About NIC
Directory
Events
Athletics
Alumni & Foundation
Current Students
Future Students
Course Descriptions
Search Courses by Discipline:
Please choose one...
Accounting
Allied Health
American Indian Studies
American Sign Language
Anthropology
Applied Technology
Art
Automotive Technology
Biology
Business Administration
Business Leadership
Carpentry
Chemistry
Child Development
Cinema Arts
Coeur d'Alene Language
College Skills Courses
Collision Repair Technology
Communications - Journalism
Communications - Speech
Computer Aided Design Technlgy
Computer Appl & Office Tech
Computer Applications
Computer Information Tech
Computer Science
Cooking
Criminal Justice
Culinary Arts
Dance
Diesel Technology
Economics
Education
Engineering
English
English As a Second Language
Entrepreneurship
Environmental Science
Food & Beverage Management
Foreign Language
French
Geography
Geology
Graphic Design
Healthcare Informatics
Heating/Ventilation/Ac/Refrig
History
Human Resource Assistant
Humanities
Interdisciplinary Studies
Italian
Law Enforcement
Machine Technology
Maintenance Mech/Millwright
Mathematics
Medical Assistant
Military Science - Army
Music
Music - Applied
Music - Composition
Music - Humanities
Music - Performance
Music - Technology
Nursing
Paralegal
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Pharmacy Technology
Philosophy
Photography
Physical Education
Physics
Political Science
Power Equip/Rec Vehicle Tech
Practical Nursing
Psychology
Radiography Technology
Resort Recreation Management
Social Science
Social Work
Sociology
Spanish
Theatre
Welding
GDES-101
History of Graphic Design Style
Credit(s): 2
This course introduces students to the characteristic manner of expressions, basic designs, various constructions, and execution of graphic design, and its visual aesthetics at particular times and places throughout history. The course covers how the look of graphic design has evolved and what caused this evolution, starting with commercial art at the beginning of the industrial revolution in the 19th century and ending with the current digital era. Lecture: 2 hours per week Lab: 2 hours per week
GDES-112
Drawing for Designers
Credit(s): 2
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of drawing for graphic designers. Topics and activities include hand-eye coordination, observation techniques, attention to format and proportion, perspective, and composition. Students will be introduced to current techniques used by working graphic designers. Students will be expected to complete a minimum of five projects. Lecture: 2 hours per week Lab: 2 hours per week
GDES-120
Typography
Credit(s): 2
This course introduces the techniques used in typography, which is the visual communication of information through type. A historical perspective will trace the development of typography from its beginning to its current use in graphic design. Students will learn about the transition from traditional techniques and concepts to the creation of electronic documents utilizing quality typographic work. Attention to detail will be stressed so that students have an opportunity to acquire and demonstrate the use of the typographic skills necessary in today's graphic design work. Lecture: 2 hours per week Lab: 2 hours per week
Prerequisites:
Complete GDES-130, GDES-131 & GDES-221 with a C- or better.
GDES-130
Introduction to Apple Operating System (Mac OS)
Credit(s): 1
This course is an introduction to Apple's current operating system for graphic designers. The course will cover the necessary hardware, the basics of the operating system, the necessary peripheral devices, the use of wireless networking, and Mac troubleshooting in a graphic design environment. Students will be exposed to basic software installation and trouble shooting basic problems. This course also provides knowledge and skills that will be used in other NIC Graphic Design courses. Lecture: 1 hour per week Lab: 1 hour per week Recommended corequisite: GDES-131
GDES-131
Adobe Illustrator - Vector Graphics
Credit(s): 3
This course offers in-depth knowledge of the Adobe Illustrator for Graphic Design software program. This course introduces students to basic hardware and software, standard input and output devices, and basic troubleshooting in a graphic design environment. Students will explore the fundamental concepts associated with Illustrator and learn the basics of computer-aided illustration. Lecture: 3 hours per week Lab: 2 hours per week Recommended co-requisite: GDES 130
GDES-132
Adobe Photoshop - Raster Graphics
Credit(s): 3
This course offers in-depth knowledge of the Adobe Photoshop - Raster Graphics software program. This course introduces students to basic hardware and software, standard input and output devices, and basic troubleshooting in a graphic design environment. In addition, students will gain experience in image creation and manipulation. This course will cover the fundamental concepts needed to scan, correct, manipulate, and enhance bitmap (Raster) images. This course should provide students with valuable knowledge of Raster imagery for use in NIC Graphic Design courses. Lecture: 2 hours per week Lab: 3 hours per week
Prerequisites:
Complete GDES 130 with a C- or better.
GDES-133
Adobe Indesign - Layout and Composition
Credit(s): 3
This course offers in-depth knowledge of Adobe InDesign software program. This course introduces students to basic hardware and software, standard input and output devices, and basic troubleshooting in a graphic design environment. In addition, students will gain experience in typesetting, and preparing single-page and multi-page layouts for publication. This course should provide the student with valuable knowledge of page design for future NIC Graphic Design courses. Lecture: 3 hours per week Lab: 2 hours per week
Prerequisites:
Complete GDES-130 GDES-131 GDES-132 GDES-221 GDES-222; with a minimum grade of C-.
GDES-134
Acrobat Dynamic PDF
Credit(s): 2
The purpose of this course is to provide students with Acrobat PDF to connect, interact, and engage in powerful new ways. Students will learn how to streamline their work, collaborate more easily, and create high impact digital communications. This course is designed to meet the needs of today's business, applicable for both designers and non-designers. Acrobat Dynamic PDF will help students get more done, easier, faster, and better. Lecture: 2 hours per week Lab: 2 hours per week
Prerequisites:
Complete GDES-130 GDES-131 GDES-132 and GDES-133 with a minimum grade of C-.
GDES-140
Internet Fundamentals
Credit(s): 2
The course gives students a basic understanding of the Internet, who uses it, and how it it used. Skill building topics will include email, blogs, browsers, search, feeds, ftp, downloads, rich media, and social media. The course will explore a variety of communication methods on the Web. Lecture: 2 hours per week Lab: 2 hours per week Recommended: GDES-222
Prerequisites:
Complete GDES-120 GDES-130, GDES-131, GDES-132, GDES-133, and GDES-221 with a minimum grade of C-, or permission of instructor based on portfolio review.
GDES-212
Illustration III
Credit(s): 2
This course offers advanced instruction in the creation of strong and effective visual concepts using both electronic and traditional illustration media. This course provides important skills for potential illustrators, artists, and designers. It is a required course in the Graphic Design program. Lecture/Lab: 4 hours per week Prerequisites: GDES 210 & GDES 211 with a C- or better.
Prerequisites:
Complete GDES-210, GDES-211 with a C- or better.
GDES-213
Digital Illustration
Credit(s): 2
This course is a digital drawing fundamentals lab for graphic designers that includes working with a stylus and tablet, introduction to various media techniques, and conceptual integration with design and layout tools to achieve a knowledgeable broad project overview from start to finish. Students will be introduced to tools and digital paradigms used by working professionals in creating digital visuals in a timely manner applicable to graphic design, web, game design and video production. This class is meant to develop hands-on experience within a series of five projects constructed in class. Lecture: 2 hours per week Lab: 2 hours per week
Prerequisites:
Complete GDES 131, GDES 132, GDES 210, GDES 221 and GDES 222 with a C- or better.
GDES-221
Graphic Design 1
Credit(s): 3
GDES-221 offers instruction in the principles of design. Students research case studies and use problem solving skills and techniques, gain an understanding of basic layout composition and color theories in print, web and video. Students develop concepts with roughs and comprehensives on assigned projects including creation of their own business package. Field trips and students' presentations support theories and concepts learned in the classroom. Lecture: 3 hours per week Lab: 2 hours per week
Prerequisites:
Complete GDES-131 and GDES-132 with a minimum grade of C-.
GDES-222
Graphic Design 2
Credit(s): 3
GDES-222 is a continuation of GDES 221. It is designed to give the student more hands-on experiences in developing skills with tools, materials, and professional methods for creating professional visuals. The student will learn to incorporate research, illustrations, and other graphics necessary to complete packaging, advertising proposals, and then present results individually and as a group. Continued emphasis is placed on computer applications and on assigned projects. This course is helpful in building visual literacy, expanding conceptual and technical skills, and improving creative problem solving. Lecture: 3 hours per week Lab: 1 hour per week
Prerequisites:
Complete GDES-120 GDES-131 GDES-132 GDES-133 GDES 221 with a minimum grade of C-.
GDES-223
Graphic Design III
Credit(s): 3
GDES 223 is a continuation of GDES 222 and provides hands-on exposure to a variety of complex visual design problems. Real life interaction with customers provides opportunities to best prepare students for future design careers. GDES 223 develops the creative use of computer technologies and requires clients' proposal submissions, presentations and respect to stringent deadlines. Lecture: 3 hours per week Lab: 1.5 hours per week Recommended: GDES-283
Prerequisites:
Take GDES-101, GDES-120, GDES-130, GDES-131, GDES-132, GDES-133, GDES-140, GDES-221, and GDES-222 or permission of instructor based on portfolio review.
GDES-225
Introduction to Digital Video
Credit(s): 3
GDES-225 introduces students to the basic technical skills necessary for using digital video cameras, lighting equipment, and audio/visual editing software used in conjunction with Apple hardware and software. The course will cover the step-by-step processes necessary to create effective video projects including storyboarding techniques and sequences related to a video production workflow. Individual and team video projects produced in a DVD format will be required. Lecture: 3 hours per week Lab: 2 hours per week Recommended: GDES-222
Prerequisites:
GDES-112, GDES-120, GDES-130, GDES-131, GDES-132, GDES-133, GDES-221, or permission of instructor based on portfolio review
GDES-226
Computer Animation
Credit(s): 2
The purpose of this course is to provide students with computer animation techniques useing leading vector and raster software commonly used in the graphic design and media industries. The end product is integrated into various existing and new media including web browsers, self-running applications such as DVD's, and/or interactive kiosks. This course covers step-by-step process animation projects combining graphic design and professional video animation software. Lecture: 2 hours per week Lab: 2 hours per week
Prerequisites:
Complete GDES-101 GDES-130 GDES-131 GDES-132 GDES-133 GDES-221 GDES-222 GDES-225 with a minimum grade of C-.
GDES-246
Web Usability
Credit(s): 2
This course will intoduce students to usability design concepts and authentic test methods for interactive media. Usability is grounded in tailoring interface design for the most e" ective user experience. Students will design, conduct and analyze usability tests based on established principles, research findings, and theory. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to develop a usability test plan, recruit appropriate users, create robust task scenarios, facilitate testing, and analyze and communicate the test results. Lecture: 3 hours per week Lab: 2 hours per week
Prerequisites:
GDES-101 GDES-112 GDES-120 GDES-130 GDES-131 GDES-132 GDES-133 GDES-140 GDES-221 GDES-222 GDES-245 or instructor permission.
GDES-250
Prepress
Credit(s): 2
This course will provide a systematic introduction to the complex print production process. By taking a step-by-step approach through simple, straightforward projects and examples, students will gain a better understanding of the essentials of digital color prepress. In addition, the students will learn which type of software to use for optimal results at each stage of the prepress process, the advantages and disadvantages of different proofing methods, and the steps graphic designers can take to ensure high-quality printed output. Students will experience both the theoretical and practical challenges of new prepress tools. Lecture: 2 hours per week Lab: 2 hours per week
Prerequisites:
GDES-120 GDES-130 GDES-131 GDES-132 GDES-133 GDES-213 GDES-221 GDES-222 GDES- 223 or permission of instructor based on portfolio review.
GDES-254
Interaction Design and Prototyping
Credit(s): 3
This course provides learning and usage of the principles of interaction design to define a software project in terms of its purpose, scope, audience, major elements, task flows, layout, and more. Students will identify a need, define a solution, and create deliverables for an entire interaction design project. Students will also learn how to use prototyping as a method to explore design, communicate, and test design concepts with fellow team members and clients through paper, PowerPoint/Keynote, Visio/OmniGraffle, Fireworks, Axure, and HTML. Lecture: 3 hours per week Lab: 2 hours per week
Prerequisites:
GDES-101 GDES-120 GDES-130 GDES-131 GDES-132 GDES-140 GDES-221 GDES-222 GDES-246 GDES-255 or permission of instructor based on portfolio review.
GDES-255
Design Concepts for the Web
Credit(s): 3
GDES-255 is an introduction to HTML and CSS for web-based content. The course will focus on standards of contemporary web-interface development, keeping content, presentation, and behavior separate. Students will use optimized raster-graphics, typography, layout, and style to create fully operational websites from sketches to publication. Lecture: 3 hours per week Lab: 2 hours per week Recommended: GDES-223 GDES-283
Prerequisites:
GDES-101 GDES-130 GDES-131 GDES-132 GDES-133 GDES-140 GDES-221 GDES-222 or instructor permission.
GDES-258
Dom Scripting for Designers
Credit(s): 3
This course introduces stsudents to basic programming concepts through the use of ECMAScript (JavaScript) and the Document Object Model. Students will learn the history of ECMAScript and its role in contemporary websites and web applications. Basic and intermediate scripts will be created to solve common interface problems. Students will learn to evaluate existing libraries and scripts so that they can make informed decisions about their applicability for a given task. Students will learn best practice and unobtrusive DOM scripting techniques. Lecture: 3 hours per week Lab: 1 hour per week
Prerequisites:
Complete GDES-130 GDES-131 GDES-132 GDES-133 GDES-140 GDES-221 GDES-222 GDES-245 GDES-255 GDES-256 GDES-257 with a minimum grade of C-.
GDES-260
Development for Mobile Devices
Credit(s): 3
This course is designed to bring students up to speed on designing for a smaller platform, namely mobile phones and handheld devices. Students will build upon foundational CSS to achieve adaptive layouts based on minimal viewports and discuss the importance of supporting this audience segment. Lecture: 2 hours per week Lab: 3 hours per week
Prerequisites:
GDES-101 GDES-130 GDES-131 GDES-132 GDES-140 GDES-221 GDES-222 GDES-246 GDES-254 GDES-255 GDES-258 or with instructor permission based on portfolio review.
GDES-271
Design Projects
Credit(s): 3
This course includes the development of real-life design projects under the direction and guidance of experienced graphic design professionals. Students will complete publishable projects while performing client-graphic designer interaction, design pre-production, production and marketing costs, and delivery of the project to the customer in a variety of media for different markets. Students must be responsive to client-driven deadlines. Lecture: 3 hours per week Lab: 2 hours per week
Prerequisites:
GDES-101, GDES-112, GDES-120, GDES-130, GDES-131, GDES-132, GDES-133, GDES-140, GDES-213, GDES-221, GDES-222, GDES-223, GDES-255, GDES-283 or instructor permission.
GDES-283
Portfolio Development
Credit(s): 3
GDES 283 will provide an overview of the graphic design profession, provide techniques to engage students in the first assembly of their graphic design professional resume and portfolio and acquire essential job interview skills. The result of combining a first portfolio, while acquiring practical and relevant information about the industry, prepares students for internship opportunities. The class is designed to further prepare students toward clients' expectations, to stress deadlines and to reinforce necessary technical learning. Assigned projects mirror real life assignments, including professional ethics, communication, and production costs. Lecture: 3 hours per week Lab: 1.5 hours per week
Prerequisites:
GDES-101, GDES-120, GDES-130, GDES 131, GDES 132, GDES-133, GDES-140, GDES 221, GDES-222 or instructor permission.
GDES-284
Capstone
Credit(s): 3
This course is designed to provide necessary information for developing useful marketing strategies to gain employment as a junior graphic designer. Approximately one hour of each class will be devoted to the business strategies development. This course also includes work on the final portfolio (traditional and electronic version) which is the best representation of the students' graphic design skill set. Students will study best business practices, client/designer interaction, billing and presentation strategies and learn how to market themselves. An exit portfolio review is scheduled at the completion of the course. This is a required course in the Graphic Design program. Lecture: 2 hours per week Lab: 3 hours per week Prerequisite: GDES 131, GDES 132, GDES 210, GDES 211, GDES 221 and GDES 222 with a C- or better.
Prerequisites:
Complete GDES-131, GDES-132, GDES-210, GDES-211, GDES-221 and GDES-222 with a C- or better.
GDES-290
Graphic Design Internship
Credit(s): 1
GDES-290 is designed to provide students with practical, on-the-job experience in preparation for a successful career in the graphic design fields. The internship is paired with in-class learning and weekly meetings with the sponsoring instructor and designated business or agency. An internship is an excellent job market pathway. An exit portfolio review is scheduled at the completion of the course. GDES 290 can be repeated up to five times with a credit maximum of six.
Prerequisites:
Complete GDES-120, GDES-130, GDES-131, GDES-132, GDES-221 and GDES-222 with a minimum grade of C-
