Desktop Publishing
Desktop publishing is a term coined after the development of a specific type of software. Before the invention of desktop publishing software the tasks involved in desktop publishing were done manually, by a variety of people and involved both graphic design and prepress tasks which sometimes leads to confusion about what desktop publishing is and how it is done.
 
Desktop publishing is the use of the computer and specialized software to create documents for desktop or commercial printing. Desktop publishing refers to the process of using the computer to produce documents such as newsletters, brochures, books, and other publications that were once created manually using a variety of non-computer techniques along with large complex phototypesetting machines. Today desktop publishing software does it all - almost. But before PageMaker and other desktop publishing software there were e-scales, paste-up, and other non-desktop computer ways of putting together a design for printing.
Properly speaking, desktop publishing is the technical assembly of digital files in the proper format for printing. In practical use, much of the "graphic design" process is also accomplished using desktop publishing and graphics software and is sometimes included in the definition of desktop publishing.
Comparison between desktop publishing and graphic design:
What is Desktop publishing - It is the process of using the computer and specific types of software to combine text and graphics to produce documents such as newsletters, brochures, books, etc.
What is Graphic design - It is the process and art of combining text and graphics and communicating an effective message in the design of logos, graphics, brochures, newsletters, posters, signs, and any other type of visual communication.
Desktop publishing software is a tool for graphic designers and non-designers to create visual communications for professional or desktop printing.
Who does desktop publishing?
 
Just about anyone can do desktop publishing with the right software. However, there are specific groups who tend to make the most use of the techniques of desktop publishing.
 
Freelance and in-house graphic designers, small business owners, secretaries, teachers, students, and individual consumers do desktop publishing. When desktop publishing software first debuted, desktop publishing was almost the exclusive realm of graphic designers. However, with the advent of more desktop publishing software and easier-to-use, consumer-oriented software desktop publishing became accessible to a wider range of people, including non-designers and others without graphic design experience.
Here are more detailed explanations of who does desktop publishing for profit (business people):
A graphic designer or other professional (often with some formal training or background) who uses desktop publishing software (most often the high-end programs such as Adobe PageMaker or Quark XPress) to design documents for clients.
A (often) small or home-based business person (often self-trained or with a background other than design or printing) who uses their computer and desktop publishing software to design documents for clients.
A (often) small or home-based business person with a word processing, resume, or office support business that uses their word processing software (usually) to design documents for their word processing clients.
A person who uses their computer and desktop publishing software to design documents for their own business (not for clients). Will usually use low-end to midrange desktop publishing software and print documents directly to their desktop printers.
A secretary, administrative assistant, or other office support person who uses word processing or desktop publishing software to design documents for an employer — in addition to their normal, non-design duties.
Additionally, desktop publishing software is frequently used by consumers for personal use for various desktop printed projects such as greeting cards, family newsletters, and other creative printing projects.
Why is Desktop Publishing Important?
 
Desktop publishing and graphic design can make documents look better, prettier. But it's about more than just appearance. Desktop publishing, used properly, enhances visual communication and streamlines the process of disseminating information of all kinds.
 
Desktop publishing is important as a tool that can enhance communication by making it possible to quickly and efficiently produce printed and electronic documents. Desktop publishing software allows the user to rearrange text and graphics on screen, change typefaces as easily as changing shoes, and resize graphics on the fly, before finally committing a design to paper.
There are drawbacks to desktop publishing in that it also makes it easier and less expensive to produce really bad designs. So, while desktop publishing is important, education in basic principles of graphic design and desktop publishing techniques is equally important.
 
Curriculum
 

 Course Number
 Course Title
Credits
 
 103-170
2
 103-174
2
  111-101
3
 204-111
3
 204-131
3
 204-141
2
 204-165
2
Total:
17

 
103-170 Beginning Photoshop
Introduces basic electronic pixel-based image manipulation. The course uses software tutorial exercises that require Adobe Photoshop CS2 software. The course builds on the student's required skills of using a computer and its operating system to manage files and search the Internet. (Internet access is required if working from home.)
103-174 InDesign
Introduces basic page layout document construction techniques. This course uses software tutorial exercises to focus on learning InDesign's user interface and document creation procedures. (Prerequisite: 103-159 Computer Literacy - Microsoft Office)
111-101 Introduction to Graphic Communication
Introduces the student to the electronic publishing process. Topics include hardware and software requirements, materials and workflow issues. Emphasizes the construction of computer-based mechanicals utilizing Quark XPress page layout software and paste-up techniques. Recommended: Keyboarding skills of 20 words a minute.
 
204-111 Typography
Covers basic principles of typography and designing with type. Students receive instruction and hands-on laboratory experience in the areas of typographic specifications, computerized copyfitting, creating comprehensive layouts, the application of grid systems, and the use of typographic letterforms in publication design. The primary software for this course is Adobe InDesign. A basic knowledge of computer operating system to be used - Windows or Macintosh and some familiarity with Adobe InDesign is recommended.
204-131 Electronic Photographics with Photoshop
Introduces electronic photographic image capture and reproduction via the halftone process. The course precedes from input/output calibration, grayscale and duotone images, through process color reproductions. It includes black and white and color desktop scanning, photo CD images, and an introduction to drum scanning. Students should be familiar with Photoshop software.
204-141 Electronic Illustration with Adobe Illustrator
Provides experience with vector graphic software and procedures for the creation and/or modification of vector-based artwork for electronic publication. The use of process color will be stressed, and output will be to color desktop proofing devices. Student should be familiar with basic computer use.
204-165 Principles of Graphic Design
Introduces students to the basic formal elements and principles of two-dimensional graphic design. Uses visual exercises and practical projects to explore visual and creative thinking strategies to develop more effective visual communication. Basic computer skills are recommended.