Graphic Design [GDSN]: Courses

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GDSN 110 History of Graphic Design: Online
Prerequisite: None. Open to all majors. Advisory: READ 043, ENGL 035 or appropriate assessment. Fulfills the GE requirement for Humanities.
Transfers to: CSU | 3 Units |
This Online course is a survey of historical developments in graphic design from the Industrial Revolution to the Digital Age. Students will analyze the development of graphic design, its origins as a CTE area and the influences of political, social and economic climates of the different historical periods. This course provides a historical framework for an analysis of current and future trends in graphic design and explores various historical art and design movements in order to recognize and evaluate the contexts of fine art, design, and science. This 8-week online Canvas course is currently offered only in the Summer term.

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GDSN 150 Typography
Prerequisite: None. Open to all majors. Advisory: READ 022 or appropriate assessment;
Transfers to: CSU | 3 Units |
This course is for the student interested in the history, theory and practice of letterforms and typography as they apply to graphic design, advertising and other areas of design and visual communication. Projects cover the history and principles of typography, letter structure, typeface selection, fundamentals of typesetting and introductory typographic layout. This course uses Apple Macintosh workstations and introduces students to the Adobe Creative Cloud and features Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Acrobat software.
        

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GDSN 151 Typographic Design
Prerequisite: GDSN 150 Typography. Open to all majors. Advisory: READ 022 or appropriate assessment;
Transfers to: CSU | 3 Units |
This course is for the student interested in the theory and practice of letterforms and typography as they apply to graphic design, advertising and other areas of design and visual communication. Focus is on the compositional use of type and its relationship to issues of visual hierarchy, readability and page structure. Students continue their exploration of typography as an expressive visual form through typographic design projects. This intermediate course uses the same software and hardware technologies as the introductory course prerequisite (GDSN 150)

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GDSN 162 Introduction to Web Design: User Experience Design (UX)
Prerequisite: None. Open to all majors. Advisory: READ 022 or appropriate assessment;
Transfers to: CSU | 3 Units |
This Web Design class is a practical introduction for students interested in UX (user experience) and visual interface design and the challenges it poses for the Graphic Designer. Using Web Design applications like Adobe Dreamweaver and Adobe Photoshop, students are introduced to the steps involved in creating a basic functional interactive website. Topics include aesthetic design considerations, front-end technology, interaction, UX, UI and CSS design, file optimization, and website principles and practices. For the student interested in a degree in Graphic Design or those interested in web design and interactive design.This course uses Apple Macintosh workstations and introduces students to the Adobe Creative Cloud and features Adobe Dreamweaver and Adobe Photoshop software.
        

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GDSN 163 Intermediate Web Design: Interactive Design
Prerequisite: GDSN 162. Advisory: READ 022 or appropriate assessment;
Transfers to: CSU | 3 Units |
Focusing on usability, this intermediate class offers broader and more advanced instruction into the ‘front-end’ visual design and aesthetics of interactive media as well as the technical and design requirements of designing a fully functional website. Using intermediate web design applications, students are instructed in techniques needed in increasing the user experience (UX). Students continue to perfect the creation of a fully functional website using multifaceted applications. Topics include interactive design software, front-end aesthetics, technology, interaction, UX, UI and CSS design, the principles and elements of digital design and aesthetics, and interactive design business practices. For the student interested in a degree in Graphic Design or those interested in web design and interactive design. This intermediate course uses the same software and hardware technologies as the introductory course prerequisite (GDSN 162)

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GDSN 164 Digital Illustration Design (Illustrator)
Prerequisite: None. Open to all majors. Advisory: READ 022 or appropriate assessment;
Transfers to: CSU | 3 Units |
This course is an introduction to Graphic Design, and uses Adobe Illustrator design software as the principal digital tool. Topics include the Principles and Elements of Design, typography, color, shape stroke, illustration techniques, page layout design, as well as introductory critical concepts and professional practices employed by Graphic Designers. This course includes portfolio building with an emphasis on professional standards. This course is for the student interested in a degree in Graphic Design or those interested in 2 dimensional design and layout applications employed as tools by Graphic Designers.This course uses Apple Macintosh workstations and introduces students to the Adobe Creative Cloud and features Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Acrobat software.
        

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GDSN 165 Branding & Identity Design
Prerequisite: ART 164. Advisory: READ 022 or appropriate assessment;
Transfers to: CSU | 3 Units |
This course is an exploration of Branding and Identity Design, a sub-discipline of Graphic Design. Topics include the research and development of Trademarks and Logos for clients, the Principles and Elements of Design, typography, color, shape stroke, illustration techniques, page layout design, as well as intermediate and advanced critical concepts and professional practices employed by Graphic Designers. This course includes portfolio building with an emphasis on professional standards. This course is for the student interested in a degree in Commercial Art or Graphic Design or those interested in 2-dimensional design and layout applications employed as tools by Graphic Designers. This intermediate course uses the same software and hardware technologies as the introductory course prerequisite (GDSN 164)

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GDSN 172 Publication Design (InDesign)
Prerequisite: None. Open to all majors. Advisory: READ 022 or appropriate assessment
Transfers to: CSU | 3 Units |
This course is an exploration of Publication Design, a sub-discipline of Graphic Design. Topics include the Principles and Elements of Design, page composition, creative use of typography, color, imagery and the grid, discussion of output and pre-press considerations for print and digital distribution as well as current methods/styles critical concepts and professional practices employed by Graphic Designers. This course includes portfolio building with an emphasis on professional standards. This course includes portfolio building with an emphasis on professional standards. This course is for the student interested in a degree in Graphic Design or those interested in 2-dimensional design and layout applications employed as tools by Graphic Designers. This course uses Apple Macintosh workstations and introduces students to the Adobe Creative Cloud and features Adobe InDesign and Adobe Acrobat software.
        

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GDSN 174 Packaging Design
Prerequisite: GDSN 164: Digital Illustration Design. Open to all majors. Advisory: READ 022 or appropriate assessment
Transfers to: CSU | 3 Units |
This course is for the student interested in a degree in Graphic Design and/or those interested in Packaging Design layout applications employed as tools by Graphic Designers for two-dimensional and three-dimensional surfaces. This course is a project-driven exploration of Packaging Design which is defined as stylized functional design for carrying, protecting, or presenting a product. This course builds on the foundational skills of Publication Design expanding them on two-dimensional and three-dimensional surfaces. Topics include: the Principles and Elements of Design, current technical and creative methods and styles employed by Package Designers as well as well as sustainability, advanced critical concepts and professional practices. This course includes portfolio building with an emphasis on professional standards.  This intermediate course uses the same software and hardware technologies as the course prerequisite (GDSN 164)

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GDSN 178 Introduction to Digital Imaging Design (Photoshop)
Prerequisite: None. Open to all majors. Advisory: READ 022 or appropriate assessment;
Transfers to: CSU | 3 Units |
This course is an introduction to Graphic Design, and uses Adobe Photoshop software as the principal digital tool. Topics include: photo/raster/bitmapped-based scanning, image formats, optimization, re-touching, adjustments, compositing, blending, color, conceptual and narrative techniques, current technical and creative methods and styles employed by Graphic Designers as well as well as introductory critical concepts and professional practices. This course includes portfolio building with an emphasis on professional standards. This course is for the student interested in a degree in Commercial Art or Graphic Design or those interested in 2 dimensional design and layout applications employed as tools by Graphic Designers.This course uses Apple Macintosh workstations and introduces students to the Adobe Creative Cloud and features Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Acrobat software.
        

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GDSN 179 Advanced Digital Imaging Design (Photoshop)
Prerequisite: GDSN 178 Introduction to Digital Imaging. Open to all majors. Advisory: READ 022 or appropriate assessment;
Transfers to: CSU | 3 Units |
This course is for the student interested in a degree in Graphic Design and/or those interested in advanced 2-dimensional design and layout applications employed as tools by Graphic Designers. This course is an advanced project-driven exploration of Graphic Design and uses Adobe Photoshop software as the principal digital tool. Topics include photo montage, compositing, collage, advanced conceptual and narrative techniques, current technical and creative methods and styles employed by Graphic Designers as well as well as advanced critical concepts and professional practices. This course includes portfolio building with an emphasis on professional standards. This intermediate course uses the same software and hardware technologies as the introductory course prerequisite (GDSN 178)

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GDSN 290 Cooperative Work Experience/Internship For Graphic Design Related Fields
Prerequisite: Past or current enrollment in a Graphic Design (GDSN) course, approval by instructor and Arts Division Dean. This course supports and reinforces on-the-job training in business and industrial establishments under supervision of a college instructor and is facilitated by the use of learning objectives. The student will be working in a skilled or professional level assignment in their area of vocational interest and will meet performance objectives related to instruction that are above and beyond the conditions of regular employment. This course is intended for students whose job is related to the field of graphic design and have completed or enrolled in the appropriate coursework. This course may be taken once and repeated for a maximum of 16 units. Contact the CWE office regarding re-enrollment procedures. 1 – 4 Units / 3 Total Hours of Lecture

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GDSN 299 Directed Study in Graphic Design
Prerequisite: Past or current enrollment in a Graphic Design (GDSN) course, approval by instructor and Arts Division Dean. The course provides an opportunity for the student to expand their studies in Graphic Design beyond the classroom by completing a project or an assignment arranged by agreement between the student and instructor. The student is required to contract with the instructor to determine the scope of the assignment and the unit value assigned for successful completion. Students must possess a 2.5 overall GPA, a 3.0 GPA in the discipline of study being requested, or receive an exception from the instructor. Students may take a maximum of 3 units of Directed Study within a discipline and 9 units college-wide.

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NART 285 Graphic Design Skills Development
Prerequisite: None. Recommended for all students enrolled in a Graphic Design course. Advisory: READ 022 or appropriate assessment;
Un-graded | 0 Units | Cost: Free!
Graphic Design Skills Development. This course complements the GDSN lab and lecture courses and is designed to provide an additional opportunity for students to practice concepts covered in the lab and lecture courses and enhance their Graphic Design work in preparation of their portfolios. These instructional activities are not available in the regular lecture/lab courses and are not required for the grade in the courses. It is recommended for students who have previously or are currently enrolled in any Rio Hondo College Graphic Design course with a prefix of ART or GDSN.

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NVOC 291 – Career Exploration: Graphic Design I: History: Online Course (coming soon!)
Prerequisite: None. Open to all students. Advisory: READ 022 or appropriate assessment;
0 Units | Cost: Free!
This Online course is intended for students interested in the exploration of a career in Graphic Design. This course is the first in a series of 4 courses and is an abbreviated survey of the origins of the Graphic Design profession from the time of Gutenberg through the Industrial Revolution into the modern Digital Era. This course is taught online with Canvas LMS (Learning Management System).

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NVOC 292 – Career Exploration: Graphic Design II: Process: Online Course (coming soon!)
Prerequisite: None. Open to all students. Advisory: READ 022 or appropriate assessment;
0 Units | Cost: Free!
This Online course is intended for students interested in the exploration of a career in Graphic Design. This course is the second in a series of 4 courses and is an overview of the practices and tasks involved in the process of developing a graphic design solution. This course is taught online with Canvas LMS (Learning Management System).

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NVOC 293 – Career Exploration: Graphic Design III: Academic Pathways: Online Course (coming soon!)
Prerequisite: None. Open to all students. Advisory: READ 022 or appropriate assessment;
0 Units | Cost: Free!
This Online course is intended for students interested in the exploration of a career in Graphic Design. This course is the third in a series of 4 courses and is an overview of the academic pathways available to students interested in the Graphic Design profession. This course is taught online with Canvas LMS (Learning Management System).

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NVOC 294 – Career Exploration: Graphic Design IV: Career Paths: Online Course (coming soon!)
Prerequisite: None. Open to all students. Advisory: READ 022 or appropriate assessment;
0 Units | Cost: Free!
This Online course is intended for students interested in the exploration of a career in Graphic Design. This course is the fourth in a series of 4 courses and is an overview of the general career pathways available to students interested in the Graphic Design profession.This course is taught online with Canvas LMS (Learning Management System).

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Questions?
Send us an email!
agardos@riohondo.edu
We look forward to having you in class!

Summer ’22 GDSN Schedule now available:

Click to download a PDF version!

*Note: although the GDSN 164 and GDSN 165 classes are taught as a combo class,
 at the same time and by the same instructor, they can not be taken together in 
the same term as GDSN 164 is a pre-requisite for GDSN 165.
Please contact the professor with any questions you may have: agardos@riohondo.edu

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Click here for a downloadable PDF
for more info on this exciting Graphic Design program!

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