Photography Courses

Experimental Film + Video Art

Course No. PHV 240-340-440  Credits: 3.0

This is an advanced video course, investigating the scope of symbolic and improvisatory cinematic storytelling. Students will explore unconventional methods of video acquisition, manipulation, processing, editing and display. Students will be able to delve into media hybrids, and rather than established narrative forms, underscoring metaphorical poetic styles that inform the structure of the work. Emphasis is on the development of acute observational skills and innovative visualization techniques and encourages divergent thinking and cognitive flexibility. This course is for students who have a sustained interest in using video and digital cinema’s technologies as part of their art-making. Prerequisite: PHV 267 or signature of instructor. 3 credits.

Advanced Video & Digital Cinema Projects (EP)

Course No. PHV 242-342-442  Credits: 3.0

In this advanced video/digital cinema course, students will conduct individual research and investigation under the guidance of faculty. Students focus on strategic conceptualization and production in completion of a professional, self-directed video/digital cinema project. An additional aspect of this course examines closely the function of the individualized work within a broader community context and requires students to complete and implement a community-based component as part of their finished project. This course encourages students to consider their work in relation to exhibition, audience, and community. Prerequisite: PHV 240. Fulfills Engaged Practice requirement. 3 credits.

Photo Major 2.1: Narrative Structures

Course No. PHV 267  Credits: 3.0

Narrative Structures is an intensive study in visual thinking for the photography major designed to utilize the creative potentials for both single and multiple image narrative. In this course, students investigate visual narrative constructs for linear and nonlinear storytelling with both digital and film-based media. The course encourages interdisciplinary experimentation to examine methods of production for traditional, digital and diverse media to communicate both idea and process. Required for sophomore Photography majors. 3 credits.

Photo Major 2.2: Sophomore Seminar

Course No. PHV 268  Credits: 3.0

This course serves as an introduction to the rigors of studio practice, fundamentals of critical theory and development of an individualized and cohesive portfolio. This course engages the student in research, writing, creative content, and project development. Students gain an ability to visualize and verbally articulate their ideas, understanding the semantics of visual communication, augmented through a schedule of directed readings and range of critique strategies. This active and immersed practice positions the student’s work in relation to the larger arena of historical and contemporary art in a social context. Required of sophomore Photo majors. 3 credits.

The Fine Art of Silver Print

Course No. PHV 270-370-470  Credits: 3.0

This is an advanced level black and white silver printing class. We will investigate advanced film exposure and archival printing techniques, fine art printing papers, developer combinations and toning procedures to produce full tonal range darkroom prints. Medium and large format cameras will be demonstrated and utilized. Projects for this class include an in-depth self-assignment finalized in a portfolio of archival silver prints. We will also view master fine art prints at local galleries, museums and collections. Required for sophomore Photography majors. Prerequisites: PHV 295 or instructor's signature. 3 credits.

Fundamentals of Studio Lighting

Course No. PHV 292-392-492  Credits: 3.0

This course is designed to cover fundamentals of Studio Lighting, equipment and techniques for Fine Art and Commercial Photography and Video. Faculty provides a balance of assignments, demonstrations lectures, critiques, visiting artist lectures and workshops. Students are provided access to the Photography + Video Department’s Lighting Studio and Digital Print Lab. Materials required are based on processes pertaining to projects. Projects include: Technical and conceptual skills, and problem solving for tabletop, product, location, and large-scale studio photography. Required for sophomore photography majors. Prerequisites: PHV 295 or instructor signature. 3 credits.

Advanced Studio Lighting

Course No. PHV 293X-393X-493X  Credits: 3.0

This is an advanced-level course that facilitates discussion of the visual language of lighting for photographic processes in the larger context of contemporary art, photography, cinema, and digital media. Building on skills learned in Fundamentals of Studio Lighting, Advanced Studio Lighting expands the student’s knowledge of controlled artificial light. This course emphasizes the process involved to produce a portfolio of both portrait and product images, in a coherent body of work based on a theme, concept, or selected subject matter. The course focuses on how photographers and filmmakers use lighting as an element of storytelling. Students investigate the theory and practice of lighting within the history of photography and cinema lighting design. A component of the course engages students collaboratively to develop and execute lighting for a variety of scenes, presented for peer critique. Coursework also includes regular screenings and discussions of films, written papers and lab exercises. Prerequisite: PHV 292. 3 credits.

Photo 1: Introduction to Photography

Course No. PHV 295  Credits: 3.0

This course covers the fundamentals of digital and film SLR cameras, optics, exposure ratio, digital and B&W printing techniques. Lectures and demonstrations address digital workflow, file archiving, output for various applications and digital image development and film processing. Introductory lighting tools and documentation of artwork for professional applications is covered. Required for sophomore Photography majors. 3 credits.