Program Curriculum

Program Curriculum

Digital and Print Publishing is a hands-on program—a one-year, three-term Diploma designed to provide a broad base of experience in electronic and print publishing.

In the production courses, students work to create a diverse range of work for their portfolios—including Pacific Rim Magazine, a full-color magazine distributed in the Globe and Mail, and LangaraPRM.com, a professional dynamic website they code from the ground up.

First Semester: Design Foundations, Software & Writing

The first semester equips students with the foundational software and design skills needed for subsequent semesters. Here, a full twelve credits are devoted to Adobe Creative Cloud—six for Photoshop, and three each for Illustrator and InDesign. This allows for the development of professional-level skills with industry-standard tools.

Tightly coupled with these software classes is the six-credit Graphic Design course. This integration of the courses is a fundamental aspect of the program: to have software skills these days is of course important, but those skills are infinitely more valuable when combined with design knowledge and ability.

In the two other first term classes—Writing for Publication and Publishing Issues and Practices—students learn how to pitch, research, and write stories that engage readers and how to manage the technical, practical, and legal demands of work in the creative industries.

Second Semester: The Print Publishing Process

Second semester courses such as Advanced Typography build on the skills developed in the first term while courses like Magazine & Offset Print Production I & II support the production of Pacific Rim Magazine while teaching real-world processes.

In addition to honing their print production skills, students in second term work in collaborative groups with their classmates and with students in the Professional Photography and Business programs. This is an opportunity to produce a significant large project—from concept through to attending the press check.

Third Semester: The Web

The primary focus of the final semester is electronic publishing: 12 of the summer term's 17 credits are devoted to web design and production.

In Web Design Fundamentals, student learn how to code HTML & CSS. Responsive design—building websites that adapt to phone, tablet, and desktop—is stressed from day one.

In Advanced Web Design, students learn how to design and code for Content Management Systems like WordPress, acquiring the ability to produce and manage sophisticated database-driven websites.

Finally, students build their portfolios in the Self-Promotion in the Publishing Industry course and learn job search strategies to gain employment upon graduation.

Program content and the order of courses may be subject to modification without notice, prior to the commencement of the program, although the main scope of the curriculum will be unchanged.

Diploma in Digital and Print Publishing

CURRICULUM

TERM ONE

Courses Credits
All of
PUBL 1115 Writing for Publication
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

This course examines how to write for publication in popular media. Most lessons concentrate on magazine writing, but advertising copywriting and writing for the Internet are also explored. Students generate and summarize story topics, and learn interviewing and research techniques. The focus is on gathering compelling content and writing with a tone that engages the audience.

Prerequisite(s): One of the following: a minimum of 80% in BC English 12, BC English Literature 12, BC English 12 First Peoples, or equivalent; IB English A1 (Higher Level) with a score of 5 or higher; AP English Composition or Literature with a score of 4 or higher; LET level 3 or higher; LPI with a minimum of 26 on the essay plus one of: 5 in English usage, 5 in sentence structure, or 10 in reading comprehension; IELTS with a minimum level 6.5 and a minimum of 6.0 in Reading and Writing; TOEFL (internet-based) score of 80 with a minimum of 18 in Listening, 18 in Speaking, 20 in Reading, and 20 in Writing; TOEFL (paper-based) with a minimum of 550 with TWE (essay) score of 4.0; CAEL with a minimum of 70 overall with a minimum of 70 on essay; successful completion of a post-secondary English or Communications course with a minimum "C-" grade for which Langara offers university-transferable credit; ENGL 1120 at Langara College with a minimum "C" grade.

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PUBL 1120 Graphic Design
6

Lecture Hours: 6.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 2.0

Students are introduced to the visual communication and graphic design profession within the publishing industry through exploration of design principles and the creative process. This project-oriented course will focus on building strong visual communication skills with an emphasis on portfolio development.

College credit will be given for only one of the following courses: PUBL 1120, 1118, and 1159.

Prerequisite(s): One of the following: a minimum of 80% in BC English 12, BC English Literature 12, BC English 12 First Peoples, or equivalent; IB English A1 (Higher Level) with a score of 5 or higher; AP English Composition or Literature with a score of 4 or higher; LET level 3 or higher; LPI with a minimum of 26 on the essay plus one of: 5 in English usage, 5 in sentence structure, or 10 in reading comprehension; IELTS with a minimum level 6.5 and a minimum of 6.0 in Reading and Writing; TOEFL (internet-based) score of 80 with a minimum of 18 in Listening, 18 in Speaking, 20 in Reading, and 20 in Writing; TOEFL (paper-based) with a minimum of 550 and a TWE (essay) score of 4.0; CAEL with a minimum of 70 overall and a minimum of 70 on essay; successful completion of a post-secondary English or Communications course with a minimum "C-" grade for which Langara offers university-transferable credit; ENGL 1120 at Langara College with a minimum "C" grade.

Corequisite(s): PUBL 1129 or equivalent.

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PUBL 1124 Adobe Photoshop
6

Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 2.0 | Lab: 2.0

This assignment-intensive, hands-on course will provide a broad understanding of current imaging techniques. The interface and tools of Adobe Photoshop will be explored in-depth with topics including raw file optimization, colour correction, colour management, selections, masks, paths, retouching, compositing, sharpening and leveraging a variety of colour spaces. Preparing images for reproduction in print and electronic display will be explored thoroughly. Students will also create Actions to automate workflows.

Prerequisite(s): One of the following: a minimum of 80% in BC English 12, BC English Literature 12, BC English 12 First Peoples, or equivalent; IB English A1 (Higher Level) with a score of 5 or higher; AP English Composition or Literature with a score of 4 or higher; LET level 3 or higher; LPI with a minimum of 26 on the essay plus one of: 5 in English usage, 5 in sentence structure, or 10 in reading comprehension; IELTS with a minimum level 6.5 and a minimum of 6.0 in Reading and Writing; TOEFL (internet-based) score of 80 with a minimum of 18 in Listening, 18 in Speaking, 20 in Reading, and 20 in Writing; TOEFL (paper-based) with a minimum of 550 and a TWE (essay) score of 4.0; CAEL with a minimum of 70 overall and a minimum of 70 on essay; successful completion of a post-secondary English or Communications course with a minimum "C-" grade for which Langara offers university-transferable credit; ENGL 1120 at Langara College with a minimum "C" grade.


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PUBL 1129 Page Layout Software
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 1.0

This course serves as a foundation to magazine design and production courses. The page layout software application used in the industry is taught, including its uses and applications as tools for graphic design and production artists, including integration with other graphics-related applications. Instruction, exercises and projects are designed to develop proficiency in using the application through mini-lesson demonstrations, in-class exercises, projects, and lab time. In addition to using the software as a creative tool, students are also introduced to preparing press-ready files for commercial printing.

College credit will be given for only one of PUBL 1129 and 1126.

Prerequisite(s): One of the following: a minimum of 80% in BC English 12, BC English Literature 12, BC English 12 First Peoples, or equivalent; IB English A1 (Higher Level) with a score of 5 or higher; AP English Composition or Literature with a score of 4 or higher; LET level 3 or higher; LPI with a minimum of 26 on the essay plus one of: 5 in English usage, 5 in sentence structure, or 10 in reading comprehension; IELTS with a minimum level 6.5 and a minimum of 6.0 in Reading and Writing; TOEFL (internet-based) score of 80 with a minimum of 18 in Listening, 18 in Speaking, 20 in Reading, and 20 in Writing; TOEFL (paper-based) with a minimum of 550 and a TWE (essay) score of 4.0; CAEL with a minimum of 70 overall and a minimum of 70 on essay; successful completion of a post-secondary English or Communications course with a minimum "C-" grade for which Langara offers university-transferable credit; ENGL 1120 at Langara College with a minimum "C" grade.

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PUBL 1131 Digital Illustration Tools and Software
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 1.0

In this hands-on, project-based course, students will learn to use illustration software currently used in the publishing and graphic design industries. Software applications feature precise drawing and transformation tools, layering, compound paths, colour and typographic tools. Students will create vector-based illustrative materials, such as logos, graphics, drawings and illustrations, and icons, in black-and-white, spot and full colour. The ability to combine illustration and photo-manipulation software is explored, while gaining familiarity with industry terms and press-ready file preparation. Students will also have an opportunity to use graphics tablets.


Prerequisite(s): One of the following: a minimum of 80% in BC English 12, BC English Literature 12, BC English 12 First Peoples, or equivalent; IB English A1 (Higher Level) with a score of 5 or higher; AP English Composition or Literature with a score of 4 or higher; LET level 3 or higher; LPI with a minimum of 26 on the essay plus one of: 5 in English usage, 5 in sentence structure, or 10 in reading comprehension; IELTS with a minimum level 6.5 and a minimum of 6.0 in Reading and Writing; TOEFL (internet-based) score of 80 with a minimum of 18 in Listening, 18 in Speaking, 20 in Reading, and 20 in Writing; TOEFL (paper-based) with a minimum of 550 and a TWE (essay) score of 4.0; CAEL with a minimum of 70 overall and a minimum of 70 on essay; successful completion of a post-secondary English or Communications course with a minimum "C-" grade for which Langara offers university-transferable credit; ENGL 1120 at Langara College with a minimum "C" grade.

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PUBL 1240 Publishing Issues and Practices
2

Lecture Hours: 1.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

This course looks at publishing management practices and issues in magazine, book, corporate and Internet publishing. Topics will vary according to current publishing issues and may include circulation management, subscription fulfilment, book and magazine promotion, electronic rights, advertorials, e-books, print-on-demand, marketing to advertisers, the vanity press, split-run magazines, choice of publishing formats, stakeholder groups in corporate publishing, and government support for publications. A few classes will shift to a seminar format involving discussion of management practices pertinent to the publication of Pacific Rim Magazine.

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23 Credits

TERM TWO

Courses Credits
All of
PUBL 1155 Editing Theory and Techniques
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 3.0

Through work on Pacific Rim Magazine and other projects, students will engage in substantive editing, copy editing, and proofreading. Topics include content development, communication with authors, structure and organization of articles, fact checking, writing of titles and subtitles, copyright, libel, and tone and level of language. Students will create style guidelines for Pacific Rim Magazine and prepare copy with attention to matters of style, usage, grammar, and mechanics.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C" grade in PUBL 1115.

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PUBL 1157 Advanced Typography
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

Students learn about typography at an advanced level through a combination of hands-on projects, research, and the evaluation of typography as a core element of publication design: books, magazines, and electronic media. This course explores the subtleties of type in relation to audience, page structure, and personal style.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C" grade in PUBL 1120 and PUBL 1129.

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PUBL 1158 Magazine Design
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 3.0

Students will take a hands-on, project-based approach to magazine design with Pacific Rim Magazine as the main project. Topics include publication planning, developing appropriate magazine formats, design considerations, typography and page layout, photography and graphics considerations including stock photography and photo shoots, the make-up of a magazine, and designing advertising. The main software programs are those for print, taught in the previous semester.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum "C" grade in all previous term PUBL courses, or permission of the department.

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PUBL 1161 Magazine and Offset Print Production I
6

Lecture Hours: 5.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 3.0

Students build portfolio-driven colour publishing projects, with a focus on preparing materials for commercial printing. They continue to learn industry standards for providing print-ready digital files, including type, images, and illustrations to create a magazine. Magazine workflow, planning, and organization are explored, including prepress techniques and proofing methods required for high-quality printed publications, in preparation for producing Pacific Rim Magazine, the key project of the Digital and Print Publishing program. Digital printing and current trends in electronic publication production are also introduced. Industry tours to commercial printers, publishing houses, and other related businesses are typically scheduled in the early part of the semester.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum "C" grade in all previous term PUBL courses, or permission of the department.

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PUBL 1164 Magazine and Offset Print Production II
6

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 9.0

In this lab-intensive course, students use skills learned in previous courses to produce the printed issue of Pacific Rim Magazine, the key project of the Digital and Print Publishing program. Students learn how to create colour proofs and assess contract proofs supplied by the commercial printer. This full-colour prepress process, one of the most sophisticated and widely-used forms of publishing, is a major focus of the Digital and Print Publishing program. Once the newsstand quality magazine is printed, it is distributed throughout the Vancouver area. Other topics include preflighting publication files, working to a magazine schedule, and tracking time.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C" grade in PUBL 1161 (may be taken concurrently).

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21 Credits

TERM THREE

Courses Credits
All of
PUBL 1220 Web Design Fundamentals
6

Lecture Hours: 8.0 | Seminar: 4.0 | Lab: 4.0

Students will learn to write standards-compliant HTML and CSS and author websites that "respond" to modern devices or browsers and degrade gracefully in older ones. Modern approaches to web typography and graphics will figure prominently.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C" grade in PUBL 1120 and PUBL 1124, or a minimum "C" grade in DSGN 1250 and DSGN 1255.

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PUBL 1232 Advanced Web Design
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 2.0

Building upon PUBL 1220 - Web Design Fundamentals - this course will introduce students to a content management system (CMS) such as WordPress. In the production of their own portfolio sites, students will learn how to design, code, maintain, and secure CMS-driven websites.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C" grade in PUBL 1220 or permission of the department.

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PUBL 1235 Web Production I
3

Lecture Hours: 0.0 | Seminar: 2.0 | Lab: 8.0

In this lab-intensive course, students will form development and production teams to create the current year's online version of Pacific Rim Magazine. The skills learned in Web Design Fundamentals (PUBL 1220) and the concurrent Advanced Web Design (PUBL 1232) will serve as the foundation for the production of langaraprm.com. A core outcome of this course will be to design and implement this database-driven site.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum 'C' grade in PUBL 1220 or permission of the department.

Corequisite(s): PUBL 1232.

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PUBL 1241 Self-Promotion in the Publishing Industry
2

Lecture Hours: 1.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 2.0

Students learn self-promotion techniques to increase their employability and to market their work as freelancers. They develop a portfolio that highlights their specialty in design, production or editing. Other topics include business practices, market research, client negotiations, and presentation skills.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum 'C' grade in all previous term PUBL courses, or permission of the department.

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MARK 2400 Integrated Marketing Communications
3

Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

This course builds on the essential marketing concepts by focusing on the promotional elements in marketing strategy known as Integrated Marketing Communications.

Topics include effective integration of advertising, social media, direct/internet marketing, sales promotion, public relations, event marketing and personal selling. Students will be comfortable evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of each element of the promotion mix and be able to recommend the appropriate mix for a given situation. In addition we will cover; the role of IMC, the IMC strategic planning process, budgeting, creative development, media strategy, execution and evaluation. The material will be taught using lectures, case studies, guest speakers and assignments.

Students will receive credit for only one of MARK 2323 and 2400.

Prerequisite(s): MARK 1115; and one of the following: a minimum 67% in BC English 12 or equivalent; a minimum 67% in BC English Literature 12; a minimum 67% in BC English First Peoples 12; a university-level English or Communications course for which Langara awards transfer credit; a minimum "C" grade in ENGL 1120; a minimum "C-" grade in ENGL 1121; a "S" grade in one of ENGL 1107, 1108, or 1110; a minimum Level 3 on the LET; LEAP 8; LPI with a minimum 26 on the essay and one of 5 in English usage, 5 in sentence structure, or 10 in reading comprehension; or PUBL 1115 and 1155.

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17 Credits

Program Option Notes:

In order to graduate, students need a minimum "C" grade in all courses used towards the Digital and Print Publishing credential.