MCCCD Program Description

Desktop Design and Publishing Using Adobe InDesign

Course: CIS138DA

First Term: 2011 Fall

Lec + Lab 3.0 Credit(s) 4.0 Period(s) 3.7 Load
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: S

Description: Use of Adobe InDesign to compose and print textual and graphic materials of high quality. Includes word processing of copy, use of graphics programs, layout of design elements, printing alternatives, and file formats.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Describe the components, techniques, and purposes of desktop publication. (I, IV, VII) 2. Configure the application environment including the necessary operating system, word processor, graphics software, and layout program. (II, III) 3. Compose and print single page layout. (IV, VII, VIII) 4. Prepare bit-mapped, object, and scanned graphics. (IV, VI) 5. Create properly formatted text files using an appropriate word processor. (V) 6. Produce layouts incorporating graphic elements. (VII) 7. Make multiple-page layouts demonstrating mastery of layout principles. (VII, VIII) 8. Utilize transparency, effects, and layers. (IX) 9. Assemble various documents from templates and/or models. (III, VII, VIII) 10. Create a Portable Document Format (PDF) document. (X)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Desktop publication concepts A. Text vs. graphics 1. Word processing 2. Painting, drawing, and drafting B. Uses of printed materials C. Examples of desktop publications II. Microcomputer hardware and operating system requirements A. Operating system B. Memory C. Storage D. Printers E. Digitizers, graphics pads, and other graphics devices III. Desktop Publication software A. Word processing packages B. Graphics programs C. Layout software D. Clip art and other graphics resources IV. Publication design A. Evaluation of audience and goals B. Initial page layout 1. Columns, pagination, etc. 2. Logos, graphics, and other elements 3. Fonts and other typographical considerations V. Copy preparation A. Comparison of word processing alternatives B. Formatting and editing textual material C. Ancillary aids (spelling checkers, scanners, etc.) VI. Artwork production A. Bit mapped graphics B. Object graphics C. Scanned input D. Clip art E. Special typography (original fonts, kerning, etc.) F. Special products (music, comics, cartoons, maps, genealogies, storyboards, calendars, etc.) VII. Pages composition and layout A. Layout basics 1. Simplicity, symmetry, visual impact 2. Rules of thumb and traditional guidelines B. Mechanics 1. Sizing and positioning artwork 2. Aligning, flowing, heading, dividing text 3. Treatment of special elements and difficult problems VIII. Printing A. Personal printing B. Preparation of camera ready copy for printers IX. Transparency, Effects, and Layers A. Gradation in translucency B. Adjusting opacity and blending colors C. Applying drop shadows and feathers D. Using Clipping Paths and Alpha Channels E. Importing layered Photoshop artwork X. File Format A. PDF file format 1. Benefits of using a PDF (Portable Document Format) file 2. Creating a PDF file 3. Saving and viewing a PDF file in a Web Browser

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: 12/11/2007

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.