Courses - Photography
(Prerequisites are shown in parentheses)

PHO 101
PHOTOGRAPHY: A CULTURAL LENS
A survey of the important events, ideas, images and photographers in photographic history. Course information will cover the invention of the camera, its impact on art and culture, major movements in photography, and significant artists from early development through contemporary works.

PHO 102
A CRITICAL INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOGRAPHY
Course lectures concentrate on artists, essays and critical analysis of photographic genres and contemporary works. Students explore all aspects of the medium through discussion and individual research.

PHO 121
PHOTOGRAPHY I.
An introduction to basic black & white photography, providing a foundation in photographic technique and artistic aesthetics. Emphasis is on developing strong technical skills with a 35mm camera and traditional darkroom practices as well as developing critical awareness of the medium through assignments and critiques.

PHO 231
PHOTOGRAPHY II.
An introduction to the materials and techniques of color photography. Lectures explore color theory, technical aspects of chrome and negative films, and color correcting. The study of color photography is examined through group critiques, lectures, and discussions on contemporary photography. Students learn essential information needed to work successfully in color photography while concentrating on creative development.
(PHO 121)

PHO 232
PHOTOGRAPHY III.
This advanced course introduces students to the 4X5 view camera and technical knowledge of black & white photography. Students learn the zone system, advanced processing formulas for paper and film, and toning techniques. Using advanced photography skills, students create a body of work demonstrating accomplished technical achievement and individual expression.
(PHO 121, 231; Photo Majors only or special permission from Dept. Chair)

PHO 241
INTRODUCTION TO LIGHTING.
This is an intensive course in artificial lighting techniques. Lectures and demonstration introduce students to tungsten and strobe lighting and its application to commercial and fine art image making. Emphasis is on technical control and creative applications for product, portrait, editorial and fine art visual communication.
(PHO 121, 231, 232; PHO 251 recommended)

PHO 251
DIGITAL IMAGING.
An introduction to creative uses of image-editing and web-base software. Students gain hands-on instruction with Macintosh computers, flatbed and film scanning, and output to printers. Students investigate the drawing use of digital imagery and the Internet and their effects on photography and culture.
(ART 130; PHO 121; PHO 231 recommended)

PHO 261
ALTERNATIVE PROCESSES.
An introduction to alternative processes in photography. Students learn how to process and prepare film, chemistry and paper for processes such as Cyanotypes, VanDyke, Gum Printing, Palladium, and Platinum (other process may be introduced). Lectures, demonstrations, and group critiques explore the visual possibilities of these processes.
(PHO 251)

PHO 342
APPLIED LIGHTING.
Building on Introduction to Lighting, students develop a portfolio of advanced work using artificial lighting techniques. Portfolio consists of self-defined projects incorporating commercial and fine art photography. Students participate in group critiques and discussions emphasizing technical skill, creativity, and presentation.
(PHO 241, 251)

PHO 352
EXPERIMENTAL VIDEO.
This course is designed to expand students’ understanding and skills in photography beyond the matted print. Class lectures cover video artists and the impact of video art on photography and culture. Students learn to use the video camera and audio and editing software for final video presentation. Emphasis is on creativity, personal vision, and technical skills.
(PHO 251)

PHO 371
ADVANCED SPECIAL TOPIC.
This course introduces students to a variety of photographic genres. Specific topics may include, but are not limited to, documentary, constructed realities, artist’s books, and printmaking for photography. Students explore personal image making through self-assigned projects and discussions on idea, content, and critical theory as it applies to the class topic and their own work. This course may be repeated.
(PHO 231; PHO 251 recommended)

PHO 381
SEMINAR AND CRITICAL WRITING.
Students investigate the relationship between ideas and content as they explore projects for the senior body of work. Group and individual critiques offer dialog for personal image making. Course discussions and lectures concentrate on theory and criticism in preparation for thesis paper with writings on assigned readings.
(PHO 232, 251, 342, 352, 371)

PHO 491
DEGREE & PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES
Building on Seminar, this course provides practical experience in preparing and producing a body of artwork for exhibition. Students are introduced to 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 an oral presentation to fulfill graduation requirements.
(All PHO classes)