Austin Community College

FY 2009 Course Descriptions

Visual Communication

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ARTC 1305 BASIC GRAPHIC DESIGN (3-2-4). A study of two-dimensional (2-D) design with emphasis on the visual communication design process. Topics include basic terminology and graphic design principles. Introduction to the fundamentals of design that lead to the discovery and comprehension of the visual language. Form, balance, structure, rhythm, and harmony are studied in black and white and in color. Various media are used. Foundation laid for advanced courses in design. Fee: $24 Insurance: $3.50Skills: G ( ) Course Type: W

ARTC 1310 DESIGN CONCEPTS (3-2-4). Fundamental techniques in conceptualizing. Includes all procedures from initial research to creating strategies to finalizing a project. Fee: $24 Skills: G Prerequisites: ARTC 1305. ( ) Course Type: W

ARTC 1353 COMPUTER ILLUSTRATION (3-2-4). Use of the tools and transformation options of an industry-standard vector drawing program to create complex illustrations. Includes principles of layout an design and manipulation of text and graphics. Fee: $24 Skills: G Prerequisites: ARTC 1402 and GRPH 1459. ( ) Course Type: W

ARTC 1371 COLOR THEORY FOR DESIGN (3-2-4). Study of the additive and subtractive principles of color theory as they apply to the visual communication design process. Emphasis placed on color mixing, color relationships, visual impact as well as psychological and symbolic uses of color. Fee: $24 Insurance: $3.50Skills: G Prerequisites: ARTC 1305 and ARTC 1402. ( ) Course Type: W

ARTC 1391 SPECIAL TOPICS IN GRAPHIC DESIGN, COMMERCIAL ART AND ILLUSTRATION (3-2-4). Topics address recently identified current events, skills, knowledges, and/or attitudes and behaviors pertinent to the technology or occupation and relevant to the professional development of the student. This course was designed to be repeated multiple times to improve student proficiency. Fee: $24 Skills: G ( ) Course Type: W

ARTC 1402 DIGITAL IMAGING I (4-3-3). Digital imaging using raster image editing and/or image creation software: scanning, resolution, file formats, output devices, color systems, and image-acquisitions. A solid introduction to Adobe Photoshop with specific attention to practical applications of digital imaging to include preparing images for pint (halftone theory) and web output. Gain proficiency with Adobe Photoshop palettes, selections, layers, masks, image editing and painting. Introduction to layer styles, type effects, and filters. Gain specific understanding of image resolution and pixel depth for variety of output needs. Encourages creative studio skills. Fee: $24 Skills: G ( ) Course Type: W

ARTC 1409 BASIC ILLUSTRATION (4-3-3). Introduction to drawing techniques, skills, and concepts using various black and white media. Emphasis on perspective construction of the human figure and principles of shading as they pertain to the illustration industry. Introduction to drawing skills using various media. Includes study of one and two point perspective, fundamental construction of the human head figure, and the principles of shading. Emphasizes natural and technical drawing, and working in both the studio and the outdoor environment. Foundation laid for advanced courses in illustration. Fee: $12 Insurance: $3.50Skills: G ( ) Course Type: W

ARTC 1413 DIGITAL PUBLISHING I (4-3-3). The fundamentals of using digital layout as a primary publishing tool and the basic concepts and terminology associated with typography and page layout. Topics include an overview of industry standard software for page layout and design, and various methods of reproduction for print and electronic delivery. An introduction to InDesign and other tools and skills used to prepare electronic pre-press art for print reproduction with a goal of economy, neatness and faithfulness to the designer's layout or written instructions. Material covered will include graphic terminology, type specification, and evolution of the printed piece from concept to final printed project. Fee: $24 Skills: G ( ) Course Type: W

ARTC 1417 DESIGN COMMUNICATION I (4-3-3). Study of design development relating to graphic design terminology, tools and media, and layout and design concepts. Topics include integration of type, images and other design elements, while developing computer skills in industry standard computer programs. Study of design development pertaining to color theories, publications, and advertising. Projects will emphasize relating form to content through selection, creation and integration of typographic, photographic, illustrative and design elements. Concept production using QuarkXPress and Adobe Creative Suite software. Fee: $24 Skills: G Prerequisites: ARTC 2417. ( ) Course Type: W

ARTC 1421 ILLUSTRATION TECHNIQUES I (4-3-3). A study of illustration techniques in various media. Emphasis on creative interpretation and disciplined draftsmanship for visual communication of ideas. Study of drawing in various contemporary media, from still life, nature, photographs, and the imagination. Emphasizes creative interpretation, memory of observation, and disciplined draftsmanship. Continuation of the study of perspective through the development of perception of appearance and form. Lays groundwork for Advanced Illustration Classes. Fee: $24 Skills: G Prerequisites: ARTC 1409. ( ) Course Type: W

ARTC 1491 SPECIAL TOPICS IN GRAPHIC DESIGN, COMMERCIAL ART AND ILLUSTRATION (4-3-3). Topics address recently identified current events, skills, knowledge, and/or attitudes and behaviors pertinent to the technology or occupation and relevant to the professional development of the student. This course was designed to be repeated multiple times to improve student proficiency.

Advanced Animation - A comprehensive focus on technical aspects of traditional animation. Specific focus on story and character development, aesthetic design and completion of an animated short feature accomplished in pencil test. Students will apply skills and knowledge acquired from Basic Animation to complete this course. Fee: $24 Skills: G ( ) Course Type: W

ARTC 2311 HISTORY OF COMMUNICATION GRAPHICS (3-3-0). Survey of the evolution of graphic arts as it relates to the history of art. Topics include formal, stylistic, social, political, economic, and historical aspects. Emphasis on the art movement, schools of thought, individuals, and technology as they interrelate with graphic arts. Survey course of the history of commercial art, starting with the visual communication found in the cave paintings through the creation of the letter form and its expansion due to the Gutenberg Press to the present state of commercial art and its impact on world history as it reaches the masses through various media. This course allows students to better understand the context within which graphic artists work. Skills: G ( ) Course Type: W

ARTC 2401 ILLUSTRATION TECHNIQUES II (4-3-3). Continued study of illustration media and techniques using digital and/or traditional tools. Emphasis on conceptualization and composition as they relate to "real world" assignments. Advanced study for exploring the different illustration media and their application in general composition or related visual communication media such as magazines, books, jacket covers, etc. Emphasis on experimentation and development of solution to visual problems. Fee: $24 Skills: G Prerequisites: ARTC 1409 and ARTC 1421. ( ) Course Type: W

ARTC 2405 DIGITAL IMAGING II (4-3-3). General principles of digital image processing and electronic painting. Emphasis on bitmapped- or raster-based image making and the creative aspects of electronic illustration for commercial and fine art applications. This includes an introduction to color management and correction for output to print as well as optimizing images for the web. Intermediate techniques using Adobe Photoshop will be reviewed to gain greater efficiency using masks and channels; pen and vectors; short cuts and actions; type effects; and controlled use of layer styles, blending modes, filters and other special effects.
Fee: $24 Skills: G Prerequisites: ARTC 1402. ( ) Course Type: W

ARTC 2413 DIGITAL PUBLISHING II (4-3-3). Layout procedures from thumbnails and roughs to final comprehensive and printing; emphasis on design principles for the creation of advertising and publishing materials, and techniques for efficient planning and documenting projects. Emphasis on the effective use of a variety of stylistic approaches to visual communication and the development of effective work habits and studio skills. Advanced projects using computer programs InDesign, Illustrator and PhotoShop with an emphasis on preparing electronic pre-press art for print reproduction, 4-color separation, special effects, stages of the production process, printing economy, and comprehensive application of printing papers. Fee: $24 Skills: G Prerequisites: ARTC 1413. ( ) Course Type: W

ARTC 2417 TYPOGRAPHIC DESIGN (4-3-3). Exploration of problems in typographic design including computer generated letterforms as elements of design. Topics include theory and techniques of traditional, contemporary, and experimental typography for use in graphic design. Basic study of the visual form, recognition of type styles and type anatomy that relate to graphic design and communication. Projects will involve the manipulation of type, use of type accessories and choice of type styles most suited to the page layout. Concept production using Adobe Creative Suite software. Fee: $24 Skills: G Prerequisites: ARTC 1413. ( ) Course Type: W

ARTC 2435 PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT FOR GRAPHIC DESIGN (4-3-3). Preparation of a portfolio comprised of completed graphic design class projects. Evaluation and demonstration of portfolio presentation methods based on the student's specific area of study. Capstone. Fee: $24 Skills: O Prerequisites: ARTC 2447. ( ) Course Type: W

ARTC 2440 COMPUTER ILLUSTRATION II (4-3-3). Advanced use of software capabilities with emphasis on various output procedures, the resolution of complex design issues, and concept development. Fee: $24 Skills: G Prerequisites: ARTC 1353. ( ) Course Type: W

ARTC 2447 DESIGN COMMUNICATION II (4-3-3). An advanced study of design, development, and art direction. Emphasis on form and content through the selection, creation, and integration of typographic, photographic, illustrative, and design elements. Advanced study of design, development, and art direction pertaining to color theories, publications, advertising, and package design. Projects will emphasize relating form to content through selection, creation and integration of typographic, photographic, illustrative, and design elements. Concept production using QuarkXPress and Adobe Create Suite software. Fee: $24 Skills: G Prerequisites: ARTC 1417 and ARTC 2417. ( ) Course Type: W

ARTC 2448 DIGITAL PUBLISHING III (4-3-3). A project based page layout course from concept to completion addressing design problems, preflight of files, color separations, and trapping techniques. Basics of color management, imposition, press orientation, folds, binding methods, and press problems specific to offset and digital printing. Fee: $24 Skills: G Prerequisites: ARTC 1413 and ARTC 2413. ( ) Course Type: W

ARTC 2472 PRE-CERTIFICATION FOR GRAPHIC ARTS (4-3-3). This is a capstone course for the Graphic Arts Technology degree and certificate. Certification is industry standard excellence that is used to demonstrate the students' product knowledge and expertise. Students will practice graphic arts technology skills and study the topics covered in exam preparation guides. Student will explore job descriptions and skills needed for their area of interest. Fee: $24 Insurance: $3.50Skills: O Prerequisites: ARTC 2448 and ARTC 2405. ( ) Course Type: w

ARTV 1211 STORYBOARD (2-1-2). Introduction to the technique of storyboarding including organizing a project's content and arranging it in a visual format. Fee: $24 Skills: G Prerequisites: ARTC 1409. ( ) Course Type: W

ARTV 1403 BASIC ANIMATION (4-3-3). Examination of concepts, characters, and storyboards for basic animation production. Emphasis on creating movement and expression utilizing traditional or electronically generated image sequences. An introduction to traditional animation. Gives students a working knowledge of animation techniques necessary to design animated sequences. Fee: $18 Skills: G Prerequisites: ARTC 1409. ( ) Course Type: W

ARTV 1441 3D ANIMATION I (4-3-3). Instruction in three-dimensional (3-D) modeling and rendering techniques including lighting, staging, camera, and special effects. Emphasis on 3-D modeling building blocks using primitives to create simple or complex objects. Emphasis on practicing the principles of animation with 3-D software and how to show weight and emotion through movement. Fee: $24 Skills: G Prerequisites: ARTV 1445. ( ) Course Type: W

ARTV 1445 3D MODELING AND RENDERING I (4-3-3). Techniques of three-dimensional (3-D) modeling utilizing appropriate software. Includes the creation and modification of 3-D geometric shapes, use of a variety of rendering techniques, camera light sources, texture, and surface mapping. Fee: $24 Skills: G ( ) Course Type: W

ARTV 1451 DIGITAL VIDEO (4-3-3). Producing and editing video and sound for multimedia or web productions. Emphasizes capture, editing, and outputting of video using a desktop digital video workstation. Beginning course in the use of Adobe After Effects Production bundle for creating video compositing and motion graphics. Emphasis on technical and aesthetics aspects of production. Fee: $24 Skills: G ( ) Course Type: W

ARTV 1472 DIGITAL PAINTING (4-3-3). A comprehensive course on digital computer painting techniques with a focus on animation backgrounds and 3D textures and surfaces. The student will also receive extensive training in the use of computer drawing tablets. Fee: $24 Skills: G Prerequisites: ARTC 1409. ( ) Course Type: W

ARTV 1473 DRAWING FOR ANIMATION (4-3-3). A foundation course for the animation student aimed at developing the drawing skill sets particular to the practice of animation, 2D and 3D. Fee: $24 Skills: G ( ) Course Type: W

ARTV 1476 MOVEMENT FOR CHARACTER ANIMATION (4-3-3). A beginning studio course in the principles of movement for developing character animation. Topics include how to show weight and resistance through body tension; physical ways of creating characters; showing emotional changes within body language; technique and process for creating video reference. Fee: $24 Skills: G ( ) Course Type: W

ARTV 1477 STOP MOTION ANIMATION
ARTV 1491 SPECIAL TOPICS IN VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS (4-3-3). Topics address recently identified current events, skills, knowledges, and/or attitudes and behaviors pertinent to the technology or occupation and relevant to the professional development of the student. This course was designed to be repeated multiple times to improve student proficiency.

Advanced Animation--Further study of movement in character with emphasis on specific scenes and actions. Course is project based to give students the experience of creating their own characters and stories.
Fee: $24 Skills: G Prerequisites: ARTV 1403. ( ) Course Type: W

ARTV 2335 PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT FOR ANIMATION (3-2-4). A course in the development of a professional portfolio to showcase the student's skills in animation. Includes self-promotion, resumes, portfolio distribution, and interview techniques. Fee: $24 Skills: O ( ) Course Type: W

ARTV 2401 2D ANIMATION I (4-3-3). Skill development in the use of software to develop storyboards and two-dimensional animation including creating, importing, and sequencing media elements to create multimedia presentation. Emphasis on conceptualization, creativity, and visual aesthetics. A course which takes the student through various aspects of animation using a variety of two-dimensional software. Developing concepts, storyboarding, and production of several two-dimensional animations will be accomplished. Fee: $24 Skills: G Prerequisites: ARTV 1403. ( ) Course Type: W

ARTV 2430 2D ANIMATION II (4-3-3). This course will focus on the production of a short animated feature produced in a group situation. Students will write, design, and execute a short feature while experiencing various aspects of a studio environment. Fee: $24 Skills: G Prerequisites: ARTV 2401. ( ) Course Type: W

ARTV 2441 ADVANCED DIGITAL VIDEO (4-3-3). Instruction in the use of advanced digital video techniques for post-production. Emphasis on generation and integration of special effects, 2-D animation, and 3-D animation for film, video, CD-ROM, and the Internet. Exploration of new and emerging compression and video streaming technologies. Fee: $24 Skills: G Prerequisites: ARTV 1451. ( ) Course Type: W

ARTV 2445 3D MODELING AND RENDERING II (4-3-3). A studio course focused on advanced 3-D modeling and rendering techniques using industry standard software. Topics include spline modeling, patch modeling, and other organic modeling techniques. Students will learn advanced use of camera settings, lighting, and surfacing to create detailed environments. Students will also cover advanced topics such as particle and volumetric effects, and setting up a model with weight maps, hierarchies, bones, and constraints. Fee: $24 Skills: G Prerequisites: ARTV 1445. ( ) Course Type: W

ARTV 2451 3D ANIMATION II (4-3-3). Advanced skill development in three-dimensional modeling and rendering techniques using lighting, staging, and special effects for digital output. Emphasis on the production of three-dimensional (3-D) animation as final digital outputting using modeling, rendering and animation software. Fee: $24 Skills: G Prerequisites: ARTV 1441 and ARTV 1476. ( ) Course Type: W

ARTV 2471 3D LIGHTING AND SURFACING (4-3-3). Lighting, shading, and texture painting for 3D models using digital painting techniques. Emphasizes lighting, shading, and texture creation of limited resolution to increase system performance for digital games and simulation training models. Fee: $24 Skills: G Prerequisites: ARTC 1445 and ARTV 1472. ( ) Course Type: W

ARTV 2472 3D PRE-PRODUCTION (4-3-3). A studio course focused on pre-production skills needed to design strong 3D models, surfaces, lighting, and animation using industry standard software. Topics include: application of the elements and principles of design in 3D; acquiring reference materials; the importance of creating design drawings and technical diagrams to aid in model construction; emotional and psychological values of light, color, and the camera's perspective. Students will create a complete project design for the 3D Project course. Fee: $24 Skills: G Prerequisites: ARTV 1211, ARTV 1472, and ARTV 1441. ( ) Course Type: W

ARTV 2473 CHARACTER DESIGN FOR 2D ANIMATION (4-3-3). A comprehensive course devoted to the development of skills in creating characters for 2D animation that are aesthetically pleasing and are of industry standard. Fee: $24 Skills: O Prerequisites: ARTV 1473. ( ) Course Type: W

ARTV 2474 2D PROJECT (4-3-3). A studio course focused on creating 2D work for the student's demo reel using industry standard procedures. The work must be either a series of storyboard panels or 2D character designs; or a series of 2D animated sequences [depending on the student's chosen area of focus]. This is an advanced course that relies heavily on the skills learned in previous classes. Fee: $24 Skills: G Prerequisites: ARTV 1451 and ARTV 2430. ( ) Course Type: W

ARTV 2475 3D MODELING AND RENDERING III (4-3-3). An advanced studio course in the theory and technique of three-dimensional (3D) modeling utilizing appropriate software. Topics include advanced modeling tool sets and techniques, including the preparation and implementation of 3D models into interactive applications. Fee: $24 Skills: G Prerequisites: ARTV 2445. ( ) Course Type: W

ARTV 2476 3D ANIMATION III (4-3-3). An advanced studio course in the theory and technique of three-dimensional (3D) animation utilizing appropriate software. Topics include advanced animation tools sets and techniques, including the preparation and implementation of 3D animation into interactive applications. Fee: $24 Skills: G Prerequisites: ARTV 2451. ( ) Course Type: W

ARTV 2477 3D PRODUCTION (4-3-3). A studio course focused on creating 3D work for the student's demo reel using industry standard software. The work must be either a series of 3D modeled narrative illustrations; or a 3D animated short [depending on the student's chosen area of focus]. This is an advanced course that relies heavily on the skills learned in previous classes. Project concept must be approved during the term of the prerequisite class. Fee: $24 Skills: G Prerequisites: ARTV 2472 and either ARTV 2475 or ARTV 2476. ( ) Course Type: W

ARTV 2478 SPECIAL EFFECTS IN 2D ANIMATION (4-3-3). This course will study the techniques and practical application of special effects to 2D animated sequences using specific software to create elemental and environmental disturbances such as fire, smoke, and weather conditions. The focus will be centered on industry standards and procedures for creating and applying such effects. Fee: $24 Skills: G Prerequisites: ARTV 1451. ( ) Course Type: W

GRPH 1459 VECTOR GRAPHICS FOR PRODUCTIONS (4-3-3). A study and use of vector graphics for production. Skill development in the use of the tools and transformation options of Adobe Illustrator to create complex vector illustrations for print and web-based media. Mastery in manipulation of both text and graphics with emphasis on the use of the pen tool as well as the correct use and management of different color modes. Fee: $24 Skills: G ( ) Course Type: W

IMED 1416 WEB DESIGN I (4-3-3). Instruction in web page design and related graphic design issues including mark-up languages, web sites, and browsers. Fee: $24 Skills: G Prerequisites: ARTC 1402. ( ) Course Type: W

IMED 1441 INTERFACE DESIGN (4-3-3). Skill development in the interface design process including selecting interfaces that are meaningful to users and relative to a project's content and delivery system. Emphasis on aesthetic issues such as iconography, screen composition, colors, and typography. Fee: $24 Skills: G Prerequisites: ARTC 1402. ( ) Course Type: W

IMED 1445 INTERACTIVE MULTIMEDIA I (4-3-3). Exploration of the use of graphics and sound to create time-based interactive multimedia animations using industry standard authoring software. This course is an introduction to Adobe Flash CS3 for interactivity. Drawing tools and basic animation techniques are covered, but the emphasis is on the use of ActionScript 3.0 to create interactivity beyond basic navigation. Interface design patterns are introduced and student projects are directed toward the design of interactive environments for the web and applications. Fee: $24 Skills: G ( ) Course Type: W

IMED 1491 SPECIAL TOPICS IN EDUCATIONAL/INSTRUCTIONAL MEDIA TECHNOLOGY (4-3-3). Topics address recently identified current events, skills, knowledges, and/or attitudes and behaviors pertinent to the technology or occupation and relevant to the professional development of the student. This course was designed to be repeated multiple times to improve student proficiency.

Website Design and Development–Introduction to the web site planning process including costing, preparation, production, and accessibility issues. Creation of a comprehensive design document including target audience analysis, purpose and goals, user feedback, flow chart, and storyboard. Emphasis on content design and production management.

Fee: $24 Skills: O ( ) Course Type: W

IMED 2388 INTERNSHIP - DIGITAL COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA/MULTIMEDIA (3-0-13). An experience external to the college for an advanced student in a specialized field involving a written agreement between the educational institution and a business or industry. Mentored and supervised by a workplace employee, the student achieves objectives that are developed and documented by the college and that are directly related to specific occupational outcomes. This may be a paid or unpaid experience. This course may be repeated if topics and learning outcomes vary. Insurance: $3.50Skills: P ( ) Course Type: W

IMED 2411 PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT (4-3-3). Preparation and enhancement of portfolio to meet professional standards, development of presentation skills, and improvement of job-seeking techniques. Fee: $24 Skills: O ( ) Course Type: W

IMED 2413 PROJECT ANALYSIS AND DESIGN (4-3-3). Application of the planning and production processes for multimedia or web projects. Emphasis on copyright and other legal issues, content design and production management. Fee: $24 Skills: G Prerequisites: IMED 1445, IMED 2415, IMED 1441. ( ) Course Type: W

IMED 2415 WEB DESIGN II (4-3-3). A study of mark-up language advanced layout techniques for creating web pages. Emphasis on identifying the target audience and producing web sites according to accessibility standards, cultural appearance, and legal issues. A comprehensive use of HTML tags will be used in conjunction with up-to-date authoring software to publish a complete website for a corporate identity. Fee: $24 Skills: G Prerequisites: IMED 1416. ( ) Course Type: W

IMED 2445 INTERACTIVE MULTIMEDIA II (4-3-3). Instruction in the use of scripting language to create interactive multimedia projects. Topics include building a user interface, writing script, testing, and debugging. Fee: $24 Skills: G Prerequisites: IMED 1445. ( ) Course Type: W

IMED 2451 MULTIMEDIA PROGRAMMING (4-3-3). Advanced topics in multimedia programming including custom scripts for data tracking. Emphasis on developing multimedia programs customized to the client's needs. Fee: $24 Skills: G ( ) Course Type: W

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Course Descriptions as of November 07, 2009 04:23am
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