Course Descriptions

This course covers digital image creation, manipulation and preparation for output using a variety of advanced functionalities of Adobe PhotoShop.

As the third of three layout courses in a series, this course focuses on brand and identity development. Each student develops his or her own fictitious company that will include a visual identity and supporting brand materials. Additional applications of these concepts are explored in the form of self-promotional projects. Special emphasis is placed on research, marketing techniques, rationale and presentation.

This course focuses on the understanding and use of content management systems, database software and principles of user interface and user experience design to create and edit responsive interactive design projects for web and mobile purposes.

This course focuses on planning, creating and assembling an industry-ready graphic design portfolio. Students will each develop a plan to work toward their individual portfolio goals. Branding oneself for the job search process will be covered, and students will be assigned self-promotional projects for this purpose. Multiple assignments will provide the opportunity for students to practice presenting their portfolios to large and small groups.

This course covers the use of Adobe Illustrator to create and manipulate electronic illustrations, logos and artwork.

Students will develop an understanding of design scaling techniques and design dielines in this course, applying that knowledge as they create a variety of two- and three-dimensional design solutions focused on large-scale products such as signage, packaging, product merchandising and display graphics.

In this course, students will apply branding, advertising and graphic design principles to build integrated campaigns. These campaigns will require students to employ a variety of media, such as print, digital, social media, wearable, out-of-home and some non-traditional applications. Students will learn preparatory research and basic marketing planning to lay the groundwork for their projects.

This course addresses the professional practice of graphic design technology and covers interviewing skills, presentation techniques, freelance business operation, proposals and management, resume and cover letter writing, job research/job offer and portfolio preparation.

Students are placed temporarily in a partnering graphic industry establishment where they are able to utilize their graphic design technology skills in a real-world experience.

Meets MnTC Goal Areas 5 and 8. Students will gain an understanding and appreciation of the spatial relationship of the physical and human elements of our world with an emphasis on the interdependence of nations and peoples. Geography describes the earth's environments and gives character to places through words, maps and graphics, and this course will explore these elements and their contributions to the diversity of world geography. Students will become aware of how the world and the earth's people interact in local regions and in patterns around the globe.

Meets MnTC Goal Areas 8 and 10. This course emphasizes the interactions of biological, geographical and climactic systems in the development of the patterns of regional environments on the surface of the earth and their interactions with human activities.

Meets MnTC Goal Areas 6 and 8. This course will consider political, economic, cultural, environmental and social issues influencing Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania and the relationship among these regions. Students will explore the institutions that impact these relationships. Students also will consider how world views are altered when one's point of view shifts from national and regional perspectives to a global perspective. The course also examines the impact of world affairs on our understanding of human relationships, lifestyles and our political and personal philosophies.

This course covers gas heating units, primarily furnaces. Emphasis is placed on understanding the operating systems and the operating sequence as it exists within the furnace, including mechanical, electrical and combustion. Diagnosis and repair of malfunctioning furnaces is a significant portion of this course.

This course covers the use of oil as a means used to heat various media including air and water.

Meets MnTC Goal Areas 5 and 8. This course provides a discussion of the political, economic, cultural and social factors which have shaped the history of Western Civilization. Topics include ancient civilizations, the development of the major religions of the Western world, the Medieval period, the Renaissance and Reformation, the rise of capitalism, the development of the nation state and the Age of Absolutism.