Course Descriptions

All instruction at LAPC will be conducted in English.

Computer Graphic Design

CGD 118 Introduction to Graphic Design Applications (3 Units)

Prerequisite: None.

Regardless of career, the basics of design and layout as visual communication are the same. Students will get a brief but thorough introduction to both traditional and new media formats. This course will serve as a stepping stone to more in-depth courses in graphic design.

 

CGD 133 Typography Design (2 Units)

Prerequisite: CGD 160, 180, 190 or equivalent.

Typography is a tool to shape content, give language a physical body, and to enable a flow of messages. In this course, students will delve deeper into an art form that is often overlooked. They will work with type and work to understand how the size, scale, ornaments, and lettering of type can change and enhance a message.

 

CGD 135 Drawing for Graphic Design (2 Units)

Prerequisite: CGD 160 or equivalent.

Although new media formats rely heavily on computer programs, this course emphasizes the benefits of going back to the roots of design. This course will teach students how to deconstruct and reconstruct a piece, develop an understanding in composition, and strengthen their eye for design.

 

CGD 150 Portfolio and Professional Practices (2 Units)

Prerequisite: CGD 195 or equivalent.

As a graphic designer, one’s body of work is an essential factor in gaining employment. This course will teach students the teamwork, client skills, communication, social aptitude, and business savvy that is required to successfully be hired in the industry.

 

CGD 160 Photoshop I (3 Units)

Prerequisite: None.

The first half of the two-part series introduces Adobe Photoshop, the program that has expanded the visual vocabulary of designers and illustrators to include photo imagery and making photos the “raw material” for creative expression. This course covers digital photograph correcting which involves working with selections, layers, masks, and channels. Students will also get an introduction to working with typographic design in Adobe Photoshop.

 

CGD 170 Photoshop II (3 Units)

Prerequisite: CGD 160 or equivalent.

The second half of the two-part series helps students gain a better understanding and working relationship with Adobe Photoshop. This more in-depth approach to Adobe Photoshop will cover vector drawing, advanced compositing, editing video, working with 3D images, and preparing files for the web and printing.

 

CGD 180 Illustrator I (3 Units)

Prerequisite: None.

The first half of the two-part series introduces Adobe Illustrator, one of the most popular illustration and page-design programs. This course will give in-depth lessons on topics including drawing tools and techniques, transformation tools, colors, and working with type.

 

CGD 185 Illustrator II (3 Units)

Prerequisite: CGD 180 or equivalent.

In continuation from the first half, students will further delve into Adobe Illustrator. Students will learn how to work with layers, perspective drawing, colors and gradients, patterns and graphs, and clipping and opacity masks. Students will create scale-able vector graphics, flyers, and perspective scenery.

 

CGD 190 InDesign I (3 Units)

Prerequisite: None.

The first half of the two-part series introduces Adobe InDesign, one of the most popular desktop publishing programs. This course will give in-depth lessons on working with objects, text, typography, and color to create documents such as flyers, posters, business cards, and magazine articles.

 

CGD 195 InDesign II (3 Units)

Prerequisite: CGD 190 or equivalent.

The second half of the two-part series provides students with further opportunities to expand their skills with Adobe InDesign. Students will learn to work with color and styles, import and modify graphics, and work with transparency. Overall, students will have a better understanding of composition, the process of laying out text and graphics, typography, lines, boxes, pictures, drawings, and colors, on a page.

 

CGD 200 Dreamweaver I (3 units)

Prerequisite: None.

The first half of this two-part series introduces students to designing and developing websites using the HTML and CSS editors: Dreamweaver and Notepad. Students will learn about the most common HTML elements and CSS properties for building simple webpages.

 

CGD 210 Dreamweaver II (3 Units)

Prerequisite: CGD 200 or equivalent.

The second half of this two-part series will further expand upon the students’ understanding of HTML and CSS and teach them the importance of responsive web design. The webpages that are built will be more sophisticated with interactive elements and compatibility across different devices and platforms.

 

CGD 230 Animate I (3 Units)

Prerequisite: CGD 160 or equivalent.

Students will be introduced to the dynamic options offered by Animate, whether that be creating projects with video and sound, or graphics and animation. They will learn to quickly design animation and multimedia in order to create interactive and media-rich applications.

 

CGD 235 Animate II (3 Units)

Prerequisite: CGD 230 or equivalent.

Students will continue to learn the advanced dynamic options offered by Animate, and develop projects with video and sound, or graphics and animation. They will continue to learn animation and multimedia in order to create interactive and media-rich applications.

 

CGD 260 Principles of Graphic Design I (3 Units)

Prerequisite: None.

The first half of this two-part series introduces students to design elements and the principles needed to create effective visuals for communication. Students will explore basic composition, typography, and the fundamentals of color.

 

CGD 265 Principles of Graphic Design II (3 Units)

Prerequisite: CGD 260 or equivalent.

The second half of this two-part series will have students continue their exploration of the design elements and principles required to create effective and compelling visuals. This course will give in-depth lessons about the tools and technologies of graphic design, the basics of print production and presentations, and how graphic design can be utilized with the Internet to increase interactivity.