This program consists of eight required courses. An optional introductory theory course is available for beginner students. Course descriptions are as follows:
Photoshop Basics
Get a thorough grounding in Adobe Photoshop, the premiere digital imaging program for graphic and Web designers. Hands-on projects show how to select, enhance, distort, color, scale, and manipulate scanned images and artworks—or create them from scratch. Every designer must tame this creative powerhouse of a program.
XHTML and CSS Essentials
Learn to create Web sites using XHTML to mark up the structure of the document, and CSS to dictate how each page element should look. Course lessons are packed with hands-on examples that help you gain skills and confidence step-by-step. The course is designed to provide a foundation in Web standards, the set of “best practices” established by the World Wide Web Consortium, among other organizations that set the standards for Web development.
Dreamweaver I
Explore practical skills for Dreamweaver, the HTML editor of choice for professional Web designers. Dreamweaver integrates a host of Web design tools in one easy-to-use application. Students learn to design sites, creating advanced layouts by using tables, manipulating colors, style sheets, and frames.
Color Theory
Focus on developing appropriate color systems for graphic design projects. Projects explore the principles, terminology, and applications of color theory, with an emphasis on manipulating color. A working knowledge of the expression and perception of color, and color interaction, lends credibility and sophistication to a designer's work.
Fundamentals of Typography
Explore the critical role of typography in graphic design. Course projects build an understanding of the anatomy of the letterform, the distinguishing features of different typefaces, and creative applications of type. An assured grasp of typography is essential in any visual communication project.
Web Graphics Using Fireworks
Learn the essentials of making superior Web graphics using Adobe Fireworks. You'll explore the technical fundamentals you need to know, including the Fireworks toolset and features, and discuss tips and techniques for the wide range of graphics encountered in a typical Web design project: stock photos to illustrations, banners, text graphics, and more.
Flash Basics
Develop a competence in basic drawing and animating tools in Flash. Students will master such critical interface elements as layers, scenes, nested symbols, and movie clips. Course projects including creating a logo animation, a cityscape, a splash screen, and a basic Flash site interface.
Web Design I
Learn a systematic professional approach to Web design. You’ll use site maps, wireframes, HTML/CSS layouts, comps, color palettes, usability tests, and other tools and concepts to make sure your designs hit the mark. Students entering this class are expected to have a basic competence in HTML/CSS design, Photoshop or Fireworks, and Dreamweaver. Building upon those skills, students will complete four portfolio projects that challenge their Web design skills and build an understanding of how to manage Web design projects in a professional context.
Website Design
GES 508 -- 225 hours
Course Outline
This program consists of eight required courses. An optional introductory theory course is available for beginner students. Course descriptions are as follows:
Photoshop Basics
Get a thorough grounding in Adobe Photoshop, the premiere digital imaging program for graphic and Web designers. Hands-on projects show how to select, enhance, distort, color, scale, and manipulate scanned images and artworks—or create them from scratch. Every designer must tame this creative powerhouse of a program.
XHTML and CSS Essentials
Learn to create Web sites using XHTML to mark up the structure of the document, and CSS to dictate how each page element should look. Course lessons are packed with hands-on examples that help you gain skills and confidence step-by-step. The course is designed to provide a foundation in Web standards, the set of “best practices” established by the World Wide Web Consortium, among other organizations that set the standards for Web development.
Dreamweaver I
Explore practical skills for Dreamweaver, the HTML editor of choice for professional Web designers. Dreamweaver integrates a host of Web design tools in one easy-to-use application. Students learn to design sites, creating advanced layouts by using tables, manipulating colors, style sheets, and frames.
Color Theory
Focus on developing appropriate color systems for graphic design projects. Projects explore the principles, terminology, and applications of color theory, with an emphasis on manipulating color. A working knowledge of the expression and perception of color, and color interaction, lends credibility and sophistication to a designer's work.
Fundamentals of Typography
Explore the critical role of typography in graphic design. Course projects build an understanding of the anatomy of the letterform, the distinguishing features of different typefaces, and creative applications of type. An assured grasp of typography is essential in any visual communication project.
Web Graphics Using Fireworks
Learn the essentials of making superior Web graphics using Adobe Fireworks. You'll explore the technical fundamentals you need to know, including the Fireworks toolset and features, and discuss tips and techniques for the wide range of graphics encountered in a typical Web design project: stock photos to illustrations, banners, text graphics, and more.
Flash Basics
Develop a competence in basic drawing and animating tools in Flash. Students will master such critical interface elements as layers, scenes, nested symbols, and movie clips. Course projects including creating a logo animation, a cityscape, a splash screen, and a basic Flash site interface.
Web Design I
Learn a systematic professional approach to Web design. You’ll use site maps, wireframes, HTML/CSS layouts, comps, color palettes, usability tests, and other tools and concepts to make sure your designs hit the mark. Students entering this class are expected to have a basic competence in HTML/CSS design, Photoshop or Fireworks, and Dreamweaver. Building upon those skills, students will complete four portfolio projects that challenge their Web design skills and build an understanding of how to manage Web design projects in a professional context.
