Hands-on computer experience using software that runs in the Windows environment, and CAB 175 recommended with a minimum grade of C.

Course will allow the student to operate and learn current illustration and design software packages. Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator are used along with QuarkXpress or InDesign.

Students will:

1. Learn the transformation of visual concepts into camera-ready pages.
2. Gain insight and working knowledge of the basic components of electronic publishing.
3. Attain competency in graphic production terminology.
4. Learn to recognize the characteristics which distinguish type faces from one another.
5. Learn to choose the proper font (type face) to control how a piece looks to reinforce what it says.
6. Understand and use typography as image, alone and with other elements.
7. Learn how the elements of design (letter-forms, columns, margin, etc.) are made into a cohesive whole through the use of visual hierarchy, typographic space and grid systems.
8. Apply methods and techniques traditional to the graphic field: layout, type specification,keylining and paste-up.
9. Gain understanding of when to use alternative output (i.e. computerized typesetting).
10. Design graphics for various modes of output (i.e. slides, overhead transparencies, hard copy prints for handouts, reports and proposals).

Students and employees at Oakton Community College are required to demonstrate academic integrity and follow Oakton's Code of Academic Conduct. This code prohibits:

• cheating,
• plagiarism (turning in work not written by you, or lacking proper citation),
• falsification and fabrication (lying or distorting the truth),
• helping others to cheat,
• unauthorized changes on official documents,
• pretending to be someone else or having someone else pretend to be you,
• making or accepting bribes, special favors, or threats, and
• any other behavior that violates academic integrity.

There are serious consequences to violations of the academic integrity policy. Oakton's policies and procedures provide students a fair hearing if a complaint is made against you. If you are found to have violated the policy, the minimum penalty is failure on the assignment and, a disciplinary record will be established and kept on file in the office of the Vice President for Student Affairs for a period of 3 years.
Details of the Code of Academic Conduct can be found in the Student Handbook.

    A.    Basics of graphic layout
        1.    The five basic shapes of design
        2.    Composition through the use of positive and negative space
        3.    Page design using and manipulating grids as an underlying tool
        4.    Type characteristics and manipulations
        5.    Type specifications
        6.    Type as image and in combination with graphic elements
        7.    Variations in different format applications
    B.    Basic functions of graphic software packages
        1.    Basic curve--drawing and editing tools
        2.    Transformation and viewing tools:  translating, moving, scaling, slanting and zoom features
        3.    Custom font design
        4.    Scanning (placing illustrations into digital form)
    C.    Terminology and definitions
        1.    Object oriented graphics--created by drawing programs
        2.    Graphic extensions:  IMA, CGM, PICT, TIF, and others

Seminars and individualized instruction along with class critiques of assignments.
Course may be taught as face-to-face, media-based, hybrid or online course.

Attend seminars as scheduled.  Participate in class critiques.  Complete required assignments.

Textbooks, online resources, and such other materials deemed appropriate for the topic and assigned by the program and instructor.
USB Flash Drive

Applications, exercises and tests

Software Users!  Copying software is in violation of Federal law and College policies.  Suspected violations will be vigorously investigated and if warranted, appropriate penalties applied. 

Specifically, you do not have the right to:
1.    make copies of software for yourself or others.
2.    receive and use unauthorized copies of software.


If you have a documented learning, psychological, or physical disability you may be entitled to reasonable academic accommodations or services. To request accommodations or services, contact the ASSIST office in the Learning Center. All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements. The College will not waive any essential skill or requirement of a course or degree program.