GCM Course Fair 2025
The purpose of the GCM Course Fair is to provide further information about the elective course options you have at GCM. Course intentions for Fall 2025/Winter 2026 take place Thu, Mar 6 to Wed, Mar 12, 2025.
You can read more about required courses for GCM Concentrations at the bottom of this page (Graphic Output, Leadership, Packaging, Publishing).
Note: While some GCM core elective courses are cross-listed as applicable to multiple Concentrations, per the university's Concentration Policy, no individual course can be applied to satisfy the requirements of more than one Concentration. An optional Concentration may be selected from Core Elective Table I starting in 5th Semester. A concentration needs to be added before you apply to graduate.
Required Courses
Fall
- GCM 230 Typography
- GCM 240 Material Science for Print
- GCM 250 Binding and Finishing
- MKT 300 Marketing Metrics and Analysis
- Open Elective
Winter
- ACC 100 Introductory Financial Accounting
- GCM 210 Introduction to Packaging
- GCM 220 Graphic Communication Processes 3
- GCM 260 Digital Premedia Workflows
- Open Elective
- Table A – Lower Level Liberal
Fall
- GCM 350 Estimating for Graphic Communications
- GCM 360 Colour Management for Graphic Communications
- GCM 370 Management Studies
- GCM 375 Project Management for Graphic Communications
- Core Elective (options listed below)
- Table B – Upper Level Liberal
Winter
- GCM 320 Digital Printing Technologies
- GCM 362 Introduction to UX/UI Design
- GCM 372 Operations and Process Management
- Core Elective (options listed below)
- Open Elective or Core Elective (options listed below)
Fall
- GCM 420 Advanced Print Production Processes
- GCM 460 Asset Management for Graphic Communications
- WKT 608 GCM Internship (eligible to enrol in course once 300 paid internship hours are completed)
- Core Elective (options listed below)
- Open Elective or Core Elective (options listed below)
- Table B – Upper Level Liberal
Winter
- GCM 461 Workflow Automation
One of:
- Core Elective (options listed below)
- Open Elective or Core Elective (options listed below)
- Table B – Upper Level Liberal
- WKT 608 GCM Internship (if not taken in Fall 2025, must be completed in Winter 2026)
GCM Core Elective Courses
Click on the course name for more info. Accompanied is a short video from an instructor who has previously taught the course. Note: course instructors may change from year to year.
GCM 722 – Book Production and Publishing
• Prerequisites: None
• Concentration: Publishing
The book in all its forms remains relevant and permanent. This course covers the strategies, technologies and specifications for modern book design and production. Topics covered include page layout, design, typography and image requirements for books. Appropriate output technologies are explored for various forms of printed books and ebooks. Distribution practices are discussed.
GCM 738 – Photoshopped! The Art of Image Retouching
• Prerequisites: None
• Concentration: Publishing
Adobe Photoshop is very powerful image manipulation software. Colours can be corrected or modified completely and image elements can be added and removed. With proper technique, a retouched image will not only look good on screen, but will stand up to the requirements of the intended output process. Various image manipulation techniques are explored in this course with a strong emphasis on non-destructive editing. Technical requirements are a focus. Students will learn the importance of working with others in the production process to ensure consistent and predictable retouching.
GCM 740 – Accessibility for Graphic Communications
• Prerequisites: None
• Concentration: Packaging or Publishing
(can satisfy requirement of only one concentration)
• Instructor: Chris Kular
This course introduces students to issues of accessibility affecting graphic communication pieces. Accessibility is increasingly important in the design, production and distribution of print and non-printed graphic media. By improving accessibility, overall design and readability are often enhanced. Students will learn about legal and ethical responsibilities around legibility, and will analyze pieces of work for accessibility. Students will produce printed and non-printed pieces using current tools and guidelines for accessible documents.
GCM 750 – 3D Printing
• Prerequisites: None
• Concentration: Packaging
3D printing is a rapidly growing, highly versatile technique for rapid prototyping or responsive small-scale production. Based on ink jet printing technologies, 3D printing is being adopted by many printing and packaging companies. In this introduction to 3D printing, students will explore three dimensional scanning, software and files for 3D printer output. An introduction to materials and various 3D printing technologies from home to industrial applications will also be conducted.
GCM 765 – Digital Signage
• Prerequisites: None
• Concentration: Graphic Output
Digital signage is a powerful new medium that leverages graphics, video, data, and sophisticated technology to captivate and influence audiences. This course will introduce students to the technical components that make up a digital signage network and explore the unique mix of design, tech and storytelling that make up effective digital signage solutions. We will examine the ways advertisers, corporate communicators and event producers are creating targeted messaging that informs, persuades, and redefines experiential marketing.
GCM 800 – Tags, Labels and Bags: Flexo Processes
• Prerequisites: GCM 220
• Concentration: Packaging
• Instructor: Ian Baitz
Flexography is a highly versatile printing process widely used in packaging applications and ideally suited for printing on many different substrates. In this advanced course, process requirements for narrow web, wide web and corrugated applications are covered in detail. Flexographic specifications and tolerances such as FIRST are studied. Advanced flexographic applications, including in-line finishing and converting processes, are explored in prepress, press, and simulation environments. Quality measurement and production efficiency are themes throughout.
GCM 802 – Ebook Production and Publishing
• Prerequisites: GCM 130
• Concentration: Graphic Output or Publishing
(can satisfy requirement of only one concentration)
Ebook production and publishing poses unique challenges. Unlike printed books, ebooks must be designed to reflow on various platforms, in different sizes, and with different e-reader apps, including those that improve accessibility, while still maintaining legibility, readability and proximity of body text, graphics, and captions. In this course, students will study practices and tools for ebooks and will produce both simple and complex EPUBs.
GCM 808 – Outside the box: Package Prototyping
• Prerequisites: GCM 220
• Concentration: Packaging
• Instructor: Dr. Jay Park
Prototyping is an important part in the realization of any kind of package. Starting from the design concept to actual fabrication of the prototype all the necessary steps will be explored. The effect of the material on the actual package as well as the actual shape or form have an influence on the functionality of the package. Sustainability, accessibility and package economics are considered. Students will create prototype packages in the lab component of this course.
GCM 840 – Advanced Graphic Technologies
• Prerequisites: GCM 111
• Concentration: Graphic Output
• Instructor: Christopher Smyth
This advanced course delves into the latest techniques and tools used in creating, designing, and producing print and visual communication materials. Students will learn about a broad range of topics, including the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, printing and ink advancements, embellishments, and software tools. Students will explore how these technologies are revolutionizing graphic communications and transforming the way materials are created and distributed.
GCM 871 – Research Design and Methods
• Prerequisites: GCM 240
• Concentration: Graphic Output, Leadership, Packaging or Publishing
(can satisfy requirement of only one concentration)
This course introduces students to skills needed to complete thorough and ethically sound research. Students learn quantitative, qualitative and practice-based research methods like ethnography, survey design, content analysis, data analysis and others. Throughout the course, students complete a plan that prepares them for an evidence-based research project, such as a thesis.
GCM 720 – Magazine Production and Publishing
• Prerequisites: GCM 230
• Concentration: Publishing
• Instructor: Christopher Smyth
Print and digital technology are changing the nature of magazine publishing. This course explores magazine design as well as technical specifications for magazine production and distribution. Students will learn about the business, design and manufacturing of magazines. With an emphasis on experiential learning, this project-focused class will culminate in students producing a short-run magazine.
GCM 738 – Photoshopped! The Art of Image Retouching
• Prerequisites: None
• Concentration: Publishing
Adobe Photoshop is very powerful image manipulation software. Colours can be corrected or modified completely and image elements can be added and removed. With proper technique, a retouched image will not only look good on screen, but will stand up to the requirements of the intended output process. Various image manipulation techniques are explored in this course with a strong emphasis on non-destructive editing. Technical requirements are a focus. Students will learn the importance of working with others in the production process to ensure consistent and predictable retouching.
GCM 746 – Sustainability in Print and Packaging
• Prerequisities: None
• Concentration: Leadership, Packaging or Publishing
(can satisfy requirement of only one concentration)
• Instructor: Dr. Jay Park
Environmental sustainability is an essential consideration in today's graphic communications environment where business and technology decisions must take into account legal, ethical and technological issues influencing business strategies, materials and processes. Roles of government, manufacturers, clients and end users are examined with consideration of total product life cycle. Design and technologies to reduce environmental impact of graphic communications products, including packaging, are explored. An evidence-based approach is emphasized throughout, and students critically analyze claims for greenwashing.
GCM 754 – Sign and Display Graphics
• Prerequisites: None
• Concentration: Graphic Output
• Instructor: Chris Kular
Sign and display graphics can be printed in many different ways. Display graphics include also bus wraps and car wraps. Different print and ink technologies are used for sign and display graphics. Print technologies include, but are not limited to large format inkjet printing, screen printing and large format offset printing. Students will learn in this course not only about the printing of signs and displays but also about image requirements, image and print resolution, light fastness and other considerations for this interesting segment of the print industry.
GCM 806 – Advanced Typography
• Prerequisites: GCM 230
• Concentration: Graphic Output, Packaging
or Publishing
(can satisfy requirement of only one concentration)
Students in this advanced course pursue a deeper understanding of the history of typefaces and typeface design and application. From calligraphy to digital typeface design, students investigate the issues related to appropriate typeface design, and prepare their own typefaces.
GCM 812 – Advanced Binding and Book Arts
• Prerequisites: GCM 250
• Concentration: Publishing
• Instructor: Art Seto
This course explores advanced, unique and specialty binding and finishing techniques that add value, impact and function to printed products. Advanced folding, die cutting, embossing and debossing, foil stamping and related ancillary bindery products and techniques are also covered. Book arts, including hand sewing books, box making, and paper engineering (e.g., pop-up books), are carried out.
GCM 816 – Sales and Customer Relationship Mgmt GCM
• Prerequisites: GCM 110
• Concentration: Leadership
• Instructor: Chris Kular
This course expands upon the introduction of the sales process in GCM 350, with a detailed examination of the role of the sales representative in the graphic communications industry. Topics include customer relationships, formulating a selective selling strategy, the nature and sources of product, customer and competitive knowledge, using the consultative selling process, overcoming objections and closing the sale. The course discusses how to extend the focus of the sales practice into self-presentation and selling oneself to further skills in communication and presentation.
GCM 822 – Packaging and Distribution
• Prerequisities: GCM 210
• Concentration: Packaging
• Instructor: Dr. Jay Park
Almost all the products we use in our daily lives today have been manufactured across many geographic locations. Despite this complexity, the lead times for delivering goods to consumers continues to shorten. This course explores the fundamentals of package distribution. Topics such as package testing, design guidelines, shipping methods and their challenges are discussed. Students learn a balanced mix of distribution fundamentals and innovative industry trends.
GCM 824 – Digital Package Prototyping
• Prerequisites: GCM 130
• Concentration: Packaging
• Instructor: Dr. Jay Park
The pace of innovation in new consumer products means that packaging systems need to be nimbler than ever. In this course students will learn 2D and 3D package prototyping techniques which allow entrepreneurs to envision their product before it even exists! The course will focus on packaging design for start-ups in consumer goods such as food and wellness. Students will learn how to create a package design that responds to the unique needs of e-commerce and niche retail. Common package structures such as boxes, pouches, and labels will be explored. At the completion of the class students will have a technical understanding of how to provide clients with a digital rendition of their future product.
GCM 826 – Plastics and Packaging
• Prerequisites: GCM 240
• Concentration: Packaging
• Instructor: Dr. Ehsan Behzadfar
The low cost and versatility of plastics has made them popular in packaging applications. Nearly half of all packaging materials contain plastic. This course provides an overview of this important and sometimes controversial material. Students will learn about the science of plastics, review the common industrial processes used in the production of packaging products and explore the relationship between material properties and performance of packages and their processing. Lastly, the course will explore sustainability considerations and polymer innovations that improve environmental profiles for these important materials.
GCM 854 – Advanced Material Science
• Prerequisites: GCM 240
• Concentration: Graphic Output, Packaging
• Instructor: Dr. Ehsan Behzadfar
This course will take an advanced look into the materials used across the range of printing processes. The focus is on how the properties of materials directly affect the suitability of printed products for use by clients and end users. Students will conduct advanced material testing for printability, runability and end-use. Experiment design and the interpretation, organization and reporting of results is covered. At the end of this course, students will have an improved understanding of troubleshooting materials used in printing processes.
Note: Students can enroll directly into the GCM Summer Intensive courses in MyServiceHub starting in April 2025. There is no course intention process for these courses. The system (MyServiceHub) will reflect general dates/times for the Summer term. Please refer to the schedule below for accurate course dates/times. If you encounter enrolment issues, contact GCM Advising team: gcmadvising@torontomu.ca.
GCM 806 – Advanced Typography
• Prerequisites: GCM 230
• Concentration: Graphic Output, Packaging
or Publishing
(can satisfy requirement of only one concentration)
• Instructor: Diana Varma
• Summer Intensive Schedule: Wed, June 25–Fri, June 27 + Wed, July 2–Fri, July 4; 9 a.m.–12 p.m. + 1–4 p.m. every day
Students in this advanced course pursue a deeper understanding of the history of typefaces and typeface design and application. From calligraphy to digital typeface design, students investigate the issues related to appropriate typeface design, and prepare their own typefaces.
GCM 740 – Accessibility for Graphic Communications
• Prerequisites: None
• Concentration: Packaging or Publishing
(can satisfy requirement of only one concentration)
• Instructor: Chris Kular
• Summer Intensive Schedule: Mon, July 7– Fri, July 18; 9 a.m.–12 p.m. every day (plus 1–4 p.m. on July 8 & 15)
This course introduces students to issues of accessibility affecting graphic communication pieces. Accessibility is increasingly important in the design, production and distribution of print and non-printed graphic media. By improving accessibility, overall design and readability are often enhanced. Students will learn about legal and ethical responsibilities around legibility, and will analyze pieces of work for accessibility. Students will produce printed and non-printed pieces using current tools and guidelines for accessible documents.
GCM 470 – Business Plan (fourth years only)
• Prerequisites: GCM 370, GCM 420
• Antirequisites: GCM 490
In this capstone course, teams of students develop a three-year business plan for a start-up company in the graphic communications industry. Students develop the core business strategy, including a feasibility assessment, competition analysis, marketing approach, HR and leadership plan, operations management, and financial plans. This course builds skills in team leadership and entrepreneurship, and encompasses strategic milestones throughout, concluding with a formal presentation for industry partners and a comprehensive written business plan.
GCM 490 – Thesis (fourth years only)
• Prerequisites: GCM 420, GCM 460
• Antirequisites: FCD 580, GCM 470
• Instructor: Dr. Kris Krystosiak
In this capstone course students complete a thesis with the guidance of an academic supervisor. The technology-focused research thesis will investigate an approved topic of choice in the graphic communications field. Students learn how to structure and write an undergraduate-level thesis following a professional format. Primary and secondary research methods will be reinforced for a successful completion of this course. This course encompasses strategic milestones throughout, concluding with a formal presentation and a comprehensive written thesis.
