Graphic Communications Courses

This course focuses on composition and editing of curriculum-specific technical and business-related writing projects. Instruction includes formatting, information gathering, document drafting, editing, and written employment strategies.

Lecture Hours: 48

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C- in ENG-060 or appropriate placement score.

Composition I emphasizes fluency, thesis-driven organization, the use of supporting details, and research techniques. Writing is approached as a recursive process that includes prewriting strategies, drafting, revising, and editing. The course helps students shape writing to serve readers' needs and define a sense of purpose in their writing. It also gives students strategies for reading college-level material.

Lecture Hours: 48

Prerequisite(s): Appropriate placement scores or equivalent.

This course provides students with the experience of creating hand drawn art using a variety of drawing mediums, tools and techniques. Emphasis is placed on the fundamentals of drawing, artistic expression, artistic perception, visual organization, and composition. Articulating viable design concepts and solutions for common graphic design problems through drawing will be presented.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 64

An introduction to basic drawing. Working with still life props: line, form, values, perspective and composition will be explored, using various wet and dry mediums. Concentration will be on accurate visual drawing.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

This course concentrates on intermediate drawing problems: Gesture, contour, proportions, mapping techniques and values are studied through the use of props and clothed models. Creative interpretation with various media and approaches are stressed.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

This course provides students with the experience of producing and preparing various types of page layout and design formats for print media. Emphasis is placed on building print ready publications using Adobe InDesign. Desktop computer setup, color management, project management, and printing technologies will be presented.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 64

This course provides students with the experience of designing single page layout formats for print media. Emphasis is placed on making effective design and layout decisions to visually communicate information to a targeted audience. An introduction to the Graphic Design profession, design process, elements of design, principles of design, and typography will be presented.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 64

Pre/Co-requisite(s): A minimum grade of D- in GRA-133.

This course provides students with the experience of creating vector graphics for print media. Emphasis is placed on rendering digital artwork using Adobe Illustrator. Various 2D and 3D illustration drawing techniques along with creating intricate vector type and type effects will be presented.

Lecture Hours: 48 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): GRA-133.

This course provides students with the experience of producing and preparing raster graphics for print media. Emphasis is placed on generating print quality photographic imagery using Adobe Photoshop. Image acquisition, color management, color correction, retouching, extracting, layering, compositing, and painting techniques along with creating raster type effects will be presented.

Lecture Hours: 48 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): GRA-133.

This course applies the principles and methods of design and layout to creating solutions for design problems. The process involved with communicating a client's product, service or image to a specific or general audience is explored in project application.

Lecture Hours: 48 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of D in GRA-196 and GRA-133.

This course is designed to present basic facts of arithmetic including whole numbers, fractions, decimals, powers, roots, English and metric measurement, ratio-proportion, percents, introduction to algebra, introduction to geometry, and applied statistics. Instruction includes use of scientific hand-held calculators and emphasis placed on critical thinking, problem solving skills.

Lecture Hours: 48

This is a one semester, liberal arts mathematics course that satisfies the minimum general education requirement for math. The course is designed to impart math skills which are helpful in everyday life as well as to expose students to areas of mathematics they may not have seen before. Topics include problem-solving skills, set theory, algebra, consumer mathematics, probability, and statistics. Other topics may be included.

Lecture Hours: 48

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of D- in MAT-063 or appropriate placement score.

This course provides an intensified study of algebraic techniques and prepares students for future study in mathematics. The central theme is the concept of functions, their properties, graphs and applications. Functions studied include polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic.

Lecture Hours: 64

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C- in MAT-102 or equivalent placement score.

This course expands the dimension of the process of design to include specific information and experiences pertaining to advertising design and other advanced design formats.

Lecture Hours: 48 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of D in GRA-124, GRA-197, and GRA-142.

This course provides students with the experience of designing and developing a static Website. Emphasis is placed on making effective web design and layout decisions that comply with current web development standards. An introduction to the web design process, HTML and CSS programming languages, search engine optimization, and website hosting will be presented.

Lecture Hours: 48 Lab Hours: 32

Human Relations is the study of self and social behavior. Emphasis is placed on the understanding and application of social science theories and research for the development of effective interpersonal and organizational relationships.

Lecture Hours: 48

This course provides an introduction to the study of behavior and mental processes with emphasis in such areas as learning, cognition, motivation, personality, behavioral disorder, therapy, and social influence. An understanding of the impact of both theoretical perspectives and experimental evidence on the formulation of the science of human behavior is also stressed. Psychological theories and principles are utilized to explain and predict behavior.

Lecture Hours: 48

This course surveys the basic principles, concepts, and research findings of social life from small groups to societies. The course examines a range of sociological explanations for the various forms of social behaviors and establishes a basis for reflection and further study in the field.

Lecture Hours: 48

This course provides students with the knowledge and experiences needed to design an effective advertisement used to promote a product, service, or event. Emphasis is placed on advertising and advertisement formats and design for print media. Digital visual advertising media will be discussed.

Lecture Hours: 48 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C in GRA-205.

Pre/Co-requisite(s): \

This course provides students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to develop a dynamic Website. Students will utilize an open source Web Content Management System and leading Website design software to develop skills in implementing, administering, and designing a CMS based Website.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of D in GRA-238.

This course provides students with the knowledge and experiences needed to find gainful employment in a graphic design and web design related occupation. Emphasis is placed on developing a quality resume, portfolio development, job search strategies, and interviewing skills.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of D in GRA-205.

This course presents elements of the oral communications process with emphasis on developing interpersonal, small group, and public speaking skills. Students will be involved in activities that provide opportunity for the understanding and improvement of their oral communication skills.

Lecture Hours: 48

This course is an examination of the value, esthetic pleasures, structure, function, and history of art. The course explores sculpture, painting, film, drawing, printmaking, photography, ceramics, and architecture. Field trips to galleries allow students the opportunity to personally experience significant visual art.

Lecture Hours: 48

This course introduces students to the principles of design on the two-dimensional plane. Students are instructed in conceptual thinking, content and art practices, and exposed to design, color theory, and organizational principals. An introduction to materials and practice through the disciplines of drawing, painting, printmaking and collage are part of the conceptualization process offered in this curriculum.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

This course is an introduction to painting in a variety of media. Color theory, design theory and media area applied to exercises, studies, and finished paintings. Concentration is on developing skills in handling materials and personal expression through painting.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

This course is an advanced painting course using a variety of media, with greater emphasis on self-direction. Concentration is on developing advanced skills in handling materials leading to greater abilities and personal expression through painting.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): ART-143, equivalent, or instructor approval.

This course provides an introduction to the basics of digital photography, from camera selection to its use as an art form and aesthetic medium. Content includes camera types, lenses, exposure controls, elements of composition, editing fundamentals, and the storage, printing and sharing of photographic images. It will also examine the elements of photographic theory, history and ethics. In this hands-on class, students will complete specific technique-based assignments and participate in class demonstrations, discussions and critiques.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

This course is an introduction to the history of visual art and artists; prehistory through Gothic. All forms of media: painting, sculpture, drawing, architecture, ceramics, metal work, glass and others are considered in the context of time, society, and the human impulse to create.

Lecture Hours: 48

This course is an introduction to the history of visual art and artists; Renaissance to the present. All forms of media: painting, sculpture, drawing, architecture, ceramics, metal work, glass, photography, film, and others are considered in the context of time, society, and the human impulse to create.

Lecture Hours: 48

This course will teach students to produce the annual art and literary magazine, ETC, at Hawkeye Community College. Visual and editorial content will be developed based on themes connected to the institution's "Common Read" book, adopted each academic year.

Lecture Hours: 32

This course provides students with the experience of delivering dynamic content to a consumer. Emphasis is placed on producing interactive media via visual storytelling, personalized content, layered information, and/or two-way interaction platforms. An introduction to presentation, animation, dynamic pdf, data merge, e-mail newsletter, and augmented reality software will be presented.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of D in GRA-124, GRA-133, and GRA-142.

This course provides students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to create Website graphics. Students will utilize digital imaging software and emerging Web technologies to develop skills in constructing and implementing Web page graphics.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of D in GRA-124 and GRA-142.

This course provides students with the experience of creating hand drawn illustration art using a variety of mediums, tools and techniques. Emphasis is placed on producing illustrations that will clarify, enhance, illuminate, or demonstrate the message of written text. Illustration approaches and Illustrating for various types of publications will be discussed.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of D in GRA-105 or ART-133 and ART-134.

This course provides students with the experience of directing a photographer during a commercial photo shoot. Emphasis is placed on communication between a graphic designer and commercial photographer. An introduction to the basics of digital photography, photography studio setup and lighting, digital camera operation, and still photography for advertising design will be presented.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

This course involves in-depth independent research on an approved topic under supervision of a faculty member. Upon project's completion, results will be shared with community of peers and faculty. This course can be repeated with different content for credit.

Lecture Hours: 16

This course provides students with an opportunity to pursue or investigate a topic of interest that does not fit within the framework of regular course offerings. An independent study self-directed learning agreement must be discussed with and submitted to a faculty advisor prior to registration. This course can be repeated with different content for credit.

Lab Hours: 32

This course provides students with an opportunity to pursue career-related work experience. Internships are on-site and under the direction of an experienced professional. An internship learning agreement must be discussed with and submitted to a faculty advisor prior to registration. This course can be repeated with different content for credit.

Co-op Hours: 64

This course provides students with an opportunity to earn credit for specialized study or project under the supervision of a faculty member. The topic of study may not duplicate any topic listed within any active program course. This course can be repeated with different content for credit.

Lecture Hours: 16

An overview of the processes, problems and activities associated with the planning and executing the conception, pricing, promotion and distribution of ideas, goods and services to create exchanges.

Lecture Hours: 48

This one-semester pre-calculus course is intended for the student with a solid algebra background who intends to take calculus. It is also beneficial (but not required) for the student to have a background in trigonometry. The course will emphasize functions using an analytical, numerical, and graphical approach. The student will study linear, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions along with their applications.

Lecture Hours: 64

Prerequisite(s): Appropriate placement scores.

The second course of a two-semester pre-calculus sequence. Topics include trigonometry and applications, vectors, analytic geometry, and polar and parametric equations.

Lecture Hours: 48

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C- in MAT-121 or equivalent placement score.

This course is a study of descriptive statistics including graphical representation, central tendency, correlation and regression, intuitive treatment of probability and inferential statistics including hypothesis testing.

Lecture Hours: 48

Prerequisite(s): MAT-063.

The first in a calculus sequence, this course covers topics including functions and their graphs, limits, derivatives, applications of the derivative, and integrals.

Lecture Hours: 64

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C- in MAT-134 or MAT-128 or appropriate placement scores.

A continuation of MAT-210, this course covers topics including integration techniques, applications of integration, infinite series, conic sections, parametric and polar equations.

Lecture Hours: 64

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C- in MAT-210.

This course covers topics including integration and differentiation techniques related to vectors, vector-valued functions, functions of several variables, multiple integration, and vector analysis.

Lecture Hours: 64

Prerequisite(s): MAT-216.