Courses

VDA 112   Photoshop I* (1 Hour)

Prerequisites : Basic computing skills are recommended.

Students will learn software training in Adobe Photoshop by producing raster images. Through digital manipulation, students will create and edit photos and raster images. Students will study tools, techniques, electronic color theory, graphic formats, file management skills, image and device resolution, and project workflows.

VDA 114   Illustrator I* (1 Hour)

Prerequisites : Basic computing skills are recommended.

In this course, students will learn software training in Adobe Illustrator by producing digital illustrations. Students will create vector graphics and illustrations utilizing digital drawing tools and techniques. Topics include graphic formats, text assets, electronic color theory, file management skills, and project workflows.

VDA 116   InDesign I* (1 Hour)

Prerequisites : Basic computing skills are recommended.

In this course, students will learn software training in Adobe InDesign by producing page layout documents. Students will create single and multi-page documents, digital typography, and page layouts by arranging and distributing images, graphics, and other design elements. Students will study tools, techniques, graphic formats, file management skills, and project workflows with digital images, graphics, and text assets.

VDA 122   Photoshop II* (2 Hours)

Prerequisites : (CDTP 135 or VDA 112) or (CDTP 190 or VDA 190).

Students will gain advanced software training in Adobe Photoshop by producing professional quality portfolio examples for output in various formats including print, web, on-screen, and mobile.

VDA 124   Illustrator II* (2 Hours)

Prerequisites : (CDTP 145 or VDA 114) or (CDTP 190 or VDA 190).

Students will gain advanced software training in Adobe Illustrator by producing professional quality portfolio examples for output in various formats including print, web, on-screen, and mobile.

VDA 126   InDesign II* (2 Hours)

Prerequisites : (CDTP 140 or VDA 116) or (CDTP 190 or VDA 190).

Students will gain advanced software training in Adobe InDesign by producing professional quality portfolio examples for output in various formats including print, web, on-screen, and mobile.

VDA 130   Motion Graphics (3 Hours)

In this course, students will gain software training in After Effects. Students will learn to create motion graphics projects by integrating raster and vector graphics, 3-D graphics, video, audio, and typography.

VDA 190   Applications for Visual Design* (3 Hours)

Prerequisites : Basic computing skills are recommended.

In this career-related course, students will learn basic digital media skills, key concepts, and software training in various industry-standard and Adobe Creative Cloud applications through the production of visual design projects. Students will create raster images, vector graphics, and typography for web, print, and motion media. Students will study tools, techniques, electronic color theory, graphic formats, image, and device resolution, and synthesize digital media visual design projects.

VDA 292   Special Topics: (1-3 Hour)

This course periodically offers specialized or advanced visual design applications training in career-related topics not usually taught in the curriculum to interested and qualified students. The course is repeatable and may be taken more than once for credit.

VDA 112

  • Title: Photoshop I*
  • Number: VDA 112
  • Effective Term: 2025-26
  • Credit Hours: 1
  • Contact Hours: 1
  • Lecture Hours: 1

Requirements:

Prerequisites: Basic computing skills are recommended.

Description:

Students will learn software training in Adobe Photoshop by producing raster images. Through digital manipulation, students will create and edit photos and raster images. Students will study tools, techniques, electronic color theory, graphic formats, file management skills, image and device resolution, and project workflows.

Textbooks:

http://bookstore.jccc.edu/

Supplies:

Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Objectives

  1. Create and edit photos and raster images through digital manipulation.
  2. Describe electronic color theory.
  3. Identify graphic formats.
  4. Employ a basic understanding of image and device resolution.
  5. Employ file management skills.
  6. Practice project workflows.

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Raster Images and Digital Manipulation

A. Define raster images.

B. Combine images using layers. 

C. Use selection tools to isolate a part of an image.

D. Develop non-destructive image editing skills.

E. Apply non-destructive color and image corrections.

F. Create text and set typeface, style, point size, and color.

G. Demonstrate photo retouching.

H. Produce a composite image.

I. Generate a file with flattened layers.

J. Generate a file with layers intact.

II. Electronic Color Theory

A. Discuss electronic color theory.

B. Discuss the use of RGB and CMYK color modes.

C. Describe the differences between RGB and CMYK color modes.

III. Graphic Formats

A. Discuss types of graphic formats.

B. Define vector graphics.

C. Define graphic formats for print, web, and motion media.

D. Use graphic format terms.

E. Discuss various file types for print, web, and screen.

F. Generate files that use RGB color mode.

G. Generate files that use CMYK color mode.

IV. Image and Device Resolution

A. Discuss image resolution.

B. Define device resolution.

C. Use image and device resolution terms.

D. Distinguish low and high resolution.

E. Recognize the uses of low and high-resolution images.

V. File Management

A. Practice using folders and subfolders to manage project files.

B. Define digital assets.

C. Discuss file naming conventions.

VI. Project Workflows

A. Discuss workflow strategies.

B. Practice a workflow sequence.

C. Practice organization of digital assets.

D. Produce project files to share.

Method of Evaluation and Competencies:

10-20%    Quizzes and exams
80-90%    Exercises, assignments, and projects

Total: 100%

Grade Criteria:

90 - 100% = A
80 - 89% = B
70 - 79% = C
60 - 69% = D
0 - 59% = F

Caveats:

Because of the need for Adobe Creative Cloud software, students should be prepared to purchase a subscription so they can access the software and work on assignments when not on campus.

Student Responsibilities:

Disabilities:

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you are a student with a disability and if you are in need of accommodations or services, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services and make a formal request. To schedule an appointment with an Access Advisor or for additional information, you may send an email or call Access Services at (913)469-3521. Access Services is located on the 2nd floor of the Student Center (SC 202).

VDA 114

  • Title: Illustrator I*
  • Number: VDA 114
  • Effective Term: 2025-26
  • Credit Hours: 1
  • Contact Hours: 1
  • Lecture Hours: 1

Requirements:

Prerequisites: Basic computing skills are recommended.

Description:

In this course, students will learn software training in Adobe Illustrator by producing digital illustrations. Students will create vector graphics and illustrations utilizing digital drawing tools and techniques. Topics include graphic formats, text assets, electronic color theory, file management skills, and project workflows.

Textbooks:

http://bookstore.jccc.edu/

Supplies:

Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Objectives

  1. Create vector graphics and illustrations using digital drawing, painting, and shape tools.
  2. Use color swatches to control colors.
  3. Identify graphic formats.
  4. Describe electronic color theory.
  5. Employ file management skills.

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Vector Graphics and Illustrations using Digital Drawing, Painting, and Shape Tools

A. Generate basic shapes.

B. Edit shapes.

C. Produce points and paths.

D. Edit points and paths.

E. Generate Bézier curves.

F. Apply stroke and fill.

G. Create variations of line styles.

H. Employ layers to control drawing elements.

I.  Produce drawings from reference photos.

J. Create text and set typeface, style, point size, and color.

K. Convert text to outline.

II. Color Swatches to Control Colors

A. Select individual color swatches.

B. Edit individual color swatches.

C. Generate new color swatches.

III. Graphic Formats

A. Discuss types of graphic formats.

B. Define vector graphics.

C. Define graphic formats for print, web, and motion media.

D. Use graphic format terms.

E. Discuss various file types for print, web, and screen.

F. Generate files that use RGB color mode.

G. Generate files that use CMYK color mode.

IV. Electronic Color Theory

A. Discuss electronic color theory.

B. Discuss the use of RGB and CMYK color modes.

C. Describe the differences between RGB and CMYK.

V. File Management Skills

A. Practice using folders and subfolders to manage project files.

B. Define digital assets.

C. Discuss file naming conventions.

VI. Project Workflows

A. Discuss workflow strategies.

B. Practice workflow sequence.

C. Practice organization of digital assets.

D. Produce project files to share.

Method of Evaluation and Competencies:

10-20%    Quizzes and exams
80-90%    Exercises, assignments, and projects

Total: 100%

Grade Criteria:

90 - 100% = A
80 - 89% = B
70 - 79% = C
60 - 69% = D
0 - 59% = F

Caveats:

Because of the need for Adobe Creative Cloud software, students should be prepared to purchase a subscription so they can access the software and work on assignments when not on campus.

Student Responsibilities:

Disabilities:

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you are a student with a disability and if you are in need of accommodations or services, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services and make a formal request. To schedule an appointment with an Access Advisor or for additional information, you may send an email or call Access Services at (913)469-3521. Access Services is located on the 2nd floor of the Student Center (SC 202).

VDA 116

  • Title: InDesign I*
  • Number: VDA 116
  • Effective Term: 2025-26
  • Credit Hours: 1
  • Contact Hours: 1
  • Lecture Hours: 1

Requirements:

Prerequisites: Basic computing skills are recommended.

Description:

In this course, students will learn software training in Adobe InDesign by producing page layout documents. Students will create single and multi-page documents, digital typography, and page layouts by arranging and distributing images, graphics, and other design elements. Students will study tools, techniques, graphic formats, file management skills, and project workflows with digital images, graphics, and text assets.

Textbooks:

http://bookstore.jccc.edu/

Supplies:

Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Objectives

  1. Create and edit single and multi-page documents.
  2. Use parent pages to control layout and design elements.
  3. Produce page layouts by arranging and distributing images, graphics, and other design elements.
  4. Produce digital typography.
  5. Identify graphic formats.
  6. Employ file management skills.
  7. Practice project workflows.

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Single and Multi-page Documents

A. Discuss types of documents.

B. Create single and multi-page documents.

C. Alter margins.

D. Set bleed guides.

E. Add and delete pages from a multi-page document.

II. Parent Pages to Control Layout and Design Elements

A. Employ parent pages.

B. Place text, images, guides, and placeholders on parent pages.

C. Override and edit parent page items.

D. Discuss the use of multiple parent pages.

III. Page Layouts

A. Compose a layout utilizing a versatile grid structure.

B. Generate and edit guides.

C. Place text, images, and graphics.

D. Arrange text, images, and graphics.

E. Scale and rotate images.

F. Apply text wrapping.

G. Group and distribute images and design elements.

H. Employ bleed guides.

I. Control view settings to hide guides and frame edges.

J. Discuss layers.

IV. Digital Typography

A. Define typography.

B. Create text frames and columns.

C. Flow text from various document types.

D. Correct overset text.

E. Alter typeface, style, point size, and color.

F. Apply line spacing, letter spacing, and kerning.

G. Create paragraph and character styles.

H. Describe system fonts.

I. Discuss adding fonts and typefaces to applications. 

V. Graphic Formats

A. Discuss types of graphic formats.

B. Define graphic formats for print, web, and motion media.

C. Use graphic format terms.

VI. File Management Skills

A. Practice using folders and subfolders to manage project files.

B. Define digital assets.

C. Discuss file naming conventions.

D. Discuss 4-color process print file requirements.

VII. Project Workflows

A. Discuss workflow strategies.

B. Practice workflow sequence.

C. Practice organization of digital assets.

D. Produce project files to share.

Method of Evaluation and Competencies:

10-20%    Quizzes and exams
80-90%    Exercises, assignments, and projects

Total: 100%

Grade Criteria:

90 - 100% = A
80 - 89% = B
70 - 79% = C
60 - 69% = D
0 - 59% = F

Caveats:

Because of the need for Adobe Creative Cloud software, students should be prepared to purchase a subscription so they can access the software and work on assignments when not on campus.

Student Responsibilities:

Disabilities:

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you are a student with a disability and if you are in need of accommodations or services, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services and make a formal request. To schedule an appointment with an Access Advisor or for additional information, you may send an email or call Access Services at (913)469-3521. Access Services is located on the 2nd floor of the Student Center (SC 202).

VDA 122

  • Title: Photoshop II*
  • Number: VDA 122
  • Effective Term: 2025-26
  • Credit Hours: 2
  • Contact Hours: 2
  • Lecture Hours:

Requirements:

Prerequisites: (CDTP 135 or VDA 112) or (CDTP 190 or VDA 190).

Description:

Students will gain advanced software training in Adobe Photoshop by producing professional quality portfolio examples for output in various formats including print, web, on-screen, and mobile.

Textbooks:

http://bookstore.jccc.edu/

Supplies:

Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Objectives

  1. Create composite images in a variety of styles.
  2. Explore generative tools.
  3. Edit and retouch photographic images.
  4. Perform color correction.
  5. Produce moving images using the timeline.
  6. Apply appropriate color modes for a variety of output formats.
  7. Perform image resizing and resampling.
  8. Demonstrate file management.
  9. Produce professional portfolio quality examples.

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Create Composite Images

A. Utilize blending modes, filters, and layer styles.

B. Apply clipping masks.

C. Refine a selection with Select and Mask.

D. Employ filters to mimic photographic effects.

E. Explore visual styles.

F. Discuss sources for stock photography.

G. Discuss copyright and fair use.

II. Generative Tools

A. Utilize generative tools to create custom brushes.

B. Apply generative tools for the creation of imagery.

C. Refine settings to edit generatively created imagery.

III. Edit and Retouch

A. Edit photographic images.

B. Retouch photographic images.

IV. Color Correction

A. Match color in a composite.

B. Color correct photographic images.

V. Moving Images

A. Utilize the timeline to create an animated image sequence.

B. Create animated image sequences in various formats.

VI. Color Modes

A. Define color modes.

B. Apply color modes for various output formats.

VII. Image Resizing and Resampling

A. Demonstrate resizing and resampling images for various output formats.

B. Determine image resolution for various output formats.

VIII. File Management

A. Define file types for working files and output files.

B. Demonstrate organization of project files and assets.

IX. Professional Portfolio

A. Exemplify basic design principles.

B. Demonstrate project output in various formats.

C. Participate in group critiques of course work.

D. Create a visual presentation of professional quality portfolio examples.

Method of Evaluation and Competencies:

10-20%    Final portfolio: a visual presentation of professional quality examples
80-90%    Exercises, assignments, and projects

Total: 100%

Grade Criteria:

90 - 100% = A
80 - 89% = B
70 - 79% = C
60 - 69% = D
0 - 59% = F

Caveats:

Because of the need for Adobe Creative Cloud software, students should be prepared to purchase a subscription so they can access the software and work on assignments when not on campus.

Student Responsibilities:

Disabilities:

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you are a student with a disability and if you are in need of accommodations or services, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services and make a formal request. To schedule an appointment with an Access Advisor or for additional information, you may send an email or call Access Services at (913)469-3521. Access Services is located on the 2nd floor of the Student Center (SC 202).

VDA 124

  • Title: Illustrator II*
  • Number: VDA 124
  • Effective Term: 2025-26
  • Credit Hours: 2
  • Contact Hours: 2
  • Lecture Hours:

Requirements:

Prerequisites: (CDTP 145 or VDA 114) or (CDTP 190 or VDA 190).

Description:

Students will gain advanced software training in Adobe Illustrator by producing professional quality portfolio examples for output in various formats including print, web, on-screen, and mobile.

Textbooks:

http://bookstore.jccc.edu/

Supplies:

Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Objectives

  1. Create vector graphics in a variety of styles.
  2. Transform photographs into vector artwork.
  3. Devise infographics.
  4. Employ tools and techniques to edit paths.
  5. Create text-based projects.
  6. Apply appropriate color modes for a variety of output formats.
  7. Demonstrate file management.
  8. Produce professional portfolio quality examples.

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Create Vector Graphics

A. Create graphics with pen, pencil, and paintbrush tools.

B. Utilize generative tools for creating objects and styles.

C. Create repeating patterns.

II. Transform Photographs

A. Utilize image trace options and settings to generate vector artwork.

B. Discuss sources for stock photography.

C. Discuss copyright and fair use.

III. Devise Infographics

A. Create charts, graphs, and timelines.

B. Create icons.

IV. Edit Paths

A. Generate and apply masks.

B. Join and trim paths.

V. Text-based Projects

A. Discuss sources for finding, activating, and licensing fonts.

B. Outline text for pattern fill or path edits.

C. Flow text into a shape.

VI. Color Modes

A. Define color modes.

B. Discuss spot colors.

C. Create custom color groups, export, and import those groups.

D.  Apply color modes for various output formats.

VII. File Management

A. Define file types for working files and output files.

B. Demonstrate organization of project files and assets.

VIII. Professional Portfolio

A. Exemplify basic design principles.

B. Demonstrate project output in various formats.

C. Participate in group critiques of coursework.

D. Create a visual presentation of professional quality portfolio examples.

Method of Evaluation and Competencies:

10-20%    Final portfolio: a visual presentation of professional quality examples
80-90%    Exercises, assignments, and projects

Total: 100%

Grade Criteria:

90 - 100% = A
80 - 89% = B
70 - 79% = C
60 - 69% = D
0 - 59% = F

Caveats:

Because of the need for Adobe Creative Cloud software, students should be prepared to purchase a subscription so they can access the software and work on assignments when not on campus.

Student Responsibilities:

Disabilities:

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you are a student with a disability and if you are in need of accommodations or services, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services and make a formal request. To schedule an appointment with an Access Advisor or for additional information, you may send an email or call Access Services at (913)469-3521. Access Services is located on the 2nd floor of the Student Center (SC 202).

VDA 126

  • Title: InDesign II*
  • Number: VDA 126
  • Effective Term: 2025-26
  • Credit Hours: 2
  • Contact Hours: 2
  • Lecture Hours:

Requirements:

Prerequisites: (CDTP 140 or VDA 116) or (CDTP 190 or VDA 190).

Description:

Students will gain advanced software training in Adobe InDesign by producing professional quality portfolio examples for output in various formats including print, web, on-screen, and mobile.

Textbooks:

http://bookstore.jccc.edu/

Supplies:

Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Objectives

  1. Create documents.
  2. Organize content.
  3. Arrange text.
  4. Demonstrate image control.
  5. Apply appropriate color modes for a variety of output formats.
  6. Demonstrate file management.
  7. Produce professional portfolio quality examples.

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Create Documents

A. Create single and multi-page documents.

B. Create documents for various output formats including print, web, and mobile.

II. Organize Content

A. Align and distribute objects.

B. Create and edit tables

C. Add and reorder images in tables.

D. Create and edit tabs.

E. Organize content with layers.

F. Employ Parent Pages.

G. Adapt a layout for a minimum of three different output formats.

III. Arrange Text

A. Select fonts, styles, and appropriate sizes for text.

B. Discuss the importance of font pairings and a typographic system.

C. Adjust text with kerning, letter spacing, and leading.

D. Create and apply character and paragraph Styles.

E. Discuss sources for finding fonts.

F. Discuss font activating, sharing, and licensing.

IV. Image Control

A. Discuss sources for finding stock photography and images.

B. Discuss copyright and fair use.

C. Discuss preparation of images for use in InDesign for various output formats.

D. Practice resizing images.

E. Demonstrate an understanding of image resolution for various output formats.

F. Manage linked content.

V. Color Modes

A. Define color modes.

B. Create custom color groups, export, and import those groups.

C. Apply color modes for various output formats.

VI. File Management

A. Define file types for working files and output files.

B. Demonstrate organization of project files and assets.

VII. Professional Portfolio

A. Exemplify basic design principles.

B. Demonstrate project output in various formats.

C. Participate in group critiques of course work.

D. Create a visual presentation of professional quality portfolio examples.

Method of Evaluation and Competencies:

10-20%    Final portfolio: a visual presentation of professional quality examples
80-90%    Exercises, assignments, and projects

Total: 100%

Grade Criteria:

90 - 100% = A
80 - 89% = B
70 - 79% = C
60 - 69% = D
0 - 59% = F

Caveats:

Because of the need for Adobe Creative Cloud software, students should be prepared to purchase a subscription so they can access the software and work on assignments when not on campus.

Student Responsibilities:

Disabilities:

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you are a student with a disability and if you are in need of accommodations or services, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services and make a formal request. To schedule an appointment with an Access Advisor or for additional information, you may send an email or call Access Services at (913)469-3521. Access Services is located on the 2nd floor of the Student Center (SC 202).

VDA 130

  • Title: Motion Graphics
  • Number: VDA 130
  • Effective Term: 2025-26
  • Credit Hours: 3
  • Contact Hours: 3
  • Lecture Hours:

Description:

In this course, students will gain software training in After Effects. Students will learn to create motion graphics projects by integrating raster and vector graphics, 3-D graphics, video, audio, and typography.

Textbooks:

http://bookstore.jccc.edu/

Supplies:

Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Objectives

  1. Create motion graphics projects.
  2. Arrange text. 
  3. Prepare graphics.
  4. Utilize layers.
  5. Control paths, shapes, and masks.
  6. Investigate effects and animation presets.
  7. Import video, audio, and 3-D graphics.
  8. Complete projects with render and export.

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Create Projects

A. Utilize the timeline.

B. Utilize keyframes and anchor points.

C. Create keyframe interpolation.

D. Create compositions.

E. Apply precompose.

F. Utilize the properties panel.

G. Generate pre-renders.

II. Arrange Text

A. Discuss fonts and font pairing.

B. Format text.

C. Create and edit text layers.

D. Format paragraphs.

E. Use text effects.

F. Animate text.

G. Discuss legibility related to type in motion.

III. Prepare Graphics

A. Discuss file types and file management.

B. Prepare images and graphics for import.

C. Import images and graphics.

D. Manage image layers.

IV. Utilize Layers

A. Create layers.

B. Manage layers.

C. Nest layers.

D. Utilize blending modes and layer styles.

V. Control Paths, Shapes, and Masks

A. Create paths.

B. Create shapes.

C. Create masks.

D. Animate shape paths and masks.

E. Apply mattes.

VI. Effects and Animation Pre-sets

A. Use effects and pre-sets.

B. Use expressions.

VII. Import video, audio, and 3-D graphics

A. Discuss timecode and time display units.

B. Discuss pacing and sequencing.

C. Edit pacing and sequencing.

D. Apply time stretching and remapping.

E. Discuss audio, dB, and waveform.

F. Discuss audio file types and quality.

G. Edit audio.

VIII. Render and Export

A. Discuss resolution and aspect ratio.

B. Create renders and exports of completed projects for various formats.

Method of Evaluation and Competencies:

10-20%    Exercises, quizzes, or exams
80-90%    Projects 

Total:   100%

 

Grade Criteria:

90 - 100% = A
80 - 89% = B
70 - 79% = C
60 - 69% = D
0 - 59% = F

Caveats:

Because of the need for Adobe Creative Cloud software, students should be prepared to purchase a subscription so they can access the software and work on assignments when not on campus.

Student Responsibilities:

Disabilities:

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you are a student with a disability and if you are in need of accommodations or services, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services and make a formal request. To schedule an appointment with an Access Advisor or for additional information, you may send an email or call Access Services at (913)469-3521. Access Services is located on the 2nd floor of the Student Center (SC 202).

VDA 190

  • Title: Applications for Visual Design*
  • Number: VDA 190
  • Effective Term: 2025-26
  • Credit Hours: 3
  • Contact Hours: 3
  • Lecture Hours:

Requirements:

Prerequisites: Basic computing skills are recommended.

Description:

In this career-related course, students will learn basic digital media skills, key concepts, and software training in various industry-standard and Adobe Creative Cloud applications through the production of visual design projects. Students will create raster images, vector graphics, and typography for web, print, and motion media. Students will study tools, techniques, electronic color theory, graphic formats, image, and device resolution, and synthesize digital media visual design projects.

Textbooks:

http://bookstore.jccc.edu/

Supplies:

Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Objectives

  1. Create and edit raster images through digital photo manipulation.
  2. Create vector graphics using digital drawing, painting, and shape tools.
  3. Describe the differences between raster images and vector graphics.
  4. Produce digital typography. 
  5. Describe electronic color theory.
  6. Identify graphic formats.
  7. Employ a basic understanding of image and device resolution.
  8. Use Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign in combination throughout the concept, design, layout, and completion of exercises and assignments.
  9. Create a visual design project workflow with digital images and text assets from start to finish.
  10. Employ file management skills, sharing, and archiving visual design project files. 

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Raster Images and Digital Photo Manipulation

A. Define raster images.

B. Combine images using layers. 

C. Develop non-destructive image editing skills.

D. Apply color and image corrections.

E. Demonstrate photo retouching.

F. Produce image files in various color modes.

II. Vector Graphics using Digital Drawing, Painting, and Shape Tools

A. Define vector graphics.

B. Produce points and paths.

C. Generate Bézier curves.

D. Create shapes.

E. Apply stroke and fill.

F. Create variations of line styles.

G. Produce drawings from photos.

H. Create text.

I. Produce vector graphics in various color modes.

III. Digital Typography

A. Define typography.

B. Create text frames and columns.

C. Flow text from various document types.

D. Correct overset text.

E. Apply line spacing, letter spacing, and kerning.

F. Create paragraph and character styles.

G. Describe system fonts.

H. Add Adobe Fonts typefaces to applications. 

I. Generate multipage documents.

J. Add photos and graphics to multipage documents.

K. Employ parent pages.

IV. Electronic Color Theory

A. Discuss electronic color theory.

B. Describe the differences between RGB and CMYK.

C. Discuss use of RGB and CMYK color modes in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

D. Discuss the use of RGB and CMYK color swatches in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

V. Graphic Formats

A. Discuss types of graphic formats.

B. Define graphic formats for print, web, and motion media.

C. Use graphic format terms.

VI. Image and Device Resolution

A. Discuss image resolution.

B. Define device resolution.

C. Use image and device resolution terms.

D. Apply image and device resolution in visual design.

VII. Concept, Design, Layout, and Completion

A. Discuss concept, design, and layout steps to complete assignments.

B. Generate a concept.

C. Create a design.

D. Compose a layout.

E. Practice concept, design, and layout steps to complete assignments.

F. Synthesize elements from several Adobe applications to complete visual design assignments.

VIII. Project Workflow with Digital Assets

A. Discuss workflow strategies.

B. Define digital assets.

C. Produce organized digital assets.

D. Practice workflow sequence.

E. Practice organization of digital assets.

IX. Sharing and Archiving Project Files

A. Discuss sharing project files.

B. Produce project files to share.

C. Discuss archiving project files.

D. Discuss file naming conventions.

Method of Evaluation and Competencies:

10-20%    Quizzes and exams
50-60%    Exercises, assignments, and projects
20-30%    Final project

Total: 100%

Grade Criteria:

90 - 100% = A
80 - 89% = B
70 - 79% = C
60 - 69% = D
0 - 59% = F

Caveats:

Because of the need for Adobe Creative Cloud software, students should be prepared to purchase a subscription so they can access the software and work on assignments when not on campus.

Student Responsibilities:

Disabilities:

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you are a student with a disability and if you are in need of accommodations or services, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services and make a formal request. To schedule an appointment with an Access Advisor or for additional information, you may send an email or call Access Services at (913)469-3521. Access Services is located on the 2nd floor of the Student Center (SC 202).

VDA 292

  • Title: Special Topics:
  • Number: VDA 292
  • Effective Term: 2025-26
  • Credit Hours: 1 - 3
  • Contact Hours: 1 - 3
  • Lecture Hours:

Description:

This course periodically offers specialized or advanced visual design applications training in career-related topics not usually taught in the curriculum to interested and qualified students. The course is repeatable and may be taken more than once for credit.

Textbooks:

http://bookstore.jccc.edu/

Supplies:

Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Objectives

  1. Undertake software training in the designated topic.
  2. Define key terms, theories, and concepts.
  3. Demonstrate topic-related tools and techniques.
  4. Identify file formats.
  5. Employ file management skills.
  6. Practice project workflows.

Content Outline and Competencies:

Because of the nature of a Special Topics course, the course Content Outline and Competencies will vary, depending on the Special Topic offered. The Special Topics course outlines must be designed in the standard format for all JCCC-approved courses and must include the standard course objectives for a Special Topics class. The course Content Outline and Competencies must be written in outcome-based language. To maintain course consistency, rigor, and uniqueness, each section of this course first must be reviewed and approved by the Department Chairperson prior to its being offered.

The Arts & Design, Humanities & Social Science Division Curriculum Committee and the Division Dean will review each Special Topics course to be offered and approve the course content. The ADHSS Division will also determine when and if the course may be taught based on the instructional needs of both the department and the division. Individual faculty members are responsible for the creation of Special Topics courses and for seeking approval to teach them.

Any specific Special Topics topic may not be repeated within a four-semester sequence.

Method of Evaluation and Competencies:

10-20%    Final project: professional quality portfolio examples
80-90%    Exercises, assignments, and projects

Total: 100%

Grade Criteria:

90 - 100% = A
80 - 89% = B
70 - 79% = C
60 - 69% = D
0 - 59% = F

Caveats:

Depending on the designated topic, students may need to be prepared to purchase a software license so they can access the software and work on assignments when not on campus.

Student Responsibilities:

Disabilities:

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you are a student with a disability and if you are in need of accommodations or services, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services and make a formal request. To schedule an appointment with an Access Advisor or for additional information, you may send an email or call Access Services at (913)469-3521. Access Services is located on the 2nd floor of the Student Center (SC 202).