GCM Graphic Communications Management

GCM-101 Introduction To Graphic Communications Management (1 cr.)
Fall and Spring
Introduction to graphic communications management trends, opportunities, and technologies in the graphic communications industry. Instructor's consent required. GCM majors only.

GCM-141 Graphic Communications (3 cr.)
Fall, Spring and Summer
Overview of the graphic communications industry and hands-on introduction to production workflow from design through delivery. Digital premedia (for print and web), printing processes, postpress and finishing, raw materials, buying and specifying printed products and non-print graphic services.

GCM-151 Premedia Tools and Processes (3 cr.)
Fall, Spring and Summer
Digital premedia tools and processes for print and non-print graphics production. Premedia software, image capture/ creation, pagination, imposition principles, film assembly, proofing, and platemaking.
Prerequisites: take GCM-141.

GCM-251 Digital Premedia File Creation (3 cr.)
Fall, Spring and Summer
Digital creation, capture and manipulation of graphics for color layouts for print and digital distribution. Premedia systems, workflow, color theory, scanning, digital photo, bitmap and vector graphic creation and editing.  File and font management, document layout, proofing, preflight, PDF creation and submission of files for layout.
Prerequisites: take GCM-151 or DES-220.

GCM-266 Digital and Offset Press Systems (3 cr.)
Fall and Spring
Imaging paper of other substrates via offset lithography and digital printing methods from an output-ready digital file. Image carriers, press systems, process control, densitometry, colorimetry, ink, toners, and substrates. Reproduction of line and halftone copy, in multiple and process colors.
Prerequisites: take GCM-141.

GCM-270 Postpress Operation and Planning (3 cr.)
Fall and Spring
Current and emerging technologies for postpress operations in bindery and finishing. Postpress production and job planning from the postpress perspective. Quality control tools and techniques as applied to postpress operations.
Prerequisites: take GCM-141.

GCM-300 Workshop (1-3 cr.)
Fall, Spring and Summer
Special topics in graphic communications, providing hands on or experiential learning activities. Specific content and title to reflect the topic of the workshop. R

GCM-351 Cross-Media Marketing Systems (3 cr.)
Fall and Spring
Software and systems used to plan and produce personalized and integrated cross-media (Web, print, PDF, e-mail) marketing/promotion communication.  PDF editing and repurposing, digital asset management, databases, layout issues, dynamic content, scripting, automation, variable data digital printing and personalization, digital distribution alternatives, and web storefronts.

Prerequisites: take GCM-251.

GCM-356 Color Electronic Prepress (3 cr.)
Fall, Spring and Summer
Electronic capture, manipulation, and evaluation of color images for presentations and print production. Work flow, system, and file management issues faced in complex page layout.
Prerequisites: take 1 option: take GCM-141 and GCM-151, or take GCM-141 and DES-220.

GCM-362 Screen and Specialty Print Manufacturing (3 cr.)
Fall and Summer
Applications and techniques for screen and specialty printing on a variety of substrates. Issues and process-control concerns related to these image transfer methods.
Prerequisites: take GCM-141. $

GCM-363 Package Printing (3 cr.)
Fall and Spring
The production of graphics on labels, cartons, and flexible packages with an emphasis on flexography and rotogravure. Present and future technology trends in package printing.
Prerequisites: take GCM-141. $

GCM-367 Color Management (3 cr.)
Fall and Spring
Industry standards-based color management practices for accurate color reproduction throughout both RBG and CMYK workflows.  Colorimetric and densitometric analysis. Device calibration and profiling. Color management software applications, devices and techniques for controlling image capture, monitor display, soft proofing and analog or digital printing.

Prerequisites: take GCM-266 and either STAT-130 or STAT-320. R

GCM-380 Graphic Communications Estimating and Scheduling (3 cr.)
Fall and Spring
Graphic communications workflow management issues including cost of production or services, estimating practices, production scheduling and coordination of both print and non-print graphic communications projects.
Prerequisites: take GCM-251, GCM-266, and GCM-270; take INMGT-200; and take BUACT-201or BUACT-206.

GCM-443 Graphic Communications Practicum (3 cr.)
Fall, Spring and Summer
Integration of all graphic communications manufacturing processes in the design and production of print and non-print graphic products and services for clients in the university community. Special emphasis on the process and workflow management roles of estimating, customer service, scheduling, planning, production supervision and quality control.
Prerequisites: take GCM-251, GCM-266, and GCM-380. R

GCM-445 Publication Production (3 cr.)
Fall, Spring and Summer
Cross-discipline work teams experience integration of skills developed in English, speech, art, graphic communications, industrial management and business courses to design, plan, schedule, produce and distribute print and digital versions of a magazine/newsletter.
Prerequisites: take GCM-141.

GCM-446 Digital Imaging (3 cr.)
Fall and Spring
Preparation, capture and manipulation of digital information for current and emerging digital distribution technologies. Repurposing of print media files for alternative distribution systems.
Prerequisites: take GCM-356.

GCM-470 Graphic Communications Distribution Management   (3 cr.)

Fall and Spring

Systems and processes used in distribution and delivery of printed products. United States Postal Service, parcel delivery, shipping, warehousing and fulfillment. Regionalization, personalization, print-on-demand, demographic binding and emerging distribution strategies. 

Prerequisites: take GCM-270   

GCM-475 Graphic Communications Cost Estimating (3 cr.)
Fall and Spring
Estimating production costs and establishing budget hourly rates and completion time for tasks associated with graphic reproduction. Utilization of a computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) information system to facilitate estimating and managing production processes based on data collected from manufacturing floor real-time terminals.
Prerequisites: take GCM-141, and take BUACT-200 or BUACT-206.

GCM-480 Graphic Communications Customer Service And Administration (3 cr.)
Fall and Spring
Administrative, management and leadership roles in directing functional areas of graphic communications companies including sales, customer service, management, human resources, and training. Senior level or higher.
Prerequisites: take GCM-380.

GCM-495 Graphic Communications Management Seminar(3 cr.)
GLP
Fall, Spring and Summer
Overview of the graphic communications industry; its size, market segments, profitability and organization. Research and analysis of company annual reports. Strategic planning, management and leadership, industry trends and forecasts, trade organizations, news and other information sources. Impact of technology, global issues, and competing information distribution channels. Senior level or higher.
Prerequisite: take GCM-349 or GCM-449.

Corequisite courses: GCM-443. R