This course provides an introduction to electronic desktop publishing and page layout. Students use industry standard software to produce black & white artwork suitable as finished art for print publishing. Topics include; page setup, principles of desktop typography, typesetting, type specification, paragraph formatting, tabs, tables and indents, importing graphics files, creating a grid, templates, styles pallets and out putting files to print.

In this course students use both 2D and 3D design processes to produce illustration projects. They utilize traditional art skills of drawing, painting and design crafts, as well as computer graphics paint application programs. Construction of 3D found materials and relevant subject matter is used to create inspirational starting points for illustrations and still-life studies. This course is taught and integrated with COMA 0254 (Photography) to facilitate inspirational links via the photographic image.  It also combines with the Graphic Art and Advertising courses COMA 0253 and COMA 0251 and is evaluated in a portfolio assessment collectively.

This course is an introduction to postscript illustration and its origins. Students learn to use industry-specific software to create vector-based, or object-oriented line drawings, shapes and graphics. Also covered is an introduction to digital imaging and image manipulation. Students use industry standard software to investigate the world of bitmapped images and their use in computer graphics. The course also looks at topics such as screen appearance and output appearance in relation to digital art and graphics.

This course is a continuation of Graphic Art I. The students further develop the hand skills and speed required for art assembly. They learn to use basic printing specifications and understand major printing methods. Also covered is the use of typography in graphic design, preparing copy for typesetting, preparing camera ready artwork, preparing black and white artwork, preparing two color artwork for print, marking up for artwork for printers and using different types/weights of paper.

This course is an extension of the first semester Photography 1 course. The overall goals of the course move the student towards particular applications of photographic skills to achieve particular purposes. It also enhances creative and technical skills, sometimes using generalist basic multimedia resources such as audio & CD ROM productions. Students continue to develop compositional skills involving visual elements and visual principles. Technical issues considered include more advanced studio lighting; special effects with filters to achieve particular effects & further uses of lenses to achieve visual goals; image manipulation and photo finishing using prints and transparencies.

This unit introduces students to the Macintosh computer environment. Lessons are designed to provide students with a basic working knowledge of how to use an Apple Macintosh computer and to how to use scanners and other devices. Students will demonstrate an introductory knowledge of Macintosh hardware, the MAC operating systems, the basic storage devices used, the MAC menu system, file manipulation, desktop usage, MAC networking, printing, keyboard shortcuts and applicable file formats

This course is an introduction to the methods, materials and techniques of commercial graphic reproduction. Students develop essential hand skills and methods of producing artwork by digital & electronic methods while demonstrating the language of visual communication design. The course covers the issues of graphics message, form, content and communications media, as well as graphic design reproduction and printing methodology. Students demonstrate an introductory knowledge of DPI theory, pre-press printing, electronic publishing, electronic page preparation, half tone art, and 4-color artwork.

The course is designed to equip students with the skills to communicate effectively in both a technical and a creative drawing context, and provides an introduction to drawing techniques and visual awareness. Students utilize a variety of materials, media and equipment to produce drawings that demonstrate visual development and the expressive use of design elements and formal relationships such as: contrast of tone, value (lightness and darkness), texture, organic and inorganic form, the dynamics of line, shape and 3D form, composition, scale, proportion and perspective. Emphasis is on drawing a diverse range of subject-matter from direct observation.

The teaching approach for any theoretical delivery should be designed in a practical way to aid language problems. Minimum theory will be used to allow students to follow historical projects visually with opportunities for practical responses about major topics.  The use of traditional craft techniques to understand the relevant historical approach to local/Gulf Art Appreciation will be part of the course. It should also be noted that there is very little material available for Western history of art in the Emirates itself. However, there is a wealth of cultural and historical material for art appreciation, which can be drawn from Islamic Art, calligraphy and architecture.