Curriculum of BFA Photography at University Of The Arts Philadelphia
Program Total Credits: 123
This major prepares students for a wide range of careers in photography by providing a solid grounding in traditional photography and digital imaging. In the sophomore year, students receive in-depth training in craft and ideas fundamental to photographic imaging. Technical exercises emphasize electronic imaging as well as traditional black-and-white and color processes. The curriculum covers both descriptive photography and more experimental manipulated image-making.
During the junior year, students consider photographic forms beyond the traditional print, such as the photographic book, non-silver processes, and installation work. Large-format photography and studio practice with its control of artificial lighting are also part of the junior curriculum. In both the junior and senior years, students may pursue the study of specialized interests on an elective basis, including illustration and editorial photography, photojournalism, environmental portraiture, creative portfolio development, advanced digital imaging, and professional practice.
The senior year is primarily devoted to the production of an independent body of work of the student’s own choosing and direction. The senior thesis provides the opportunity to begin the process of self-definition as photographer and artist. A required junior-level course in photographic criticism, coupled with required classes in the history of photography, exemplifies the strong emphasis that the department places on critical thinking and self-expression in words as well as through photographs.
Foundation Year Credits: 33
Foundation students are eligible to select any College of Art and Design major program regardless of the Foundation sequence they attend.
FOUNDATION
Fall Credits: 16.5
Students entering the Foundation program through midyear admission (spring semester) will enroll in these courses for the spring semester, and then take their second Foundation semester during the Summer Foundation semester, May/June.
Elective Credits: 1.5 cr, 3 hrs
FNDP 111 – Drawing Credits: 3 cr, 6 hrs
FNDP 151 – Two-Dimensional Design Credits: 3 cr, 6 hrs
FNDP 161 – Three-Dimensional Design/Time Motion Credits: 3 cr, 6 hrs
LAAH 111 – Art History Survey I Credits: 3 cr, 3 hrs
LACR 101 – First-Year Writing I Credits: 3 cr, 3 hrs
Spring Credits: 16.5
Elective Credits: 1.5 cr
Select three courses from the following four:
FNDP 112 – Drawing Credits: 3 cr, 6 hrs
FNDP 152 – Two-Dimensional Design Credits: 3 cr, 6 hrs
FNDP 162 – Three-Dimensional Design Credits: 3 cr, 6 hrs
FNDP 171 – Time and Motion Credits: 3 cr, 6 hrs
LAAH 112 – Art History Survey II Credits: 3 cr, 3 hrs
LACR 102 – First-Year Writing II Credits: 3 cr, 3 hrs
Sophomore Year Credits: 30
Fall Credits: 15
Electives Credits: 3 cr
MAFL 201 – Introduction to Film I Credits: 3 cr, 6 hrs
Can be taken either in the fall or spring semester.
MAPH 201 – Introduction to Photography I Credits: 3 cr, 6 hrs
LAAH 855 – History of Photography Credits: 3 cr, 3 hrs
Select one course from the following two:
LACR 210 – Texts & Contexts: Perspectives on the Humanities Credits: 3 cr, 3 hrs
LACR 22X – Scientific Inquiry Foundation Track (SIFT) Credits: 3 cr, 3 hrs
Spring Credits: 15
Liberal Arts Credits: 3 cr
Electives Credits: 3 cr
MAPH 202 – Introduction to Photography II Credits: 3 cr, 6 hrs
MAPH 211 – Color Concepts Credits: 3 cr, 6 hrs
Select one course from the following two:
LACR 210 – Texts & Contexts: Perspectives on the Humanities Credits: 3 cr, 3 hrs
LACR 22X – Scientific Inquiry Foundation Track (SIFT) Credits: 3 cr, 3 hrs
Junior Year Credits: 30
Fall Credits: 15
Liberal Arts Credits: 6 cr
MAPH 301 – Junior Photography Workshop Credits: 3 cr, 6 hrs
MAPH 303 – Basic Photography Studio I Credits: 3 cr, 6 hrs
MAPH 311 – Digital Photography Workshop Credits: 3 cr, 6 hrs
Spring Credits: 15
Electives Credits: 3 cr
Liberal Arts Credits: 3 cr
MAPH 302 – Junior Photography Workshop Credits: 3 cr, 6 hrs
MAPH 304 – Basic Photography Studio II Credits: 3 cr, 6 hrs
MAPH 341 – Critical Issues in Photography Credits: 3 cr, 6 hrs
Senior Year Credits: 30
Fall Credits: 15
Electives Credits: 3 cr
Liberal Arts Credits: 6 cr
MAPH 401 – Senior Photography Workshop Credits: 3 cr, 6 hrs
MAPH 442 – Contemporary Issues in Photography Credits: 3 cr, 6 hrs
Spring Credits: 15
MAPF XXX – Photo Elective Credits: 3 cr
See the Photo Elective below
Electives Credits: 6 cr
Liberal Arts Credits: 3 cr
MAPH 402 – Senior Photography Workshop Credits: 3 cr, 6 hrs
Liberal Arts Distribution
Note all Liberal Arts courses are 3 credits.
Liberal Arts Electives Credits: 15 cr
LAAH 111 – Art History Survey I Credits: 3 cr, 3 hrs
LAAH 112 – Art History Survey II Credits: 3 cr, 3 hrs
LAAH 855 – History of Photography Credits: 3 cr, 3 hrs
LACR 101 – First-Year Writing I Credits: 3 cr, 3 hrs
LACR 102 – First-Year Writing II Credits: 3 cr, 3 hrs
LACR 210 – Texts & Contexts: Perspectives on the Humanities Credits: 3 cr, 3 hrs
LACR 22X – Scientific Inquiry Foundation Track (SIFT) Credits: 3 cr, 3 hrs
LAPI 8XX – Liberal Arts Period Interpretation – Pre-20th Century Credits: 3 cr, 3 hrs
LAPI 9XX – Liberal Arts Period Interpretation – 20th Century Credits: 3 cr, 3 hrs
Note:
Electives must include nine studio credits taken outside the Photography offerings.
Photo Elective
May be selected from one of the following:
MACR 499 – Internship Credits: 3 cr, 6 hrs
MAPH 312 – Advanced Digital Photo Workshop Credits: 3 cr, 3 hrs
MAPH 320 – Selected Topics in Photography Credits: 1.5 cr, 3 hrs
MAPH 321 – Surface Altered Photographs Credits: 3 cr, 6 hrs
MAPH 322 – Photojournalism Credits: 3 cr, 6 hrs
MAPH 323 – Fashion and Editorial Portrait Photography Credits: 3 cr, 6 hrs
MAPH 460 – Professional Practices Credits: 3 cr, 3 hrs