Art Degrees Online

MICA approaches photography as a fine art medium; more than 100 years ago we had one of the first formal programs of photographic instruction in the world. Today, our curriculum thoroughly covers all areas of still and digital photography and offers students a strong background in the technical and aesthetic applications, history, and contemporary directions of this medium.

Basic and intermediate courses provide a solid technical foundation. Junior Seminar allows you to concentrate on an individual project and begin to establish a personal photographic vision. The intense, yearlong Senior Thesis seminar allows you to explore a specific personal photographic idea in depth and to produce a body of work that is intellectually and artistically integrated. Both junior and senior seminars incorporate ongoing critiques and expose students to a diverse group of outside artists and critics. Seniors have separate spaces to support work towards the required senior thesis project and the intensive, 6-credit senior thesis seminar. The seminar is team-taught by two faculty members and enhanced by a series of visiting artists and critics. Work on the senior thesis can incorporate a semester of study abroad or mobility, if that will be helpful in the exploration of an individual photographic direction.

Because we believe strongly in the value of professional development, all photography majors are required to complete at least one photorelated internship. A busy schedule of visiting artists connects students with many of the most important photographers working today, including, recently: Willie Doherty, audiovisual installation artist; Robert and Shana ParkeHarrison, collaborative surrealist photographers; Emmet Gowin, photography faculty, Princeton University. MICA alumni work in diverse photographic occupations such as studio, commercial illustration, medical, architectural, nature, magazine and newspaper photography; and as museum curators, teachers, digital photographers, and fine artists. Senior photography majors are eligible to apply for a $4,000 Meyer Photography Traveling Scholarship to finance a personal photographic project in the United States or abroad after graduation.
Faculty—Diverse Perspectives

The photography faculty at MICA represent a wide array of interests and creative focus—among them are Alex Heilner, whose work includes digital photography, video, and installation; Lynn Silverman, whose large-format photographs explore the intimate nature of inanimate things; internationally exhibited fine art photographer Regina DeLuise; chair Jack Wilgus, whose focus encompasses a broad array of explorations, from the camera obscura to archival digital printing; Connie Imboden, known for her stylized and sometimes surreal nudes; Tom Baird, whose work explores the history and roots of photography and who engages students to connect with community through social documentary photography.
Recent Internships

The required internship in photography is an opportunity to explore the wide range of career opportunities open to photography graduates. A few recent internship sites:
Oneira Graphics, Baltimore (product photography/custom snowboards)
Starworks, New York (logistics for advertising and fashion shoots)
Dock 25, Boston (digital commercial photography)
Maryland Historical Society, Baltimore (scanning & retouching historical images)
Baltimore Police Department Crime Lab (photography)
Library of Congress, Prints & Photographic Division, Washington, D.C. (curatorial & research projects)
Johns Hopkins Hospital, Pathology Division, Baltimore (biomedical photography)
The Baltimore Sun (editorial photography)
Jessica Wynne Studio, New York (editorial photography)
Facilities

MICA’s photographic darkrooms are well equipped with temperature-controlled sinks with excellent ventilation and proper silver recovery. Equipment includes: 50 enlargers and a separate film-processing lab; alternative process and graphic arts lab; a wheelchair-accessible darkroom; 10 well-equipped color darkrooms with two roller transport color processors that make prints up to 30” x 40”; a spacious studio with professional flash and quality lighting; a wide range of cameras, meters, scanners, and processing equipment; a dedicated photo-digital lab with 18 computer stations for digital imaging, photographic manipulation, and Web-related presentations.

The emphasis on photographic studies as a Plan at Marlboro is fine art in nature, although photography is ideally suited for interdisciplinary work in all fields of study. The course structure emphasizes the study of the medium as a form of personal vision and visual communication. The courses accommodate individual needs and interest and are technically, critically, and historically relevant to contemporary culture. Students explore seeing artistically, production of imagery and the possibilities for presentation most appropriate to content. Courses throughout the liberal arts tradition assist students in exploration and development of personal vision.

Photography provides us with a means to explore the world and our existence within it. John continually strives to heighten his sensitivity in life, and when he photographs, he chooses subject matter that is important to him. The photographs themselves, as with the process of seeing, must strike him on a personal level in order for him to appreciate an image. As Frederick Sommer liked to say, “It is not subject matter, but a subject that matters.”

John has always attempted to find a balance between aesthetic and communicative concerns. At times, he feels like a modernist in a postmodern world. When he considers himself a postmodernist, it’s due to his concern with the social and political implications an image presents from the conception through creation and on to the presentation’s final expression. When he considers himself a modernist, it’s because he is more invested in the metaphorical interpretations in each step of the process and the image that is ultimately created, and he is always searching to be moved by the image’s aesthetic beauty.
Starting Points (Basic and Introductory Courses)

Introduction to Black & White Photography (ART9)
This course will be an introduction to black and white photography with an emphasis given both to visual communication and technique. Students will learn basic procedures of camera operation, film exposure and development and enlargement of the image, while exploring the visual and expressive qualities of the medium. (Introductory)

Intermediate Photography (ART358)
The intermediate photography class is intended to give more technical and visual breadth to the students understanding of the medium of photography. Students will work on three differing photographic genres over a five week period each. The class will explore the medium and its possibilities as an art form. We will discuss issues and methodologies concerning contemporary photographers. (Intermediate)

Constructed Realities (ART701)
The histories of photography and, more recently, sculpture / installation art, are rife with examples of artists who are not content to simply observe reality as it exists but who find it necessary to construct their own. This course will focus on the conjunction of the disciplines of sculpture and photography and provide a venue for students to make work that reflects their own constructed reality. The end product of the work of this class will sometimes be photographs and sculpture at times independent of each other. Both skills will be important. Objects and spaces will be transformed and become the subject of new observations, new work. Students will be encouraged to work collaboratively.

More Than One: Photography & The Visual Book (ART844)
In this course we will consider the various ways images work together in the book format. The word book will be thought of in its broadest terms. Imagery may relate together formally, sequentially or in narrative form, and with or without text. We will research the use of photographic imagery in books from the documentary genre to individual artist books and more. Everyone will be creating his or her own books throughout the course.

The Photographic Image and Word (ART886)
This course is an exploration of image and text relationships in nonfiction and fictional story telling. This intermediate/advanced level course will predominately be taught through digital processes. Class time will be divided between visiting professors and artists, reviewing historical and contemporary works, critiquing of individual and group projects, as well as technical demonstrations. It is likely the group projects will have a service-learning component.

Photographic Methods (ART669)
Successful photography is a fine balance of technical skills with the aesthetic and visual expression. This course will be an exploration of more advanced photographic controls. Throughout the term we will explore various photographic methods through demonstrations and hands on lab work. Technical procedures covered will include camera techniques including view camera use, The Zone System, lighting controls and darkroom processes including liquid light, enlarged negatives, Cyanotypes, Platinum Prints, as well as creation of digital negatives and prints. While experimenting with the various processes we will also view historical photographic works and discuss the artist’s choice of methodology in relationship to the intended visual communication.

Documentary Photography (ART686)
Throughout the history of photography many practitioners have used the medium as a tool for social commentary. Traditionally this has largely been done through the genre of documentary work. We will view historical and contemporary documentary projects, while reading various writings exploring the process, ethics, and value of documentary photography.

Advanced Photography Critique (ART514)
This course will explore the medium of photography and its possibilities as an art form and visual language. We will discuss issues and methods that concern the contemporary photographer. There will be assigned readings from critical theoretical writings. Students will choose one thematic project to photograph. Technical demonstrations will be given as necessary; however, the majority of class time will present a forum for critiques and slide presentations. (Advanced)

Photography Plan Seminar (ART574)
This is a seminar for all students on Plan in photography.

Documentary Photography vs. The Photography of Invention (ART554)
This course will review photography’s use as social commentary through conflicting approaches of documentary, photo as evidence, and constructed realities, a more post-modernist approach. Students will be expected to create personal work from both genres while viewing imagery from photo history and theoretical writings. Traditional photographic processes will be utilized as well as digital imaging.

The emphasis on photographic studies as a Plan at Marlboro is fine art in nature, although photography is ideally suited for interdisciplinary work in all fields of study. The course structure emphasizes the study of the medium as a form of personal vision and visual communication. The courses accommodate individual needs and interest and are technically, critically, and historically relevant to contemporary culture. Students explore seeing artistically, production of imagery and the possibilities for presentation most appropriate to content. Courses throughout the liberal arts tradition assist students in exploration and development of personal vision.

Photography provides us with a means to explore the world and our existence within it. John continually strives to heighten his sensitivity in life, and when he photographs, he chooses subject matter that is important to him. The photographs themselves, as with the process of seeing, must strike him on a personal level in order for him to appreciate an image. As Frederick Sommer liked to say, “It is not subject matter, but a subject that matters.”

John has always attempted to find a balance between aesthetic and communicative concerns. At times, he feels like a modernist in a postmodern world. When he considers himself a postmodernist, it’s due to his concern with the social and political implications an image presents from the conception through creation and on to the presentation’s final expression. When he considers himself a modernist, it’s because he is more invested in the metaphorical interpretations in each step of the process and the image that is ultimately created, and he is always searching to be moved by the image’s aesthetic beauty.

10-203-105 Photographic Composition 2 credits
A survey of composition as an important tool of the photographer that helps to establish purpose and meaning to visual statement. Includes an introduction to the field of professional photography through the work of some noted photographers.
10-203-107 Studio Photography 1 3 credits
Basic theory and practical application in the use of lenses and light meters, exposure techniques and related image processing systems. Basic principles of the use of black and white film, film processing and creation of black and white prints are included. Corequisite: 10-203-120.
10-203-108 Studio Photography 2 3 credits
Continuation of Studio Photography 1 with emphasis on the portrayal of architectural forms, light, and control of perspective. Prerequisites: 10-203-107 and 10-203-120.
10-203-109 Studio Photography 3 3 credits
Emphasizes photographic solutions for many occupational areas such as industrial and freelance. Students are encouraged to set up individual projects and their solutions. Prerequisite: 10-203-108 and 10-203-142.
10-203-120 Lighting Techniques 2 credits
Introduction to the laws of light, learning the qualities of natural and artificial light sources. Lighting for form, texture and separation using basic lighting techniques. The use of standard studio lighting for contrast control and correct exposure. Corequisite: 10-203-107.
10-203-121 Commercial Photography 1 3 credits
Professional digital photography with an emphasis on creating solutions for advertising and business illustration using advanced digital color and image manipulation techniques. Prerequisites: 10-203-108 and 10-203-141.
10-203-124 Portrait Photography 2 credits
Theory and principles of professional digital portrait photography. Studio and environmental portraiture. Emphasis on lighting, posing and character analysis. Prerequisites: 10-203-108 and 10-203-141 or consent of instructor.
10-203-125 Business of Photography 1 credit
Survey of business practices in professional photography. Includes ethical, legal, and copyright issues. Prerequisite: must be in final semester of required photo courses for the Photography Program.
10-203-126 Advanced Digital Studio Portrait 2 credits
Develops advanced studio portrait skills utilizing digital capture equipment for photo output. Emphasis on special projects and cooperative shooting situations with other programs using a wide variety of tools, materials and techniques. Prerequisites: 10-203-108, 10-203-121, 10-203-142 and 10-206-134.
10-203-141 Color Photography 1 3 credits
Basic introduction to additive and subtractive color theory using digital techniques and color principles. Image capture, manipulation and output will be covered. Prerequisites: 10-203-107 or consent of instructor.
10-203-142 Color Photography 2 3 credits
Covers advanced color theory and advanced principles of digital color. Advanced digital color workflow, examination of capture, manipulation and output systems and professional color management principles will be part of the course. Prerequisites: 10-203-141 and 10-203-108.
10-203-173 Photojournalism 2 credits
Photography for publication with the visual image used to relate events, ideas or circumstances. Students are exposed to techniques in which news stories can be communicated through visual images in print. Prerequisite: 10-203-107 or consent of instructor.
10-203-176 Photographic Communication 2 credits
Exploratory in nature, with emphasis on projects that communicate through the photographic medium. In consultation with the instructor, students may produce projects such as photo essays, documentary photographs, posters, audiovisual programs, self-promotion pieces or photographic displays. Prerequisites: 10-203-108, 10-206-134 and 10-203-142.
10-203-185 Portfolio Preparation 2 credits
The culmination of photographic skills acquired during study for the Associate Degree in Photography now is put into the form of a portfolio. This is a very important tool showing prospective employers skills and capabilities. The Portfolio Show highlights the semester’s efforts. Departmental approval of the finished portfolio is required. Prerequisite: must be in the final semester of required photo courses for the Photography Program.
10-206-109 Intro to Electronic Design 2 credits
Provides students with a background in two-dimensional digital design using Adobe Photoshop and also covers basic techniques in scanning, outputting digital images and preparing image files for use on the World Wide Web.
10-206-117 Audiovisual Techniques 1 3 credits
This course will focus on photographic and electronic equipment for digital data manipulation and data structures. Topics also covered deal with the digital image as it related to on screen presentations (PDF, iPhoto, PowerPoint); browser and file management (Adobe Bridge); workflow and best practices.
10-206-130 Video Production 1 3 credits
Video Production 1 surveys the principles of telecasting operations, including camera techniques, lighting, sound film, settings, scenery, floor directing, script, art, and on-camera performance. Lectures, reading, assignments and projects provide an understanding of the television industry, its history, development and principles of operation.
10-206-134 Electronic Imaging 3 credits
This course explores advanced computer skills, issues and skills unique to electronic image handling, utilization of image enhancement software, operation of desktop scanners as input devices, preparation of image for the world wide web, and legal and ethical issues regarding electronic image handling and manipulation. Prerequisites: 10-203-108 and 10-203-141.
Recommended Electives
10-203-199 Photography Internship 1 credit
10-206-139 Electronic Imaging 2 3 credits

The Photography Program is designed to equip the graduate with a solid foundation in both digital and silver-based film photography. Graduates may find jobs as assistants in commercial and portrait studios, as technicians or digital imaging specialists in professional photo imaging labs, as staff members in corporate or government photo departments, or as members of film or television production crews. Desirable aptitudes and interests include the ability to pre-visualize subject matter, describe visuals in written scripts, engage in effective problem solving and work well under deadlines. Previous courses in art, photography, chemistry, algebra, physics, keyboarding or computer skills may be helpful. Students should be proficient in written and oral communication having attained B grades in previous English courses.

Tuition & Fees
2009-2010Tuition
$31,575
Fees
$336
Room
$3,603
Board
$3,561
Total
$39,075

Tuition & Fees
2008-2009Tuition
$30,180
Fees
$327
Room
$3,336
Board
$3,390
Total
$37,233

Academic Scholarships
National Merit Scholarships
National Achievement Scholarships
National Hispanic Scholarships
Visual and Performing Arts Scholarships
Knox Writers’ Scholarships
Social Concerns Scholarships
Rothwell Stephens Scholarship in Mathematics
Colorado Alumni Scholarship
John Huston Finley Scholarship (New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut)
Transfer Student Scholarships

Are you Knox? Students come to Knox from all over the world. They are attracted by our commitment to free inquiry, independent thought, and diverse perspectives. They look forward to the rigors and rewards of a liberal arts education. If you’ve got initiative, imagination, and an eagerness to learn, the opportunities for personal and intellectual growth are limitless.

Learn more about Knox! Talk with your admission counselor, visit the campus or call and write with any questions you might have. The information on the following pages should help too. Then take the next step.

Applicants for Fall 2009: Applications for first-year admission are still being accepted and will be considered as long as space remains available in the entering class. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Apply Now!

A College That Changes Lives: Knox College is one of 40 colleges in the nation featured in the new edition of Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About College by Loren Pope, former education editor of The New York Times and founder of The College Placement Bureau. For more information about the Colleges That Change Lives and to read the chapter about Knox, click here.

Scores are Optional. The submission of SAT I or ACT scores is optional for most applicants. Knox adopted this policy so that you can decide for yourself if your scores adequately reflect your abilities and potential for success in college. In making this decision, Knox became the first national liberal arts college in Illinois—and one of just three in the Midwest—to make standardized test scores optional

The major in studio art gives a thorough education in the traditions of twentieth-century drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics and sculpture. In addition to extensive studio courses, the major covers the history of art and its role in contemporary society.

The introductory two-term sequence, called Theory and Techniques of Studio Art, focuses on developing the fundamentals of visual language. The major culminates in Open Studio and the Senior Show, immersing the student in building and exhibiting a body of work.

The minors in ceramics, painting, photography, sculpture and printmaking each have a strong foundation in the basic requirements of an art major, as well as in-depth experiences in one of the department’s program areas, ensuring that each student has a broad understanding of the visual language and is able to articulate visual ideas.

The KCC photography program offers a solid foundation in traditional photography and is competetive in digital imaging.

We prepare students for a wide range of careers in photography and art. We encourage creative energy and technical craftsmanship.

We offer introductory basic photography courses for the student who is generally interested in photography and for the serious student who wants to study in color studio photography with 5″ x 7″ view cameras or wants to pursue image making as a personal and cultural expression