Course Catalog (2009-2010)
2009-2010 Course Descriptions
Course Descriptions
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Geography (GEOG)
- Geology (GEOL)
- German (GER)
- Graphic Communications (GRC)
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
GIS 102
• FUNDAMENTALS OF GIS
This course covers the basic operation of a Geographical Information System in an integrated network environment, to include data acquisition, preprocessing, data/file management, manipulation, analysis and product generation. Usage of GIS software to visualize, explore, query and analyze spatial data. Principles of cartography and spatial analysis will be covered, as will the basics of analog and digital cartography (map making). Students will be exposed to the different types of maps, scales, symbols and projections and will learn how cartography and geographic information systems interact. *
Geography (GEOG)
GEOG 103
• PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY
Prerequisite: Recommend MATH 120, 126 or higher; Corequisite: GEOG 104.
Physical elements of geography. Earth and its representation. Nature and distribution of climate, land forms, natural vegetation and soils. Effective spring 2009, students must enroll in both lecture (103) and lab (104) to receive credit. Satisfies UNR science core curriculum.
GEOG 104
• PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY LAB
Prerequisite: Recommend MATH 120, 126 or higher; Corequisite: GEOG 103.
Lab portion of GEOG 103. See GEOG 103 for description. Must be taken concurrently with GEOG 103.
GEOG 106
• INTRODUCTION TO CULTURAL GEOGRAPHY
Systematic consideration of the spatial aspects of human culture. Major thesis: spatial history and morphology, society-land relations and economic development and resource utilization. Satisfies UNR social science core curriculum.
GEOG 109
• ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY
Emphasizes worldwide patterns of economic activity. World population, food and development problems; natural and economic factors related to economic activity; study of selected agricultural and industrial commodities.
GEOG 121
• CLIMATE CHANGE: THE SCIENCE BASIS
Prerequisite: Recommended MATH 120 or MATH 126 or higher.
Past, present and likely future climate. Impacts on the landscape, especially water resources, species distributions, and wildfires. Laboratory experiences on climate data and models.
GEOG 198
• SPECIAL TOPICS IN GEOGRAPHY
Various short courses and experimental classes covering a variety of subjects. The course will be a variable credit of one-half to six credits depending on the course content and number of hours required. The course may be repeated for up to six credits. *
GEOG 200
• WORLD REGIONAL GEOGRAPHY
Synthesis of the geographic factors (physical and human) that give distinctive character to specific culture regions of the world. Emphasis on globalization and cultural diversity.
GEOG 205
• APPLICATIONS OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Beginning techniques focusing on concepts and hands-on experience using Geographical Information System (GIS), special database software used in solving problems that can be mapped.
GEOG 290
• INTERNSHIP IN GEOGRAPHY
A course designed wherein students will apply knowledge to real on-the-job situations in a program designed by a company official and a faculty advisor to maximize learning experiences. Available to students who have completed all core and major requirements and have a 2.5 GPA. Contact the appropriate chairperson for an application, screening and required skills evaluation. Up to eight semester hour credits may be earned on the basis of 100 hours of internship for one credit. May be repeated for up to eight credits. *
Geology (GEOL)
GEOL 100
• EARTHQUAKES, VOLCANOES AND NATURAL DISASTERS
Prerequisite: MATH 120 or equivalent or qualifying Accuplacer, SAT/ACT test results.
This course will emphasize the geology of earth's natural hazards including earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, landslides, global warming and ozone depletion. Students will learn how geologic processes can directly affect people, property and human made structures. Procedures to mitigate such hazards will be explored. In addition to earth's natural hazards, some other important concepts to be addressed include population growth pressures on natural resources, uniformitarianism and geology as a foundation to understanding our environment. Course entails three hours of lecture per week and four 3-5 hour mandatory laboratory exercises per semester.
GEOL 101
• PHYSICAL GEOLOGY
A laboratory course covering geologic concepts, features and processes. The laboratory experience includes reading of topographic and geologic maps and the study and identification of common rocks and minerals and study of geologic phenomena. Three hours lecture, three hours lab per week. Transfers for four credits to UNR/UNLV. Satisfies UNR science core curriculum.
GEOL 102
• HISTORICAL GEOLOGY
Prerequisite: GEOL 101 or consent of instructor.
A lecture- and laboratory-based course examining the evolution of Earth through time including major events in the evolution of the crust, plate tectonics, and biosphere. Course will emphasis how fossils are used to interpret ancient environments, the relationships between organisms, and to sequence the physical and paleobiological history of the Earth. Designed as a second course in geology, the course will lead the student through a sequence of events from the beginning of the planet to today's diversified environments.
GEOL 105
• INTRODUCTION TO CULTURAL GEOLOGY
Brief survey of physical and historical geology, with emphasis on the structure of the earth, origin of the past and present landscapes and evolution of life as told in the fossil records.
GEOL 198
• SPECIAL TOPICS IN GEOLOGY
Various short courses and experimental classes covering a variety of subjects. The course will be a variable credit of one-half to six credits depending on the course content and number of hours required. The course may be repeated for up to six credits. *
GEOL 201
• GEOLOGY OF NEVADA
Prerequisite: GEOL 100, 101 or approval of instructor.
A study of the geologic development of Nevada. Identification of rock types and terrains resulting from geologic processes. Emphasis on the evolution of landscapes culminating in their present appearance.
GEOL 205
• GEOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF LAND USE
The course is directed to the individual interested in the planning aspect of land use. The material presented is intended to create an awareness of the importance of the geological substratum in human activities. It provides an introduction into geological processes which should lead to more practical approaches to land-use planning.
GEOL 206
• GEOLOGY OF GEOTHERMAL ENERGY RESOURCES
This course surveys the characteristics, distribution and energy potential of geothermal resources, both world wide and here in Nevada. Course content includes (1) geologic controls on distribution and nature of geothermal systems, (2) the main types of geothermal systems and how energy is harnessed using current technology, and (3) potential geothermal resources that may provide useful energy with emerging technology. The course consists of 3 hours of lecture, including guest speakers, per week and 4 three-hour-long labs that include opportunities to organize and assess field and laboratory data to interpret the type and potential of geothermal resources.
GEOL 260
• INTRODUCTION TO FIELD METHODS
Prerequisite: GEOL 101, GEOL 102 (or corequisite).
This course is a hands-on introduction to basic geologic map interpretation and field methods for geologic mapping. Students will learn how to interpret geologic features from aerial photos, measure strikes and dips of geologic structures and rock units, determine thickness of stratigraphic units, identify and map the distribution of different rock types and geologic structures, interpret geologic histories and potential hazards of different areas, and chronicle their findings in concise, well-written geologic reports.
GEOL 290
• INTERNSHIP IN GEOLOGY
A course designed wherein students will apply knowledge to real on-the-job situations in a program designed by a company official and a faculty advisor to maximize learning experiences. Available to students who have completed all core and major requirements and have a 2.5 GPA. Contact the appropriate chairperson for an application, screening and required skills evaluation. Up to eight semester hour credits may be earned on the basis of 75 hours of internship for one credit. May be repeated for up to eight credits. *
German (GER)
GER 101
• GERMAN CONVERSATIONAL I
A course emphasizing spoken communication. Writing, listening and reading skills will be explored in the course. *
GER 102
• CONVERSATIONAL GERMAN II
A continuation of GER 101. *
GER 111
• FIRST YEAR GERMAN I
Introduction to patterns of German through development of language skills and structural analysis. Includes an introduction to German culture. This course transfers to UNR as GER 101.
GER 112
• FIRST YEAR GERMAN II
Prerequisite: GER 111 or equivalent.
A continuation of GER 111. This course transfers to UNR as GER 102.
GER 198
• SPECIAL TOPICS IN GERMAN
Various short courses and experimental classes covering a variety of subjects. The course will be a variable credit of one-half to six credits depending on the course content and number of hours required. The course may be repeated for up to six credits. *
GER 211
• SECOND YEAR GERMAN I
Prerequisite: GER 112.
Structural review, conversation and writing, reading in modern literature.
GER 212
• SECOND YEAR GERMAN II
Prerequisite: GER 211.
A continuation of GER 211. Structural review, conversation and writing, reading in modern literature.
GER 290
• INTERNSHIP IN GERMAN
A course designed wherein students will apply knowledge to real on-the-job situations in a program designed by a company official and a faculty advisor to maximize learning experiences. Available to students who have completed all core and major requirements and have a 2.5 GPA. Contact the appropriate chairperson for the application, screening and required skills evaluation. Up to 8 semester hour credits may be earned on the basis of 100 hours of internship for 1 credit. May be repeated for up to 8 credits. *
Graphic Communications (GRC)
GRC 107
• DESIGN FUNDAMENTALS
Prerequisite: None. Challenge by portfolio is available.
Foundation course in the application and appreciation of the basic principles and elements of design, including form, shape, value and spatial relationships. Emphasis will be placed on developing creative skills and working with the design process. Challenge by portfolio is available.
GRC 109
• COLOR AND DESIGN
Prerequisite: GRC 107/ART 107 or approval of instructor. GRC 103 recommended. Challenge exam by portfolio is available.
Color theories, color technologies and the applications of color in art and design. Intermediate, two-dimensional design problems focusing on the compositional, optical and psychological aspects of visual communication.
GRC 110
• RENDERING AND ILLUSTRATION
Prerequisite: None. Challenge by portfolio is available.
Foundation course for developing basic skills and techniques in visualizing and rendering images in 2D and 3D presentations. Projects will focus on manual techniques and their applications in print and digital media. Challenge by portfolio is available. *
GRC 111
• HISTORY OF VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Lecture course on the history of visual communications from European cave paintings to the present. Special emphasis will be placed on the Roman Empire, the Renaissance, the Industrial Revolution and the 20th century. The class will focus on the impact of communication and technology on society and its influences on the shaping of civilization. *
GRC 118
• COMPUTER GRAPHICS/PRINT MEDIA
Prerequisite: GRC 107, GRC 109 and GRC 110 or approval of instructor.
Foundation course that introduces computer systems and applications as they relate to graphic communication for print media. Class will present a project-based overview of vector-draw, image manipulation, page layout and electronic publishing software. Challenge exam is available.
GRC 119
• COMPUTER GRAPHICS/DIGITAL MEDIA
Prerequisite: GRC 107, GRC 109 and GRC 110 or approval of instructor.
Foundation course that introduces computer systems and applications as they relate to graphic communications for digital media. Class will present a project-based overview of content creation, Web design, Web animation, digital video and 3D modeling. Challenge exam is available.
GRC 122
• LETTERFORMS
Prerequisite: GRC 107, GRC 109 and GRC 110 or approval of instructor.
Foundation course on creating and manipulating typographic forms for print and digital media. Introduction to the theories and technologies of letterform communication, design and execution. *
GRC 125
• GRAPHICS SOFTWARE
Prerequisite: Variable based on level of software.
A variety of short courses in software packages specific to graphic communications and digital media applications. Classes will include current software packages and upgrade-specific training. Verify type of software and level of instruction in current schedule of classes. Grading is pass/withdraw. This course may be repeated for up to eight credits. *
GRC 132
• BASIC PRINCIPLES OF ANIMATION
Prerequisite: GRC 107, GRC 109 and GRC 110 or approval of instructor.
Introduction to the principles and techniques of 2D animation. Manual assignments will be completed for output to analog and digital formats for screening and portfolio. Course lectures and discussions will include professional production processes for TV, film, games and the Web, as well as potential strategies to gain employment in the field. *
GRC 135
• STORYBOARDING
Prerequisite: GRC 107, GRC 109 and GRC 110 or approval of instructor.
Introduction to techniques and strategies for visual storytelling. Visual language and syntax for narrative, non-linear, alternative and experimental storytelling methodologies will be explored. Story structure, character development, style, premise, genre, and format (commercial ad, interstitial, PSA, short, feature, music video, Web, games, etc.) will be discussed. *
GRC 144
• ELECTRONIC LAYOUT AND TYPOGRAPHY
Prerequisite: GRC 107, GRC 109 and GRC 110 or approval of instructor.
Introduction to typography and page layout software. Typographic theory, copy acquisition, proofreading and fundamentals of typographical layout and design. *
GRC 153
• PRINTING TECHNOLOGIES
Prerequisite: GRC 118 and GRC 122 or approval of instructor.
An intermediate course in electronic prepress and commercial printing processes. Class will focus on the various methods of file preparation and optimization for pre-press, as well as press and post-press operations for a variety of commercial printing processes. *
GRC 156
• COMPUTER ILLUSTRATION
Prerequisite: GRC 118 and GRC 122 or approval of instructor.
An introductory/intermediate class in the creation and execution of designs and illustrations in the digital environment. Class will focus on vector-draw software, including the tools and techniques required to produce professional-level artwork.
GRC 163
• SCREEN PRINTING
Prerequisite: GRC 118 or approval of instructor.
Hands-on course introduces students to the tools, materials, and procedures of various commercial screen printing methods. Students will learn simple methods such as hand made stencils as well as photo-screen imaging from computer generated film. Business and employment concerns will be covered and historical and contemporary concepts will be explored. *
GRC 175
• WEB DESIGN AND PUBLISHING I
Prerequisite: GRC 119 and GRC 122 or approval of instructor.
Introduction to authoring for the World Wide Web using industry standard software applications. Topics covered include planning, designing and building a Web site, aesthetics, creating and optimizing computer graphics for Web, information architecture, navigation and interactivity, Web publishing, Web hosting and site management.
GRC 181
• DIGITAL VIDEO I
Prerequisite: GRC 119 and GRC 135 or approval of instructor.
Introduction to the basic principles and practices of digital video production. The course covers every phase of introductory digital video pre-production, production and post-production processes from idea to final output including: story and concept development, lighting, recording and capturing footage, importing and managing clips, editing methods and creating transitions, special effects, titles and credits, sound design and output to different formats. *
GRC 183
• ELECTRONIC IMAGING
Prerequisite: GRC 118 and GRC 122 or approval of instructor.
An intermediate course in the application of graphics software to create pixel based images using industry standard pixels based software. Class will cover digital camera and scanner operation and emphasize image manipulation and optimization processes for pixel images.
GRC 184
• 3D MODELING I
Prerequisite: GRC 119 and GRC 122 or approval of instructor.
Introduction to systems and applications as they relate to digital 3D modeling. Class will focus on character design and execution in a 3D environment, primitive box and organic modeling, texturing, rendering, lighting and production processes. *
GRC 188
• WEB ANIMATION AND INTERACTIVITY I
Prerequisite: GRC 119 and GRC 122 or approval of instructor.
Introduction to animation and interactivity for use in CD-ROM, DVD or Web based interactive documents using industry standard software applications. Course content focuses on planning, design and building animated and interactive digital content. Topics include information architecture, interface design and navigation, introductory programming, drawing, audio, video, and publishing options.
GRC 198
• SPECIAL TOPICS IN GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS
Prerequisite: Dependent upon class offering.
Various short courses and experimental classes covering a variety of subjects. The class will be a variable credit of one-half to six credits depending upon class content and number of hours required. The course may be repeated for up to six credits. *
GRC 244
• ELECTRONIC LAYOUT AND TYPOGRAPHY II
Prerequisite: GRC 144, 156 and 183, or approval of instructor.
Advanced studio covering typography, graphic design and advertising theories and techniques for print media. Class will focus on creativity and the creative process and how these principles affect communication of ideas. Topics include image/copy interaction, production techniques and the use of type in complex compositions as well as multipage documents. *
GRC 256
• COMPUTER ILLUSTRATION II
Prerequisite: GRC 156 and 183, or approval of instructor.
An intermediate/advanced class in the creation and execution of designs and illustrations in the electronic environment. Class will focus on vector-draw software and more advanced principles of design to produce artwork for print and digital media. *
GRC 275
• WEB DESIGN AND PUBLISHING II
Prerequisite: GRC 175 and GRC 188 or approval of instructor.
Advanced Web page design using industry-standard applications. Topics include planning and design, programming, interactivity, behaviors, animation, page weighting, meta tags, databases, Web hosting and site management. *
GRC 281 R
• DIGITAL VIDEO II
Prerequisite: GRC 181 or approval of instructor.
The second course in the video series which builds upon skills learned in Digital Video I. Intermediate level techniques in non-linear editing, sound design and special effects, including an introduction to motion graphics production, and video composting, including titles and credits. *
GRC 283
• ELECTRONIC IMAGING II
Prerequisite: GRC 156 and 183, or approval of instructor.
An advanced course in the application of graphics software to create pixel based imagery using industry standard pixel based software. Class will cover advanced image manipulation and optimization processes for pixel images as well as simple based animation and video manipulation. *
GRC 284
• 3D ANIMATION I
Prerequisite: GRC 184 or approval of instructor.
First class in 3D animation will introduce software interface and usage for animation. Topics include timeline and animation techniques, curve editing, animation controls, kinematics, hierarchies, particle systems and special camera effects. *
GRC 287
• 3D ANIMATION II
Prerequisite: GRC 284 or approval of instructor.
Second class in 3D animation will develop more advanced techniques in character modeling and animation. Topics include charactermotion, rigging, application of animation controls, kinematics, hierarchies from GRC 284, scene layout and control, and production/export processes for video and multimedia distribution. *
GRC 288
• WEB ANIMATION AND INTERACTIVITY II
Prerequisite: GRC 188 or approval of instructor.
Advanced animation and interactivity for the Web and CD-ROM using Macromedia Flash. The course extends the skills acquired in GRC 188: Web Animation and Interactivity I, and emphasizes methodology and problem solving. *
GRC 290
• INTERNSHIP IN GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS
Supervised work experience with a selected graphic communications business, dependent upon students selected major emphasis. Course is designed to apply knowledge to real on-the-job situations in a program designed by a company official and a faculty advisor. Available to students entering their last semester of instruction for the GRC associates degree. Contact the department advisor for application, screening and required skills evaluation. 75 hours on the job per credit. *
GRC 294
• PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO
Prerequisite: Minimum 21 credits of GRC/DGM classes or approval of instructor.
Development of a portfolio for employment in the graphic communications or digital media or transfer to a four-year program. Class will deal with the professional and legal requirements of working in the graphic communications or digital media industry. *
GRC 298
• SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS
Prerequisite: Dependent upon class offering.
Selected advanced topics and workshops relating to specific areas of graphic communications. The class will be a variable credit of one-half to six credits depending upon class content and number of hours required. *
GRC 299
• INDEPENDENT STUDY
Prerequisite: Approval of instructor.
This course is designed for advanced students to pursue work in a specific area of graphic communications. Students must submit a written proposal which becomes a contract for the course of study. Students must meet with a faculty advisor on a regular basis. *
* This course might not transfer to a baccalaureate degree of art or science within the universities in the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE). If you plan to pursue a four-year degree, check with the institution where you intend to transfer to learn whether this course will count toward the degree you intend to seek.