Photography

The Photography program emphasizes the development of a personal photographic vision encompassing aesthetic standards as well as mastery of techniques, histories, and ethical issues surrounding both moving and still imagery. In courses covering both analog and digital processes, students gain experience in black and white darkroom photography, color photography and theory, lighting, video, documentary, storytelling, constructed imagery, photo installation, conceptual approaches, book projects, printing expertise, histories of photography, and surveys of contemporary practice. In addition, students become versed in professional practices including contracts, websites, resumés, and copyright issues. The photo program hosts visiting artists and travels off-campus to visit galleries, museums, and professional studios. Students can pursue internships and study abroad for course credit. The senior year culminates with a gallery exhibition open to the public and a professional portfolio. https://www.umassd.edu/programs/photography

Requirements

Foundations Program

Required of All Majors (except Art History and Music)

The Foundations Program is a rigorous program designed to promote creativity, to develop technical and conceptual skills, and to provide an essential awareness of our visual culture. Its drawing, two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and digital courses serves as prerequisites-requisites for all 200 or higher-level courses in Art + Design and Art Education programs. Its art history component, Introduction to the Study of Art, serves as a prerequisite for higher-level Art History Program study that is demanded by each of the studio art departments.

Except where transfer or advance placement examination credits are accepted in lieu of requirements, first-year students may expect to take five courses, totaling 15 credits, in each of their two first-year semesters. The exception being Art Education majors due to of licensure requirements and increased credit load.

The successful completion of the Foundations program is a required of all candidates for a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree from the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

ARH- Art History Elective (300/400 level) - Credits: 6

ARH 102 - Introduction to the History of Art Credits: 3
ARH 200 - Theory & Criticism of Art & Design Credits: 3
FOU 101 - Visual Arts Seminar Credits: 3
FOU 110 - Foundation Drawing Credits: 3
FOU 120 - 2D Form and Surface Credits: 3
FOU 130 - 3D Form and Space Credits: 3
FOU 140 - Digital Essentials Credits: 3

University Studies / Distribution

ENL 2XX Literature elective - Credits: 3
MTH Mathematics elective - Credits: 3
Science electives, 3 credits from each area (The Natural World and The Engaged Community) - Credits: 6
The Social World: 3 credits from three areas (Human Questions and Contexts, The Nature of US Society, The Nature of the Global Society) - Credits: 9

ENL 101 - Critical Writing and Reading I Credits: 3
ENL 102 - Critical Writing and Reading II Credits: 3

Electives

Five courses at any level, may include studios - Credits: 15

Major Studios

The following are designated courses, each of which requires a grade of C or better for advancement. Students who receive less than a C in one of these courses shall be subject to review that may result in provisional continuation or dismissal from the option.

AXD 281 - Introduction to Darkroom Photography Credits: 3
AXD 282 - Introduction to Digital Photography Credits: 3
AXD 308 - History of Photography Credits: 3
AXD 381 - Photo Narratives Credits: 3
AXD 382 - Advanced Techniques and Concepts in Photography Credits: 3
AXD 384 - Digital Video Production Credits: 3
AXD 385 - Lighting for Photography & Video Credits: 3
AXD 481 - The Photo Book: Concept, Design, and Execution Credits: 6
AXD 482 - Photography Capstone Credits: 6

Studio Options and Additional Requirements

AXD 2XX level drawing - Credits: 3

(Consult advisor on selection)

Studio electives - Credits: 12
300/400 studio elective - Credits:3