WNC Academic Catalog: 2009–2010
Course Descriptions: G
Geographic Information Services (GIS)
Science, Mathematics & Engineering Division
GIS 109: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: None
Introduces GIS software and hardware systems, including operating systems, screens, functions, file types, file management, movement of data from databases and spreadsheets into GIS, and survey of security systems and issues. Mapping concepts and the use of GPS will also be discussed.
GIS 110: Principles of Cartography
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: None
Teaches the basics of analog and digital cartography (map-making). Students will be exposed to the different types of maps, scales, symbols and projections. They will learn how cartography and geographic information systems interact.
GIS 111: Introduction to Remote Sensing
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: None
Introduces basic remote sensing, aerial photograph interpretation, satellite image processing and cartographic concepts. Students will learn the basic techniques of remote sensing and integration of remote sensing into a GIS database.
GIS 112: Introduction to ArcInfo
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: None
Introduces automating, manipulating, analyzing and displaying spatial data in a digital form using the ArcInfo software program. Explores aspects of GIS, including geography, cartography, topology, database design, spatial analysis and report preparation. Students will become familiar with command language of the Arc, Arcedit, ArcPlot and INFO submodules of the ArcInfo software.
GIS 170B: GIS Applications on Conservation Issues
Credits: 1; Prerequisites: None
Introduces the use if GIS in analysis of spatial relationships between wildlife and land use issues. Topics will include mining activities over a region, watershed analysis, and timber harvesting strategies.
GIS 171B: GIS Applications in Urban & Regional Planning
Credits: 1; Prerequisites: None
Explores the application of GIS in urban and regional planning processes, spatial analysis techniques for site feasibility and evaluation of planning strategies in developing a final conceptual plan.
GIS 172B: Current Trends in GIS
Credits: 1; Prerequisites: None
Offers workshops with topics that continually change. Applications can vary from assessment with GIS to medical and emergency response. Topics may also include new technology in GIS.
GIS 205: GIS Applications
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: None
Provides an exposure to ArcView GIS software. Students will become familiar with all aspects of this software program and its use in GIS. Students will also create a database and complete a small GIS project.
GIS 212: Intermediate ArcInfo
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: None
Offers students exposure to and experience with macro designs, the Arc Macro language, managing tabular data, relating tables together, use of cursors, and knowledge of various ArcInfo modules. Students will complete a class project using ArcInfo.
GIS 235: Spatial Analysis in GIS
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: None
Explores use of Spatial Analysis in raster and vector type data sets. Also introduces how to functionally create, run, and edit spatial models. Emphasizes problems that are best solved in raster and vector environments such as surface analysis and distance measurements.
GIS 250: GIS Database
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: None
Learn how to create, use, edit, and manage spatial and attribute data stored in a geodatabase. Lectures and hands-on will emphasize loading data into the geodatabase, defining domains, subtypes, and relationship classes. Students will also become familiar with creating and working with networks.
GIS 270: GIS Extensions
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: None
Introduces students to the many possible applications of extensions in ArcView. Extensions are used to analyze specific types of data related to specific GIS issues. Students will learn how to manipulate databases and load coverages into ArcView files for spatial analysis of various geographic data.
GIS 280: Internship in GIS
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: completion of two semesters of GIS program course work
Offers the opportunity to explore the fast growing, specialty field of GIS while receiving academic credits and valuable work experience. Students work in actual offices: federal, state, local government, private firms, conservation groups and other organizations where GIS experience is valuable and opportunity is available. Students develop communication skills by interacting with a variety of professionals and learn cooperative problem solving.
GIS 290: GIS Careers / Portfolio
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: completion of the GIS program curriculum
Explores information on where to look for employment in GIS. Students will explore different types of GIS jobs available and how GIS is being used in applications ranging from transportation planning, utility planning, urban growth management, market analysis, retail site location, business logistics, health care planning, facilities management, landscape architecture, environmental analysis, natural resource management, hazards mitigation, hazards response, and software companies. Students will also create a series of GIS projects to demonstrate their command of GIS and its application.
Geography (GEOG)
Science, Mathematics & Engineering Division
GEOG 103: Physical Geography
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: MATH 120, MATH 126 or higher or consent of instructor
Teaches the physical elements of geography, nature and distribution of climate, land forms, natural vegetation, and soils. Includes at least four lab experiences.
GEOG 104: Physical Geography Laboratory
Credits: 1; Prerequisites or Corequisites: GEOG 103 & MATH 120, MATH 126 or higher or consent of instructor
Offers experimental and in-depth investigations designed to illustrate fundamental principles of geosciences.
GEOG 106: Introduction to Cultural Geography
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: None
Analyzes the culture regions of the world including physical settings, peoples, settlements, economic activities, historical and political factions with primary emphasis on the Old World.
GEOG 107B: Geography of Great Basin National Park
Credits: 1; Prerequisites: None
Brings students into the field to experience Great Basin National Park - a remote park that is graced with caverns, glaciers, and ancient bristlecone pines. Students will be introduced to the processes of landforms, vegetation survival, and glacial erosion. The political process of establishing a national park will also be covered. Tours of Lehman Caves, Wheeler Peak, and the Ancient Bristlecone trail will be included. Overnight camping and hiking is involved. Students will be responsible for their own transportation, entrance fees, food, camping gear, and safety.
GEOG 110B: Geography of San Francisco
Credits: 1; Prerequisites: None
Brings students into the field to experience the urban landscape of one of the most beloved cities in the world - San Francisco. Students will learn about the mosaic of the city through lectures and walks. Growth of the city, from its roots as a port town, to its ascendance to a modern day world city will be presented. Strategic stops will be made at, but not limited to, Golden Gate Park, Chinatown, and Haight-Ashbury. Students will be responsible for their own transportation, entrance fees, food, camping gear and safety.
GEOG 111B: Geography of Yosemite
Credits: 1; Prerequisites: None
Introduces student to the physical and cultural geography, along with the natural history, of Yosemite National Park. Students will explore the national park, learning about the physical processes that shape the landscape and the historical events that brought about national park status. Students will gain an appreciation for their surroundings and the fragility of these rugged ecosystems.
GEOG 112B: Geography of Death Valley National Park
Credits: 1; Prerequisites: None
Introduces students to the diverse geography and natural history of Death Valley National Park. Students spend a weekend hiking and exploring the canyons, craters, and dunes of the park while learning about its physical and human geography. Students also learn firsthand of its extremes in climate and flora and fauna.
GEOG 200: World Regional Geography
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: None
Introduction to the world's regions with concentration on parts of the world with which we may be less familiar - many of which are experiencing great changes and have a major impact on our lives in the United States. Specific areas that will be covered include Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Geology (GEOL)
Science, Mathematics & Engineering Division
GEOL 100: Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Natural Disasters
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: None
Investigates geology of the dynamic earth: natural hazards and catastrophes, and geology of natural resources. Includes four laboratory experiences.
GEOL 101: Physical Geology
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: MATH 120, MATH 126 or higher or consent of instructor
Covers fundamental principles of geology: tectonics; minerals; igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary processes; and geologic time.
GEOL 102: Earth and Life Through Time
Credits: 4; Prerequisites: GEOL 101 & GEOL 103
Studies the history of the earth and the origins of its landforms from the far past to the present time, age dating, evolution of organisms, times of extinction, mountain building episodes, and periods of glaciation.
GEOL 103: Physical Geology Laboratory
Credits: 1; Prerequisites: GEOL 101 & MATH 120, MATH 126 or higher, or consent of instructor (GEOL 101 may be taken concurrently)
Offers experimental and in-depth investigations designed to illustrate fundamental principles of geology.
GEOL 105: Introduction to Geology of National Parks
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: None
Study of geologic processes through the lens of the national park system. Concepts of geologic time, plate tectonics, and the rock cycle will be explored by studying selected national parks and monuments that highlight some of the best geologic examples of the material presented.
GEOL 111B: Geology of Death Valley National Park
Credits: 1–2; Prerequisites: None
Provides a general field experience in geology for students with little or no earth science background. Teaches the basics of rock identification, landform analysis and identification, and interpretation of modern and ancient geologic events through field study of Death Valley National Park.
GEOL 112B: Geology of Eastern Sierra
Credits: 1–2; Prerequisites: None
Provides a general field experience in geology for students with little or no earth science background. Teaches the basics of rock identification, landform analysis and identification, and interpretation of modern and ancient geologic events through field study of the Eastern Sierra Nevada. Field study will include Mono Lake, Long Valley caldera, White Mountains, faults, and past glaciation in the area.
GEOL 113B: Geology of Lassen Volcanic National Park
Credits: 1–2; Prerequisites: None
Provides a two-and-a-half day field experience in geology for students with little or no earth science background. Teaches the basics of volcanic rock identification, history of the Cascade Range, and interpretation of modern and ancient geologic events through field study of Lassen Volcanic National Park.
GEOL 114B: Geology of Lava Beds National Monument
Credits: 1; Prerequisites: None
Provides a general field experience in geology for students with little or no earth science background. Teaches the basics of rock identification, landform analysis and identification, and interpretation of modern and ancient geologic events through field study of Lava Beds National Monument.
GEOL 127: Prehistoric Life
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: None
Surveys the history and the classification of fossil plants and animals, methods of interpretation of the fossil records, evolution of form and structure and the sequence of fossils in rocks.
GEOL 132: Rocks & Minerals
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: None
Focuses on the identification of rocks and minerals. Includes an introduction to the crystallography and chemistry of minerals as well as the petrology of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks, Concludes with an overview of ore deposits.
GEOL 201: Geology of Nevada
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: GEOL 101 or consent of instructor
Covers important geological developments in Nevada that have occurred throughout geologic time. At least one field trip will be required.
GEOL 299B: Special Topics in Geology
Credits: 1–5; Prerequisites: None
Provides a study of selected topics in geology for students with little or no earth science background. Can include field experiences.
German (GER)
Communications and Fine Arts Division
GER 101B: Conversational German I
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: None
Emphasizes spoken communication. Listening, reading, and writing skills will be developed to suit student needs.
GER 102B: Conversational German II
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: GER 101B or consent of instructor
Offers a second semester of conversational German designed to continue and improve the skills learned in GER 101B.
GER 111: First Year German I
Credits: 4; Prerequisites: None
Develops language skills through practice in listening, speaking, reading, writing and structural analysis. Includes an introduction to German culture.
GER 112: First Year German II
Credits: 4; Prerequisites: GER 111 or equivalent or consent of instructor
Continues with the second semester of the course to build on speaking, writing and reading skills in the German language.
Graphic Communications (GRC)
Communications and Fine Arts Division
GRC 107: Design Fundamentals
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: None
Introduces the application and appreciation of the basic principles and elements of design, including form, shape, value, spatial relationships and color. Emphasis will be placed on developing creative skills and working with the design process. Taught concurrently with ART 107 when applicable.
GRC 109: Color and Design
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: GRC 107, ART 107 or consent of instructor
Teaches color theories, color technologies and the application of color in art and design. Intermediate two-dimensional design problems focusing on the compositional, optical and psychological aspects of visual communications.
GRC 118: Computer Graphics - Print Media
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: None
Introduces the processes involved in the creation and reproduction of graphic design for print media. Graphic communications history, design theory, software applications, production processes, printing processes and job opportunities are covered. This course will present a hands-on overview of a variety of graphic design software.
GRC 119: Computer Graphics - Digital Media
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: None
Foundation course that introduces computer systems and applications as they relate to graphic communications for digital media. Class will present a project-based overview of content creation, Web design and Web animation.
GRC 125B: Graphic Software
Credits: 0.5–1; Prerequisites: varies based on level of software offered
A variety of short courses in software packages specific to graphic communications applications. Classes will include current software packages and upgrade-specific training. Verify type of software and level of instruction in current schedule of classes. Course taught as pass/withdraw only. Repeatable up to six credits.
GRC 144B: Electronic Layout and Typography
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: None; Recommended: GRC 118 or consent of instructor
Introduces electronic page layout software with an emphasis on typographic layout and design.
GRC 156: Computer Illustration I
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: basic computer skills; Recommended: GRC 118
Introduces the use of vector graphics to create illustrations and designs on the computer.
GRC 175: Web Design and Publishing I
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: basic computer skills; Recommended: GRC 119
Introduction to authoring for the World Wide Web using industry standard software applications. Topics covered include planning, designing and building a Web site, aesthetics, creating and optimizing computer graphics for Web, information architecture, navigation and interactivity, Web publishing, Web hosting and site management.
GRC 179: Multimedia Design and Production I
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: GRC 118, GRC 119 and basic computer skills or consent of instructor
Introduces animation using the computer. Focuses on creating and combining multimedia, making movies that can be viewed either on the Internet or as a stand-alone projector saved on a disk using industry standard software.
GRC 181B: Digital Video I
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: GRC 119 or consent of instructor
Introduces the basic principles and practices of digital video production. Covers every phase of introductory digital video pre-production, production and post-production processes from idea to final output including: story and concept development, lighting, recording and capturing footage, importing and managing clips, editing methods and creating transitions, special effects, titles and credits, sound design and output to different formats.
GRC 183: Electronic Imaging
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: GRC 107, ART 107 & GRC 118 or consent of instructor
Teaches an intermediate class in the application of computer graphics software to create and edit digital images and designs with raster/paint software (Adobe Photoshop). Students entering this class should already have an understanding of graphic communications processes and have basic computer and graphics software skills.
GRC 185: Computer Animation I
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: basic computer skills; Recommended: GRC 118
Provides a practical understanding of the knowledge and skills required of fine and applied visual artists in today's 3-D digital design studio. Computer lab assignments and lectures will provide diversified experiences. Various interdisciplinary aspects will be considered.
GRC 188: Web Animation and Interactivity I
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: GRC 119 or approval of instructor; Recommended: GRC 118 & GRC 175
Introduction to animation and interactivity for use in CD-ROM, DVD or Web based interactive documents using industry standard software applications. Course content focuses on planning, design and building animated and interactive digital content. Topics include information architecture, interface design and navigation, introductory programming, drawing, audio, video, and publishing options.
GRC 244B: Electronic Layout and Typography II
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: GRC 144B
Continuation of GRC 144B with an emphasis on advanced electronic layout and typography procedures.
GRC 256: Computer Illustration II
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: GRC 156
Offers intermediate vector-based visual design using the computer. This course is the second in a sequential set of courses on visual design. Exercises and advanced design problems will challenge the student to create various design solutions on the computer.
GRC 275B: Web Design and Publishing II
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: GRC 175 & GRC 188 or consent of instructor
Offers advanced web page design using industry-standard applications. Topics include planning and design, programming, interactivity, behaviors, animation, page weighting, meta tags, databases, web hosting and site management.
GRC 281B: Digital Video II
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: GRC 181B or consent of instructor
Second course in the video series which builds upon skills learned in Digital Video I. Intermediate level techniques in non-linear editing, sound design and special effects, including an introduction to motion graphics production and video composting, including titles and credits.
GRC 283B: Electronic Imaging II
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: GRC 183
Teaches advanced techniques working with both photographic and illustrative images in black & white and color, using Photoshop and related third-party software.
GRC 294B: Professional Portfolio
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: minimum of 21 credits of GRC design/production classes or consent of instructor
Develop of a portfolio for employment in the graphics communications field. Professional and legal requirements will be explored.