COMM 0012. Visual Communication
Units: 3
Also known as AAD 12
Hours: 54 lecture
Study of visual communication including design principles, aesthetics, visual perception, non-verbal messages, relationship to verbal communication, audience analysis, mass media and persuasion. Historical overview of visual media as well as current trends and technology. (C-ID JOUR 170) (CSU, UC)
COMM 0012 - Visual Communication
https://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/comm-0012/
Catalog Description Also known as AAD 12 Hours: 54 lecture Description: Study of visual communication including design principles, aesthetics, visual perception, non-verbal messages, relationship to verbal communication, audience analysis, mass media and persuasion. Historical overview of visual media as well as current trends and technology. (C-ID JOUR 170) (CSU, UC) Course Student Learning Outcomes Effective Term Course Type Contact Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours Course Objectives General Education Information Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval) Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval) IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval) Articulation Information Methods of Evaluation Repeatable Methods of Instruction Typical Out of Class Assignments Reading Assignments Writing, Problem Solving or Performance Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) Required Materials Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.
AAD 0012 - Visual Communication
https://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/aad-0012/
Catalog Description Also known as COMM 12 Hours: 54 lecture Description: Study of visual communication including design principles, aesthetics, visual perception, non-verbal messages, relationship to verbal communication, audience analysis, mass media and persuasion. Historical overview of visual media as well as current trends and technology. (C-ID JOUR 170) (CSU, UC) Course Student Learning Outcomes CSLO #1: Distinguish the influence of physical, biological, psychological, and cultural factors upon visual communication. CSLO #2: Critique visual messages from various theoretical perspectives including design principles. CSLO #3: Create and evaluate persuasive messages directed toward specific audiences. CSLO #4: Identify emerging technology as it relates to visual communication, including Artificial Intelligence. Examine the ethical concerns of emerging technology, including Copyright Law. Effective Term Fall 2025 Course Type Credit - Degree-applicable Contact Hours 54 Outside of Class Hours 108 Total Student Learning Hours 162 Course Objectives Through written assignments, exams, student projects and class discussions students will: describe the unique characteristics of visual communication; survey non-verbal communication with particular emphasis on visual influences; analyze visual content from personal, cultural, technical, historical, ethical, design and critical perspectives; distinguish the aesthetic principles of design communication; identify the symbolic, expressive, and biologic influence of light; describe storytelling and implied narrative as communication tools in various media; explain the relationship between the eye and the brain and their perception of communication; analyze the influence of biological, psychological, and cultural factors upon visual perception; analyze visual content in terms of gestalt theory and semiotic codes; identify propaganda techniques in visual communication examples; compare and contrast the use of visual content in various mass media; explain the relationship between available technology and content in visual communication; define mass media and media convergence and other media relevant terms; compare the defining characteristics, historical development and cultural impact of various media; analyze a persuasive design directed toward a specific target audience; and respond to class projects and assignments through self-reflection and critical analysis. General Education Information Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability AA/AS - Literature & Language CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval) CSUGE - C2 Humanities Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval) IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval) IGETC - 3B Humanities Articulation Information CSU Transferable UC Transferable Methods of Evaluation Classroom Discussions Example: Students will be asked to read a chapter from their textbook on inattentional blindness. After reading the chapter students will share personal experiences with inattentional blindness. Students will be asked to participate in the class discussion. The instructor will contribute to and facilitate the conversation with students. Students will be assessed based on their participation. (Objectives 1, 2, and 7) Projects Example: To test course objectives 4, 6, 10, 12, 13, 15, and 16 students will create an Ad Campaign which will analyze, define, and identify specific topics from the course. Each student must include a written analysis of the ad campaign they create. Additionally, students will be asked to create either a still image ad or a video commercial ad to support their written analysis of an ad campaign. Students will be graded using a rubric and provided feedback through instructor comments. Repeatable No Methods of Instruction Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Lecture: Instructor will lecture on ethical issues surrounding persuasion with historical examples and conduct in-class discussion on the ethical issues surrounding other current examples of persuasion and propaganda in visual communication. Students are expected to actively participate in the lecture. (Objectives 10 and 11) Distance Learning Through Distance Learning, the instructor will present a video lecture on Visual Persuasion. After the student views the lecture, they will then be asked to participate in a Discussion Forum on the same subject. In the Discussion Forum, students will be asked to provide an example of of Visual Persuasion in image form and discuss the impact on the viewer and analyze the elements related to Visual Persuasion. (Objectives 10 and 11) Typical Out of Class Assignments Reading Assignments 1. Read chapter one from text book on observation. Note the exercise in chapter one on observing a public place in detail. 2. Go to a public place of your choosing. Stay at the location for at least one hour. Put away all sensory distractions. Take a full page of notes and try to document as much visual information as you can. Describe the location and be as detailed as possible. What furniture, colors, textures, visuals, advertisements, logos, and brands do you see? What are people doing, and describe their nonverbal communication. (Objectives 1, 2, 3, and 4) Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Students are asked to examine a mural located in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, called, Resiste! by Nani Chacon, a Latinx artist. Students are asked to examine the mural using the PCTHEDC method which requires the to consider the following perspectives: Personal, Cultural, Technical, Historical, Ethical, Design, and Critical. 2. Students are asked to write a minimum of 500 words and consider each perspective in their write up. Students are also provided a video about Nani Chacon and her work. (Objectives 3) Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) 1. Students are asked to watch a documentary called, Super Size Me 2 - Holy Chicken. This documentary discusses the process of building a fast food restaurant and the various visual communication strategies used to advertise the restaurant to the public. 2. After watching the documentary students are asked to respond through a written analysis with a minimum word count of 750. Students are asked to respond specifically on Typography, Color and Persuasive Advertising techniques used in the fast food industry as demonstrated by the documentary. (Objectives 4, 6, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, and 16) Required Materials Visual Intelligence Author: Herman, Amy Publisher: Eamon Dolan/Mariner Books Publication Date: 2017 Text Edition: Classic Textbook?: No OER Link: OER: Visual Communication: Images with Messages Author: Paul Lester Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing Publication Date: 2013 Text Edition: 6th Classic Textbook?: No OER Link: OER: Practices of Looking: Introduction to Visual Culture Author: Arthur Berger Publisher: Oxford University Press Publication Date: 2012 Text Edition: 2nd Classic Textbook?: No OER Link: OER: Foundations of Visual Communication How Visuals Appear in Daily Life Author: Yvonne Eriksson, Anette Göthlund Publisher: Routledge Publication Date: 2023 Text Edition: First Classic Textbook?: OER Link: OER: Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.
MATH 0012 - College Algebra
https://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/math-0012/
Catalog Description Prerequisite: Completion of Intermediate Algebra or equivalent with grade of "C" or better, or appropriate placement Hours: 72 lecture (4 units); 108 lecture (6 units) Description: Study of algebra topics beyond Intermediate Algebra; including functions, graphs, logarithms, systems of equations, analytic geometry, and sequences and series. (CSU-with unit limitation, UC-with unit limitation) Course Student Learning Outcomes CSLO #1: Simplify expressions and solve equations of the following types: linear, quadratic (including some with complex solutions), rational, radical, absolute value, exponential, and logarithmic. CSLO #2: Interpret and construct graphs of quadratic, rational, exponential, logarithmic functions, and conic sections. CSLO #3: Translate, model, and solve applied problems utilizing polynomial, rational, radical, exponential, and logarithmic functions. CSLO #4: Logically present clear, complete, accurate, and sufficiently detailed solutions to communicate reasoning and demonstrate the method of solving problems. Effective Term Fall 2025 Course Type Credit - Degree-applicable Contact Hours 72,108 Outside of Class Hours 144, 216 Total Student Learning Hours 216, 324 Course Objectives Through homework assignments, quizzes, exams, projects and classroom discussions, the student will: 1. solve equations, including linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, logarithmic, exponential, absolute value and equations with radicals; 2. simplify algebraic expressions using the order of operations, properties of exponents/radicals, and mechanics of fractions; 3. solve word problems leading to equations from outcome Number 1; 4. graph the solution to a system of linear or non-linear inequalities; 5. graph functions and equations and have the ability to discuss and find intercepts, vertices, and asymptotes (examples of functions: linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, logarithmic, exponential, radical); 6. solve systems of equations using substitution, elimination, and graphing; 7. identify and graph conic sections, labeling the center, vertices, foci, directrices, and asymptotes when applicable; 8.identify terms and find finite or infinite sums of arithmetic and geometric sequences and series. 9. utilize the additional time in the 6-unit course to develop prerequisite skills necessary to be successful in the above objectives. General Education Information Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability AA/AS - Comm & Analyt Thinking AA/AS - Mathematical Skills CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval) CSUGE - B4 Math/Quantitative Reasoning Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval) Cal-GETC 2 - Mathematical Concepts IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval) IGETC - 2A Math/Quan Reasoning Articulation Information CSU Transferable UC Transferable Methods of Evaluation Objective Examinations Example: Find the real and complex roots of a given polynomial equation. This question is graded based on the clarity, appropriate mathematical vocabulary, the correctness of the method used and of the roots found. Problem Solving Examinations Example: Solve a system of equations by applying the substitution and/or elimination method. This question is graded based on the clarity, appropriate mathematical vocabulary, and the correctness of the solutions found. Projects Example: Given an arithmetic or geometric sequence, use Excel to estimate the nth partial sum of the sequence using a minimum of 100 terms. This project is graded based on the clarity, appropriate mathematical vocabulary, the use of the correct formula, and the correct sum of the sequence. Repeatable No Methods of Instruction Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Lecture: In class, small group collaborative learning activity - Students will compare how different types of functions can be used in modeling data sets from business, science, and nature. They will then choose the most appropriate model in each case, and make predictions based on the chosen models. (Objective 3) Interactive lecture format is used to develop the concept of sequences. To help students understand the commonalities and differences between arithmetic and geometric sequences, the instructor will illustrate the concepts both graphically and algebraically. Students will participate verbally and will work several examples. (Objective 8) Distance Learning Assign students to groups using the “People” feature of LMS labeling the “Group Set” name with the “group” feature allows students to have discussion with only members of their group. The assignment can be graded as a group. After reading about the orbits of planets, each group will select a planet and create an elliptical model of the equation of the path of that planet about the sun. (Objective 7) The instructor will do a conference with the students showing the collected responses. They will discuss the different paths, foci, vertices, and perihelion and aphelion for each planet. Students will submit a group summary prompted by questions given by the instructor. (Objective 7) Typical Out of Class Assignments Reading Assignments 1. In the text read about real world applications of parabolas. Note the significance of the placement of the focus and the importance of the length of the focal diameter. 2. Using mathematical journals found in the library, research the applications of and patterns found in arithmetic sequences and prepare a presentation about your findings to the class. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Find all zeros for a given 5th degree polynomial using the Rational Zeros Theorem, synthetic division, and other relevant theorems. Use your results to sketch a graph of the function. 2. After the release of radioactive material into the atmosphere from a nuclear power plant at Chernobyl (Ukraine) in 1986, the hay in Austria was contaminated by iodine 131 (half-life 8 days). If it is safe to feed the hay to cows when 10% of the iodine 131 remains, how long did the farmers need to wait to use the hay? Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) Required Materials College Algebra Author: Sullivan Publisher: Pearson/Prentice Hall Publication Date: 2016 Text Edition: 10th Classic Textbook?: No OER Link: OER: College Algebra Author: Stewart Publisher: Cengage Publication Date: 2016 Text Edition: 7th Classic Textbook?: No OER Link: OER: College Algebra Author: Jay Abramson Publisher: OpenStax Publication Date: 2021 Text Edition: 2nd Classic Textbook?: No OER Link: OER: Yes Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.
PHIL 0012 - Introduction to Symbolic Logic
https://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/phil-0012/
Catalog Description Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL C1000 Hours: 54 lecture Description: Introduction to the principles of deductive reasoning including formal techniques of sentential and predicate logic. (C-ID PHIL 210) (CSU, UC) Course Student Learning Outcomes CSLO #1: Use and apply terms: deductive, validity, soundness and consistency. CSLO #2: Utilize deductive methods to test arguments for validity. CSLO #3: Use the natural proof system to derive conclusions from premises. Effective Term Fall 2025 Course Type Credit - Degree-applicable Contact Hours 54 Outside of Class Hours 108 Total Student Learning Hours 162 Course Objectives 1. Define and demonstrate through truth tables, truth trees and deductive proofs the concept of and criteria for validity; 2. Define, explain and apply in written, oral and problem solving formats the concepts of a) truth preservation, b) truth-functionality, c) negation, d) material implication, e) strict implication, f) disjunction, g) conjunction, h) biconditionality, i) universal quantification, k) validity, l) theorem-hood, m) logical entailment, n) logical truth and o) logical derivation; 3. Translate, in English, sentences into symbolic sentence and predicate logic formats; 4. Translate, in written and oral activities, symbolic and predicate logic formatted arguments into ordinary English language; 5. Construct and chart truth trees or truth tables as a means of validity detection; 6. Describe, explain and apply in written, oral and problem solving activities rules of logical proof and derivation; 7. Evaluate ordinary English arguments utilizing deductive symbolic proof techniques and truth tables or truth trees; 8. Describe, explain and apply in problem solving activities rules of quantification in derivations; 9. Evaluate ordinary English arguments containing quantification; 10. Utilize the natural deduction method in sentential and predicate logic. General Education Information Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability AA/AS - Comm & Analyt Thinking CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval) CSUGE - A3 Critical Thinking Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval) IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval) Articulation Information Methods of Evaluation Classroom Discussions Example: Instructor will lead a discussion the concept of the material conditional in relation to the argument form of Modus Ponens and Modus Tollens. Student will demonstrate their understanding by completing the following two problems: #1 Deduce: t v w, and demonstrate validity using the truth-table method 1. (p v z) -> (t v w) Premise 2. p v z Premise 3. #2 Deduce ~(m V n), and demonstrate validity using the truth-table method 1. ~z Premise 2. (m V n) z Premise 3. Objective Examinations Example: Translate the following passage into an argument in sentential logic. Then, construct a deduction to prove the argument valid. Either the blood test and the EKG are not both accurate or else the patient has a heart disorder. Either the blood test was accurate or else neither the nurse nor the lab technician acted competently. The nurse acted competently. Therefore, either the EKG is not accurate or else the patient had a heart disorder. Let: B = Blood test E = EKG P = patient has a heart disorder N = nurse acted competently L = lab technician acted competently Problem Solving Examinations Example: Construct truth tables to test the validity of the following arguments. a) p -> (q * r), ~p -> ~ (q * r), q * ~ p// ~r b) (p * q) -> ~r, (q * r) -> ~p, ~ (p v q) -> ~ (q v r)// ~ (p * (~ q * r)) c) ~ (r v q) -> ~ ( p v r), ~ ( p v q) -> ~ (q * r), (p v ~ q) -> ~ ( r * p)// p -> (~r v ~q) d) ((p v q) -> r), (( r v s ) -> ~ t) // (p -> ~ t) Repeatable No Methods of Instruction Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Lecture: Instructor will demonstrate the use of the 15 rules of inference to derive logical proofs. Instructor will then assign individual students (in-person or online) a derivation problem. This assignment will be available for four consecutive days. Students will use the 15 rules of inference After the four days, students will be asked to post their resolution of their unique derivation to a discussion board and check the work of the posts from other students. After three more days, the instructor will post correct derivations and allow students to correct their own work on this low-stakes, learning exercise. Distance Learning Instructor will demonstrate methods of translating claims in ordinary language into predicate logic symbolic form. Students will then be placed into small in-person or online discussion groups working collaboratively to translate a series of claims from in ordinary language into predicate logic symbolic form. Instructor will then evaluate the translations and provide corrective and/or reinforcing feedback. Typical Out of Class Assignments Reading Assignments Read chapter on Sentential Logic: Semantics. Read the following philosophical argument, explicate the argument, symbolize the argument and construct a truth table to determine validity. 1. Computers can think if and only if they have emotions. If computers can have emotions, then they can have desires as well. But computers can't think if they have desires. Therefore computers can't think 2. If the butler murdered Devon, then the maid is lying, and if the gardener murdered Devon, then the weapon was a slingshot. The maid is lying if and only if the weapon wasn't a slingshot, and if the weapon wasn't a slingshot, then the butler murdered Devon. Therefore the butler murdered Devon. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Construct Truth Tables for the following three arguments to determine validity. ~P ~(Q <-> R) // ~[P * (Q -> R)] P->Q R->S PvR //QvS P -> Q ~P // ~Q 2. Directions: Symbolize and test the following argument for validity by using a truth table. If I'm going to do well on this daily quiz, then I will have a better test average. If I will have a better test average, then my grade in logic will be good. I'm not going to do well on this daily quiz. Therefore, my grade in logic will not be good. Let: W = I'm going to do well on this daily quiz B = I will have a better test average. G = My grade in logic will be good. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) Required Materials The Logic Book Author: Merrie Bergmann Publisher: McGraw-Hill Publication Date: 2013 Text Edition: 6th Classic Textbook?: OER Link: OER: A Concise Introduction to Logic Author: Patrick Hurley and Lori Watson Publisher: McGraw-Hill Publication Date: 2017 Text Edition: 13th Classic Textbook?: OER Link: OER: For All X: An Introduction to Formal Logic Author: P.D. Magnus Publisher: OER Publication Date: Text Edition: 2019 Classic Textbook?: OER Link: OER: Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.
Applied Art and Design
https://catalog.sierracollege.edu/departments/applied-art-design/
...from the following: 9 AAD 0012 Visual Communication (also COMM 0012 ) or AAD 0013 History...
Humanities
https://catalog.sierracollege.edu/departments/humanities/
...from the following: 12 AAD 0012 Visual Communication (also COMM 0012 ) ARHI 0101 Art Appreciation...


