# Graphics (GRPH) courses

Allan Hancock College · 2026-2027 Catalog · 13 courses

Source: https://hancockcollege.curriqunet.com/catalog/iq/28544/28863/31220

"Offered" lists sections in this catalog year's class schedules: Summer 2026, Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027.

### GRPH 108 — Design 1 on the Computer

- **Units:** 3
- **C-ID:** ARTS 100
- **Transfers to:** CSU, UC
- **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/allan-hancock-college/schedule/fall-2026/grph.md); Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/allan-hancock-college/schedule/spring-2027/grph.md)
- Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass

This course is an introduction to the concepts, applications, and historical references related to two-dimensional art and composition, including the study of basic design principles and elements. Students will develop a visual vocabulary for creative expression through lectures, studio projects, problem-solving, and writing assignments. This course covers the same content as Art 110, but projects are executed digitally using the computer. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for ART 108.

### GRPH 110 — Introduction to Graphic Design

- **Units:** 3
- **Advisory:** ART 110, or GRPH 108, or ART 108, or PHTO 110
- **C-ID:** N/A
- **Transfers to:** CSU
- **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/allan-hancock-college/schedule/fall-2026/grph.md); Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/allan-hancock-college/schedule/spring-2027/grph.md)
- Course Offered: Spring, Fall
- Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass

This course is an introduction to the theories, principles and processes of Graphic Design. Students develop visual communication skills and create digital artwork for printing, publishing and manufacturing industries. Topics include graphic design history; developing strong conceptual and production skills. Students work in a digital studio environment using Apple computers, current Adobe Creative Suite software and digital printing equipment.

### GRPH 112 — Digital Imagery

- **Units:** 3
- **C-ID:** N/A
- **Transfers to:** CSU
- **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/allan-hancock-college/schedule/fall-2026/grph.md); Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/allan-hancock-college/schedule/spring-2027/grph.md)
- Course Offered: Spring, Fall
- Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass

Introduces students to the use of Apple computers and Adobe Photoshop for developing and editing digital images for use in graphic design, photography, web, video and motion graphics production. Students will learn raster image resolutions, file formats, color systems and professional creative practices for acquisition, creation, editing and processing for various industries including printing, digital publishing, animation, and video editing.

### GRPH 113 — Digital Illustration

- **Units:** 3
- **Advisory:** GRPH 108, GRPH 110, or
- **C-ID:** N/A
- **Transfers to:** CSU
- **Offered:** Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/allan-hancock-college/schedule/spring-2027/grph.md)
- Course Offered: Spring
- Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass

This course is an introduction to the field of illustration and vector-based drawing using Adobe Illustrator software and Apple computers. Emphasis will be placed on developing skills for producing graphics and illustrations for various commercial art marketplaces. Critical thinking and visual problem solving skills will be integrated with current digital illustration practices, tools and publishing technologies.

### GRPH 115 — Digital Design and Publishing

- **Units:** 3
- **Advisory:** GRPH 110, or GRPH 112, or GRPH 113
- **C-ID:** N/A
- **Transfers to:** CSU
- **Offered:** Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/allan-hancock-college/schedule/spring-2027/grph.md)
- Course Offered: Spring
- Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass

This course examines digital publication design tools and processes. Students will explore the tools, apply design principles, and learn about industry best-practices used in developing artwork for single-page, multi-page and long-form documents. They will develop knowledge of digital prepress requirements for print production and digital publications utilizing current Adobe InDesign software and Apple computers. Other software used includes text editors, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator.

### GRPH 116 — Portfolio Design & Development

- **Units:** 3
- **Advisory:** ART 110, GRPH 108
- **C-ID:** N/A
- **Transfers to:** CSU
- **Offered:** Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/allan-hancock-college/schedule/spring-2027/grph.md)
- Course Offered: Spring
- Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass

Portfolio development for visual arts students who are interested in transfer, employment or exhibitions. This course will cover how to curate and present a coherent body of artwork that reflects technical skills, creativity and style. Students will learn design strategies, content editing, and formatting options for print and digital content. Students will also learn how to develop personal brands, marketing materials, artist statements, and resumes. Previous course work in the arts is advised - at least 5-7 quality examples of visual or motion-based art is strongly recommended for success in this course.

### GRPH 117 — Typography

- **Units:** 3
- **Advisory:** GRPH 108GRPH 110
- **C-ID:** N/A
- **Transfers to:** CSU
- **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/allan-hancock-college/schedule/fall-2026/grph.md)
- Course Offered: Fall
- Grading Method: Letter Grade Only

This class is an investigation of the expressive potential of typography as a critical element of visual communication and digital media. Students will be introduced to the history of letterforms, elements of basic typography, typographic styles and production techniques. Projects focus on the mechanics of type design, visual appropriateness, and type legibility. Students explore the creative use of typography as a fundamental communication tool using both traditional and digital media. This 3 unit course is a lecture/lab combination and lab work is on Apple computers using current Adobe Creative Suite Software.

### GRPH 118 — User Interface Design

- **Units:** 3
- **Advisory:** GRPH 112, or GRPH 113
- **Transfers to:** CSU
- **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/allan-hancock-college/schedule/fall-2026/grph.md)
- Course Offered: Fall
- Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles and practices of User Interface Design (UI.) Students will examine the role of text, navigational systems, visual representation, time, and human-centered design for interactivity and efficiency. Students are introduced to industry tools and methodologies for conceptualizing, designing, and testing interactive and user-centric interfaces. Specialized projects encourage students to develop organizing principles, workflows, prototypes, and interfaces that demonstrate the principles of Visual and Interaction Design and an understanding of different target platforms.

### GRPH 120 — Advanced Design for Publishing

- **Units:** 3
- **Prerequisite:** GRPH 115
- **C-ID:** N/A
- **Transfers to:** CSU
- **Offered:** Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/allan-hancock-college/schedule/spring-2027/grph.md)
- Course Offered: Spring
- Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass

This course is designed to advance the skills learned in GRAPH 115 to design for print and digital publishing systems. Production, management, and creative skills for printing and publishing processes are further explored using current versions of Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and other Adobe Creative Suite software. The lab experience allows for the development of complex projects in a professional publishing environment equipped with Apple Macintosh computers and high quality digital printers.

### GRPH 127 — History of Graphic Design

- **Units:** 3
- **Transfers to:** CSU, UC
- **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/allan-hancock-college/schedule/fall-2026/grph.md)
- Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass

A study of the development of visual communication in art, graphic design, illustration and popular culture. Emphasis is on the role of graphic designers and illustrators, the impact and interpretation of graphic images, symbols, and typography used in informative and persuasive media. The course is designed for graphics majors who want to transfer and is a Humanities elective for general education requirements.

### GRPH 129 — Digital Tools for Visual Media

- **Units:** 3
- **Transfers to:** CSU, UC
- **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/allan-hancock-college/schedule/fall-2026/grph.md)
- Course Offered: Fall
- Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass

This course teaches the fundamentals of professional digital applications used in the creation and production of digital media across various channels. Students will apply art and design theory to create and edit vector graphics, digital images, designs for publishing, video, and web design. The course teaches basic computer skills, digital image capture, image manipulation, illustration, layout, time-based media, 3D, and emerging technologies and techniques for effective experiential design. The course is not open to students who are enrolled or have completed MMAC 129.

### GRPH 130 — Introduction to 3D Modeling

- **Units:** 3
- **C-ID:** N/A
- **Transfers to:** CSU
- **Offered:** Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/allan-hancock-college/schedule/spring-2027/grph.md)
- Course Offered: Spring
- Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass

This course introduces students to the principles of 3D modeling for animation, game art, graphic and motion design, and digital media. Students will learn the principles of 3D modeling, rigging, texturing, and rendering. This course uses industry-standard software such as Autodesk's Maya for modeling and Adobe's Substance Painter for texturing. This course is not open to students who have taken MMAC 130.

### GRPH 189 — Independent Projects in Graphics

- **Units:** 1-3
- **C-ID:** N/A
- **Transfers to:** CSU
- **Offered:** not on the Summer 2026, Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules
- Course Offered: Spring, Fall, As Needed
- Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass

Courses for students capable of independent work who demonstrate the need or desire for additional study beyond the regular curriculum. Enrollment allows students to pursue activities such as directed field experience, research, or development of skills and competencies under faculty advisement and supervision. Independent projects may be earned in most disciplines. Students wishing to enroll in Independent Projects should contact the appropriate instructor identified in the class schedule. If the project proposed is acceptable to that instructor, a contract will be developed. All contracts for these classes must be completed and submitted to the Records Office no later than the end of the second week of the semester. Students may enroll for any combination (unit value) of Independent Projects 189 and/or 389 for a total of four semesters in a specific discipline. Units are awarded depending upon satisfactory performance and the amount of time committed by the student to the course. Allowable units vary according to discipline, and are based on the following formula: 1 unit - 48 hours per semester 2 units - 96 hours per semester 3 units - 144 hours per semester