GRC-GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION – 2003-05 Catalog
Graphic Communications Department

GRC 101 Introduction to Graphic Communication (3)

Graphic communication history, theory, processes, management and industry segments. Reproduction technology from a systems concept showing fundamental relationships between art and copy preparation and reproduction of print and digitally-imaged products and services. 3 lectures.

GRC 200 Special Problems for Undergraduates (1–2)

Individual investigation, research, studies, or surveys of selected problems. Total credit limited to 4 units, with a maximum of 2 units per quarter. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

GRC 201 Electronic Publishing Systems (3)

Significance, terminology, and components of electronic publishing systems. Current options for hardware and software used in the graphic communication industry and the advantages and disadvantages of the various options. PostScript and its role in electronic publishing. Evaluating and specifying an electronic publishing system. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory.

GRC 202 Image Capture and Manipulation (3)

Optical and digital methods of image capture and image manipulation for the graphic arts. Photographic materials and equipment for the graphic arts. Densitometry, light sources, pin register, film assembly, exposure and development control. Contact frame, camera, and scanner theory and practice. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: GRC 101 and either GRC 201 or GRC 377.

GRC 203 Electronic Prepress (3)

Terminology, materials, equipment, facilities and methods used in electronic prepress. File formats, fonts, imposition, trapping, screen angling. Preflight, PostScript output, imagesetters, proofing, and platemaking. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: GRC 202.

GRC 204 Introduction to Printing Management (3)

Printing industry structure and business practices. Small business startup. Functional activities of a printing business. Applied organizational and management theory. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: GRC 101.

GRC 211 Substrates, Inks and Toners (4)

Technical aspects of paper, other substrates, inks and toners used in the printing industry. Manufacture, application and interaction of these materials are examined in relation to particular processes and end use requirements. Hands-on use of computerized densitometers, spectrophotometers and performance testing equipment. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: GRC 101.

GRC 212 Substrates, Inks and Toners: Theory (3)

Technical aspects of paper, other substrates, inks and toners used in the printing industry. Manufacture, application, and interaction of these materials are examined in relation to particular processes and end use requirements. Credit not allowed for GRC majors. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: GRC 101.

GRC 218 Digital Typography and Electronic Copy Preparation (4)

History, development and application of typography in electronic text and display applications for cross media publishing. Type and electronic art preparation for offset, flexograpy, gravure, screen printing, digital and electronic means of publishing communication. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: GRC 101 and either GRC 201 or GRC 377.

GRC 260 Introduction to Research Methods in Graphic Communication (3)

Introduction to research methods for preparing scholarly and defensible papers and projects, and in conducting qualitative and quantitative evaluations, testing and research in graphic communication. Methods covered include the Scientific Method, historical and descriptive research, questionnaires, Elite and Specialized Interviewing, content analysis, and sampling. Design of research projects for each method taught. 2 lectures, 1 activity. Prerequisite: GRC 101

GRC 302 Digital Printing and Emerging Technologies in Graphic Communication (3)

New graphic communication technologies that are impacting the methods and procedures of producing and distributing print media. Application of digital printing and related technologies, including digital data exchange. Technological transitions and how to manage technological change. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: GRC 201.

GRC 315 Sheetfed Printing Technology (5)

Theory, practice and application of sheetfed technology to commercial, book, advertising, catalog, packaging and reprographic segments of the printing industry. Computerized press controls, workflow, color measurement and press department management. 4 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: GRC 211.

GRC 316 Web Printing Technology (5)

Analysis of web printing technology for lithography, flexography and gravure. Applications for newspapers, packaging, magazines, books, catalogs and commercial products. Applications of computers to the management and technical function of web printing technology. 4 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: GRC 315.

GRC 320 Implementing Quality Management in the Graphic Arts (4)

Theory and practices of quality management and productivity in the graphic arts industry. Quantifying customer needs and expectations, the development of specifications, standard operating procedures, statistical process control tools, capability studies, process improvement techniques, and employee empowerment will be examined. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: GRC 315 and STAT 217.

GRC 322 Advanced Digital Typography (3)

Typographic principles relating to print and electronic media. Electronic composition and font management with consideration for multimedia requirements. Technical problem solving related to browser and multiple viewing platforms. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: GRC 218 and GRC 338.

GRC 324 Binding, Finishing, and Distribution Processes (3)

Imposition techniques, cutting, and folding. Stitch, case and perfect binding techniques and applications. Operational and aesthetic uses of die cutting, scoring, creasing, foil stamping and embossing techniques. Fulfillment and mailing operations. Applications of computers to the management and technical function of binding; finishing and distribution. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: GRC 101.

GRC 325 Binding and Finishing Processes: Theory (2)

Imposition techniques, cutting, folding, book and publication binding. Stitch, case and adhesive binding techniques and applications. Technology and aesthetic uses of die cutting, scoring, creasing, foil stamping and embossing. Fulfillment and mailing operations. Applications of computers to the management and technical function of binding; finishing and distribution. Credit not allowed for GRC majors. 2 lectures. Prerequisite: GRC 101.

GRC 326 Printing Equipment Management (3)

Procedures in designing, maintaining and decision making for printing equipment including pneumatics, hydraulics, mechanical and electrical systems. Pollution, safety and training in the graphic communication industry. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: GRC 201.

GRC 328 Film Assembly and Platemaking (3)

Planning for lithographic plates. Conventional film assembly techniques including the preparation of supports for black and white and flat color stripping using manual methods. Step and repeat techniques. Film contacting and duplicating methods. Manual and computerized techniques for bookwork imposition. Lithographic platemaking theory and practice. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: GRC 101 and GRC 201.

GRC 329 Prepress Methods and Procedures (3)

Introduction to graphic arts photography including photographic materials and equipment. Line, halftone and color separation theory and practice. Planning and preparation of film materials for lithographic stripping. Black and white color proofing. Preparation and use of various lithographic plates. Credit not allowed for GRC majors. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: GRC 101.

GRC 330 Print Reproduction Processes (4)

The functions of press departments in the print production of books, advertising materials, catalogs, newspapers, business forms, magazines, packaging and quick printing. Standard contract language, press checks, quality assurance systems, pressroom management, color management procedures, digital presses and automated press controls. Credit not allowed for GRC majors. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: GRC 212.

GRC 331 Color Quality Control (4)

Color sciences and quality control techniques as they relate to the printing and allied industries. Application of color theory to color reproduction, color control, print inspection, process control, and quality measurement. Use of instruments to quantify color properties. 3 lectures, 1 activity laboratory. Prerequisite: GRC 202 and PSC 101. Updated effective Summer 2004.

GRC 337 Consumer Packaging (3)

Problem-solving strategies for package printing that integrate concepts from management, design and technology. Package manufacturing, function, quality, visual appeal, and economics are addressed. Consumer packaging industry. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor.

GRC 338 Digital Content Management for Publishing (4)

Advanced application of type arrangement, digital illustration, image manipulation and page composition. Digital content management strategies: database principles, archiving, document formats, variable data, workflow analysis and repurposing. Technical and creative problem-solving for content production, printing, online publishing and dissemination. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: GRC 203.

GRC 339 Digital Design and Production for Multiple Media (3)

In-depth understanding of design and production as it relates to print and on-line digital media. Advanced production techniques in image editing and multimedia applications. Preparation and evaluation of computer-generated images. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: GRC 338.

GRC 357 Screen Printing Technology (2)

Methods and procedures of screen printing technology; frame, ink, fabric and stencil technology as they relate to printing characteristics. Mechanical art-registration tolerances; commercial production practices; screen printing presses and their applications. Safety and environmental consideration. 1 lecture, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: GRC 101.

GRC 361 Marketing and Sales for Print and Digital Media (4)

Marketing and sales management for print and digitally-imaged products and services. Graphic communication market determination, market strategy, and implementation. Strategic sales management, personal selling, forecasting and planning. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: GRC 101.

GRC 377 Web and Print Publishing (4) GE Area F

Web and print publishing technology and its impact on society. The technologies of scanning, typography, graphics, layout, and design for print and World Wide Web publishing. Decision-making considerations. The application of scientific and mathematical principles to web and print publishing technologies. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: Completion of Area B and junior standing. Graphic Communication majors will not receive GE Area F credit.

GRC 400 Special Problems for Advanced Undergraduates (1–2)

Individual investigation, research, studies, or surveys of selected problems. Total credit limited to 4 units, with a maximum of 2 units per quarter. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

GRC 403 Estimating for Print and Digital Media (4)

Estimating the cost of various kinds of print and digitally-imaged products and services. Development of budgeted hour costs and production standards. Cost estimating methods for prepress, sheetfed press and finishing operations. Paper estimating for flat sheet and bookwork production. Analysis of material, labor and other cost factors. Overview of computer estimating methods. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: GRC 315.

GRC 408 Newspaper and Publications Management (3)

Analysis of newspaper and publications production systems. Organization of the production function. Personnel and industrial problems peculiar to the industry. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: GRC 316.

GRC 411 Pricing, Costing and Web Estimating (4)

Coordination of customer service, sales and estimating functions to printing industry market trends. Marketing and pricing strategies for printers. Cost estimating for web processes. Evaluating printing company profitability using ratio analysis. Cost-effective techniques for printers including data collection systems, management information systems, and innovative management practices. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Prerequisite: GRC 316 and consent of instructor.

GRC 417 Advanced Web Printing Technology (2)

Advanced theory and applications of web printing technology to include copy and design reproduction and management decisions as they pertain to the graphic communication field. 2 lectures. Prerequisite: GRC 316.

GRC 421 Production Management for Print and Digital Media (4)

Production planning, scheduling, and control for print and digitally-imaged products. Equipment and inventory planning, resource optimization, and the application of quality management principles to the printing industry. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Prerequisite: GRC 315, and MATH 117, MATH 118, or MATH 120.

GRC 422 Supervision and Personnel Issues for Print and Digital Media (4)

Supervising employees and its application to human factors in the graphic communication profession. A total quality management approach is utilized emphasizing policy development, training, safety, motivation, quality specifications, ergonomics, ethical and legal issues in the printing industry. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite or corequisite: GRC 460 or consent of instructor.

GRC 429 Digital Media (3)

Current digital media and electronic publishing systems, including CD ROM and Internet publishing. Industry standards such as XML, HTML, PostScript, and PDF. Multimedia authoring; current issues in digital media production and distribution. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: GRC 338.

GRC 431 Printing Plant Layout Analysis (3)

Elements of printing plant site selections, equipment planning, inventory planning, and workflow optimization. Design and layout of printing plants for effective space utilization. Organization of plant services. 2 lectures, 1 activity. Prerequisite: GRC 421.

GRC 432 Imaging Systems Management (4)

Management issues associated with the introduction and use of computerized electronic prepress systems. Strategic, technical, marketing, financial, production, operational, and personnel aspects of color prepress work in a capital-intensive environment. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: GRC 338.

GRC 439 Book Design Technology (4)

Advanced creative problem-solving strategies associated with the technologies used in book design and production. Advanced techniques in page layout, design, typography, type specification and image manipulation as they relate to output technology. Content, format and distribution of print and electronic books. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: GRC 338.

GRC 440 Magazine and Newspaper Design Technology (4)

Concept development of magazine and newspaper design technology. Design and technical considerations as they relate to output and rendering technology. Application of organizational structures such as grids, formatting and sequential design. Advanced techniques in digital information and image manipulation. Content, format and distribution of print and electronic magazines and newspapers. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: GRC 338.

GRC 460 Research Methods in Graphic Communication (2)

Research methods for preparing scholarly and defensible papers and senior projects, and in conducting qualitative and quantitative evaluations, testing, and research in graphic communication. Methods covered include statistical, historical, descriptive, questionnaires, interviewing, and sampling. 1 lecture, 1 activity. Prerequisite: Senior standing and STAT 217.

GRC 461 Senior Project (3)

Selection and completion of a project under faculty supervision. Projects typical of problems which graduates must solve in their fields of employment. Project results are presented in formal report. Minimum 90 hours total time. Prerequisite: GRC 460.

GRC 470 Selected Advanced Topics (1–4)

Directed group study of selected topics for advanced students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1–4 lectures. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

GRC 472 Applied Graphic Communication Practices (2)

Application of theories and practices to University Graphic Systems as they apply to commercial printing, publication printing, digital media and newspaper industries. Major credit limited to 4 units; total credit limited to 18 units. 2 lectures. Prerequisite: GRC 101.

GRC 473 Applied Graphic Communication Management
Practices (2)

Management theories and practices in the graphic communication industry. Application of theories and practices to University Graphic Systems as they apply to commercial printing, publication printing, digital media and newspaper industries. Major credit limited to 4 units; total credit limited to 18 units. 2 lectures. Prerequisite: GRC 472 and consent of instructor.

GRC 485 Cooperative Education Experience (6)

Part-time work experience in business, industry, government, and other areas of student career interest. Positions are paid and usually require relocation and registration in course for two consecutive quarters. Formal report and evaluation by work supervisor required. Total credit limited to 16 units. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing and consent of instructor.

GRC 495 Cooperative Education Experience (12)

Full-time work experience in business, industry, government, and other areas of student career interest. Positions are paid and usually require relocation and registration in course for two consecutive quarters. Formal report and evaluation by work supervisor required. Total credit limited to 16 units. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing and consent of instructor.