Rock Valley College
Rockford, Illinois

Graphic Arts Technology

Degree conferred: Associate in Applied Science – 65 credits
Program contact: Business/Computers and Information Systems/Engineering and Technology, (815) 921-3101

Program overview

Students in the program are prepared for a variety of jobs in the printing and publishing industry and related fields of graphic arts. The graphic arts industry is a major employer in Illinois and according to the Printing Industry of Illinois/Indiana, in the metro Chicago area there are 2,423 printing establishments that employ nearly 61,000 people. The annual sales of these companies total more than $8,270,000,000. (9/2006) The Graphic Arts Technology Program focuses on developing students with a well rounded education encompassing both the creative and technical aspects of the industry with a focus on the digital production techniques that are changing the world of media delivery.
 

Option A Graphics Arts Technology      #8200


Degree conferred: Associate in Applied Science – 67 credits
Program contact: Business/Computers and Information Systems/Engineering and Technology, (815) 921-3101

Program overview

Practical learning experiences are offered in areas of design, layout and typography, production processes, variable data manipulation, estimating, and screen printing. Students gain in-depth experience working with text and images, page layout, specifying paper and ink selection, process color and Pantone spot colors, job estimating and business practices, and offset press operation, as well as binding and finishing choices.

Work and employment

Program graduates secure jobs in desktop publishing, electronic imaging, press operations, sales and customer service. Skills taught can also be useful for professionals in marketing, and in-house communication.

Prepress Certificate    8201       (23 credits)


GAT 101 Introduction to Graphic Arts (4)
GAT 110 Introduction to Photoshop (2)
GAT 115 Introduction to Illustrator (2)
GAT 178 Introduction to Desktop Publishing  (3)
GAT 220 Advanced Photoshop (3)
GAT 241 Intermediate Desktop Publishing  (4)
GAT 242 Advanced Desktop Publishing (3)
GAT 168 Graphic Arts Internship, or,
GAT Elective (2)

Gainful Employment Program Requirements

Name & Number of Certificate Program:  Prepress 8201
   
Information

 
  2010-11
2011-12
1. Length of Program in Months (based on FT status) 16 16
2. Cost of programs (tuition/fees only) $1,606.00* $1,866.00*
3. Additional Fees (program-specific) $115.00 $115.00
4. Estimated cost of books and supplies (program-specific) $200.00 $200.00
5. SOC Code
51-5111.00

6. Completers

n/a n/a



Course Descriptions 

GAT-101
Introduction to Graphic Arts Technology

IAI: None
Introduction to Graphic Arts Technology is a series of lectures, discussions, presentations, laboratory experiences, and field trips designed to orient students to the breadth of the graphic arts industry. Topics discussed include the historical aspects of the industry as well as the current technology utilized in the production of printed matter.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 4 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 4

GAT-105
Basic Photography

IAI: None
Basic Photography is a systematic approach to mastering the fundamental techniques and concepts of photography. Emphasis is placed on operation of photographic equipment using black and white materials and processing procedures. Photographic principles covered include light and its characteristics, depth-of-field, and composition. Use of these principles leads the student from an original idea to the creation of black and white photographs.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 2

GAT-110
Introduction to Photoshop

IAI: NONE
Introduction to Photoshop will familiarize the student with the composition and editing capabilities of Adobe Photoshop. This course is laboratory based and each student will be required to complete a variety of activities utilizing the software. Prerequsite: NONE Credit: 2 semester hours Lecture: 1 Lab: 2

GAT-115
Introduction to Illustrator

IAI: NONE
Introduction to Illustrator orients the student to vector-based graphic design software to create original artwork as well as modify and recreate existing files for production output.
Prerequisite: NONE
Credit: 2 semester hours
Lecture: 1 Lab: 2

GAT-150
Typography

IAI: None
Typography explores the structure, personality, and history of type. Fundamental typographic principles, font recognition, and analysis of the historical use of type will be covered. Emphasis will be on content, form, and technique for effective use of typography in ads, posters, newsletters, and other visual commmunications.
Prerequisite: GAT 101 or consent of instructor
Credit: 2 semester hours
Lecture: 1 Lab: 2

GAT-168
Graphic Arts Technology Internship

IAI: None
Graphic Arts Technology Internship requires a supervised experience in a graphic arts production facility using a cooperative training plan agreed to by the instructor, participating firm, and student. The student must submit an application to the instructor prior to mid-term of the previous semester and requires consent of the instructor or Division Director. Variable credit may be earned up to six hours. This course may be repeated three times.
Prerequisite: current enrollment in the Graphic Arts Technology curriculum, completion of at least 12 credits in GAT courses, and sophomore class standing.
Credit: 1-6 semester hours
Lecture: 0 Lab: 5-30

GAT-178
Fundamentals of Desktop Publishing

IAI: None
Fundamentals of Desktop Publishing is a continuation of the computer skills learned in GAT 101. This course will explore the basics of graphic design, typography, layout and technical issues for desktop publishing. This course reinforces the use of current computer software including Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe InDesign.
Prerequisite: GAT 101 or consent of the instructor
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 2

GAT-180
Introduction to Press Operation

IAI: None
Introduction to Press Operation provides the student with an introduction to small offset press operation. Projects will be run on an offset duplicator with instruction in setup, single-color printing, cleanup, and safety. Discussions will include the topics of infeed systems, registration, damping, and inking systems.
Prerequisite: GAT 101 or consent of the instructor
Credit: 4 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 4

GAT-190
Image Generation and Output

IAI: None
Image Generation and Output explores the creation and output of digital files for printing and publishing. Instruction and laboratory experience include the application of current computer software, digital technology, and multiple input and output devices.
Prerequisite: GAT 101
Credit: 2 semester hours
Lecture: 1 Lab: 2

GAT-211
Advanced Photography

IAI: None
Advanced Photography studies control of perspective through large format camera movements. The concept of the Zone System, along with a historical perspective of photography, is covered. Other topics include high-contrast processes, hand coloring and optics.
Prerequisite: GAT 105 or consent of instructor.
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 2

GAT-215
Advanced Illustrator

IAI: None
Advanced Illustrator builds upon skills learned in GAT 115 such as pen tool techniques, object building, pathfinders, and filters and effects. Additional topics include brushes, patterns, appearance palette, 3D effects and live tracing. Projects include technical drawings, artistic renderings and 3D object creation.
Prerequisite: GAT 115 or consent of instructor.
Credit: 2 semester hours
Lecture: 1 Lab: 2

GAT-220
Adv Photoshop for Graphic Arts Industry

IAI: None
Advanced Photoshop for the Graphic Arts Industry involves a more intensive study of digital image manipulation. Topics include advanced layering techniques, use of channels, duotones, and output specific to the printing and publishing industry.
Prerequisite: GAT 110, GAT 178
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 2

GAT-241
Intermediate Desktop Publishing

IAI: None
Intermediate Desktop Publishing continues form GAT 178 into more advanced concepts and applications of computer based composition systems for the graphics arts industry. Topics and projects include: creation of multi-page documents, advertisements, product packaging, large format designs, and file and font management.
Prerequisite: GAT 178
Credit: 4 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 4

GAT-242
Advanced Desktop Publishing

IAI: None
Advanced Desktop Publishing continues from GAT 241 to more advanced concepts and applications of preflighting, color separations, impositioning, indexing of multi-page documents, duotones to quadtones scanning, and trapping.
Prerequisite: GAT 241
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 2

GAT-250
Special Topics in Graphic Arts

IAI: None
Special Topics in Graphic Arts Technology explores specific applications, skills, or interest in graphic technology. A special topic requires: adequate and available materials on a specific graphic arts related issue, a comprehensive course outline, instructor expertise, student and community interest, and ability to increase skill and/or knowledge in graphic arts technology. Variable credit up to six credit hours may be earned. This course may be repeated three times.
Prerequisite: determined by the special topic and consent of instructor
Credit: 1-6 semester hours
Lecture: 1-6 Lab: 0

GAT-255
Color System Management

IAI: None
Color System Management applies color theory to the practical management of color in a production environment. Topics include: color theory, color measurement, establishing scanner and monitor color profiles, proofing. Students will learn to develop a system to achieve predictable and consistent color reproduction.
Prerequisite: GAT 220
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 2

GAT-260
Estimating for Graphic Arts Production

IAI: None
Estimating for Graphic Arts Production explores the manual and electronic method for pricing production printing jobs. Major emphasis is on estimating photo lithographic work but other types of production will be discussed. Field trips, class discussion and laboratory case studies will allow the student a variety of estimating experiences. Instruction will include the manufacture of paper and inks.
Prerequisite: GAT 190 and GAT 290, MTH 115 or MTH 120, or consent of instructor
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 0

GAT-280
Press Operation II

IAI: NONE
Press Operation II continues from GAT 180 to cover more intricate applications and build skill utilizing a small offset press. Topics and related student projects include: press measurement techniques, ink density, conductivity, critical registration, multi-color runs, and press maintenance.
Prerequisite: GAT 180
Credit: 4 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 4

GAT-290
Finishing, Bindery, & Variable Data Appl

IAI: NONE
Finishing, Bindery & Variable Data Applications is an introduction to finishing and binding techniques and the operation of paper drills, saddle stichers, programmable cutters, post-press variable data control, and paper folds for a variety of laboratory projects. Lectures and discussions as well as tours will be used to introduce complex bindery processes.
Prerequisite: GAT 101 or consent of instructor
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 2

GAT-298
Independent Study in Graphic Arts

IAI: None
Independent Study encourages individual projects or research of special interest related to Graphic Arts Technology. The student must submit an application to the Division Director prior to mid-term of the prior semester for a specific topic in cooperation with a qualified instructor. Consent of the topic and study plan by the instructor and Division Director is required. Variable credit up to six credit hours may be earned. This course may be repeated three times.
Prerequisite: Current enrollment in the Graphic Arts Technology curriculum, completion of a minimum 21 credits in GAT courses, and sophomore class standing
Credit: 1-6 semester hours
Lecture: 0 Lab: 5-30