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2025 - 2026 Cowley College Academic Catalog 
    
2025 - 2026 Cowley College Academic Catalog

CGA2055 GRAPHIC MATERIAL & PROCESSES COURSE PROCEDURE


CGA2055 GRAPHIC MATERIAL & PROCESSES

3 Credit Hours

Student Level:

This course is open to students on the college level in either the freshman or sophomore year.

Catalog Description:

CGA2055 - Graphic Materials and Processes (3 hrs.)

This class demonstrates that paper, cardboard and other types of typically flat media can be a 3-D design element to be considered during idea generation when problem-solving. Paper is not just a flat surface upon which a layout (concept + image, color and type) is applied. Students will fold, cut, score, emboss and create 3-D designs, learn pop-up techniques, build boxes, as well as look at folders and binding presentations. Proper use of tools and hand skills are important as we measure, cut, piece and build items.

Course Classification:

Studio

Prerequisites:

Grade of C or better in Foundation Design 2D (ART2130) or instructor approval

Controlling Purpose:

This class demonstrates that paper, cardboard and other types of typically flat media can be a 3-D design element to be considered during idea generation when problem-solving. Paper is not just a flat surface upon which a layout (concept + image, color and type) is applied. Students will fold, cut, score, emboss and create 3-D designs, learn pop-up techniques, build boxes, as well as look at folders and binding presentations. Proper use of tools and hand skills are important as we measure, cut, piece and build items.

Learner Outcomes:

Upon completion of the course, the student will:

1. Utilize basic techniques to manipulate paper into 3 dimensional designs

2. Bind books by hand

3. Create moving pop-up interfaces

4. Create utilitarian packages from 2 dimensional materials

5. Create illustrations using cut paper

Unit Outcomes for Criterion Based Evaluation:

The following outline defines the minimum core content not including the final examination period. Instructors may add other material as time allows.

UNIT 1: Basics of Working with Paper

Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the students will be able to utilize basic techniques to manipulate paper into three-dimensional designs

  • Identify differences in paper size, weight, and grain
  • Identify different forms of treatments used on paper for different design purposes: embossments, die-cuts, perforations, foils, blind stamps, etc.
  • Emboss paper to create a design
  • Create a design using cut paper
  • Create a three-dimensional design using cut paper
  • Create a folded paper folder

UNIT 2: Book Binding

Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the students will be able to bind books by hand

  • Identify the differences between a perfect-bound book and a hard-bound book
  • Create a perfect bound book
  • Create a hard-bound book

UNIT 3: Pop-Ups

Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the students will be able to create moving pop-up interfaces

  • Identify different forms of pop-up mechanics
  • Create a set of interactive pop-up designs

UNIT 4: Box and Package Design

Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the students will be able to create utilitarian packages from two-dimensional materials

  • Utilize the ability to think and plan in both two and three-dimensional space
  • Create a single package design that can house a set of objects

UNIT 5: Paper Illustration

Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the students will be able to create illustrations using cut paper

  • Utilize three-dimensional space to create illustrative designs using cut paper
  • Convey a narrative in a static design

Projects Required:

The course will include a range of projects that will demonstrate competency of the above units. For an updated description of these projects, refer to the course syllabus.

Textbook:

Contact Bookstore for current textbook.

Materials/Equipment Required:

  • A sketchbook and drawing implements, including pencils, black pens, markers, colored pencils, etc.
  • Hand-building tools, which may include: rulers, T-squares, an x-acto knife, utility knife, spray adhesive, different forms of glue, needles, thread, etc.
  • A range of paper stock (including different weights, colors, and textures), poster board, chip board, cardboard, etc.
  • Addition materials to build projects

A specific list of supplies can be found in the course syllabus.

Attendance Policy:

Students should adhere to the attendance policy outlined by the instructor in the course syllabus.

Grading Policy:

The grading policy will be outlined by the instructor in the course syllabus.

Maximum class size:

Based on classroom occupancy

Course Time Frame:

The U.S. Department of Education, Higher Learning Commission and the Kansas Board of Regents define credit hour and have specific regulations that the college must follow when developing, teaching and assessing the educational aspects of the college. A credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally-established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester hour of credit or an equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time. The number of semester hours of credit allowed for each distance education or blended hybrid courses shall be assigned by the college based on the amount of time needed to achieve the same course outcomes in a purely face-to-face format.

Refer to the following policies:

402.00 Academic Code of Conduct

263.00 Student Appeal of Course Grades

403.00 Student Code of Conduct

Disability Services Program:

Cowley College, in recognition of state and federal laws, will accommodate a student with a documented disability.  If a student has a disability which may impact work in this class and which requires accommodations, contact the Disability Services Coordinator.

Updated 6-1-2019