Graphic Communications - Multimedia and Web
15 courses · Palomar College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
GCMW 101 Multimedia I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1.50 hours lecture, 4.50 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to multimedia authoring software and motion graphics combining text, graphics, sound, animation, video and user interface to produce effective visual presentations.
GCMW 102 Web Page Layout I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1.50 hours lecture, 4.50 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
A hands-on introduction to page layout for the Internet. Typographic considerations, screen layout, graphical interfaces, and structured page design for effective Internet communications.
GCMW 104 Color Correction and Sound for Multimedia
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1.50 hours lecture, 4.50 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to finishing techniques using video and sound for post production. Includes an overview of color correction and sound design for the multimedia industry. Course will consider current practices in color grading and soundtracks for Internet, mobile devices, screen media, and physical delivery formats. This is a hands-on course using digital tools for creating and/or manipulating audio and video for multimedia projects.
GCMW 106 Multimedia for Social Networking
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1.50 hours lecture, 4.50 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to the language and practice of media production as it is implemented for social networking. Students will learn the moviemaking process: preproduction; capture footage; capture audio; import digital video and audio to the computer from the camera; edit; export; and distribute. In this hands-on course, students will organize and share their photo library; create polished video and soundtracks; and produce movies, photobooks, podcasts, Websites, blogs, and custom DVDs. By becoming media producers, students will cultivate their analytical abilities as students of communication and as critics and viewers of media and cultural products which are forms of communication technology.
GCMW 115 Web Page Layout/WordPress I
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1.00 hours lecture, 3.00 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
A hands-on course on WordPress, a flexible software for blogging and content management. Students will learn WordPress installation, implementation, enhancements with add-ins, and customization of design and features.
GCMW 120 Designing for the Social Web
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1.50 hours lecture, 4.50 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Focuses on the understanding of graphical user interface design for the social Web environment (Web 2.0), such as wikis, blogs, and social networks. Covers fundamental Social Web principles in order to develop designs from a user perspective. Covers Web technologies, market research, usability and human factors, wireframe and sitemap documentation, Web design, cross browser functionality, Web typography, and search engine marketability. The development of marketable, original, and creative problem solving solutions will also be examined with an emphasis on Web branding. In this hands-on class, students will participate in social networks such as wikis and blogs.
GCMW 150 User Experience (UX) Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Examines the fundamental concepts, techniques, practices, workflows, and tools associated with the practice of user experience design in web and mobile devices. Intended for anyone interested in learning more about creating interactive designs to ensure a quality user experience, including graphic designers, web developers, software engineers, and programmers.
GCMW 165 Digital Video Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1.50 hours lecture, 4.50 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Explores project planning, set-up, editing, and output of digital video. Incorporates sound, graphics, 2D animation, video, and text for full-screen, web, and DVD playback. Projects and assignments utilize transitions, superimposing, transparency and keying, video, audio, and other special effects.
GCMW 177 Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for Web Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1.50 hours lecture, 4.50 hours lab
- Advisory
- GCMW 102
- Transfers to
- CSU
Integrate Search Engine Optimization (SEO) techniques to improve search engine traffic, visibility, conversion, and Return on Investment (ROI). This hands-on course presents guidelines and techniques for SEO strategy and implementation. Optimize Website design through complex design technologies such as wireframes, dynamic content, pay per click, keywords, copywriting, graphics, and multimedia. Incorporate blogs, forums, and chat. Measure traffic with analytics and metrics.
GCMW 201 Multimedia II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1.50 hours lecture, 4.50 hours lab
- Advisory
- GCMW 101; GCMW 205
- Transfers to
- CSU
Strategies and techniques for designing successful multimedia projects in Apple Logic Pro X with emphasis on audio for Internet, video, composites and motion graphics.
GCMW 202 Web Page Layout II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1.50 hours lecture, 4.50 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- GCMW 102
- Transfers to
- CSU
Multimedia web site design and production using advanced WYSIWYG editor that permits editing hypertext markup language (HTML) as well as designing to current standards of CSS and interactivity. Includes mechanics for site production as well as methodologies for project planning and management.
GCMW 204 Motion Graphics for Multimedia
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1.50 hours lecture, 4.50 hours lab
- Advisory
- GCIP 140
- Transfers to
- CSU
Explores project planning, set-up, execution, and output of motion-based graphics. Incorporates exploration and integration of sound, graphics, digital video, 2-D animation, transparencies and text for multimedia.
GCMW 205 Digital Video for Multimedia
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1.50 hours lecture, 4.50 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Concepts, design and development of digital video production and editing skills as they relate to Internet, mobile devices, screen media, and physical delivery formats. Students will incorporate typography, graphics, animation and video into real-world projects.
GCMW 215 Web Page Layout/WordPress II
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1.00 hours lecture, 3.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- GCMW 115; GCMW 102
- Transfers to
- CSU
A hands-on course on WordPress, a flexible software for blogging and content management. Students will learn advanced customization and advanced features.
GCMW 220 Designing for Web Standards
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1.50 hours lecture, 4.50 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- GCMW 102
- Transfers to
- CSU
Web site design and production using current standards, trends, and best practices that integrates advanced tools. Incorporates hands-on production featuring web graphics, user experience (UX), human factors, web accessibility (ADA/Section and 508 compliance), social web design, and adaptive frameworks such as Bootstrap/Responsive web design for handheld devices. Heavy emphasis on page layout using Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) and emerging technology.