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VC 125 Scientific Illustration
3 credits (AS)
This course focuses on observational skills and the basic
drawing techniques used in scientific illustration. Students
work from objects and specimens and learn about measured
drawings, perspective, basic composition, light on from,
texture, contour and line and assorted media used for
scientific illustration.
VC 140 Typography
3 credits (CS)
This course promotes problem-solving concepts emphasizing
the use of the letterform as a visual communication tool.
Concepts and terminology of typography are studied from
the earliest development of the alphabet to today’s
electronically generated type. Students become familiar with
the evolution of letter forms and style differences. Technical
procedures such as type specifications, comping headlines,
indicating body copy and type measurements are covered
extensively. Students are expected to handle typographic
design problems while becoming proficient in the use of
technical studio equipment.
VC 174 Digital Page Layout
3 credits (CS)
Current industry standard computer applications (such as
InDesign, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop) are used by
students for developing skills and knowledge of page layout,
file management, digital spot and process color, printing,
scanning, basic image manipulation and importing graphics.
The focus is on using InDesign to build successful page
layouts for press and web. Projects combine these digital
print media techniques with basic design skills and teach how
software programs interact with one another. A thorough
familiarization of the capabilities of each software package
will emerge.
VC 221/321 History of Visual Communications
3 credits (AS)
This course examines chronologically the history of
advertising design, graphic design, and illustration as used
specifically to inform, to sell, to persuade and to entertain.
The influence of fine art on the commercial arts throughout
history is explored, as well as its link to the social, political
and economic life of various cultures. (Offered fall term)
VC 232 Illustration
3 credits (CS)
Students explore the field of illustration by experimenting
with a variety of media. Emphasis is on content and
execution with a conceptual approach to narrative problemsolving,
resulting in effective communication to a mass
audience. Both practical and philosophical issues are covered
in relation to the assignments. Projects include book,
advertising and editorial illustration, in an effort to develop a
personal style and highly developed pieces for a portfolio.
(Offered fall term)
VC 241 Advertising Design
3 credits (CS)
Students are required to apply the skills and principles they
have acquired in design, typography, and production courses
to specific advertising design projects. Creative skills focus on
the combination of images and type, and the use of popular
imagery to develop a visual language of persuasion. This
course requires students to research products and services for
which they are designing advertising and present
comprehensive layouts for mass communication to clients.
(Offered spring term) Prerequisite: VC 140 Typography
VC 242 Graphic Design
3 credits (CS)
This course offers a systematic approach to concept
development and the problem-solving process as they relate
to graphic design. Students explore the synthesis of words
and images in relation to design principles for a deeper
understanding of visual communications. Emphasis is placed
on how information is communicated and the ways in which
typography and image combine to make meaningful and
useful messages that are clearly understandable, stylistically
beautiful, functional and memorable. (Offered fall term)
VC 274 Imaging Graphics
3 credits (CS)
This course is a continuation of digital skills acquired in
Digital Page Layout, but focuses on teaching students Adobe
Photoshop. Advanced page design and image manipulation
along with pre-press, color separations and color output, file
transfer and an introduction to a basic web component will
be included. Students will continue to work on portfolio
development and visual communication projects using digital
media. (Offered fall term)
VC 281 Internship Preparation
1 credit (CS)
This course prepares students for their internship. It provides
structured help in preparing, searching, applying, and
interviewing for an internship.
VC 293 Professional Workshop/Portfolio Preparation
3 credits (CS)
Topics relating to the business of art are covered, including
legal issues, contracts, prices, copyrights and billing. The
student assembles his or her portfolio and evaluates work to
be included in it. Survival skills are also covered, ensuring a
smoother transition from school to the work place. Guest
speakers from a variety of businesses that use artists are
featured. (Offered spring term) Prerequisite: Completion of the core
career courses in Visual Communications.
VC 301 Special Topics
3 credits (CS)
This rotation of courses is an intensive investigation of a
specific issue or aspect of visual communication. Possible
topics include: corporate identity, global design, package
design, 3-D design, type in motion, contemporary field
Academic Catalog | Cazenovia College | www.cazenovia.edu 189