Course Descriptions
Photography Course Descriptions
(Prerequisites are listed in parentheses.)
PHO 101
Photography: A Cultural Lens
Lecture, 3 Credit Hours
This course is a survey of the important events, ideas, images, and photographers in photographic history. Course information will cover the invention of the camera and its impact on art and culture, major movements in photography, and significant artists from early development through contemporary works. (ART 101, 102)
PHO 102
A Critical Introduction to Photography
Lecture, 3 Credit Hours
Course lectures concentrate on artists, essays, and an introduction to critical analysis of photographic genres and contemporary works. Students explore all aspects of the medium through discussion and individual research. (PHO 101)
PHO 121
Photography I
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
This is an introduction to basic photography, providing a foundation in photographic techniques and artistic aesthetics. Emphasis is on developing strong technical skills with the digital camera as well as developing critical awareness of the photographic medium through assignments and critiques. A digital camera with manual exposure and RAW file capture is required.
PHO 231
Photography II
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
In this introduction to the materials and techniques of color photography, students use medium format film cameras for assignments. Lectures explore color theory, technical aspects of negative films, color correction, and software applications for digital printing. The study of color photography is examined through group critiques, lectures, and discussions of contemporary photography. Students learn essential information needed to work successfully in color photography while concentrating on creative development. A medium format camera with manual exposure is required. (PHO 121)
PHO 233
Photography III-A
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
This is an introduction to analog photography using medium and large format cameras.
Students will gain a foundation in darkroom photographic techniques, with an emphasis on developing strong technical skills in film processing, photographic printing techniques, and darkroom practices. Through assignments and critiques, students continue working on critical issues in photography as well as on composition and content. Photography III-A and Photography III-B must be taken in consecutive semesters. (PHO 121)
PHO 234
Photography III-B
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
This is a demanding, highly technical course where students learn advanced technical black and white photography. Students learn the zone system and processing formulas for paper and film in order to create the pre-visualized print. Using technical information, students create a body of work exercising individual expression, interpretation and technical skill. Photography III-A and Photography III-B must be taken in consecutive semesters. (PHO 233)
PHO 241
Introduction to Lighting
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
This is an intensive course in artificial lighting techniques. Lectures and demonstrations introduce students to tungsten and strobe lighting and its application to commercial and fine art photography. Students learn to control artificial light sources by applying learned skills to studio and location assignments. Emphasis is on technical control and creative applications for product, portrait, editorial, and fine art visual communication. (PHO 121, 231, ART 163; co-requisite PHO 251))
PHO 251
Digital Imaging
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
This is an introduction to creative uses of image-editing and web-based software. Students learn advanced image-making techniques using Macintosh computers, flatbed and film scanning equipment, and professional printers. Students investigate the growing use of digital imagery and the Internet, and their influence on photography and culture. Works by contemporary artists who use digital media are introduced. (ART 161, PHO 121)
PHO 300
Portfolio Review
Does not earn academic credit
Student work from PHO 121, 231, 232, 241, and 251 will be reviewed each year by Photography Faculty. Students will not be allowed to enroll in upper-division photography courses until they pass this review. (PHO 121, 233, 234, all foundation classes; co-requisite ART 164, PHO 241, 251)
PHO 341
Large Format
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
The focus of this class is to develop a proficiency with the large format camera that allows for the easy expression of one’s ideas and personal vision using the large format camera. The class will also study the work of artists who use large format photography and engage in critical discussions of the medium itself. Students may use black and white and/or color film and work may be output as silver gelatin or archival inkjet prints. The first half of the semester will concentrate on technical demonstrations and issues surrounding exposure and camera movements. The second half of the semester will be devoted to initiating and developing a personal project. (PHO 231)
PHO 342
Applied Lighting
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
Building on Introduction to Lighting, students develop a portfolio of advanced work using artificial lighting techniques. The portfolio consists of self-defined projects for commercial or fine art photography. Students participate in group critiques and discussions emphasizing technical skill, creativity, and presentation. (PHO 300 or permission of Chair)
PHO 352
Experimental Video
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
This course is designed to expand students’ understanding and skills in photography into a time based media. Class lectures discuss video artists and the impact of video art on photography and culture. Students learn to operate the video camera and edit audio and video using software for final presentation. (ART 164, PHO 251)
PHO 361
Alternative Processes
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
Students learn to make digital negatives and positives, and prepare chemicals and paper for Cyanotype, VanDyke, and Platinum-Palladium and other alternative processes. Lectures, demonstrations, and group critiques explore the visual possibilities of these processes. (PHO 251)
PHO 3XX
Advanced Special Topics
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
This course introduces students to a variety of photographic genres. The class will concentrate on one topic such as documentary, experimental camera, artist’s books, and printmaking for photography, or organized Study Abroad trips. Students explore personal image making through self-assigned projects and discussions on ideas, content, and critical theory as it applies to the class topic and their own work. This course may be repeated.
(Prerequisites will vary depending upon course topic)
Examples:
PHO 371 – Advanced Special Topics: Study Abroad/Scotland
PHO 371A – Advanced Special Topics: Study Abroad/Japan
PHO 373 – Advanced Special Topics: Book Arts
PHO 375 – Advanced Special Topics: Documentary
PHO 376 – Advanced Special Topics: Photography In A 3-D Space
PHO 379 – Advanced Special Topics: Experimental Photography
PHO 391
Internship
3 Credit Hours
This course provides pre-professional experience in photography. It places photography majors into a relationship with a sponsoring entity within the public, private, corporate, or government sector. It is expected that, under the guidance of a designated supervisor, the student will perform assignments typical of and contributing to the normal activities of the sponsor. (Junior standing; Advisor’s approval)
PHO 395
Junior Projects
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
Building on conceptual and technical practices, students explore more demanding and open-ended projects and writing assignments. Students have the option of curating a show of work to end the semester. (PHO 300 or permission from Chair)
PHO 453
Digital Imaging II
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
Topics and techniques from Digital Imaging (PHO 251) are expanded. The discussion of media artists who use the Internet, digital technology and digital imaging software will be crucial in exploring how these tools are being used in contemporary art. Lectures concerning new media theory and artists will be given to further this discussion. Other topics will include the advancement of technology in culture, theories in Web design and development, and art that exists only in cyberspace. Projects will include the creation of a website to display student work, a website that exists as art, and a digital collage. Other possibilities include the development an art project that exists through social networking. (PHO 251)
PHO 481
Seminar
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
Students explore new concepts and techniques and develop a body of work that carries over into their degree work. Professional practices are introduced. (PHO 395)
PHO 482
Critical Writing
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
Students research issues in contemporary photography. Discussions, lectures, and writing assignments will concentrate on theory and criticism and focus on contemporary ideas about photography, the questions that are raised, and the student’s considered response. The final project will integrate the students’ work into historical and contemporary art. (PHO 300)
PHO 491
Degree & Professional Practices
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
Building on Seminar and Critical Writing, this course provides practical experience in preparing and producing a body of artwork for exhibition. Students continue to explore professional practices and business applications in preparation for a career in the arts. Students write a thesis paper, produce a body of work for exhibition, and make a public presentation to fulfill graduation requirements. (All require PHO classes)
PHO 492
Senior Thesis & Professional Practices
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
Building on Seminar and Critical Writing, this course provides practical experience in preparing and producing a body of artwork for exhibition. Students continue to explore professional practices and business applications in preparation for a career in the arts. Students write a thesis paper, produce a body of work for exhibition, and make a public presentation to fulfill graduation requirements. (PHO 481, 482)