College Catalog

This introduction to the basic techniques and concepts of analog black-and-white photography covers the mechanics of light and exposure, film development, silver printing, and critique.

Credits: 3

A continuation of PHO 1010, with a continued emphasis on the basic concepts of photography, the mechanics of light, silver darkroom printing, black-and-white scanning and printing, basic theory, practice, and critique. Assignments alternate between technical and creative concerns.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: PHO1010

An introduction to the creative use of color in digital photography, beginning with image capture using a digital camera and ending with the production of inkjet prints using Adobe Photoshop. Students create original work with a digital camera in response to a series of lectures and assignments. Includes hands-on work and an introduction to the history of color photography. Students must own a digital camera.

Credits: 3

Explores the nature of photography’s capacity to look so precisely and to view not just the object but also the act of looking itself. Students examine how belief systems inform what is seen. This course uses photography and the practice of meditation to understand how and why the world is seen through the lens of one’s own narrative.

Credits: 3

Examine the multiple uses and histories of the photographic image across various geographies, focusing on its links to cultural life in the broad sense. Locate elements of photography’s art history within the socio-political context of its various uses. Consists of lectures, screenings and field trips. Students will be evaluated in discussion, as well as via essays and in an exam.

Credits: 2

PREREQ: PHO1010

Continuing from Social History of Photography I, examine the multiple uses and histories of the photographic image across various geographies, focusing on its links to cultural life in the broad sense. Locate elements of photography’s art history within the socio-political context of its various uses. Consists of lectures, screenings and field trips. Students will be evaluated in discussion, as well as via essays and in an exam.

Credits: 2

PREREQ: PHO2511

An exploration of color and the digital photographic image. Students are introduced to digital RAW capture, color film scanning, and inkjet printing. Adobe software is used for image editing. Includes hands-on work, theory, and the history of both color photography and photo-image manipulation. Students must own a digital SLR camera; please contact the School of Art+Design for specifications.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: PHO1010

A survey of contemporary artists, ideas, and texts in which basic research skills are taught. A combination of slide lectures, discussions of readings, and museum/gallery visits familiarize students with contemporary art discourse and many of its important figures.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: PHO2660

Nonsilver photo processes involve the use of alternatives to traditional photographic paper. Students work with collotype, a continuous-tone printing process that is one of the earliest photographic processes. Other nonsilver photographic processes (e.g., cyanotype, platinum/palladium printing, photogravure, Iris prints, Polaroid transfer) are also studied.

Credits: 3

A seminar and critique in which visual and conceptual notions of photographic imagery are filtered through philosophical, psychological, and cultural interpretations of dream and reality. The seminar includes readings, discussion, visual exercises, and group critique.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: PHO2880

A seminar and critique in which visual and conceptual notions of photographic imagery are filtered through philosophical, psychological, and cultural interpretations of dream and reality. The seminar includes readings, discussion, visual exercises, and group critique.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: PHO2880

The basic concepts and techniques concerning field and view cameras, including the use of swings, tilts, shifts, and rises, are covered. Assignments deal with portraits, still life, architecture, and landscapes and the particular problems and opportunities each presents.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: PHO1010

Technical and creative photographic experiences are put to practical use. Assignments explore artificial and natural lighting, their diverse properties, and uses of tungsten and electronic flash lamps.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: PHO2660

Photographs and the moving image have been deeply intertwined since the advent of the photography. In order to understand what photographs really are we must look at what they are not. With an emphasis on contemporary art practices students explore the space between the photograph and the moving image. Class will be a combination screenings, lectures and critiques looking at how the moving image changes our understanding of photography.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: PHO2660

Students explore the effect of landscapes and surroundings in Pisciotta, Italy, and develop their personal vision by observing and leveraging those landscapes and translating their experiences into powerful images. Working with digital cameras (a simple one is fine), students create a personal photographic essay, depicting what they see through the lens of their surroundings.

Credits: 4

A practical investigation of narrative strategies as a predominant aspect of still photography and photo-related imagery. Sequence, series, the grid, linear and nonlinear approaches, and literary models are explored as the deep structure of subject. In addition to assigned readings and visual exercises, students complete a self-directed project in consultation with the instructor, resulting in a portfolio of images, a book, and/or a photographic installation.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: PHO2880 Or PHO2880

Students learn to embrace the potential of the black-and-white silver print as a unique and richly expressive vehicle for their visual ideas. Advanced exposure and development controls for a variety of film types and papers are explored, including push and pull processing, the Zone System, bleaching and toning, and mural printing.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: PHO2660

In this continuation of PHO 2660, larger work as well as more complex editing and printing methods are explored. Techniques covered include advanced film scanning and sharpening, noise reduction, compositing, and masks. Students are challenged to find ways in which their technical decisions can clarify their artistic intentions. Includes hands-on work, theory, and the history of conceptual photography. Students must own a digital SLR camera; contact the School of Art+Design for specifications.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: PHO2660

A special preparatory course required for juniors who intend to complete a senior project in photography. Coursework includes intensive critiques, weekly written exercises, and both assigned and self-directed projects—all directed toward making, knowing, and judging each individual’s work.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: PHO2880

Technical and professional information is provided to help students in their transition to the world of professional photography and related fields. Students concentrate on developing a portfolio, artist statement, résumé, and publicity materials, and on learning how to present and exhibit their work.

Credits: 3

Students gain technical professional experience by helping provide a safe and well-functioning studio environment for their fellow students. Studio assistants are expected to have advanced standing in their media area and a thorough understanding of current professional practices. Duties include basic maintenance and demonstrations of equipment, independent or group tutorials and workshops, weekly meetings, and other responsibilities assigned by the sponsoring instructional technician. A maximum of 4 credits in PAD 3950 (or a combined maximum of 6 credits in VIS 3998 and PAD 3950) may be applied toward the BFA.

Credits: 2

PREREQ: PHO1010

Students investigate the history and practical construction of the photo book. Numerous narrative strategies are explored as predominant vehicles for still photography and photo-related imagery. Students work toward self-publishing their own book over the semester. This course is best suited for students who have a body of images that they would like to explore in book form.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: PHO2660

Examines representations of violence, as well as the inherent violence(s) of representation. Consists of close readings and discussions of photographs, photobooks, moving image media, and key texts from a variety of fields including theory, criticism and poetry. Involves regular viewing of controversial and emotive imagery, and is thus well suited to students willing to engage in frank and principled debate.

Credits: 3

An intensive seminar and critique required for students during their senior year. Students work on self-directed projects and make an oral presentation on their work, attempting to place it within a context of cultural factors.

Credits: 2

PREREQ: PHO3690

A practical course for working photographers that meets regularly in New York City and beyond to view photographic exhibitions and collections. Emphasis is placed on the complex nature of influence, with special consideration given to translating viewing experiences into practice.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: PHO2880

Extensive study of a particular topic or technique in photography; topics vary each semester. May be taken a second time for credit.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: PHO2660 Or PHO1100 Or PHO2100