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Course Descriptions

The following is a complete listing of courses offered at MCC. You can also visit our Programs of Study page for a list of course requirements necessary to complete your degree.

Please note: Special Studies is a general heading for experimental courses or those for which the demand is untested, unknown, immediate, or temporary. You can visit our Special Studies page for a list of Special Studies courses.

Click on the arrow to view a list of course descriptions for each program.

Hide details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">AAD - Applied Art and Design</div>]
AAD - Applied Art and Design
AAD 101 - Introduction to Animation
An introduction to general animation techniques, this course combines theoretical elements of film aesthetics with practical experience in animation filmmaking. Emphasis is on creating movement and expression utilizing traditional or electronically generated image sequences. Students are exposed to all types of animated film production through lectures, film presentations, studio work and outside assignments. This introductory course gives students a working knowledge of animation techniques necessary to design short animated sequences. 3 Credits.
AAD 104 - Introduction to Graphic Design, 2D
A course which will introduce the student to basic graphic skills. Emphasis will be placed on applying the elements and principles of two-dimensional design to specific graphic design tasks in order to build visual literacy skills. Emphasis will be placed on both computer and hand skills used in the production of graphic art work. - Course takes place within a Macintosh environment utilizing Adobe software. - Students will be required to purchase art supplies and materials. - Students may be required to print at a local service bureau. 3 Credits.
AAD 105 - Typography
A comprehensive exploration and application of typography in graphic design. Students will study the design and use of typography from historical to contemporary perspectives, explore the relationship between type and image in visual communications, and create projects using typography as a major element of the design. 3 Credits.
AAD 107 - A History of Graphic Design
This course surveys the pivotal events and achievements that led to the current state of graphic design. The unceasing quest to give form to ideas is traced from the pictographs painted on cave walls to the latest imaginative designs. Through lectures, videotapes, discussions, research and studio projects, students are introduced to the creative thinkers, important innovations and breakthrough technologies that have shaped the evolution of visual communication. This course will include discussion of the social, political and economic factors that have influenced art and design through the ages. 3 Credits.
AAD 108 - Ideation: Illustration and Design
This course involves investigation into the basic technical, aesthetic and conceptual aspects of illustration and design. The philosophy of the course is that innovation is a skill that is both visual and experiential, which, through practice, evokes insights, associations and resonances. The course teaches basic ideation skills—how to see, think and respond through observing, experiencing, drawing and designing to solve a variety of visual problems. This is a studio-based subject involving intensive, practical, hands-on exercises taught simultaneously with visual theory. The course seeks to expand each student's visual vocabulary, aesthetic consciousness and creative thought. - Course takes place within a Macintosh environment utilizing Adobe software. - Students will be required to purchase art supplies and materials. - Students may be required to print at a local service bureau. 3 Credits.
AAD 112 - Graphic Design 1
This course explores the various aspects of graphic communication and will cover concepts, typography, layout and general graphic techniques. Course materials are designed to advance an understanding of design tools and design principles, artisanship and conceptual skills through the exploration of visual elements, order, concept and language. 3 Credits.

Prerequisite: COM 104/AAD104 and COM 105/AAD 105, or permission of instructor.
AAD 160 - Graphic Illustration: Vector Drawing
This course is designed to introduce the benefits, complexities, and application of vector illustration and design within a creative, explorative environment. Learning to integrate traditional and digital image-making techniques, students will be introduced to various methods of visual problem-solving using Bézier curves. In addition to the application of vector graphics, their historical and evolutionary development within illustration and design will be explored and discussed. The skills and ideas covered in this course are invaluable to students considering a career or study path in fine art, design, illustration, print media, motion graphics, animation, or other media related arts. 3 Credits.

Prerequisite(s): AAD 104 or permission of instructor
AAD 167 - Web Design: Graphics
A Graphic Design course that provides instruction in various processes that involves the planning for, and designing of Internet-based information publishing. Introduces students to the theoretical principles of visual language and also affords the practical opportunity to apply the principles using modern Internet publishing tools. Topics include; image design and preparation, typography, viewer expectations, precedence (guiding the eye), navigation, usability and accessibility practices, and some techniques for the evaluation of web design. - Course takes place within a Macintosh environment utilizing Adobe software. - Students will be required to purchase art supplies and materials. - Students may be required to print at a local service bureau. 3 Credits.

Prerequisite: AAD 160, AAD 104 and AAD 105, or permission of instructor
AAD 205 - Graphic Design 2
This course explores the creative display, organization and communication of ideas and information through word and image. The design principles covered in these courses apply to all presentation media; print, computer, film/video, exhibit and environmental graphics. Course projects will require typographic skills and an ability to communicate with pictorial information. 3 Credits.

Prerequisite: COM 112/AAD 112
AAD 220 - Professional Practices
This course will review, through practice, the application of professional trade customs associated with the visual arts. The experience is intended to give students an understanding of production procedures and business practices relevant to creative professionals. Students will learn the basics of managing creative practices such as design and/or illustrative work from initial client contact to project completion. Production issues related to the various applied arts will be studied—types of businesses, methods of finding work, examining costs, common pitfalls, writing contracts, managing design/illustration/creative jobs, and preparing digital work for production. Working with other creative artists, and copyright law, as it applies to visual arts, will also be studied. - Course takes place within a Macintosh environment utilizing Adobe software. - Students will be required to purchase art supplies and materials. - Students will be required to print at a local service bureau. 3 Credits.

Prerequisite(s): AAD 104 and AAD 105.
AAD 256 - Motion Graphics
Introduction to time based graphic design. Students will be exposed to both traditional and experimental methods of producing short motion sequences. Through a series of exercises and assignments, conceptual problem solving and the design of motion graphics will be emphasized. In addition to producing short motion sequences students will also view and discuss various commercial and independent works. Students must be able to practice good organizational and planning skills. Experience in design, photo imaging and vector graphics is a plus, but not necessary. 3 Credits.

Prerequisite: AAD 105 Typography or permission of instructor
AAD 260 - Applied Imaging, Raster Graphics
This course is designed to introduce the benefits, complexities and application of raster graphics, illustration and design within a creative explorative environment. The curriculum emphasizes both craft and visual problem solving. Emphasis is placed on the development of the student’s ability to apply creative thinking and contemporary techniques in creating meaningful and effective photographic illustrations and design. Course projects will emphasize use of computers, digital cameras and scanners. - Course takes place within a Macintosh environment utilizing Adobe software. - Students will be required to purchase art supplies and materials. - Students may be required to print at a local service bureau. 3 Credits.
AAD 290 - Independent Study
See the Department Chairperson. Variable Credit.
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">ACC - Accounting</div>]
ACC - Accounting
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ACD - Alcohol/Chemical Dependency
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">AGS - Agricultural Studies</div>]
AGS - Agricultural Studies
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ANT - Anthropology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">ARA - Arabic/Foreign Language</div>]
ARA - Arabic/Foreign Language
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">ART - Art</div>]
ART - Art
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">ASL - American Sign Language/Foreign Language</div>]
ASL - American Sign Language/Foreign Language
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">ATP - Automotive Technology</div>]
ATP - Automotive Technology
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BIO - Biology
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BUS - Business
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">CDL - Interdisciplinary</div>]
CDL - Interdisciplinary
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">CE  - Disney College Program Internship</div>]
CE - Disney College Program Internship
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CEL - Leadership
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CHE - Chemistry
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CHI - Chinese/Foreign Language
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CIN - Cinema Studies
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Cinema Studies
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">CIS - Computer Information Systems</div>]
CIS - Computer Information Systems
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">CIT - Civil and Construction Technology</div>]
CIT - Civil and Construction Technology
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CLT - Clinical Laboratory Technician
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COM - Communication
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COS - College Success
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CPT - Computer Technology
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CRC - Computer Related Curricula
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CRJ - Criminal Justice
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">CSC - Computer Science</div>]
CSC - Computer Science
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">DAS - Dental Assisting</div>]
DAS - Dental Assisting
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">DEN - Dental Hygiene</div>]
DEN - Dental Hygiene
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">EBL - Experience Based Learning</div>]
EBL - Experience Based Learning
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ECE - Education and Early Care
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ECO - Economics
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">EDU - Education</div>]
EDU - Education
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">ELT - Electrical Engineering Technology/Electronics</div>]
ELT - Electrical Engineering Technology/Electronics
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">EMS - Emergency Medical Services</div>]
EMS - Emergency Medical Services
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">ENG - English Literature</div>]
ENG - English Literature
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ENG - English Writing
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">ENR - Engineering Science</div>]
ENR - Engineering Science
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">ESL - English For Speakers Of Other Languages (ESOL)</div>]
ESL - English For Speakers Of Other Languages (ESOL)
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">FPT - Fire Protection Technology</div>]
FPT - Fire Protection Technology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">FRE - French/Foreign Language</div>]
FRE - French/Foreign Language
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">FSA - Food Service Administration</div>]
FSA - Food Service Administration
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">GEG - Geography</div>]
GEG - Geography
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">GEO - Geology</div>]
GEO - Geology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">GER - German/Foreign Language</div>]
GER - German/Foreign Language
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">GLF - Golf Management</div>]
GLF - Golf Management
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HBR - Hebrew/Foreign Language
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HED - Health Education
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">HEG - Health Education Global</div>]
HEG - Health Education Global
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">HIM - Health Information Technology</div>]
HIM - Health Information Technology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">HIS - History</div>]
HIS - History
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">HMN - Humanities</div>]
HMN - Humanities
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">HON - Honors Studies</div>]
HON - Honors Studies
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">Honors Studies</div>]
Honors Studies
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">HSM - Homeland Security Administration</div>]
HSM - Homeland Security Administration
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">HSP - Hospitality</div>]
HSP - Hospitality
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">HUM - Human Services</div>]
HUM - Human Services
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">HVA - Heating, Ventilating & Air Conditioning</div>]
HVA - Heating, Ventilating & Air Conditioning
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">IDE - Interior Design</div>]
IDE - Interior Design
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">ITA - Italian/Foreign Language</div>]
ITA - Italian/Foreign Language
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JPN - Japanese/Foreign Language
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">LAS - Liberal Arts</div>]
LAS - Liberal Arts
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LAW - Law
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LDS - Leadership
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">MAR - Marketing</div>]
MAR - Marketing
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">MET - Mechanical Technology</div>]
MET - Mechanical Technology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">MMP - Automotive Technology</div>]
MMP - Automotive Technology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">MTH - Mathematics</div>]
MTH - Mathematics
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">MUS - Music</div>]
MUS - Music
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">NUR - Nursing</div>]
NUR - Nursing
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">OFT - Office Technology</div>]
OFT - Office Technology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">OPT - Optical Systems Technology</div>]
OPT - Optical Systems Technology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">PE  - Physical Education--Coed</div>]
PE - Physical Education--Coed
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PEC - Physical Education--Coed
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">PEJ - Physical Education-Criminal Justice</div>]
PEJ - Physical Education-Criminal Justice
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">PEM - Physical Education--Men</div>]
PEM - Physical Education--Men
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PEW - Physical Education-Women
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">PHL - Philosophy</div>]
PHL - Philosophy
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">PHO - Photography</div>]
PHO - Photography
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">PHY - Physics</div>]
PHY - Physics
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">PLE - Police: Law Enforcement</div>]
PLE - Police: Law Enforcement
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PLS - Paralegal Studies
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">POS - Political Science</div>]
POS - Political Science
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">PPE - Physical Studies/Physical Education</div>]
PPE - Physical Studies/Physical Education
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">PSC - Public Safety Communications</div>]
PSC - Public Safety Communications
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">PST - Public Safety Training</div>]
PST - Public Safety Training
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">PSY - Psychology</div>]
PSY - Psychology
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Public Speaking
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">REA - Reading</div>]
REA - Reading
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SCI - Science
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">SCR - Computer Security</div>]
SCR - Computer Security
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">SGT - Surgical Technology</div>]
SGT - Surgical Technology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">SKT - Tooling and Machining</div>]
SKT - Tooling and Machining
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">SMT - Sports Management</div>]
SMT - Sports Management
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">SOC - Sociology</div>]
SOC - Sociology
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SPA - Spanish/Foreign Language
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">SPC - Speech Communication</div>]
SPC - Speech Communication
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">STT - Solar Thermal Technology</div>]
STT - Solar Thermal Technology
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SUS - Sustainability Studies
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">SVL - Service Learning</div>]
SVL - Service Learning
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">TAM - Tooling and Machining</div>]
TAM - Tooling and Machining
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">TEK - Technology</div>]
TEK - Technology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">THE - Theatre</div>]
THE - Theatre
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">TOY - Toyota</div>]
TOY - Toyota
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">TRS - Transitional Studies</div>]
TRS - Transitional Studies
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">TVL - Travel And Tourism</div>]
TVL - Travel And Tourism
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">XRT - Radiologic Technology</div>]
XRT - Radiologic Technology