Fall 2007 curriculum changes

As you all are probably aware, we are continually assessing our curriculum to ensure it sufficiently educates students for the ever changing industry needs. We’ve got a few curriculum changes to inform you of that will take effect as of the fall 2007 semester.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR DESIGNERS
GRA 1413 (Offered totally online), 1 credit hour, No prerequisities
In this course, students will learn to prepare a resume, prepare for a job interview, learn to write a cover letter and learn how to develop and present a portfolio. The course is geared specifically towards students who are considering entering a design profession.

Please note that this course:

• Replaces SLS 1303 Job Search in the graphic technology degree programs.
• Is recommended to be taken in the first session of their Graphics Program.
• Students should not take SLS 1303 Job Search after Summer 2007 or they will not be given the below listed considerations.
• Students that have taken SLS 1303 prior to Fall 2007 can be granted an override for prerequisite for GRA 1206C Fundamentals of Typography that will then require the new course, GRA 1413 Prof Development for Designers, in addition to GRA 1142 as prerequisites.
• Students that have not taken SLS 1303 Job Search prior to Fall 2007 can get an override for prerequisite to get into GRA 1206C if they register for GRA 1413 at the same time.
• SLS 1303 was deleted as a prerequisite for GRA 1951 Portfolio Review and GRA 2942 Graphics Internship. However, students must have taken either SLS 1303 prior to Fall 2007 or GRA 1413 at some point during their course work or they will be withdrawn from the course. They will not be prepared for either of these courses.
• If students have been out of school for longer than 1 year it is recommended that they take GRA 1413 even if they have taken SLS 1303 previously as it will have current and relevant career and job finding information

FUNDAMENTALS OF TYPOGRAPHY
GRA 1206c, 3 credit hours, prerequistes GRA 1413 and GRA 1142
The GRA 1413 Professional Development for Designers course will be added as a prerequisite in addition to the current prerequisite, GRA 1142, or department approval.

PORTFOLIO REVIEW
GRA 1951, 1 credit hour
Deleted prerequisite SLS 1303 Job Search. All other requirements will remain the same. Since the new course, GRA 1413 Professional Development for designers, is now a prerequisite for an earlier course and replaces SLS 1303, SLS 1303 Job Search was removed. However, students will not be allowed to stay in the portfolio review course unless they have taken SLS 1303 prior to Summer 2007 or they have taken GRA 1413 or have received department approval.

INTERNSHIP IN GRAPHICS
GRA 2942, 1+ credit hour
Deleted prerequisite SLS 1303 Job Search. All other requirements will remain the same. Since the new course, GRA 1413 Professional Development for designers, is now a prerequisite for an earlier course and replaces SLS 1303, SLS 1303 Job Search was removed. However, students will not be allowed to stay in the internship course unless they have taken SLS 1303 prior to Summer 2007 or they have taken GRA 1413 or have received department approval.

GRAPHIC DESIGN ESSENTIALS
GRA 1142, 5 credit hours, No prerequisites
The Digital Media & Design course is being renamed to Graphic design essentials to better define the course objectives. The course learning objectives have NOT changed. Students DO NOT have to take the course again with the new name.

TECHNICAL CERTIFICATES
Graphic Design Support, Graphic Design Production, Interactive Media Support, Interactive Media Production Courses were modified to allow a more sequential progression of courses and prerequisites while still satisfying the objectives. A complete listing is below:

• GRAPHIC DESIGN SUPPORT: GRA 1142 Graphic Design Essentials, ART 1201C Design 1, GRA1203C Layout & Design, GRA 1206c Fundamentals of Typography, GRA 1413 Professional Development for Designers
• GRAPHIC DESIGN PRODUCTION: GRA 1142 Graphic Design Essentials, ART 1201C Design 1, GRA 1203C Layout & Design, GRA 1206C Fundamentals of Typography, GRA 1413 Professional Development for Designers, ART 1300C Drawing I, GRA 2156 Adobe Illustrator, GRA 2201 Electronic Imaging
• INTERACTIVE MEDIA SUPPORT: GRA1142 Graphic Design Essentials, GRA 1413 Professional Development for Designers, GRA 2201 Electronic Imaging, ART 1300C Drawing I, GRA 2156 Adobe Illustrator
• INTERACTIVE MEDIA PRODUCTION: GRA 1142 GD Essentials, GRA 1413 Professional Development for Designers, GRA 2201 Electronic Imaging, ART 1300c Drawing 1, GRA 2156 Adobe Illustrator, GRA 2141 Web Design, GRA 2131 Interactive Design 1, GRA 1136 Digital Video & Sound

OVERRIDES
If you feel you have any questions about these changes or are in a legitimate situation which requires an override into a course, please first review this simple advice on prerequisites and overrides, and then contact Amanda Kern at akern@valenciacc.edu.

It’s strongly encouraged that you also review the curriculum planning chart to assist you in planning your path towards graduation.

By the way, registration is now open for Fall 2007! You might want to ensure you’ve made it into the classes now – some are filling up fast!