Credit
11 courses · Santa Barbara City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
GDP 110 Media Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Recommended starting point for students interested in careers in graphic design and media arts. An introductory course in design and composition as it relates to the digital arena. Students learn elements of design such as line, shape, color, and texture, as well as principles of design such as balance, repetition, and unity and apply them to designs and illustrations created with digital tools and industry-standard software programs. Provides a strong introduction to composition and conceptualization in design for print and electronic output.
GDP 111 Introduction to Graphic Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with unit limitation)
Starting point for those studying Graphic Design. Students are introduced to industry software applications to create basic page layouts. Topics include overview of the commercial print industry, image preparation, basic layout design and typography principles, color modes and file preparation for print. Student assignments encompass both design creativity and technical skills. Recommended to take concurrent with GDP110 Media Design.
GDP 112 Digital Literacy for Media Artists and Designers
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to theory, history and practice of interaction design, visualization and software art through current software and introductory programming languages.
GDP 113 Typography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Develops the student's understanding of the effective use of type. Emphasis is on the use of typography in graphic design. Topics include the history of type, aesthetic qualities of letter forms, anatomy of the letter, typefaces and style and compositional arrangement. Best if taken after, or in conjunction with GDP111.
GDP 114 Intermediate Graphic Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
- Advisory
- GDP 110 or GDP 111.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with unit limitation)
Students apply the principles of design and visual communication to a variety of print-related and electronic projects. Students add to their understanding of the design software applications, and advance their critical thinking in regards to design principles and conveying messages visually. Students participate in individual and group critiques, which emphasize the objective and subjective qualities of their work. The design process, concept and content are stressed, using industry-standard software in a state-of-the-art computer lab.
GDP 116 History of Graphic Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 (54 lecture)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An introduction to the history of graphic design, including the creative innovators, breakthrough technologies and important historical developments which have defined graphic design throughout the last 150 years.
GDP 118 Creative Thinking
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students learn how to develop techniques to enhance their innate creative abilities. Specific problems are presented and students work alone and in groups to work through the exercises and develop original and creative solutions. Creative problem-solving techniques and ideas are explored. Helps students to better develop problem-solving skills with a particular focus on visual art and design. The focus is on creation of original and innovative concepts, and analyzation of how ideas are created. Students use sketchbooks and software programs.
GDP 212 Graphic Design II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
- Prerequisite
- GDP 111.
- Advisory
- GDP 114.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with unit limitation)
Advanced studies and projects in graphic design. Students explore the creative process in developing ads and promotions for print and other media. Emphasis is on concepts, content and design.
GDP 215 Publication Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
- Prerequisite
- GDP 111.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Advanced study in design and production for multi-page print and digital publications. Topics include paper choices, pagination, preflight issues, proofing, output options, and publications for web devices. Students design and produce multi-page booklets and publications for mobile devices to be used as portfolio pieces.
GDP 230 Portfolio
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
- Advisory
- GDP 212 or GDP 215.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Guides students in developing and refining a body of work that constitutes a portfolio reflecting individual creative and visual communication skills. Assignments include improving current pieces, presenting their work and themselves to prospective employers in a compelling way. Portfolios are essential in transitioning to other institutions or the professional world.
GDP 290 Work Experience In Graphic Design and Photography
- Units
- 1-4
- Hours
- 216 (216 lab)
- Advisory
- PHOT 109 or GDP 114.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Limitation on enrollment: Must be enrolled in any GDP course. Supervised employment for students whose career objectives, course of study and employment complement each other. Student to carry out assigned duties as an employee; follow employer's policies, rules and regulations; write learning objectives; keep a record of time worked; fill out student data card; and secure employer's evaluation at the end of the semester. Course restricted to 3 repetitions