to answer questions and we have student tutors/TA who can provide extra help to our students. Laney College provides laptops and free access to software for those who need them.

Graphic Arts Courses

All Classes taught face-to-face unless indicated as Hybrid or Online

GRART 32 Digital Documents (Adobe 

Course Number: GRART 32
Units: 3
Class: 2 hours lecture, 2 hours laboratory
Acceptable for credit: CSU
Recommended preparation: BUS 219 Computer Literacy or CIS 205 Computer Literacy or GRART 230 Computer Basics for Graphics

Description: Application of page layout software utilized in the graphic arts/multimedia industries for digital document generation: Production of various basic publications, use of peripheral devices such as scanners and laser output devices, and efficient print-ready file preparation.

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GRART 34 Adobe Illustrator Basics 

Course Number: GRART 34
Units: 3 
Class: 2.5 hours lecture, 1.5 hours laboratory
Acceptable for credit: CSU
Recommended preparation: BUS 219 Computer Literacy or CIS 205 Computer Literacy or GRART 230 Computer Basics for Graphics

Description: Skill-based approach to vector-based drawing software: Emphasis on graphic design, print and web graphics, and fine arts application; exploration through hands-on projects.

Instructive online lectures, video tutorials, and weekly exercises are provided. The instructor is available to answer questions and there are student tutors to give feedback on projects and to answer software or assignment questions. 

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GRART 35 Advanced Adobe Illustrator

Course Number: GRART 35
Units: 3
Class: 2.5 hours lecture, 1.5 hours laboratory
Acceptable for credit: CSU
Prerequisite: GRART 34 Adobe Illustrator Basics

Description: Application of “draw” software utilized in the graphic arts/multimedia industries for digitized illustration and drawing of imagery: Logos, posters, publication illustrations, custom environments, advanced typography, layers and appearances, drawing and coloring, brush techniques, blends, gradients and mesh, transparency, live effects and live 3D effects and other techniques; exploration through hands-on projects.

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GRART 36 Adobe Photoshop Basics

Course Number: GRART 36
Units: 3
Class: 2.5 hours lecture, 1.5 hours laboratory
Acceptable for credit: CSU. Recommended preparation: BUS 219 or CIS 205 or GRART 230

Description: Introduction to imaging software utilized in the graphic arts for photo and tonal manipulations: Selecting, painting and filling, layers, editing images, color correction, typography, tools, masks and channels, converting and manipulating images, and filters; exploration through hands-on projects.

Instructive online lectures, video tutorials, and weekly exercises are provided. The instructor is available to answer questions and there are helpful assistants to help students with software or assignment questions. 

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GRART 37 Advanced Photoshop ONLINE

Course Number: GRART 37
Units: 3 
Class: 2.5 hours lecture, 1.5 hours laboratory
Acceptable for credit: CSU. Recommended preparation: GRART 36

Description: Introduction to advanced Photoshop techniques. Selecting, painting and filling, layers, editing images, color correction, typography, tools, masks and channels, converting and manipulating images, and filters; exploration through hands-on projects.

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GRART 42 Web Graphics (Dreamweaver)

Course Number: GRART 42
Units: 3
Class: 2.5 hours lecture, 1.5 hours laboratory
Acceptable for credit: CSU.
Prerequisite: GRART 36 Adobe Photoshop Basics. Recommended preparation: Computer literacy or GRART 230 Computer Basics for Graphics

Description: Introduction and application of software (Dreamweaver) used in webpage design and construction: Webpage construction with emphasis on graphic appearance.

Instructive online lectures, video tutorials, and weekly exercises are provided. The instructor is available to answer questions and there are student tutors to give feedback on projects and to answer software or assignment questions. 

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GRART 43 Web Graphics (Adobe Animate) 

Course Number: GRART 43
Units: 3 
Class: 2.5 hours lecture, 1.5 hours laboratory
Acceptable for credit: CSU. Recommended preparation: GRART 34 Adobe Illustrator Basics

Description: Introduction to Adobe Animate, a software application used for the development of 2D animation, game design, and interactive applications. Principles of motion, time-based media, and interactivity are discussed. Students are introduced to the creative and technical field of 2D computer animation in Adobe Animate – from simple, but spectacular morphs to a complex story with compositing, audio, and scenes.

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GRART 111 Elements and Principles of Graphic Design

Course Number: GRART 111
Units: 3
Class: 2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory
Acceptable for credit: CSU. Recommended preparation: Computer literacy or GRART 230 and GRART 32 Digital Documents (Adobe InDesign)

Description: Introduction to elements, principles, and techniques of graphic design: Elements of point, line, space, and volume; principles of balance, unity, and emphasis; image generation techniques of proportion, contrast, visual impact, rhythm, and illusion; use of graphics software for project presentation.

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GRART 112 Creative Process and Solutions

Course Number: GRART 112
Units: 3
Class: 2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory
Acceptable for credit: CSU.

Description: Introduction to the established sequential graphic design process: Process of client communications, project objectives, creative briefs, goal orientation, creative production, presentation, solutions, and evaluation; development of creative imaging skills such as abstracting, morphing, sketching, symbol development, contrary expectations, and visual variety as project solutions.

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GRART 113 Typography ONLINE

Course Number: GRART 113 
Units: 3 
Class: 2.5 hours lecture, 1.5 hours laboratory
Acceptable for credit: CSU. Prequisite: GRART 32 Digital Documents (Adobe InDesign)

Description: Introduction to the importance of type as a graphic design factor: Traditions of communications through visual symbols and letterforms, the historical development of alphabets to modern computer-type technologies, type terminology, measurement, composition, and layout using traditional and computer page-layout software; hands-on projects demonstrating typographical concepts.

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GRART 114 Graphic Design Technology

Course Number: GRART 114
Units: 3
Class: 2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory
Acceptable for credit: CSU
Prerequisite: GRART 32 Digital Documents (Adobe InDesign). Recommended preparation: GRART 34 Adobe Illustrator Basics and GRART 36 Adobe Photoshop Basics

Description: Technology-based orientation to file preparation dependent upon final output method: Concepts of print and electronic display limitations, file formats, image resolution and correction, color modes, file inspection, packaging, and delivery to the graphic arts service provider.

Students will have access to a very well-equipped art lab and a computer lab with MAC computers with large monitors. Students will be able to use the graphic arts facilities, art materials, and supplies to do their hands-on projects.  The Graphic Arts labs are COVID-19 compliant. Masks are mandatory and social distancing is practiced. Disinfecting solutions are provided. 

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GRART 115 Web Design

Course Number: GRART 115
Units: 3
Class: 2.5 hours lecture, 1.5 hours laboratory
Acceptable for credit: CSU

Description: Introduction to website design from a planning perspective: Good elements of graphic design, design process, goals, message, audience demographics and psychographics, content, and architecture, pre-production, building, and maintaining.

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GRART 121 Applied Graphic Design 1 HYBRID

Course Number: GRART 121
Units: 3
Class: 1-hour lecture, 6 hours laboratory
Acceptable for credit: CSU
Prerequisite: GRART 113. Recommended preparation: GRART 111 Elements and Principles of Graphic Design, GRART 112 Creative Process and Solutions or GRART 230 Computer Basics

Description: Project-oriented class for the practical application of typographical theory: Impact of type on the audience, type composition, layout, emphasis, and characteristics for impact on readability, legibility, and graphic design aesthetics; use of computer page-layout software in project completion.

Instructive online lectures, video tutorials, and weekly exercises are provided. The instructor is available to answer questions and there are student tutors to give feedback on projects and to answer software or assignment questions. 

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GRART 122 Applied Graphic Design 2 HYBRID

Course Number: GRART 122
Units: 3 
Class: 1 hours lecture, 6 hours laboratory
Acceptable for credit: CSU
Prerequisite(s): GRART 111 Elements and Principles of Graphic Design

Description: Project-oriented class for the practical application of design theory, procedures, and processes: Advertising design for publications such as newspapers and magazines, packaging and publication design for the layout of newsletters and magazines; student-generated art using both hand and computer techniques for the creation of presentation designs.

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GRART 123 Applied Graphic Design 3

Course Number: GRART 123
Units: 3
Class: 1 hours lecture, 6 hours laboratory
Acceptable for credit: CSU
Prerequisite: GRART 34 Adobe Illustrator Basics
Recommended preparation: GRART 111 Elements and Principles of Graphic Design or GRART 113 Typography

Description: Project-oriented class for the practical application of design theory, procedures, and processes: Business graphics and corporate design, poster design, and branding for product identity and acceptance; student-generated art using both hand and computer techniques for the creation of presentation designs.

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GRART 150 Graphics In Motion (Introduction To Animation)

Course Number: GRART 150
Offered in combined sections with GRART 151 
Units: 3
Class: 2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory
Acceptable for credit: CSU
Recommended preparation: ART 20 Beginning Drawing & Composition

Description: Fundamental principles of animation taught with 2D hand-drawn techniques and professional animation software; Digicel Flipbook. The teacher’s lectures include the use of drawings & charts as guidelines and the application of Disney’s 12 animation principles. Drawn exercises explore timing & spacing, human motions & emotions, and the laws of physics applied to the weight of objects & the forces of nature. Students also view & study award-winning animated films from world cinema.

Students will have access to online content on Canvas.  The instructor will provide live demonstrations and will conduct lectures and lab exercises face-to-face. Students will have access to a very well-equipped art lab and a computer lab with MAC computers with large monitors. Students will be able to use the graphic arts facilities, art materials, and supplies to do their hands-on projects.  The Graphic Arts labs are COVID-19 compliant. Masks are mandatory and social distancing is practiced. Disinfecting solutions are provided.

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GRART 151 Graphics In Motion (Intermediate Animation)

Course Number: GRART 151
Offered in combined sections with GRART 150 
Units: 3
Class: 2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory
Acceptable for credit: CSU
Recommended preparation: GRART 150 Graphics in Motion Introduction to Animation 

Description: Continuation of GRART 150: Exploration of motion using hand-drawn 2D techniques, timing and spacing exercises; deeper use of professional animation software Digicel Flipbook. Students will apply the laws of physics to animate motion and weight, animate expressions in acting using emotions, and the movement of objects.  Disney’s 12 principles of animation will challenge students to excel. Students also view and study award-winning animated films from world cinema.

The instructor will provide live demonstrations and will conduct lectures and lab exercises. Students will have access to a very well-equipped art lab and a computer lab with MAC computers with large monitors. Students will be able to use the graphic arts facilities, art materials, and supplies to do their hands-on projects.  The Graphic Arts labs are COVID-19 compliant. Masks are mandatory and social distancing is practiced. Disinfecting solutions are provided.

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GRART 200 Special Projects Laboratory

Course Number: GRART 200
Units: 1-2
Class: 3-6 hours laboratory (GR)
Prerequisite: GRART 32 Digital Documents (Adobe InDesign)
Description: Course study under this section may be repeated three times.
Open laboratory for working on selected projects: Provides opportunities for the development of advanced and/or individual skills in graphic arts. 1030.00

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GRART 230 Computer Basics for Graphics

Course Number: GRART 230
Units: 1
Class: .75 hours lecture, .75 hours laboratory
Recommended preparation: Very basic keyboarding skill
Description: A basic ability to use computers is fundamental to the graphic arts. Special circumstances arise with graphic files, programs, and output methods when preparing documents for publication. The graphic design and multimedia areas rely heavily on Apple Macintosh computers. No course on this campus. The course will addresses the need to become skilled in using  the Mac and special PC computer requirements for graphics.

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GRART 231 Introduction to Graphic Design

Course Number: GRART 231
Units: 3
Class: 3 hours lecture
Description: Recommended for majors and non-majors seeking a career path in Applied Graphic Design.

Description: Introduction to the graphic arts industry and the role of the graphic designer: Historical aspect of graphic design, human communications, print and electronic documents, computer usage in graphic design, and design fundamentals and aesthetics.

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GRART 299 iCreate (Surevey of Digital Media)

Course Number: GRART 299
Units: 0
Class meets for 1 week (4 days)
Description: This class is part of the Summer Institute and it is specifically designed for high school students who are interested in learning about the field of digital media. The class is designed as a quick introduction to graphic design, photography, media and communication, and computer science. Students attend 1-week workshops in each department. 

Recommended for majors and non-majors seeking a career path in Applied Graphic Design or digital media.

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GRART 48GA-MZ Selected Topics in Graphic Arts

Course Number: GRART 48GA-MZ
Units: .5-9
Class: 0-9 hours lecture, 0-27 hours laboratory (GR)
Acceptable for credit: CSU◆
See section on Selected Topics. 1030.00

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COPED 466K Occupational Work Experience in Graphic Arts

Course Number: COPED 466K
Units: 1-4
Class: hours to be arranged (GR)