Visual Arts and Communications at Shoreline Community College

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 101
Graphic Design I (5)
Concept development procedures in visual communication problem solving involving letter forms, illustrative material, typography and general graphic design. Basic principles of selection, organization, and production techniques are introduced. Dual listed as ART 201. Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 102
Graphic Design II (5)
Continued study of concept development procedures in visual communication problem solving including letter forms, illustrative material, typography and general graphic design. Stresses principles of selection, organization, production techniques and introduction to mechanical art requirements. Dual listed as ART 202. Prerequisite: VCT 101, ART 201 or equivalent with instructor's permission. Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 103
Graphic Design III (5)
Procedures in visual communication problem solving; topics are letterforms, illustrative matter, market analysis and general graphics. Principles of selection, organization and production are stressed. Course is demanding in both time and quality of product. Dual listed as ART 203. Prerequisite: ART 202 or VCT 102, or instructor permission. Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 111
Survey of Current Image Production (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)
Introductory course in the fundamental operations and uses of the Macintosh computer, operating systems, file formats as related to visual communications design and production. Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 125
Intro to Image Construction, Editing & Output (3)
This course introduces current information, tools and techniques used for creation of digital materials for a variety of visual communications applications. It is an Introductory course in digital image construction methods including: creation, editing, storage, retrieval and output. Student Option Grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 128
Desktop Publishing Using InDesign (3)
This is an intro to desktop publishing design, concepts and skills using page-layout programs. Projects include single and multiple page layouts such as letterhead and brochure design. Issues involving basic graphic design principles, software integration, and preparation for offset printing will be addressed. Previously VCT 131. Prerequisite: VCT 124/125 or instructor approval. Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 134
Digital Illustration & Design with Illustrator (3)
This course develops a fundamental understanding of the design and creation of computer graphics for press, web, and multimedia, using vector-based applications. Problem-solving skills related to illustration techniques, software usage/compatibilities and related concerns will also be addressed. Previously VCT 132. Prerequisite: VCT 124/125 or instructor approval. Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 135
Digital Imaging (4)
Digital Imaging focus on digital image acquisition, input, editing and output for a variety of visual media applications. It incorporates detailed exploration into image enhancement, image creation, and image restoration and output resolutions for a variety of media. Previously VCT 140. Prerequisite: VCT 124, VCT 125, or portfolio review. Instructor permission required. Mandatory Decimal Grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 136
Photoshop Introduction/Image Construction (3)
Photoshop for commercial, fine art and photo applications. Includes Image acquisition, file preparation, importing as well as the alteration, manipulation and enhancement of images. Emphasis is on image construction for concept development including strategies for use with web, multimedia, print and video production. Previously VCT 129. Prerequisite: VCT 124 and VCT 125 or skills test. Instructor permission required. Mandatory decimal grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 144
Digital Photography for Industry (4)
This introductory course explores the modes and roles of digital photography. Explore the possibilities of the medium, explore creative and aesthetic concerns. Students will 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/VCT 125, VCT 136 or portfolio review. Instructor permission required. Mandatory Decimal Grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 145
Digital Image Correction and Retouching (4)
Students learn how to evaluate digital images, make corrections to tone, contrast and color as well as eliminating scratches and repairing image damage. Prequisite: VCT 124, VCT 125, VCT 136 or concurrent enrollment with insructor permission or portfolio review. 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. Prerequisites: VCT 111 or concurrent enrollment with instructor permission or portfolio review. Mandatory decimal grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 155
Ptrinting Processes: Ink Jet (4)
Students explore inkjet printing processes. This 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. Prerequisite: VCT 111,124, 125, 136 or concurrent enrollment with instructor permission or portfolio review.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 156
Printing Processes: Toner-based (3)
Students explore toner-based printing processes. This in-depth course includes file workflow, processing for production, troubleshooting, on-demand print production and print quality. Previously VCT 116. Prerequisite: VCT 124, VCT 125, VCT 128 or concurrent enrollment with instuctor permission or Portfolio review.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 157
Electronic Prepress & Publishing (4)
Students prepare camera-ready art and digital files for print. Multiple-page, multiple-signature formats are used for digital and mechanical copy. The course also addresses customer relations, time management, materials selection, workflow, file preparation, and print coordination. Previously VCT 122. Prerequisites: Completion of VCT 101, VCT 111, VCT 136, VCT 128 and instructor signature or instructor permission with portfolio review.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 164
Desktop Video Production with Final Cut (3)
Introduction to nonlinear video editing. Students learn to edit digital video, add text and graphics to video, perform color keying, add animation and edit audio. Complete projects will be exported to tape, CD, DVD or the web. Previously VCT 264. Prerequisites: VCT 124/125, VCT136, instructor permission. Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 170
Introduction to Web Design w/Dreamweaver (3)
Introduction to interactive design in internet publishing. Addresses site creation, management and interface design. Covers concept development, resolution, color theory, layout, fonts, file format, server interaction, Web browser plug-ins and multimedia applications. Previously VCT 138. Prerequisites: VCT 124 and VCT 125, VCT 136 recommended orportfolio review. Instructor permission required. Mandatory decimal grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 174
Interface Design with Flash (3)
This course introduces students to interactive screen design with an emphasis on user interface design for multi-dimensional 'New Media' such as CD, DVD, VHS tape and web. Students gain experience with technologies and software while focusing on visual communications concepts and project development. Previously VCT 139. Prerequisite: VCT 124/125, Art 130, VCT 136 or portfolio review. Instructor permission required. Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 175
3-D Rendering with Maya (3)
An entry-level course in construction, illustration and rendering of 3D images. The course addresses organization of resources and applied procedures to produce high quality 3D images for publication as multimedia, web and video. The course introduces the use of the 3D modeling and rendering software. Previously VCT 134. Prerequisites: VCT 124 and 125, VCT 136 and VCT 128 or instructor permission with portfolio review.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 177
New Media Design with Flash (3)
This course focuses on the design of interactive functions used in multi-dimensional New Media. With current technologies and software, students use interface design to create a series of user responsive/directed interactivity applicable for a variety of output options: CD, DVD,VHS tape and web. Previously VCT 207. Prerequisite: VCT 136, VCT 174 or portfolio review. Instructor permission required.Student option grading.ading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 190
Internship in Visual Communications (5)
Apply skills in a commercial work environment. Interpersonal communication skills, cost awareness, time management and quality assurance are seminar topics. Specialization in graphic design, photography, production web and printing. Site approval must be obtained by student. Course may be repeated. Variable 2-5 credit. Previously VCT 212. Prerequisite: See instructor for registration. Additional hours to be arranged. Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 199
Visual Communications Study Center (5)
Students complete supplemental study projects in Visual Communications Technology computer lab to support their progress in the VCT program. This course may be taken multiple times for credit. Previously VCT 099. Prerequisite: VCT 124 and VCT 125. Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 201
Graphic Design IV (4)
Students work on portfolios showing visual communication problem solving. Critical analysis of design solutions using art elements and principles. Teaches strategies, group design team concepts, research techniques and resource development for the selection, organization, process and production of visuals. Project deadlines simulate industry. Prerequisite: Completion of VCT 103 or equivalent education and experiencewith instructor permission. Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 202
Graphic Design V (4)
Individual portfolio development. Features audience and market analysis, continues instruction in research techniques and resource development for the selection, organization, development and production of visuals. Project deadlines approximate commercial deadlines. Media orientation remains general. Prerequisite: Completion of VCT 201 or equivalent with instructor's permission. Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 203
Graphic Design VI (5)
Continued instruction in techniques and resource development for the selection, organization, process and production of visuals. Project deadlines simulate industry. Media specialization is individual. A portfolio presentation and display of fifteen pieces of exemplary work, a resume and personal business cabinet of papers. Prerequisite: Completion of VCT 202 or equivalent with instructor's permission. Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 224
Portfolio and Resume Preparation (4)
The advanced VCT student will design, develop and produce a portfolio which represents developed skills and abilities using media appropriate to the developer's areas of expertise. The student will design, develop and produce a comprehensive resume for presentation. This course may be repeated for credit. Previously VCT 222. Prerequisites: Completion of VCT foundation curriculum and area of specialization. Ability to design and develop a portfolio in appropriate format for area of specialization. Instructor permission required. Mandatory decimal grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 228
Adv Desktop Publishing using InDesign (3)
This intermediate desktop publishing course incorporates design, image acquisition and electronic assembly and manipulation of test and graphics in creating multiple-page documents. Issues involving design principles, concept development, software integration, and preparation for offset printing will be emphasized. Previously VCT 133. Prerequisite: VCT 101, 111, 131 and permission. 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 124/125, 136, 134 and ART 131 or instructor permission. Mandatory decimal grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 236
Advanced Photoshop (3)
Continuation of VCT 136. Complex image construction using Photoshop. Advanced production techniques used to create images for use in multimedia, print media and web design. Previously VCT 229. Prerequisites: VCT 136 or equivalent with instructor permission. Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 241
Advanced Digital Photography for Industry (4)
This course examines shooting and digital software techniques in the evolution of digital images. Focus is on the purposes and intentions of alteration of photographic images and how this is used in creative expression. Emphasis is on digital technology to solve photo-imaging problems. Prerequisite: VCT 129, VCT 141 or portfolio review, instructor permission required. Mandatory Decimal Grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 254
Offset Printing Procedures IV (4)
This course simulates the work experience of a commercial printing concern. Students work independent of the instructional staff on routineskill accomplishments. Production skills and cost estimation skills are strengthened to industrial standards. Course may be repeated. Previously VCT 211. Prerequisite: VCT 154 or equivalent with instructor'spermission. Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 255
Offset/Graphic Production Portfolio (4)
Offset printing and prepress production students are instructed in job search skills, resume preparation, personal presentation and interview techniques. Portfolio presentation includes student sample work, a resume and a business cabinet. Work is displayed as both realia and lide format. Previously VCT 213. Prerequisite: VCT 154. Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 257
Adv Electronic Prepress & Publishing (4)
Students learn digital file preparation for On Demand and Offset printing. The course covers prepress, post-print bindery and finishing as well as skills for refining of trapping, impositions and pagination. Troubleshooting file formats for digital output and workflow management is addressed. Previously VCT 123. Prerequisites: VCT 157 and instructor signature or instructor permission with portfolio review.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 264
Adv Desktop Video Production w/Final Cut (3)
Students plan and develop strategies for composite video and still images to create animations, mattes, and add special effects to video using a variety of techniques. Students acquire skills to incorporate audio and output using appropriate compression software for multiple applications (such as CD, DVD, Video Tape and Streaming Web Media). Previously VCT 265. Prerequisites: Completion of VCT 164 and permission of instructor.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 266
Video Editing & Post Production (5)
Learn how to edit video/film. Study the techniques, history and theory of video/film editing using Avid XpressDV, a professional non-linearedit system. Create projects in a variety of styles including narrative and documentary. New emerging technologies are also discussed. Duallisted as Film 266. Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 267
Advanced Video Editing & Post Production (5)
Interested in professional video editing? In this class, study advanced video editing post-production using professional software such as Avid XpressDV to create various longer video projects including narrative, documentary and experimental styles. Emerging technologies are discussed. Dual listed as Film 267. Prerequisite:Film/VCT 266. Student option grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 270
Advanced Web Design with Dreamweaver (4)
An advanced 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. Mandatory Decimal Grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 275
3-D Animation w/Maya (3)
This entry-level course focuses on the application of 3D images to a conceptualized and planned high quality animation for use in multimedia, web and video applications. Motion, camera and lighting are applied in project development using the 3D modeling and rendering software. Previously VCT 135. Prerequisite: VCT 175, instructor signature orinstructor permission with portfolio review. Mandatory decimal grading.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 277
Adv New Media Design with Flash (4)
This course focuses on developing New Media for teaching and learning. Emphasis is on using instructional design theory to create multi-dimensional/level user driven media. Students have the opportunity to build structured teaching and learning projects for a variety of media such as CD, DVD, VHS tape and web. Previously VCT 208. Prerequisite: VCT 177 or portfolio review. Instructor permission required. 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 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.

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