Course Outline of Record

Item	Value
Eff Term	Fall 2026
Curriculum Committee Approval Date	11/14/2025
Top Code	061400 - Digital Media (CTE)
Units	0 Total Units (Lecture Units 0)
Hours	27 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 27)
Total Outside of Class Hours	0
Total Student Learning Hours	27
Course Credit Status	Noncredit (N)
Material Fee	No
Basic Skills	Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable	Yes; Repeat Limit 99
Open Entry/Open Exit	No
Grading Policy	P/NP/SP Non-Credit (D),  Letter Non-Credit (L)

Course Description

A hands-on introduction to raster and vector visual design using free, browser-based tools. Students explore design elements (line, shape, color, texture, space) and principles (balance, contrast, alignment, hierarchy) to produce simple illustrations, graphics, and layouts. Projects emphasize typography, color harmony, and image composition for print and digital media. The course builds foundational creative and technical confidence while preparing students to transition into DMD C116 Visual Design (Photoshop), DMD C118 Graphic Design & Illustration (Illustrator). Transfer Credit: Not Transferable.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

1. Apply design elements and principles to produce visually effective raster and vector artwork.
2. Demonstrate technical and creative proficiency in producing, revising, and exporting digital designs using digital tools
3. Evaluate and refine visual designs through critique and reflection demonstrating readiness for DMD C116 and C118.

Course Objectives

• 1. Identify and describe core elements (line, shape, texture, space) and principles (balance, contrast, repetition, alignment).
• 2. Create balanced compositions using hierarchy, color, and typography.
• 3. Navigate key workspace tools; combine images, shapes, and text in layers
• 4. Save and export to raster (JPG/PNG) or vector (SVG) formats.
• 5. Conduct peer critiques using design terminology
• 6. Apply feedback to revise work

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Lecture Content

1. Design Elements & Visual Communication
2. Composition, Hierarchy, and Spatial Structure
3. Typography, Color Harmony, and Contrast
4. Layout for Screen & Print
5. Iteration, Peer Review, and Refinement
6. Presentation, Reflection, and Bridge to Credit Courses

Method(s) of Instruction

• Enhanced NC Lect (NC1)
• Live Online Enhanced NC Lect (NC9)
• Online Enhanced NC Lect (NC5)

Instructional Techniques

A variety of instructional techniques will be employed to encompass different student learning styles. These may include, but are not limited to, lecture, discussion, projects, and small group activities. Instruction will be supplemented, where appropriate, by digital media presentations and resources, guest speakers, and virtual field trips.

Reading Assignments

Complete reading assignments from OER materials, supplemental readings, handouts, Internet resources, and any assignments from Coastline's Library.

Writing Assignments

Create design plans, revision logs, weekly topic responses and critiques.

Out-of-class Assignments

Weekly projects demonstrating skills acquired and develop a self-designed project.

Methods of Student Evaluation

• Short Quizzes
• Written Assignments
• Projects (Individual/Group)
• Problem Solving Exercises
• Skills Demonstration

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Analyzing audience needs, evaluating design principles, selecting appropriate typographic elements, optimizing layout structures, troubleshooting technical issues, and assessing project effectiveness.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Create design briefs, audience analyses, and design plans. Demonstrate skills through layout projects, workspace customization, and document creation.

Resources Subscreen

• Other: . . ().
• Other: . . ().

Eligible Discipline(s)

• Graphic arts (desktop publishing): Any bachelor’s degree and two years of professional experience, or any associate degree and six years of professional experience.