This is an archived version of the University Catalog and is no longer being maintained. References to people, offices, policies, and web links may be outdated. View the current catalog or email catalog@csuchico.edu for updated information. Students who have catalog rights to this version of the catalog should check with an advisor for graduation requirements.

Skip to Side Navigation Skip to Content Skip to Accessibility Settings

The Minor in Photographic Studies

Laptop Requirement

To complete this program, the student must have the use of a laptop computer. Please consult with the department for current hardware and software requirements. Students qualify to receive special education discounts on computers and software sold through the Associated Students Bookstore (an Apple authorized campus store). For some programs, in an effort to lower student expenses, bundles consisting of a specially priced Apple laptop computer with the program's required software will be made available at the beginning of each academic year through the Associated Students Bookstore. This laptop computer package is expected to serve the student for the entire length of the program.

Students should carefully select from lower-division courses which may be prerequisites for intended upper-division electives.

Course Requirements for the Minor: 21 units

The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required of all candidates for this minor.

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Survey of the major visual arts of Europe and the U.S. from the Renaissance to 1800. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (021083)
Survey of the major visual arts of Europe and the U.S. from 1800 to the Present. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course. (021084)

2 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
The development of photography from roots in classical and medieval discoveries to the present, its role in historical documentation, its reciprocal influence upon the arts, its contribution to science, and its importance as an extension of human vision. Non-silver processes and fusion of photography with computer and other media will be examined. Ansel Adams, Imogen Cunningham, Alfred Stieglitz, and Edward Weston are among the photographers to be considered. 3 hours lecture. (000773)
Foundation studies in the elements and principles of art and design as applied to 2D media. Includes critical thinking and conceptual development, materials and methods, and additive and subtractive color theories and applications. 6 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (000720)

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
An introduction to digital photography that explores the composition and aesthetics of photography. Emphasis is on concepts and techniques of image manipulation software. The course addresses printing and displaying photographic portfolios. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (015869)
This course provides an introduction to the theory and application of photography as a fine art. Basic digital photographic skills and techniques are emphasized. Primary emphasis on the place of photography in art history, current art theory, and issues in photographic representation. 6 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (000738)
This course is an introduction to the fundamental vocabulary and techniques of digital photography. Emphasis is placed on developing visual competence in the creation and consumption of lens-based imagery. Course content includes the basics of camera and digital production techniques for color and black and white photographs that are produced as exhibition-quality prints and on-screen imagery. Includes a broad-based survey of photo history, contemporary theory, and current issues related to the practice of photography. Open to non-majors. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. (001654)
Prerequisites: JOUR 260 for majors, no prerequisite for non-majors.
Theory and practice of news photography, including picture-taking for college publications, as well as special photographic projects. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (002011)

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisites: Introductory photography course on the college level, or faculty permission.
Concentration on expressive and aesthetic aspects of photography in fine arts. Emphasis on ability to manipulate and compose with light as a most crucial element in the organization of plastic space. 6 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (000786)
Prerequisites: CDES 206 (with a grade of C or higher).
This course addresses photographic perception, creative process, and a more thorough investigation of narrative editing practices and techniques related to digital photography. Technical concepts include advanced systems of exposure and digital imaging processing for high-quality digital output. Open to non-majors. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (001737)
Prerequisites: ARTS 240 or APCG 112 or CDES 206 or JOUR 353.
This course deals with the advanced skills, theory, history, and ethics of newspaper and magazine photojournalism. It builds on basics from the prerequisite course to develop the photography skills of students who seek to become professional photojournalists. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (020492)

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisites: ARTS 340, CDES 396, JOUR 453, or faculty permission.
This course provides instruction in the design, construction, and presentation of photographically produced artworks. During the semester, students are required to produce a portfolio quality body of artwork. Theoretical and historical relationships to the student artwork are discussed. 6 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 12.0 units. (000872)
Prerequisites: CDES 396 with a grade of C or higher or faculty permission.
This course addresses the development and execution of a single photography project culminating in a final portfolio. Individual research on historic and contemporary photo-practices is expected. Open to non-majors. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (001794)

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
This course provides an introduction to computer graphics and art. Students use the computer as a tool for creating static and animated images. Basic instruction in design and color relationships is provided. The writing component may include research reports from current graphics publications and/or attendance and discussion of art exhibitions. 1 hour discussion, 4 hours activity. This is an approved General Education course. (002287)
Prerequisites: CAGD 110.
The course explores the basic principles and techniques of motion such as in-betweening, timing, squash and stretch, and more. Students produce animated works that demonstrate these principles and techniques and that effectively communicate with the audience. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (020240)
Prerequisites: CAGD 230.
This course uses 3-D modeling and animation software in developing 3-D computer models and creating presentations of those models in story-telling still scenes. The tools, techniques, and topics studied include basic and advanced 3-D modeling tools, 3-D scene layout, lighting, texturing, and rendering. 1 hour discussion, 4 hours activity. (002317)
Prerequisites: CAGD 240.
The concepts of computer imaging and animation are taught in this project-based course. Focus is on the principles of animation and how they apply to current computer animation techniques. This course emphasizes both creative and technical skills. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (002366)
Prerequisite: CAGD 330.
This course explores the techniques used for simulating realistic lighting and texturing in 2D and 3D environments and develops student skills in accurate image creation. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (020243)
Prerequisites: ARTH 130.
An investigation of artists and issues that have occupied the global contemporary art world since 1980. 3 hours lecture. (000838)
This course provides an introduction to the fundamental theories, vocabularies and techniques of traditional chemical-based photography. Course content includes basic film and darkroom techniques and their application to building visual competency in the creation of lens-based imagery. Film camera required. Open to non-majors. 6 hours activity. (021085)
Prerequisites: ARTS 122 or ARTS 125, sophomore standing.
This is a foundation computer course for studio artists. The course covers basic instruction using the computer for painting, drawing, image processing, photographic composites, words as art, animation, research, and presentation. Emphasis is on conceptual and creative processes. Art and design principles, aesthetic decision making, and visual effectiveness are addressed. Basic drawing skills strongly recommended. 6 hours activity. (000737)
Prerequisites: ARTS 340 or permission of instructor.
This course provides an introduction to contemporary techniques and aesthetics of non-silver photography. Both historical and non-traditional photographic processes and their application to fine art photography are covered in this course. 6 hours activity. (000789)
Prerequisites: ARTS 122, ARTS 125, ARTS 250.
Intermediate studies in digital media and electronic arts. Hands on exploration of digital media with focus on cross-media and interdisciplinary collaboration to create new media artworks; and understanding of presentation issues surrounding digital media for a variety of platforms. Course focus may vary each semester. 6 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (000770)
Prerequisites: ARTS 343.
Advanced exploration of contemporary techniques and aesthetics of non-silver photography. This course provides instruction in the design, construction, and presentation of non-silver and/or non-traditional photographic artworks. Students produce a portfolio quality body of artwork. 6 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (015013)
Prerequisites: ARTS 350 or faculty permission.
Advanced concepts in digital media and electronic arts with emphasis on development of personal aesthetics, technical excellence, and development of cohesive bodies of work which demonstrate understanding of the relationships between content, form, and media. Course focus may vary each semester. 6 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 12.0 units. (000753)
Prerequisite: CDES 222.
A study in the design and development of multimedia. Emphasis on conceptualizing multimedia products for use in education and training, information delivery, and performance support. Hands-on skill development in creating digital elements for use in multimedia, such as graphics, audio, and video and combining these elements into interactive programs. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (001773)
The course is designed to expose visual communication students to significant graphic forms, personalities, and movements. Students will relate symbolic, typographic, photographic, and illustrative imagery to informative and persuasive media. 3 hours discussion. (001670)
The origins and major movements in the area of the documentary film. The various uses relating to propaganda, social problems, and personal insight. Production motivations in seeking the mass audience through documentary. Open to non-majors. 3 hours discussion. (001683)
Motion picture beginnings. How production, distribution, and use developed to make motion pictures a powerful medium for mass communication. The significance of the motion picture as an entertainment, education, information, and propaganda device meeting unique social needs and purposes. Open to non-majors. 3 hours lecture. (001677)
Catalog Cycle:16