5/16/2025 11:54:18 PM	GD 51 Course Outline as of Fall 2026	Changed Course
CATALOG INFORMATION
Discipline and Nbr:  GD 51	Title:  INTRO TO GRAPHIC DESIGN
Full Title:  Introduction to Graphic Design
Last Reviewed:5/12/2025

Units		Course Hours per Week			Nbr of Weeks	Course Hours Total
Maximum	3.00	Lecture Scheduled	3.00		17.5 max.	Lecture Scheduled	52.50
Minimum	3.00	Lab Scheduled	0		4 min.	Lab Scheduled	0
		Contact DHR	0			Contact DHR	0
		Contact Total	3.00			Contact Total	52.50
		Non-contact DHR	0			Non-contact DHR Total	0

Total Out of Class Hours:  105.00

Total Student Learning Hours: 157.50

Title 5 Category:  AA Degree Applicable
Grading:  Grade or P/NP
Repeatability:  00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP
Also Listed As: 
Formerly: 

Catalog Description:

In this course, students will be introduced to visual communications in the field of graphic design. The course includes concept development, the creative design process, production, and presentation techniques through the development of design projects on various media, including beginning computer software skills. Emphasis will be placed on the application of basic design principles to graphic design problems in visual communications.

Prerequisites/Corequisites:

Recommended Preparation:

Limits on Enrollment:

Schedule of Classes Information
Description:

In this course, students will be introduced to visual communications in the field of graphic design. The course includes concept development, the creative design process, production, and presentation techniques through the development of design projects on various media, including beginning computer software skills. Emphasis will be placed on the application of basic design principles to graphic design problems in visual communications.

(Grade or P/NP)
Prerequisites:
Recommended:
Limits on Enrollment:
Transfer Credit:CSU;
Repeatability:00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP

ARTICULATION, MAJOR, and CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

Associate Degree:		Effective:		Inactive:
Area:
CSU GE:	Transfer Area			Effective:	Inactive:
IGETC:	Transfer Area			Effective:	Inactive:
CSU Transfer:	Transferable	Effective:	Fall 2009	Inactive:
UC Transfer:		Effective:		Inactive:
C-ID:

Certificate/Major Applicable: Both Certificate and Major Applicable

COURSE CONTENT

Student Learning Outcomes:
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Analyze the effectiveness of visual communications on graphic design projects utilizing the

critique process.

2. Create original design projects that define, analyze, and solve problems in visual  communication.

3. Demonstrate knowledge of basic vocabulary related to the graphic design field.

 

Objectives:

At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Evaluate graphic design career options and identify areas that match the student's interests, personality, and skills.

2. Demonstrate and employ conceptual thinking as the basis of the design process.

3. Analyze professional graphic design pieces and explain how design elements, principles, and techniques covered in the course have been applied.

4. Review and employ the fundamental theories and methodologies of visual communication.

5. Integrate design elements with an understanding of the intention with which elements are chosen, organized and created.

6. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of digital and traditional tools and techniques for design and production.

7. Critique their own and the work of others, offering constructive suggestions; while demonstrating knowledge of design vocabulary as well as the elements and principles of design composition through the critical evaluation process.

Topics and Scope

I. Design Process

    A. Understanding project and client requirements

    B. Brainstorming

    C. Thinking conceptually

    D. Research

         1. Strategies for organizing design examples for later reference

         2. High quality design blogs and design forums

         3. Commercial and free graphics/stock photo sites on the web

    E. Executing effective basic visual communications

    F. Thumbnail, rough, comprehensive presentation skills

    G. Production and presentation skills

II. Principles of Design

    A. Unity

    B. Balance/harmony

    C. Rhythm

    D. White space/negative space

    E. Lines and shapes

    F. Simplicity

    G. Proximity

    H. Alignment

    I. Repetition

    J. Contrast

    K. Hierarchy/flow/focal point

    L. Grid/composition

    M. Characteristics of color in additive and subtractive color systems

    N. Typography terms, classification, and application considerations. For example: fonts, style, size, placement, case, alignments, and attributes.

    O. Graphic Resonance. Use of tone and denotative & connotative communications in graphic design.

III. Graphic Design and the Computer

    A. Tools in industry standard design software

    B. Traditional and digital roles in the design process

    C. Introduction to production best practices

         1. Use of menus and windows to create, store and retrieve documents

         2. Document management

         3. Input and output procedures

    D. File Management

IV. Analyzing Graphic Design career options

    A. Overview of Graphic Design business

    B. Career and education resources

V. Industry standards and best practices

VI. Resources for Designers

    A. General introduction to Graphic Design resources and online tools (including plug-ins, tutorials, and online bookmarking sites)

    B. Software sites on the web:

         1. Freeware

         2. Shareware

         3. Commercial

    C. Portfolio sites and design galleries valuating the quality of online information

VII. History and Contemporary Trends

VIII. Class Critiques

Assignments:

1. Written career paper and/or presentation with notes

2. In class exercises (6-16), such as:

    a. Worksheets, exercises, or assignments that explore the fundamental design principles and elements

    b. Hands-on visual communications problem solving and process for projects including: research, strategy, objectives, concept and design development, production and implementation.

    c. Create a human color wheel used to explore a variety of color schemes and color principles: each participant represents 1 -2 colors on the wheel

3.  Graphic design project(s) (1-4), such as:

    a. Creating graphic design projects from concept to a finalized design that are effective visual communications

    b. Assignments focusing on the conceptual development in project-based digital images and/or time-based works

    c. Creation of designs through various digital media input and output methods using vector or raster-based software

    d. Using client criteria, design a icon that effectively communicates to a specific target audience

4. Class participation and attendance, such as

    a. Group and individual critiques in oral and written formats

    b. Participating in, in-class learning activities   

5. Quizzes and/or exams

Methods of Evaluation/Basis of Grade.

Writing: Assessment tools that demonstrate writing skill and/or require students to select, organize and explain ideas in writing.		Writing 5 - 20%
Written career paper and/or presentation with note
Problem solving: Assessment tools, other than exams, that demonstrate competence in computational or non-computational problem solving skills.		Problem Solving 5 - 40%
In class exercises
Skill Demonstrations: All skill-based and physical demonstrations used for assessment purposes including skill performance exams.		Skill Demonstrations 40 - 60%
Graphic design project(s)
Exams: All forms of formal testing, other than skill performance exams.		Exams 5 - 15%
Quizzes and/or exams
Other: Includes any assessment tools that do not logically fit into the above categories.		Other Category 5 - 15%
Class participation and attendance

Representative Textbooks and Materials:

Graphic Design School: The Principles and Practice of Graphic Design (7th). Dabner, David; Stewart, Sandra; Vickress, Abbie. Wiley: 2020. (classic).

Instructor prepared materials

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