Introductory course that examines the nature of photography and visual literacy through the personal exploration and making of photographic images with various image-making and various image-processing approaches, including the use of digital cameras, imaging software for photography and an analog (film) darkroom. The primary focus of the course will be to engage in photographic practice as a means to respond subjectively as well as objectively to the conceptual and aesthetic experiences of the photographic image as a visual document of creative expression and communication. Historical and contemporary photographic works from diverse perspectives and approaches within the contexts of the family album, art photography, commercial / advertising photography, photography and media, and cyberspace will be examined and critically discussed to further cultivate and refine each students' visual literacy of the photographic image in society and culture. Any type of lens-based, image-making device including smart phones, digital point-and-shoot cameras, and digital SLR's can be used. (CSU/UC) (AA/AS-3)

Introductory course that examines the foundations of photographic seeing, thought and analysis with the use of photography's analog approaches and techniques, including photographic film cameras, black & white film processing, film scanning and darkroom and digital printmaking and use of artificial lighting in a photographic studio and/or on-location. The primary focus of the course will be to engage in photographic practice to respond subjectively as well as objectively to the conceptual and aesthetic experiences of the photographic image as a visual document of creative expression and communication. Historical and contemporary photographic works from diverse perspectives and approaches within analog photographic practice will be discussed. Discussion and practice with small-, medium- and large-format (film) cameras, image exposure methods, basic artificial lighting techniques, image optimization and use of the dynamic tonal range with film processing and digital imaging techniques, and photographic printing practices in both darkroom and digital environments. The Photography Program can provide a 35mm, medium- or large-format film camera for student check-out and use during the course. (CSU/UC)

A survey that examines the role and function of photography and its cultural history, including its relationship to art, science, social sciences, travel, fashion, and mass media. Topics of discussion will focus on the important cultural, aesthetic and technical considerations in photography within the historical and contemporary contexts of works by photographers from the United States, Latin America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Such topics will include Looking At and Understanding Photographs, The Origins and Development of Photography, A New Aesthetic - 19th Century Photography, Photography and Modernity, Lens Culture and Mass Media as well as The Globalization of Photography in the Digital Age. (CSU/UC) (AA/AS-3, CSU-C1, IGETC-3A, Cal-GETC-3A)

This course provides for further conceptual development and refinement of the techniques necessary to support serious photographic communication. Skillful control of photography's materials and processes along with an understanding of historical and contemporary issues within the medium will be applied with a high degree of critical analysis in the production and interpretation of the student's photographs. Students will conceptualize and produce a finished portfolio, including a print, portfolio book and/or website, that reflects the depth and scope of the student's interest, vision and technical craft. (CSU)