Course Finder

• Corequisite: Any course in Philosophy.

This course — taken in tandem with another course in the discipline — enables a student to apply course content in a meaningful and relevant way to a particular activity. In this hands-on course, students engage in applied learning through unpaid experiential activities organized by the student (in conjunction with SMC’s applied/service learning center) and approved by the instructor. Students will develop a customized reading list relevant to their particular activity, complete a minimum of 15 hours of volunteer work with that activity, and submit academically-sound written reports regarding the activity. By applying course material to their experience, students develop a deeper understanding of the discipline.

This non-laboratory course is an introduction to digital photography including understanding the use of an interchangeable-lens camera, lenses and basic photographic equipment. The course will address creative considerations and aesthetic principles as they relate to composition, space, exposure, motion, light and color. Technological considerations, digital asset management, and editing software will be introduced.

• Advisory: PHOTO 1.

This survey course in basic news photography is designed for journalism or photography majors and students interested in having work published in magazines and news publications. Students learn basic camera and storytelling techniques through individual assignments and a semester long project, along with photo composition, and picture layout principles. A Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera with manual exposure capability is required.

PHOTO 13 is the same course as JOURN 21. Students may earn credit for one, but not both.

• Advisory: JOURN 21 or PHOTO 13.

This advanced course provides an in-depth study of photojournalism with an emphasis on creation of photo story ideas, photo essays, news, sports and feature photos for publication. Photo editing and layout for newspapers, magazines, and online publishing will be covered. Students will comprise the staff of the campus newspaper, The Corsair, and online publications. This course may be repeated once for credit. A Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera with manual exposure capability is required.

PHOTO 14 is the same course as JOURN 22. Students may receive credit for one, but not both.

• Advisory: PHOTO 1.

This introductory lab course prepares students for general specialization in photography. Black and white film exposure, development, and printing techniques are examined. Various shooting and printing assignments explore a variety of natural light situations and shooting challenges. Weekly lectures support practical application of assignments. Required for photography majors.

• Advisory: PHOTO 2.

Introduction into non-traditional and historical photographic processes. Emphasis is placed primarily on non-silver techniques and processes, including the making of enlarged negatives. Processes may include cyanotype, Van Dyke, platinum/palladium and others

• Advisory: PHOTO 5 and PHOTO 30.

This class is designed to provide the intermediate photography student with the skill set to produce high definition digital video content at industry standards. This course covers common preproduction methods, HD DSLR Camera techniques, lighting for video, recording sound and video and sound editing. Hands-on practical technique is covered in conjunction with theory and concept.

• Prerequisite/Corequisite: PHOTO 5.
• Advisory: PHOTO 1 (concurrent enrollment allowed).

In this class students will acquire a solid foundation of in lighting tools and the practical application of lighting. Students will learn the proper selection and effective use of a light source whether photographing a portrait, a still life or any type of location photography.

• Prerequisite: PHOTO 30 and PHOTO 39 (Concurrent enrollment in 39 is permitted).

In this class, students will be exposed to common approaches for photographing people. Topics are practical in nature and will include lighting methods for individuals and groups both in the studio and on location. The use of various flash systems and their modifiers, augmenting existing light, posing subjects, wardrobe decisions, hair & make up, and more will be addressed. Assignments and lessons will emphasize common genres including, but not limited to, weddings, corporate portraits, family portraits, and headshots.

• Prerequisite: PHOTO 30.

Photo 32 is an advanced course that builds on skills learned in Photo 30 and focuses on techniques for photographing people in commercial settings. Assignments are designed to enhance creativity while utilizing advanced commercial lighting techniques for photographing people. Lectures and demonstrations will cover both studio and location lighting, and are geared toward commercial considerations for photographing people.

• Prerequisite: PHOTO 30 and PHOTO 39 (Concurrent enrollment in 39 is permitted).

In this course, students are challenged with lighting applications for a broad range of product and still life photography for use in a variety of commercial markets. Students research and apply current photographic styles while creating a portfolio of images that are applicable to a successful career in commercial photography.

• Prerequisite: PHOTO 30 and PHOTO 39.

This is a Photoshop and studio photography course that trains students on the commercial-level techniques that combine multiple images into one image suitable for commercial publication. Students will learn various lighting techniques while learning to combine multiple images, and work toward final composites comparable to a professional level of output. This course will prepare students for career requirements through development of suitable images for their portfolio, as well as familiarization with currently utilized retouching tests. These skills also apply to photographers who want to take their own images to a professional level without having to hire a digital artist.

• Advisory: PHOTO 2.

Students will learn the zone system control of exposure and development of films, basic sensitometry, advanced printing techniques including bleaching and toning, use of multiple contrast filters, and archival preservation techniques.

• Prerequisite: PHOTO 5.

This course is an introduction to digital imaging for photography majors using Adobe Photoshop. Students will learn how to manipulate, make selections and enhance digital images, including retouching for output to a variety of media.

• Advisory: PHOTO 30 and PHOTO 39.

Utilizing 35mm HDSLR and medium format cameras, the content of this course reflects current professional capture and output techniques used in commercial photography. Curriculum covers extensive testing of cameras, monitors, and inkjet printers in order to create a consistent, closed loop workflow.

• Prerequisite: PHOTO 39.

This course covers advanced level digital image manipulation on the computer using Adobe Photoshop. Students will continue to explore more complex features of Photoshop, and learn industry standards for preparing professional imagery for commercial clients.

• Prerequisite: PHOTO 31 or PHOTO 32, PHOTO 33, and PHOTO 39.

This course addresses the process of building a photographic portfolio that meets current professional industry standards for presenting work to potential employers and clients. Emphasis is placed on developing a personal style that displays a comprehensive understanding of photographic methods, genres, and presentation.

• Advisory: PHOTO 1.

An introduction to digital camera exposure methods in various lighting conditions, image processing, basic color theory, color management, and various digital output techniques for both color and black & white imagery. Students are required to use outside commercial lab services and must furnish an approved digital camera with removable lenses (DSLR) which is capable of capturing in the Camera Raw format. A knowledge of basic computer functions is essential.

• Advisory: PHOTO 2.

This course provides an introduction to color printing from negative materials. Students will produce “C” prints from a variety of color films using Dichromic enlargers, Ektaprint chemistry, and a roller transport machine processor. Simple problems, such as color balance, exposure choices, paper surfaces, and enlargement are addressed.

IGETC AREA 3A (Arts)

This is a historical survey of the evolving nature of photography from the early 1800’s to the present digital age.

PHOTO 52 is the same course as AHIS 52. Students may earn credit for one, but not both.