Course Content and Outcomes Guides (CCOG)

CCOG for GD 120 Winter 2025


Course Number:
GD 120
Course Title:
Graphic Design I
Credit Hours:
3
Lecture Hours:
0
Lecture/Lab Hours:
60
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Introduces the basic concepts of graphic design, including design elements and principles. Emphasizes the design process, developing an idea from thumbnail sketch, through tight roughs, to a comprehensive design. Focuses on the importance of presentation, industry standards and professional tools and techniques. Required for entry into the Graphic Design program.

Addendum to Course Description

This is a required course for students intending to continue in the Graphic Design program at Portland Community College. In order to declare a major of Graphic Design and continue in subsequent courses within the PCC GD Program, students must earn a grade of “B” or higher in GD 101, GD 114, and GD120.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Students should be able to:

• Create professional-level graphic design projects using foundation principles and elements
• Apply the professional-level design development process of thumbnails, tight roughs and final comprehensive designs
• Apply industry-level standards and practices in presentations.

Course Activities and Design

  • Create physical presentations for various graphic design collateral
  • Design a logo that utilizes both positive and negative forms
  • Create a business card that incorporates both symbol and typography
  • Create layouts that successfully utilize alignment  
  • Create layouts that combine typography and image while focusing emphasis
  • Utilize group brainstorming to develop a company name
  • Meet interim and final deadlines
  • Quizzes and final exam based on textbook and lectures

Outcome Assessment Strategies


Projects will be the major criteria for evaluation. Emphasis will be placed on professional standards including following project specifications, creativity, presentation, ability to meet deadlines and critique participation. Additional methods of assessment may include quizzes, exercises, assignments, and attendance.
 

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

THEMES
Communication
Process
Professionalism

CONCEPTS
Non-digital exploration
Workflow
Balance
Hierarchy
Positive/Negative
Craft
Detail
Deadlines
Design vocabulary

ISSUES
Design foundation
Professionalism
Attention to detail

SKILLS

  • Correctly use graphic design tools and materials
  • Hand render cleanly and accurately
  • Identify design elements and principles
  • Demonstrate visual hierarchy using scale
  • Enlarge and reduce artwork to specific sizes
  • Identify serif and sans serif type
  • Identify continuous tone and line art images
  • Utilize the design process: thumbnails, roughs and comps
  • Design with emphasis on both positive and negative space
  • Combine typography with a complex shape
  • Select appropriate papers for brochures, stationery and business cards
  • Mount and flap artwork using professional presentation materials and methods
  • Verbally communicate design process and intent
  • Discuss work in front of a group, using graphic design terms and vocabulary
  • Analyze and critique designs both independently and in a group