Graphic Communication (GRC)

Graphic communication history, theory, processes, applications, and practices. New technologies that affect day-to-day communication including traditional and digital printing and publishing, and non-print imaging including Internet applications. Overview of design technology, web and digital media, printing and imaging management, graphics for packaging, industry segments. 3 lectures.

Orientation to Graphic Communication. Introduction to GRC curricula and applicable GRC resources that include advising, student success, and culture. Overview of laboratory fundamentals, laboratory safety, and acceptable practices for the operation and use of equipment. 2 lectures. Replaced GRC 172.

Individual investigation, research, studies, or surveys of selected problems. Total credit limited to 4 units, with a maximum of 2 units per quarter.

Introduction to web, e-publishing, and print publishing systems including hardware, software, design considerations, and file formats. Overview of print output technologies, networking, web design, and digital publishing standards. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Terminology and techniques used in the creation of digital files and workflow systems for print and web. Workflow options including automation, proofing, and output systems will be discussed in addition to digital file delivery and transfer. Course offered in hybrid format with classroom-based and online learning. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Survey of management fundamentals and components relevant to graphic communication manufacturing, production, operations, and quality. Introduction to management theory and contemporary management trends and practices in the graphic communication industry. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 lectures.

Technical aspects of paper, other substrates, inks, toners, and other printable materials used in the printing and packaging industries. Manufacture, application and interaction of these materials in relation to particular processes and end use requirements. Hands-on testing of materials in relation to quality, properties, and performance. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Technical aspects of paper, other substrates, inks, toners and other printable materials used in the printing and packaging industries. Manufacture, application, and interaction of these materials in relation to particular processes and end use requirements. Credit not allowed for GRC majors. 3 lectures.

Practical application of social media tools used in the Graphic Communication industry. Students prepare social media marketing campaigns that require research, design, writing, and elementary analytics. Total credit limited to 6 units. 2 lectures.

Imposition techniques, cutting, and folding. Stitch, case and perfect binding techniques and applications. Operational and aesthetic uses of die cutting, scoring, creasing, foil stamping and embossing techniques. 1 laboratory. Replaces GRC 324.

Directed group study of selected topics. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 lectures.

Digital photography and motion graphics for digital printing, interactive media, and web. Topics covered include lighting, exposure, composition, retouching, digital image processing, and color correction. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Flexographic printing technology for flexible packaging, label printing, folding and corrugated cartons. Optimization of file preparation, plate imaging, and equipment settings. Specification and management of automated workflows. Course offered in hybrid format with classroom-based and online learning. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Application of typography using current software tools for print and digital publishing. In-depth study of communication principles and visual organization using current software for the creative publishing industries. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Theory and practices of quality management in the graphic communication industry. Quantifying customer expectations, specifications, standard operating procedures, SPC tools, and employee empowerment. Principles of Lean Management, Six Sigma, ISO, and Malcolm Baldrige. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Advanced typographic principles relating to print and electronic media. Page layout and font management with consideration for electronic media. Applied problems focusing on typographic design, typographic application and file preparation, including web typography and eBook creation. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Digital and offset reproduction methods including reproduction principles, markets, workflow, and quality control as they relate to the profession. Finishing and binding methods in digital and offset printing. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Introduction to product development processes for tangible interactive products. Incorporate printed and hybrid flexible electronics for tangible interactive functional and novelty applications, sensory marketing, including smart and interactive packaging, point-of-purchase displays, publications, and marketing materials through strategic designing, prototyping, and fabrication. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory.

The physics, psychology, measurement, analysis and management of color for physical and digital outputs, including printing, apps, websites, and AR/VR. Practical applications of color correction, color proofing, and production workflows that ensure the best possible color representation across different media. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures, 1 activity.

Strategies for package printing that integrate concepts from marketing/branding, design, and technology. Package manufacturing, function, quality, visual appeal, sustainability, and economics are addressed. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Web development production techniques including creating, repurposing, and managing assets for web publishing. Digital content management for desktop, tablet, and mobile devices. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Advanced design and production techniques for web development. Current software applications and technologies for user interface design, site structure and information architecture. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Introduction to JavaScript for web development. Write scripts and mini apps to make websites more interactive and automate functions that enhance user experience within a website. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Advanced creative problem-solving strategies associated with the technologies used in designing graphics for packaging and output methods. Advanced techniques in graphic software including file hygiene, color management, and printing methods. Integrated packaging campaigns which include multiple substrates and digital shelf. Professional portfolio produced. Field trip may be required. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Specialty imaging, graphic technologies, and materials used in textile decorating, grand and wide format printing, structural graphics for marketing, industrial printing, 3D printing, security printing, embellishment. Course may be offered in classroom-based or hybrid format. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Identification and development of target markets for products and services in the graphic communication industry. Deployment of strategies in pricing, promotion and distribution management. Application of customer relationship management techniques for personal selling, forecasting and planning. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Application of theories and practices to University Graphic Systems as they apply to commercial printing, publication printing, digital media and graphic communication industries. Major credit limited to 2 units; total credit limited to 12 units. 2 seminars.

Web and print publishing technology and its impact on society. The technologies of digital photography, typography, graphics, layout, and design for print and web publishing including decision-making considerations. The application of scientific and mathematical principles to web and print publishing technologies. Not open to Graphic Communication majors. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Individual investigation, research, studies, or surveys of selected problems. Total credit limited to 6 units, with a maximum of 2 units per quarter.

Study of the theory, technology, economics and application of digital printing processes and variable data publishing. Explores digital printing technology, databases, and database publishing techniques. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Cost estimating of graphic communication products and data services. Study of data sources and entity relationship design. Exploration, uses, analysis and visualization of data used in digital advertising, marketing, graphic communications operations and finance. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly GRC 403.

Graphic communication industry market trends and strategic positioning. Strategies for successfully positioning a business. Paradigms and business practices for graphic communication companies. Company analysis using case studies. Innovative management practices in the graphic communication industry. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures, 1 activity.

Working with clients, participants will organize and demonstrate proficiency in the use of applicable Graphic Communication design, workflow and data-driven communication software and digital printing technologies using print and media software. GRC capstone for the Integrated Marketing Communications minor. Course offered in hybrid format with classroom-based and online learning. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Application of management principles and production control methodologies for print and digitally-imaged products. Organization and financial analysis, decision-making, equipment and inventory planning, resource optimization, and the application of practiced and newly innovative contemporary world-class techniques for improving profitability in the graphic communication industry. 3 lectures, 1 activity.

Human resource management integrated into the success of graphic communication companies. A comprehensive management approach is utilized emphasizing employee development, training, promotion, and motivation. Conflict management, facilitation skills, team building empowerment, leadership, ethical and legal issues in the graphic communication industry. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Current technologies and production tools used for mobile user interface and experience design, and prototyping. Industry standards, digital rights management, file formats, and publishing options for digital media applications. Legal, ethical, and business issues surrounding digital media. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Fundamental practices associated with user experience design including information architecture, scenario creation and usability testing as it relates to prototypes and interactive content. Structure and presentation of information will be analyzed to employ the principles garnered from the analysis and techniques learned. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Business processes associated with designing, selling packaging for consumer brands. 2D/3D software, user experience design, sustainability, prototyping, marketing, profitability, sales for global consumer product goods industry. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Advanced creative problem-solving strategies associated with the technologies used in book design and production. Advanced techniques in page layout, design, typography, type specification and image manipulation as they relate to output technology. Content, format and distribution of print and electronic books. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Concept development and design for magazines and publications. Technical considerations as they relate to output technology and digital publishing. Application of organizational structures such as grids, formatting and sequential design. Advanced techniques in typography and image manipulation. Distribution of content for print and digital formats. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Current trends and practices in select graphic communication management topics. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 12 units. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures.

Current trends and practices in select graphic communication emerging digital topics. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 12 units. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures.

Current trends and practices in select graphic communication design reproduction topics. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 12 units. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures.

Students will engage in collaborative projects in other disciplines without the constraint of a single quarter schedule. Formal presentation and report required. Minimum 90 hours of time. Total credit limited to 3 units.

Selection and completion of a culminating project. Projects typical of problems that graduates must solve in their fields of employment. Project results presented in formal report and presentation. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 1 lecture, 2 activities.

Opportunities in individual or group-based projects in Graphic Communication competitions and/or sponsored projects. Formal presentation and report required. 30 hours per unit. Total credit limited to 3 units. 1-3 activities.

Directed group study of selected topics for advanced students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 1 to 4 lectures.

Directed group laboratory study of selected topics for advanced students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 laboratories.

Part-time work experience in business, industry, government, and other areas of student career interest. Positions are paid and usually require relocation and registration in course for two consecutive quarters. Formal report and evaluation by work supervisor required. Major credit limited to 12 units; total credit limited to 12 units. Credit/No Credit grading only.

Full-time work experience in business, industry, government, and other areas of student career interest. Positions are paid and usually require relocation and registration in course for two consecutive quarters. Formal report and evaluation by work supervisor required. Major credit limited to 12 units; total credit limited to 12 units. Credit/No Credit grading only.

Investigation, research, studies of problems in the graphic communication industry. Repeated course over four quarters working with University Graphic Systems, the Graphic Communication Institute at Cal Poly, and with individual faculty. Total credit limited to 8 units.

Foundations for emerging functional printing fields including printed electronics, active packaging, and security printing. Emphasis on processes, materials, electrical characterization, sensing, barrier properties, and anti-counterfeiting. Focus on applications including lighting, displays, novel electronics, energy harvesting, energy storage, sensors, scavengers, and brand security. Course offered online only. 2 lectures.

Orientation and laboratory exploration for printed electronics, active packaging, and security printing. Introduction to curricula, lab activities, research opportunities, and the use of equipment. Active participation in laboratory experiments related to processes and materials. 1 lecture, 1 laboratory.

Study of functional materials including substrates, coatings, and inks. Focus on barrier and heat-stable substrates as well as conductive, semi-conductive, dielectric, transparent conductors, forensic, sensor, and other functional inks and coatings. Emphasis on rheology, morphology, sintering and annealing. Course offered online only. 4 lectures.

Study of functional printing and coating technologies, including screen printing, flexography, gravure, ink jet, offset, slot die, blade coating and conventional deposition techniques. Course offered online only. 4 lectures.

Imaging technologies and processes for security, electronic, and active packaging printing. Focus on creating and evaluating images for applications in product security and electrical fabrication. Course offered online only. 4 lectures.

Principles of business and product development for electronic and functional applications. Focus on intellectual property rights, capital funding, entrepreneurship, and management of a technology business. Course offered online only. 4 lectures.

Evaluation of advanced imaging technologies for functional printing applications. Imaging characteristics for ink/substrate combinations, focusing on print process attributes. Compensation for print characteristics. Enabling automated workflow technologies to improve throughput and minimize errors. 2 lectures, 2 laboratories.

Current trends and practices in select printed electronics topics. Open to graduate students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 12 units. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Current trends and practices in select active packaging topics. Open to graduate students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 12 units. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Current trends and practices in select security and anti-counterfeiting topics. Open to graduate students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 12 units. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Methods for conducting qualitative and quantitative evaluations, testing, and experimentation as well as writing investigative, scholarly research papers and theses in functional printing. Topics include qualitative research, descriptive research, experimental design, statistical analysis, writing styles, and publishing options. 1 lecture, 1 activity.

Advanced study analysis and full-time work experience in student's career field; current innovations, practices, and problems in administration, supervision, and organization of business, industry, and government. Must have demonstrated ability to do independent work and research in career field. Total credit limited to 12 units. Credit/No Credit grading only.

Comprehensive research project in printed electronics and functional imaging. Communication of the results and findings of scholarly work in written report and by oral presentation.