Course Syllabus

ART 2510 Portraits and Selfies

Course Description

This photography course teaches students traditional and explorative methods in portraiture and self-portraiture. Students will explore the nature and meaning of photographic representation and the role portraiture plays in personal and cultural identity. Topics include traditional and explorative methods in photography, camera operation, camera format, image editing, natural and artificial lighting, exhibition presentation, historical and contemporary perspectives, and conceptual approaches used in making compelling portraits. A program fee is required.

Justification

Portraiture is one of the fundamental genres of photography and serves as a key indicator of personal and cultural identity. This course will prepare students to transfer after completing their degree and will also aid them to work in the commercial portrait industry. A large majority of working photographers support themselves financially with portrait photography, it is considered the "bread and butter" of the photographic industry. This course is offered in visual arts programs around the country in similar formats.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Material Proficiency: Demonstrate a proficiency in materials and techniques
2. Principles of Concept: Demonstrate an integration of conceptual principles
3. Historical Context: Demonstrate a fluency in historical content and context
4. Critical Theory: Demonstrate the ability to critically analyze a work of art
5. Creative Process: Demonstrate the application of the creative process

Course Content

This course will include:• Photographing on location, illustrated lectures and discussions on various facets of photography including the dynamics of formal aesthetics, camera operation, light, image editing, exhibition presentation, historical and contemporary movements, contemporary photographers, theory, and criticism.• Applied application of photography methods and techniques in the studio and in the field. • Individual and group critiques, designed to promote constructive analysis of each student's own work, the work of their peers, and historical and contemporary works of art.• Written critical evaluations analyzing contemporary works of art and a formal project statement designed to assist in each student’s ability to articulate their own creative process.• The compilation of a series of images presented in a final portfolio.• The artistic genres and movements covered in this course will be representative of a ranging variety in gender, nationality, language, perspective, etc.