vcc.ca
VCDP 1120: Digital Image
Effective date
September 2027
Department
Visual Comm Design Diploma
School
Trades, Technology and Design
Description
Part of a graphic designer's toolbox must include the careful and competent use of images in designs. In this course, students learn how to source and select images with consideration for copyright laws, ethical standards, and inclusive representation. They will develop proficiency in essential Adobe Photoshop tools, and explore colour mixing, resolution settings, and cropping choices for different applications. Students will gain experience with colour space limitations, basic selections, retouching, and layer manipulation. Through hands-on projects, learners progress from guided experimentation to assembling multiple images in a single cohesive composition.
Credits
3.0
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Adhere to creative commons guidelines and copyright laws when selecting and creating material
- Describe the advantages and disadvantages of vector and raster images
- Identify colour space limitations on image output
- Demonstrate image production techniques for various media
- Effectively use appropriate software for a design-specific need
- Critically discuss ethical and cultural issues related to photographic representation and image manipulation, with attention to inclusive and respectful visual storytelling
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
1. Interview with department to discuss previous experience
2. A portfolio assessment of previously completed related work OR
3. The demonstration of skills via the successful completion of 1-4 related projects/assignments similar to those completed in the course, chosen at the discretion of the department
2. A portfolio assessment of previously completed related work OR
3. The demonstration of skills via the successful completion of 1-4 related projects/assignments similar to those completed in the course, chosen at the discretion of the department
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 42
Practicum, Self-Paced, Individual Learning: 12
Total Hours: 54
Practicum, Self-Paced, Individual Learning: 12
Total Hours: 54
Instructional Strategies
A combination of lecture, demonstration, production simulations, problem solving, practical labs and reflective discussion will be used throughout this course.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
C
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Project |
30 |
Final project |
|
Assignments |
30 |
Assignments |
|
Lab Work |
30 |
May include in-class exercises, assignments, quizzes/tests, and work-in-progress |
|
Participation |
10 |
Participation and professionalism |
Course topics
- Copyright laws and Creative Commons
- Vector and raster images
- Colour space and limitations
- Image production techniques and resolution
- Photoshop essential tools and introduction to selections and masks
- Ethical issues in image production and manipulation
- Ethical and creative uses of AI in image generation and editing
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.