College Catalog
Course Descriptions
Introduction to the Graphic Communications Industry
PNP111
Orientation to the Graphic Communications major, the printing industry, analog and digital printing processes, and career opportunities. Overviews the history of printing and the makeup of the printing industry, including printing processes, technical (print) market segments, resources, and professional organizations. Introduces key procedures in career planning and job applications. Field trips and presentations by industry representatives supplement course content. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Fall Only.
Offset Lithography
PNP124
Basic principles of lithography and skills in lithographic platemaking and operating small offset presses and selected bindery equipment. Topics include press systems, press maintenance, and safety practices, as well as papers, inks, and chemicals related to the lithographic process. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Fall Only.
Applied Typography and Design
PNP127
Introduction to the concepts of electronic typography and the fundamentals of layout and design for creating documents in electronic forms. Topics include history of type, classifications of type, design principles, software and hardware components, and outputting to various devices. Popular software packages are used to create, edit, and print various documents. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab)
PreMedia I
PNP128
Focused study of digital hardware and software applications used in the graphic imaging workflow, with particular emphasis on image editing of grayscale and line art images. Topics include computer platforms, operating system functions, and application software used in the imaging process, digital scanners, storage devices, output devices, troubleshooting, and maintenance. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab)
Electronic Publishing and Design
PNP135
Basic design and production for electronically created materials. Presents a variety of programs for workstation platforms publishing to a range of output devices such as laser printers and computer monitors. Includes basic setups for hardware and standard installations for software as well as simple troubleshooting. Overviews the history of electronic publishing and discusses current trends within the electronic publishing industry. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): CSC124. As needed.
Screen and Specialty Imaging Techniques
PNP213
Overall exploration of screen-printing and specialty imaging processes. Explores the traditional process of screen-printing including frames and fabrics, stencil preparation, printing techniques, inks and substrates, and screen reclamation. Introduces related specialty imaging processes including pad printing, dye sublimation, embroidery and vinyl cutting. Technical concepts and theory provide a foundation for skills acquired through the actual production of numerous products. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PNP128. Spring Only.
PreMedia II
PNP214
Advanced study of digital color systems. Through study and practice, investigates techniques for scanning, color correcting, proofing, and evaluating color images. Application of color management technology to create International Color Consortium (ICC) color profiles, calibrate system components and use profiles in color workflow. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PNP128. Spring Only.
Flexography
PNP215
Exploration of the printing process and related techniques of flexography. Topics include practice in design, platemaking, press operation and finishing techniques as they pertain to flexography. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Corequisite(s): PNP214. Spring Only.
Output Workflow
PNP220
Examination of the critical last stages of digital pre-press production, including file analysis, file repair, trapping, imposing, and output of electronic pages to digital proofs, plates, or substrate. Involves production and problem-solving experiences using the latest software applilcations available. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PNP127 and PNP214. Spring Only.
Finishing and Distribution
PNP232
Last phase of printing production involving preparing printed sheets for final form such as brochures, books, posters, and packages. Concentrates on the wide range of finishing and binding operations, as well as on the sorting and organizing of printed materials for shipping and mailing to the customer. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PNP124. Fall Only.
Advanced Image Transfer Techniques
PNP235
Investigates sheet and web-fed lithographic press systems, flexographic, screen, and specialty image transfer methods. Provides advanced hands-on experiences with single and multi-unit presses. Includes principles and measurement of accurate registration and pressure settings, image carrier preparation and evaluation, physical interactions of inks and substrates, quality-control measurements, and career opportunities. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PNP124. Fall Only.
Packaging and Product Design
PNP236
Expanded study of layout and design principles introducing designs for multi-paged products, packaging and marketing displays. Topics include various printing methods, properties of packaging substrates, environmental influences, principles and methods practiced in developing these products, and methods used to coordinate product development. These methods include integrating the areas of product development, manufacturing, marketing and purchasing areas. Regulations and evaluations of these products are also introduced. Popular software packages are used to take projects from initial design to final printing. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PNP127.
Production Printing
PNP252
Practical application of skills and knowledge learned throughout the Graphic Communications major. Follows a variety of printing jobs through all the phases of design and layout, digital prepress, imaging, image assembly, platemaking, presswork, finishing, and bindery. Experience with digital workflows and application of quality control techniques occur throughout the process. 3 Credits (1 Lecture - 6 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PNP127 and PNP214 and PNP235. Spring Only.
Digital Media Publishing
PNP272
Theory and hand-on experience in the production of various forms of digital media such as Internet web pages, CD-ROM media, and interactive systems with particular emphasis on multi-purposing digital image data. Course work includes use of computer networking systems and data transmission methods. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PNP127 and PNP214 or PNP127 and PNP210. Fall Only.
Advanced Imaging Techniques
PNP310
Theory and application reinforcing the fundamental concepts in page and document design and layout, pre-press requirements, as well as specific imaging techniques related to screen printing and flexography (and possibly digital). Investigation of and hands-on experiences in advanced techniques for producing multiple-color and process-color projects on a variety of substrates. Includes related finishing, converting and distribution methods. Review of software requirements for designing individual projects. Field trips and interviews with industry practitioners enhance learning experiences. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PNP213 and PNP215 and PNP220 and PNP252. Fall Only.
Inks and Substrates
PNP350
Investigation of the many measurable properties of inks, papers, and other substrates used in the printing industry. Explores manufacturing processes of paper and inks, including environmental concerns, while providing experience with paper and ink testing devices, data collection, data analysis, and reporting of testing results. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PNP235. Spring Only.
Printing Estimating
PNP352
Introduction to the principles and practices involved in estimating costs of printing production, including the determination of production standards, all-inclusive hourly rates, cost centers, materials costs, and the development of production plans. Employs a problem-based approach using both paper and pencil and computer-application software. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PNP232 and PNP252. Fall Only.
Trends and Issues in Printing and Publishing
PNP354
Examination of relevant United States laws including those related to human health and safety, freedom and ownership of information, waste handling and emissions, employment, and labor organizations within the printing industry. Explores ethical issues facing printers, including management and technical worker relations and problems and policies on printed content. Required writing assignments (graded and ungraded) provide experience in understanding and adapting to different discourse communities and in using multiple technical vocabularies. Includes both expressive and transactional prose responses to selected readings. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): ENL201 and PNP235. (Writing Enriched) Spring Only.
Internship
PNP355
Practical experience working in a printing and publishing firm by focusing on a technical or managerial project that requires pre-determined, work-related objectives that have been mutually established by the student, a faculty adviser, and the employer. 3 Credits (0 Lecture - 15 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PNP252.
Printing Production Management
PNP470
Introduction to key printing management concepts and practices including sales of printed materials, communication of specifications, scheduling of print production, inventory control, printing plant layout, job costing, and quality assurance. Experience with integrated management software packages designed specifically for managing printing production. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PNP352. Fall Only.
Capstone
PNP495
Integration of knowledge and skills learned throughout the Graphic Communications Management major. Course work includes through research in a technical area, composition of a significant technical article, and production of a complete publication that encompasses design, layout, digital imaging, presswork, finishing and binding, and distribution. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): PNP470. Spring Only.
