Photography

Outcomes

Photography — A.S. Degree

Fall Semester – First Year

Course# Course Title Credits
Visual Communication 3

We live in a world that often places us in a position of visual overload. The ease with which materials can be produced and shared with global audiences means that in our daily lives we are often overwhelmed by visual information. It is important that we learn to read, interpret and use images for communication purposes. It is also imperative that we explore how to place visual work in a context that allows us to understand the social, political and cultural implications of various visual productions. This course is an introduction about the theories and hands-on aspects of visual communications. We will explore both the production and consumption of visual images.

Prerequisites: None.

Credit Breakout:  3.00  lecture,   0.00  lab,  0.00  other.

Student Expectations: Each student will spend an average of at least 2 hours per week preparing for class. Classroom attendance is critical in this class.

The Creative Process 3

Much of the thinking learned in school and in the work environment place an emphasis on learning how to understand claims, follow or create a logical argument, figure out the answer, eliminate the incorrect paths and focus on the correct one. There is, however, another kind of thinking, centered on exploring ideas, generating possibilities, looking for many right answers rather than just the "correct" one. Both of these kinds of thinking are vital to success in the work place, yet the creative approach tends to be ignored until after the formal education is complete. In this course we will explore the creative thought process and develop systems to encourage and develop new idea generation.

Prerequisites: None.

Credit Breakout:  3.00  lecture,   0.00  lab,  0.00  other.

Student Expectations: Each student will spend an average of at least 2 hours per week preparing for class. Classroom attendance is critical in this class.

Introduction to Computers 3

This online-enhanced course covers the basics of using Personal Computers (PC's) and the Microsoft Office Professional suite of programs, including Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint to create documents, spreadsheets, databases and presentations. Students will also be introduced to the Internet, e-mail and the history of computers. This course meets the Dakota County Technical College's computer literacy requirement.

Prerequisites: A typing speed of 25 words per minute is recommended but not required or COML0900. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Credit Breakout:  2.00  lecture,   1.00  lab,  0.00  other.

Introduction to Photography 3

In this course the student will learn how to use all the manual 35mm camera controls to create good black and white photographs. We will practice using the motion and depth-of-field controls in different kinds of outdoor and natural lighting conditions. The student will combine the knowledge of different films and exposure techniques with the study of artistic composition to produce-pleasing images. Discussion of basic accessories and special techniques will round out the camera knowledge.

Prerequisites: None.

Credit Breakout:  3.00  lecture,   0.00  lab,  0.00  other.

Student Expectations: Each student will be responsible for all shooting, reading and worksheet assignments and completing them outside regular class time. The student will participate in classroom discussion. At least 2 hours per week will be needed for preparing and taking photos for class assignments. Attendance is critical in this class due to the amount of information discussed in this class.

Photo Lighting Techniques 2

The essence of good photography is the ability to recognize and expose for different lighting conditions. This course covers the use of all types of light meters under all different lighting conditions from indoor flash to outdoor and difficult light. This will be a study of the properties of light ranging from color temperature to direction and quality of both natural and artificial lights. Other related areas include how different film, filters, and lenses react to these lighting conditions.

Prerequisites: VCOM1020 required (may be taken concurrently). Offered: Varies

Credit Breakout:  1.00  lecture,   1.00  lab,  0.00  other.

Student Expectations: Each student will spend at least 2 hours per week preparing and shooting for class assignments. Attendance is critical in this class.

General Education Elective** 4

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  Total Credits 18

Spring Semester – First Year

Course# Course Title Credits
History of Photography 3

This course will allow students to explore photography and its affects on culture by examining the origins of the medium. While it may seem that photography belongs only to the twentieth century, students will learn that the origins of the first camera date back hundreds of years. Early photographers were often "frustrated painters," and affected strongly by art and art history movements. This class then will begin with a review of the camera's beginnings and of the artistic cultural milieu that helped to bring the medium into adulthood in the twentieth century.

Prerequisites: None.

Credit Breakout:  3.00  lecture,   0.00  lab,  0.00  other.

Student Expectations: Each student will spend an average of at least 2 hours per week preparing for class. Classroom attendance is critical in this class.

Interpersonal Communication 3

This course focuses on the practical and theoretical concepts of human communications and the styles used in personal, social and professional environments. Students will also acquire skills in critical thinking, perception, listening, verbal and non-verbal expressions and conflict resolution.

Prerequisites: None. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Credit Breakout:  3.00  lecture,   0.00  lab,  0.00  other.

Student Expectations: Each student will spend at least 6 hours per week preparing for class. Attendance is critical in this class.

Introduction to Photoshop 2

This is an introduction of the basic tools used for image manipulation in Adobe PhotoShop. Image modification and compositing, use of the scanner, and mastery of PhotoShop tools are stressed. Image adjustment and enhancement and layer masks are also taught.

Prerequisites: None. Offered: Fall, Spring

Credit Breakout:  1.00  lecture,   1.00  lab,  0.00  other.

Student Expectations: Each student will spend at least 3 hours per week preparing for class. Attendance is critical in this class.

Portrait Photography 2

This course covers the use of studio lighting and cameras to produce professional looking portraits. Emphasis will be on the use of medium (120) format camera and film to capture images of people. A critical skill in this area is the ability to use the correct lighting to enhance the character and features of the customer. Projects will also include the use of gray cards, light meters, and posing techniques.

Prerequisites: VCOM1020, VCOM1515. Offered: Varies

Credit Breakout:  1.00  lecture,   1.00  lab,  0.00  other.

Student Expectations: Each student is expected to spend at least 3 hours per week preparing for class. Attendance is crucial in this class. Students are expected to participate in lecture lab. All projects must be complete and handed in on time. Students will be expected to purchase a limited amount of color film to complete their projects.

Introduction to Digital Imaging 2

This course introduces the student to the technology needed to capture a digital image, manipulate it and then output the image back to a hardcopy. As the technology changes we will incorporate it into this course. Discussions of concepts, philosophy and industry impact of this technology will be held in each class session to help the student to understand how this technology will impact the student's careers and the industry as a whole. Projects will include the operation and discussion of digital cameras, photo CDs, flatbed and slide scanners, Macintosh computers, b/w and color printers and film recorders. At least three different imaging software will be used and evaluated during the course.

Prerequisites: VCOM1000. Offered: Varies

Credit Breakout:  2.00  lecture,   0.00  lab,  0.00  other.

Student Expectations: Each student is expected to spend at least 2 hours per week preparing for class. Attendance and class participation is crucial in this class.

Technical Elective* 3

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  Total Credits 15

Fall Semester – Second Year

Course# Course Title Credits
Writing and Research Skills 3

This course emphasizes the process of writing expository and persuasive essays using effective writing skills and a variety of research techniques. Also included in the course content are critical reading and logical reasoning.

Prerequisites: Meet qualifying scores on ACCUPLACER test OR successfully complete ENGL0130 OR receive instructor's approval. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Credit Breakout:  3.00  lecture,   0.00  lab,  0.00  other.

Student Expectations: Each student will spend at least 6 hours per week preparing for class. Attendance is critical in this class.

Law and Ethics for VisCom 1

In a world of digital information, new opportunities and markets are opening daily. Now, more than ever, visual communicators must understand the need to understand their legal and ethical responsibilities, both as business people and artists. This course will explore the rights and responsibilities of individuals involved in collecting, producing, and selling images.

Prerequisites: None.

Credit Breakout:  1.00  lecture,   0.00  lab,  0.00  other.

Student Expectations: Each student will spend an average of at least 2 hours per week preparing for class. Classroom attendance is critical in this class.

Commercial Photography 2

In this course the student will learn how to use all the features of a large format, 4x5 view camera to produce commercial style images. By using special image distortion correction and depth of field controls, the student will setup and shoot many different types of images, such as still life, product, advertisement, and others. The use of studio lighting will be discussed and used during these projects as well as the use of natural lighting when photographing outdoor commercial projects.

Prerequisites: VCOM1020, VCOM1515, VCOM1570.

Credit Breakout:  1.00  lecture,   1.00  lab,  0.00  other.

Student Expectations: Each student will spend at least 2 hours per week preparing for class. Attendance is critical in this class.

Digital Photography 2

In this course the student will apply the fundamentals of photography, lighting, and digital imaging in order to produce professional quality digital photographs. Students will apply the principals of digital photographic "workflow" to projects which will include studio portraits, still life, and outdoor architectural projects. Students will apply techniques of working with layouts, file management, and color management to produce images both for print and web production.

Prerequisites: VCOM 1010, VCOM 1020 VCOM1515, and VCOM 1580.

Credit Breakout:  2.00  lecture,   0.00  lab,  0.00  other.

Student Expectations: The student is expected to attend all classes and participate in class exercises and discussions. All assignments are to be turned in on time.

Digital Studio Workflow I 2

Digital photography is rapidly becoming the media of choice. Photographers are faced with a variety of image management issues as they explore new techniques and photographic opportunities. Students in this course will use a full digital studio to capture, manipulate, output and manage images via a standardized digital workflow process. In this course an emphasis is placed on color management. Students will explore both the technical issues involved in using digital equipment, and investigate the creative options available to the professional digital photographer.

Prerequisites: VCOM1010, or instructor approval.

Credit Breakout:  2.00  lecture,   0.00  lab,  0.00  other.

Technical Elective* 2

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General Education Elective (MnTC Goal 4)** 4

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  Total Credits 16

Spring Semester – Second Year

Course# Course Title Credits
Photography Portfolio 2

This hands-on course will guide the student through the creation of a photography-based portfolio. Concepts in assemble techniques, display options and presentation methods will be at the heart of this course. Upon competition the student will have an industry-ready photographic portfolio in preparation for career exploration.

Prerequisites: Should be taken during the last semester prior to Graduation and concurrently with VCOM2000. Offered: Varies

Credit Breakout:  0.00  lecture,   2.00  lab,  0.00  other.

Career Research Skills 1

This class will concentrate on preparing the student to enter the Visual Communication's job market. Students will be required to create a cover letter, resume and finished mini-portfolio. Students will practice job interviewing skills and prepare to present their portfolios. This course should be taken the last semester of study and should be taken in conjunction with VCOM2724, Portfolio Development (Applied Visual Arts) or VCOM2721 Portfolio Development (Graphic Design) or VCOM2722 Portfolio Development (Multimedia/Web)

Prerequisites: None

Credit Breakout:  1.00  lecture,   0.00  lab,  0.00  other.

Technical Electives* 8

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General Education Elective (MnTC Goal 3)** 4

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  Total Credits 15
Total Program Requirements 64

This is a sample course sequence resulting in an A.S. degree.
Please consult your program advisor regarding your academic plans.

* Technical Electives may be selected from course subjects ENTR and VCOM.

** See General Education A.S. degree requirements.