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Course Syllabus

ART 3510 Alternative Photography

  • Division: Fine Arts, Comm, and New Media
  • Department: Visual Art
  • Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 3; Lab: 3
  • Prerequisites: None
  • Corequisites: None
  • Semesters Offered: Fall
  • Semester Approved: Spring 2025
  • Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2029
  • End Semester: Fall 2030
  • Optimum Class Size: 12
  • Maximum Class Size: 12

Course Description

This course introduces students to alternative and experimental photographic processes based in the 19th century tradition. Techniques include medium and large format camera operation, hand-coated printing out papers, darkroom methods, digital negatives, and other analog processes such as cyanotypes, brown prints and salt prints. Artworks are discussed in the context of historical and contemporary photographic concepts and imagery. Students will present a final portfolio of work and critiques will be held regularly throughout the semester. Cameras and other photographic equipment are available for student use. A course fee is required.

Justification

This is a course in alternative photographic processes. It is a universal course in bachelor degree programs in photography and visual arts within the state of Utah and across the country. The techniques and skills taught in this course are foundational for all contemporary fine art photography application and address the practical and historical origins of the medium. This course will further prepare sophomore art students transferring to a four-year institution. Other higher education institutions in the state offer a similar alternative photography course. 

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. MATERIAL PROFICIENCYStudents will be exposed to a range of material processes applicable to the analog photographic medium.
  2. CONCEPTUAL PRINCIPLESStudents will be able to discern between material, formal and conceptual principles.
  3. HISTORICAL CONTEXTStudents will be familiar with significant historical photographic works with particular attention to the context of when it was created.
  4. CRITICAL ANALYSISStudents will know the process of critical analysis as it applies to analog and alternative photography.
  5. CREATIVE PROCESSStudents will be familiar with a broad range of creative processes through lectures, discussions, and studio practice.

Course Content

This course will include lectures, class discussion, studio practice, and written assessments as they apply to the following topics:· Camera operation and exposure· Photographic chemical processes· 19th century processes and techniques· Alternative processes and techniques· Film development· Hand-coated printing out paper· Digital negatives· Historical perspectives on photography· Contemporary critical issues in photography· Group critiques· Exhibition presentation