The photography curriculum is designed to give students a thorough knowledge of the medium, including historical and aesthetic concerns, as well as experience with conventional, experimental and digital photography. The program relates to all the other areas in the department by emphasizing inter-media applications through the combination of photographic images or electronic output with the traditional materials associated with drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking and ceramics to encourage communication and understanding across the disciplines. The intent is to conceptualize ideas by using the medium of photography and related practices. Although experimentation and aesthetic freedom is encouraged, the program is demanding and critically challenging. The curriculum encourages students to develop knowledge, skill and creative thinking through realistic problem-solving

and technical instruction. Students study camera vision, equipment and technique; black-and-white, color and alternative processes; the use of natural and artificial light; and the photographic applications of digital technology. At all levels students learn to develop their critical judgment through discussion of contemporary and historical photographic practice. Graduates are prepared to pursue employment in a wide range of fields, from fine art to commercial applications, or they may choose to pursue graduate studies.

Faculty member Liz Lee coordinates the Academic Practicum Workshops for the Society for Photographic Education. More information about the society can be found at www.spenational.org