The photography area at Western emphasizes a cross-disciplinary approach with a
strong basis in conceptual, historical, and technical development. The primary
goal is to prepare students to become innovative practitioners within the contemporary
art world.The course sequence begins with the introduction course (290), structured
to establish a solid grounding in photographic art practices, including theory and
technique. This is followed by a selection of intermediate level courses (300, 390, 391, 392)
which offer students an opportunity to develop their knowledge, skills and concepts
through, seminars, readings, exhibitions and professional practice studies. The advanced
level (400, 490, 494) courses often consist of self-directed projects that afford
students time to produce a substantial body of research-driven work, which reflects
their individual interests. Please refer to
University Course Catalog
for further details.
Courses
Art 290 Photography I | 4 credits Prereq: completion of Foundation courses: ART 109, 110, 120 and 130
Fundamentals of film developing, enlarging, print finishing. This introduction course is
structured to establish a solid grounding in traditional, lab-based photographic art practices and
includes an introduction to basic digital applications. All photography course work puts
an equal emphasis on theory, techniques, and the history of photography in a contemporary context.
Art 390 Photography II | 5 credits Prereq: completion of Foundation courses and 12 credits of 200-level studio practice, including ART 290
This is an intermediate level course which offer students an opportunity to develop their knowledge, skills,
and concepts through, seminars, readings, exhibitions and professional practices. It stresses the
development of personal style through concentrated studies in specialized materials and processes ranging
from traditional lab-based technique to digital applications. Repeatable to a maximum of 15 credits.
(350 is highly recommended as part of the concentration within photography)
Art 391 Color Photography | 5 credits Prereq: completion of Foundation courses and 12 credits of 200-level studio practice, including ART 290 and 390
This course focuses on the fundamentals of color theory, techniques and the experimentation as
related to the production of color images. It explores both traditional lab-based and digital
investigations. Repeatable to a maximum of 15 credits.
Art 392 Photographic Alternative Processes | 5 credits Prereq: 390 & 391, or permission of instructor
This 5-credit course explores the history and practice of alternative forms of image construction
and processes. It covers numerous traditional and contemporary photo techniques, from non-silver
techniques (Cyan, Van Dyke) to the construction of digital negatives. The course will addresses historical
and contemporary applications of alternative processes. Class time consists of hands-on demonstrations,
slide presentations, supervised darkroom time, individual and group discussions.
Art 300 - 400 Advanced Photography Independent Study | 1 - 5 credits Prereq: 290, 390 ART or permission of instructor
This course of study consist of individual self-directed projects which afford students time to
research a process, technique, or develop a body of which reflects their interests. Project schedule
and proposal required.
Art 490 Advanced Photography Seminar | 5 credits Prereq: ART 390 and 391, or permission of instructor
Using a small group dynamic to critique and exchange ideas based on readings, visiting artists and
theoretical inquiry, this class explores contemporary concepts surrounding the production of photography.
The course consists of self-directed projects which afford students time to produce a substantial body
of research-driven work which reflects their individual interests. Repeatable to a maximum of 15 credits.
