Academic Catalog

Photography (PHOT)

PHOT-150  
Introduction to Photography  3 UNITS  
2.0 hours lecture, 4.0 hours laboratory  
Introductory course that examines the nature of photography and visual literacy through the personal exploration and making of photographic images with various image-making devices, and various image-processing approaches, including the use of Adobe Photoshop and an analog (film) darkroom. The primary focus of the course will be to engage in photographic practice as a means to respond subjectively as well as objectively to the conceptual and aesthetic experiences of the photographic image as a visual document of creative expression and communication. Historical and contemporary photographic works from the contexts of the family album, art photography, commercial/advertising photography, photography and media, and cyberspace will be examined and critically discussed to further cultivate and refine each students' visual literacy of the photographic image in society and culture. Any type of lens-based, image-making device including smart phones, digital point-and-shoot cameras, and digital SLRs can be used. (CSU/UC) (AA/AS-C)
PHOT-151  
Personal Photographic Vision  3 UNITS  
2.0 hours lecture, 4.0 hours laboratory  
This course examines the foundations of photographic seeing, thought and analysis, and the use of analog (film) and digital photographic materials and processes, including black and white film, digital grayscale, and color (film and digital). Primary focus of the course is the development of a personal photographic vision through the use of photography's aesthetic attributes and a refined sense of technical execution and craft. Appropriate for students with prior exposure to photography and basic photographic experience. Discussion and practice with small and medium format (film) cameras, image exposure methods, basic artificial lighting techniques, image optimization and use of the dynamic tonal range with film processing and digital imaging techniques, and photographic printing practices in both darkroom and digital environments. The Photography Program provides a 35mm film camera for student use during the semester. (CSU/UC)
PHOT-152  
Contemporary Photographic Practice  3 UNITS  
Prerequisite: "C" grade or higher or "Pass" in PHOT 150 or PHOT 151 or equivalent.  
2.0 hours lecture, 4.0 hours laboratory  
This course explores various interventions with photography and photographic-based approaches, including the use and relationship of photography with historical and contemporary considerations such as the use of text; approaches with drawing, painting and collage; historical techniques; the use of photography with three-dimensional approaches and installation as well as the use of artificial lighting in the studio and/or on-location. Advanced analog (film) and digital photographic imaging systems, including medium- and large-format cameras, emerging technologies, and artificial lighting techniques in providing a foundation within the medium. Conceptual, aesthetic and technical principles, theories and strategies will be examined, including the application of one's photographic vision with medium- and large-format cameras, digital capture and/or emerging technology systems, appropriate image exposure, image-processing with Adobe Photoshop, and printing applications, as well as artificial lighting techniques on location and in the studio. (CSU)
PHOT-154  
History of Photography  3 UNITS  
3.0 hours lecture  
A survey that examines the role and function of photography and its cultural history, including its relationship to art, science, social sciences, travel, fashion, and mass media. Topics of discussion will focus on the important cultural, aesthetic and technical considerations in photography within the historical and contemporary contexts of works by photographers from the United States, Latin America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Such topics will include Looking At and Understanding Photographs, The Origins and Development of Photography, A New Aesthetic - 19th Century Photography, Photography and Modernity, Lens Culture and Mass Media as well as The Globalization of Photography in the Digital Age. (CSU/UC) (AA/AS-C, CSU-C1, IGETC-3A)
PHOT-252  
Photographer's Portfolio  3 UNITS  
Prerequisite: "C" grade or higher or "Pass" in PHOT 150 or PHOT 151 or equivalent.  
2.0 hours lecture, 4.0 hours laboratory  
This course provides for further conceptual development and refinement of the techniques necessary to support serious photographic communication. Skillful control of photography's materials and processes along with an understanding of historical and contemporary issues within the medium will be applied with a high degree of critical analysis in the production and interpretation of the student's photographs. Students will conceptualize and produce a finished portfolio, including a print, portfolio book and/or website, that reflects the depth and scope of the student's interest, vision and technical craft. (CSU)