Undergraduate Overview
Undergraduate Overview
As an undergraduate student in The Department of Photography at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), you will develop solid mastery over the technical and conceptual complexity that characterizes photography’s past and present while enhancing your ability to discuss your work and the work of others.
Image
Students concentrating on their Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) studies in Photography will:
- Learn from distinguished, practicing artists with a variety of approaches to photography.
- Collaborate with graduate students and peers to create an annual departmental catalog.
- Participate in a 3-credit capstone spine class geared towards preparation for the senior Bachelor of Fine Arts thesis exhibition.
Undergraduate classes offer a natural progression for all students.
- Beginning classes present basic practical skills and strategies for conceptual thinking.
- Intermediate classes are in-depth studies of specific conceptual issues or techniques.
- Advanced classes present opportunities for more self-directed projects, group seminars, and frequent private consultations with instructors.
Course titles and topics––over 30 offerings each semester––range from Intro to Photography to Lighting Fundamentals, Surrealism and Photography, Digital Light Projections, Fashion Photography, Advanced Post-Production, and more, allowing students to delve deeply into an area of interest, find synergies with departments and mediums across the school, or explore and master a wide range of techniques and equipment.
Scholarships
In addition to merit scholarships awarded at the time of admission, each year, a senior student working in the photography department is selected by the faculty for the Fred Endsley scholarship, an unrestricted one-time $1,000 cash award which can be used to create new work or prepare for the senior exhibition.
Undergraduate Admissions Requirements & Curriculum
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To apply to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), you will need to fill out an application and submit your transcripts, artist's statement, and letters of recommendation. And most importantly, we require a portfolio of your best and most recent work—work that will give us a sense of you, your interests, and your willingness to explore, experiment, and think beyond technical art, design, and writing skills.
In order to apply, please submit the following items:
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Portfolio
Submit 10–15 pieces of your best and most recent work. We will review your portfolio and application materials for merit scholarship once you have been admitted to SAIC.
When compiling a portfolio, you may concentrate your work in a single discipline or show work in a breadth of media. The portfolio may include drawings, prints, photographs, paintings, film, video, audio recordings, sculpture, ceramics, fashion designs, graphic design, furniture, objects, architectural designs, websites, video games, sketchbooks, scripts, storyboards, screenplays, zines, or any combination of the above.
Learn more about applying to SAIC's Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio, or view our portfolio preparation guide for more information.
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Studio 69 - CP 1010 Core Studio Practice I (3)
- CP 1011 Core Studio Practice II (3)
- CP 1020 Research Studio I (3)
- CP 1022 Research Studio II (3)
- SOPHSEM 2900 (3)
- PROFPRAC 3900 (3)
- CAPSTONE 4900 (3)
- Studio Electives (48)
Art History 15 - ARTHI 1001 World Cultures/Civilizations: Pre-History—19th Century Art and Architecture (3)
- Additional Art History Course at 1000-level (e.g., ARTHI 1002) (3)
- Art History Electives at 2000-, 3000-, or 4000-level (9)
Liberal Arts 30 - ENGLISH 1001 First Year Seminar I (3)
- ENGLISH 1005 First Year Seminar II (3)
- Natural Science (6)
- Social Science (6)
- Humanities (6)
- Liberal Arts Electives (6)
- Any of the above Liberal Arts or certain AAP or EIS
General Electives 6 - Studio, Art History, Liberal Arts, AAP, or EIS
Total Credit Hours 120 * BFA students must complete at least two classes designated as "off campus study." These classes can also fulfill any of the requirements listed above and be from any of the divisions (Art History, Studio, Liberal Arts, or General Electives).
BFA in Studio with Thesis Option (Liberal Arts or Visual Critical Studies): Students interested in pursuing the BFA in Studio with the Thesis Option (Liberal Arts or Visual Critical Studies) should contact their academic advisor for details about eligibility, program requirements, and the application process.
Total credits required for minimum residency 66 Minimum Studio credit 42
Course Listing
| Title | Catalog | Instructor | Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Photographic Image Making | 1001 (001) | Cecil McDonald, Jr. | Mon
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
This foundational course introduces students to photography as a tool for creative expression and critical inquiry. Through hands-on assignments, students develop technical skills in camera operation, composition, and digital printing while exploring photography¿s evolving nature and impact on perception. Readings, screenings, and discussions provide a critical framework for analyzing images¿both personal and cultural. Emphasizing both conceptual growth and practical application, the course encourages experimentation across genres and prepares students for advanced photographic study. Required for all subsequent photo courses.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Introduction to Photographic Image Making | 1001 (002) | Catherine Gass | Mon/Wed
6:45 PM - 9:15 PM In Person |
Description
This foundational course introduces students to photography as a tool for creative expression and critical inquiry. Through hands-on assignments, students develop technical skills in camera operation, composition, and digital printing while exploring photography¿s evolving nature and impact on perception. Readings, screenings, and discussions provide a critical framework for analyzing images¿both personal and cultural. Emphasizing both conceptual growth and practical application, the course encourages experimentation across genres and prepares students for advanced photographic study. Required for all subsequent photo courses.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Introduction to Photographic Image Making | 1001 (003) | Sonja Ruth Thomsen | Tues
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
This foundational course introduces students to photography as a tool for creative expression and critical inquiry. Through hands-on assignments, students develop technical skills in camera operation, composition, and digital printing while exploring photography¿s evolving nature and impact on perception. Readings, screenings, and discussions provide a critical framework for analyzing images¿both personal and cultural. Emphasizing both conceptual growth and practical application, the course encourages experimentation across genres and prepares students for advanced photographic study. Required for all subsequent photo courses.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Introduction to Photographic Image Making | 1001 (004) | Lali Khalid | Wed
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
This foundational course introduces students to photography as a tool for creative expression and critical inquiry. Through hands-on assignments, students develop technical skills in camera operation, composition, and digital printing while exploring photography¿s evolving nature and impact on perception. Readings, screenings, and discussions provide a critical framework for analyzing images¿both personal and cultural. Emphasizing both conceptual growth and practical application, the course encourages experimentation across genres and prepares students for advanced photographic study. Required for all subsequent photo courses.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Introduction to Photographic Image Making | 1001 (005) | Lali Khalid | Thurs
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
This foundational course introduces students to photography as a tool for creative expression and critical inquiry. Through hands-on assignments, students develop technical skills in camera operation, composition, and digital printing while exploring photography¿s evolving nature and impact on perception. Readings, screenings, and discussions provide a critical framework for analyzing images¿both personal and cultural. Emphasizing both conceptual growth and practical application, the course encourages experimentation across genres and prepares students for advanced photographic study. Required for all subsequent photo courses.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Introduction to Photographic Image Making | 1001 (006) | James Baroz | Thurs
3:30 PM - 9:15 PM In Person |
Description
This foundational course introduces students to photography as a tool for creative expression and critical inquiry. Through hands-on assignments, students develop technical skills in camera operation, composition, and digital printing while exploring photography¿s evolving nature and impact on perception. Readings, screenings, and discussions provide a critical framework for analyzing images¿both personal and cultural. Emphasizing both conceptual growth and practical application, the course encourages experimentation across genres and prepares students for advanced photographic study. Required for all subsequent photo courses.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Introduction to Photographic Image Making | 1001 (007) | Lali Khalid | Fri
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
This foundational course introduces students to photography as a tool for creative expression and critical inquiry. Through hands-on assignments, students develop technical skills in camera operation, composition, and digital printing while exploring photography¿s evolving nature and impact on perception. Readings, screenings, and discussions provide a critical framework for analyzing images¿both personal and cultural. Emphasizing both conceptual growth and practical application, the course encourages experimentation across genres and prepares students for advanced photographic study. Required for all subsequent photo courses.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Introduction to Photographic Image Making | 1001 (008) | Nathan Miller | Thurs
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
This foundational course introduces students to photography as a tool for creative expression and critical inquiry. Through hands-on assignments, students develop technical skills in camera operation, composition, and digital printing while exploring photography¿s evolving nature and impact on perception. Readings, screenings, and discussions provide a critical framework for analyzing images¿both personal and cultural. Emphasizing both conceptual growth and practical application, the course encourages experimentation across genres and prepares students for advanced photographic study. Required for all subsequent photo courses.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Slow Photo | 2003 (001) | Monika Niwelinska | Fri
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
This course invites students with a foundational knowledge of photography to expand their image-making practices through hands-on, experimental techniques. Exploring cyanotype, van dyke brown, collage, reproduction, and transfer methods, students gain a working understanding of graphic arts and print films. The course encourages curiosity, independent research, and creative risk-taking, with opportunities to integrate text, installation, and performance. Emphasizing process and material exploration, Slow Photo fosters a deeper engagement with photography beyond the digital, embracing time-intensive approaches that challenge conventional image-making.
PrerequisitesPrerequisite: PHOTO 1001. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| The Anthropocene | 2006 (001) | Oliver Sann | Wed
8:30 AM - 11:15 AM In Person |
Description
'The Anthropocene' is the name of the new geological epoch, proposing that the human species has become the single most dominant agent of change affecting the Earth's ecosystems. Photography plays in this context a pivotal role and goal of this class is to promote different photographic experiences on land- and cityscapes of the Anthropocene. Collaborative work and access to different material forms, laboratories, analog and digital photographic media as well as scholarship and first-person testimony on health, race, politics and aesthetics, will help generate diverse perspectives on the entangled realities of the world and the complex human-natural systems. Questions of environmental justice and environmental ethics will take center stage in this class.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Medium Format | 2009 (001) | Galit Julia Aloni | Tues
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
Explore the history, methods, and creative potential of medium format film photography. In this course, students will work with medium format cameras, experimenting with black-and-white and color film. Through guided instruction, they will learn film development techniques and both analog and digital printing methods. By combining traditional and experimental approaches, students will expand their photographic practice and deepen their understanding of the medium.
PrerequisitesPrerequisite: 3 credits of PHOTO 1000 level courses. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Color | 2010 (001) | Rachel Herman | Thurs
3:30 PM - 9:15 PM In Person |
Description
This course explores the intricate concepts and practices of color photography, integrating perception, science, and cultural significance. Students refine their ability to see and interpret color through hands-on projects, peer critique, and historical and theoretical discussions. Technical instruction includes image capture, color correction, light quality, printing across various scales and media, and presentation strategies. Through these explorations, students deepen their understanding of color¿s role in shaping meaning and photographic expression.
PrerequisitesPrerequisite: PHOTO 1001. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Color | 2010 (002) | Sonja Ruth Thomsen | Mon
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
This course explores the intricate concepts and practices of color photography, integrating perception, science, and cultural significance. Students refine their ability to see and interpret color through hands-on projects, peer critique, and historical and theoretical discussions. Technical instruction includes image capture, color correction, light quality, printing across various scales and media, and presentation strategies. Through these explorations, students deepen their understanding of color¿s role in shaping meaning and photographic expression.
PrerequisitesPrerequisite: PHOTO 1001. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Black and White | 2011 (001) | Nathan Miller | Mon
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
This course explores the techniques and aesthetics of black and white photography, from exposure to final prints. Students will develop skills in analog darkroom and inkjet printing, contrast control, lighting techniques, and the impact of scale, paper, and film choices. Hands-on projects and darkroom experimentation will deepen technical abilities and creative expression. An adjustable film camera is required.
PrerequisitesPrerequisite: PHOTO 1001. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Black and White | 2011 (002) | Jan Tichy | Wed
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
This course explores the techniques and aesthetics of black and white photography, from exposure to final prints. Students will develop skills in analog darkroom and inkjet printing, contrast control, lighting techniques, and the impact of scale, paper, and film choices. Hands-on projects and darkroom experimentation will deepen technical abilities and creative expression. An adjustable film camera is required.
PrerequisitesPrerequisite: PHOTO 1001. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Black and White | 2011 (003) | Oliver Sann | Fri
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
This course explores the techniques and aesthetics of black and white photography, from exposure to final prints. Students will develop skills in analog darkroom and inkjet printing, contrast control, lighting techniques, and the impact of scale, paper, and film choices. Hands-on projects and darkroom experimentation will deepen technical abilities and creative expression. An adjustable film camera is required.
PrerequisitesPrerequisite: PHOTO 1001. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Lighting Fundamentals | 2015 (001) | Kyle Dunn | Mon
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
DescriptionLight is a powerful tool for creative control. In this course, students learn to observe, measure, and manipulate light to enhance their photographic work. Through hands-on practice, they explore the interplay of natural, ambient, and artificial light sources¿including on-camera and hand-held flash¿within existing conditions. By understanding metering and light mixing techniques, students gain the skills to shape mood, depth, and atmosphere in their images. This course provides a strong foundation in lighting, equipping students with practical techniques to elevate their work with confidence and precision. PrerequisitesPrerequisite: PHOTO 1001. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Lighting Fundamentals | 2015 (002) | Galit Julia Aloni | Thurs
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
Light is a powerful tool for creative control. In this course, students learn to observe, measure, and manipulate light to enhance their photographic work. Through hands-on practice, they explore the interplay of natural, ambient, and artificial light sources¿including on-camera and hand-held flash¿within existing conditions. By understanding metering and light mixing techniques, students gain the skills to shape mood, depth, and atmosphere in their images. This course provides a strong foundation in lighting, equipping students with practical techniques to elevate their work with confidence and precision.
PrerequisitesPrerequisite: PHOTO 1001. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Documentary Practices | 2025 (001) | Jonas Becker | Tues
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
This course explores the power, ethics, and evolving role of documentary photography. Students will critically examine the medium¿s historical claims to truth and objectivity while confronting contemporary debates on identity, representation, and agency¿who tells which stories, and how context shapes meaning? Readings from photography theory, sociology, and popular media provide diverse perspectives, fueling critical discussion. Through hands-on assignments and a culminating project, students will bridge theory and practice, refining their documentary approach while navigating the ethical and creative complexities of visual storytelling.
PrerequisitesPrerequisite: 3 credits of PHOTO 1000 level courses. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Large-Format | 3002 (001) | Robert Clarke-Davis | Thurs
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
Large Format Photography introduces students to the concepts and aesthetics of working with a large-format view camera. Students will learn pre-visualization, camera movements, perspective control, large-format optics, and sheet film handling. Through flexible assignments, they are encouraged to develop a personal style while exploring traditional genres such as portraiture, landscape, studio, and architecture. Technical skills include view camera setup, the zone system, large-format scanning, and both analog and digital printing. Each student is assigned a 4x5 studio camera and has access to 8x10 and 4x5 field cameras, along with various optics and accessories.
PrerequisitesPrerequisite: 3 credits of PHOTO 2000 level courses. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Individual Projects | 3004 (001) | Cecil McDonald, Jr. | Thurs
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
This course fosters the development of self-directed, research-driven projects, challenging students to push beyond traditional photographic approaches and explore interdisciplinary practices. Emphasizing experimentation, students refine their conceptual depth and technical skills while advancing a sustained body of work. Through critiques, discussions, collaborations, workshops, and individual mentoring, the course supports ambitious project development and strategies for exhibition, publication, and public engagement. Designed to complement Senior Capstone projects, it prepares students for the BFA exhibition and professional creative practices. May be repeated for credit.
PrerequisitesPrerequisite: 3 credits of PHOTO 2000 level courses. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentLocation |
| Top: Manipulations and Extensions | 3005 (001) | Robert Clarke-Davis | Wed
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
This course explores image-making through unconventional cameras, alternative processes, and creative interventions. From plastic lenses to pinhole photography, from cross-processing to digital manipulation, we will embrace and elevate the discarded, the imperfect, and the forgotten in an AI free zone. Using cameras like the Recesky twin-lens reflex, Konstruktor, Big Shot, Sunpet, and key ring cameras, as well as techniques such as zone plate and pinhole photography, students will push the limits of photographic perception. Inspired by figures like Henry Beck, we will champion low-tech and hybrid approaches, finding beauty in limitation and innovation in constraint. Through hands-on experimentation with both analog and digital tools, students will develop a personal approach to image-making that celebrates the unexpected.
PrerequisitesPrerequisite: PHOTO 1001. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentLocation |
| Top: Hybrid Image-Making Strategies | 3005 (002) | Rob Croll | Tues
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
This course explores the integration of analog and digital techniques in photography, focusing on previsualization, exposure, and composition. Students will use advanced digital and analog tools, including perspective control, 3D imaging, and AI, fostering an innovative approach to contemporary photographic practice while challenging students to think critically about the intersections of traditional and emerging photographic practices.
PrerequisitesPrerequisite: 6 credits of PHOTO 2000-level courses or PHOTO 3008 or by instructor consent. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentLocation |
| Top: Lens-Based Performance Practices | 3005 (003) | Kat Bawden | Tues, Tues
3:30 PM - 9:15 PM, 3:30 PM - 9:15 PM In Person |
Description
This course explores performance practices for the camera, including video, photo-based performance, new media, and expanded cinema. We¿ll examine how performing for a camera differs from live performance and how presenting this imagery can become a performative act. Students will develop technical skills and conceptual frameworks through readings, assignments, and three main projects. Topics include visual haptics, virtuality, and the philosophy of self, with artists like Adrian Piper, Mona Hatoum, and Ana Mendieta. Classes feature lectures, discussions, creative exercises, and field trips. A laptop with Adobe Creative Cloud is required.
PrerequisitesPrerequisite: 6 credits of PHOTO 2000-level courses or PHOTO 3008 or by instructor consent. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentLocation |
| Image Editing & Output | 3007 (001) | Sara Condo | Fri
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
Image Editing & Output refines digital imaging skills with a focus on post-production and high-quality printing. Students refine workflows, develop expertise in advanced editing techniques like color management, masking, and compositing, and explore creative post-production methods using Photoshop and other software. Technical assignments and self-directed projects reinforce these skills. Readings and discussions address contemporary issues in digital imaging and evolving output technologies. As digital tools constantly change, students develop research and problem-solving strategies to adapt their workflows and stay current with new advancements. This course balances technical precision with creative exploration, preparing students for the ever-evolving world of digital imaging.
PrerequisitesPrerequisite: PHOTO 1001 and PHOTO 2010. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Structuring, Sequencing and Series | 3010 (001) | Aimée Beaubien | Mon
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
Structuring, Sequencing, Series explores how photographic meaning is shaped through sequences and series¿fundamental ways we encounter images in books, exhibitions, installations, and digital spaces. This course examines how structure influences interpretation, considering both narrative and non-narrative approaches across diverse genres. Through hands-on assignments, students will experiment with serial imagery in photobooks, zines, portfolios, web-based projects, installations, video, and projection. By analyzing historical and contemporary examples, students will develop a deeper understanding of photography¿s evolving role and refine their ability to construct compelling visual narratives.
PrerequisitesPrerequisite: 3 credits of PHOTO 2000 level courses. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Capturing Time: The Intersection of the Cinematic and Photographic Image | 3032 (001) | Monika Niwelinska | Thurs
6:45 PM - 9:30 PM All Online |
Description
Capturing Time explores the relationship between cinematic and photographic images through historical, theoretical, and artistic practices. Students will investigate the elusive concept of time and its presence across disciplines, forming the foundation for creating and experiencing time-based art. Weekly readings, screenings, and research will examine time, temporality, and the boundaries of still and moving images. Historical and contemporary resources will inform studio work, including visual exercises and a final project, culminating in a substantial body of work in each student¿s chosen medium.
Prerequisites3 Credits of 2000-level Photo course |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Sensitivity & Exposure: Concepts and Techniques in Light Based Printing | 3036 (001) | Frances Lightbound | Mon
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
In this course, we'll delve into the intriguing intersection of photography and printmaking, acquiring light and pressure-based printing skills and conceptually integrating them into an art practice that approaches print as a site-responsive medium, sensitive to light, pressure, and context. The introductory section explores the material sensitivity of embossing and frottage, treating them as akin to documentary photography. The second section introduces light sensitivity through cyanotype and gelatin silver processes, engaging directly with objects and surfaces. The final segment employs digital fabrication to create laser-engraved linoleum blocks and printed photogravure plates, enabling relief and intaglio inking techniques and printing processes.
The course will introduce pivotal artists associated with taught printing techniques and their historical context. We'll explore the works of artists such as Anna Atkins and Albrecht Durer, who played significant roles in the development of their respective techniques. We'll also examine figures like Alfred Stieglitz and Robert Overby, who influenced the trajectory of their media, and contemporary artists like William Kentridge and Do Ho Suh, who have reshaped our perception of print. Additionally, we'll read and screen 'Contact: Art and the Pull of Print' by Jennifer Roberts from Harvard, and invite her for an online discussion with our students. The coursework will adhere to a media and technique-based structure, with the creation of six bodies of work with separate critiques. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Digital Light Projections | 3050 (001) | Jan Tichy | Thurs
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
This course embraces the concept of projection as a broad field of art practice. Starting with the magic lantern, the course investigates the history of projection related practices that shape the parameters of visual perception and communication. Deconstructing the concept of the screen, the course focuses on projection in sculptural and installation contexts.
Microcontrollers and Adobe software is used in unorthodox ways to shape visual elements for digital light projection. History of visual, technical and conceptual use of light is accessed to investigate the interactions of projections with objects and space. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| PHOTO: Junior Seminar: Building a Sustainable Practice | 3922 (001) | Rachel Herman | Wed
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
Junior Seminar helps students build essential professional skills for life after graduation, focusing on developing a sustainable practice based on their strengths and working style. This five-hour studio seminar offers flexible time for individual mentoring, guest speakers, field trips, extended critiques, and dedicated work time, fostering both professional growth and creative community. Through hands-on projects, students create websites, CVs, grant proposals, and artist statements while learning how to tailor these materials for different opportunities. As one of SAIC¿s four required Junior Seminars, this course provides structure and support within the school¿s open, interdisciplinary curriculum, helping students confidently navigate their future careers.
PrerequisitesPrerequisite: Sophomore seminar course |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| PHOTO: Senior Studio Seminar | 4913 (001) | Oliver Sann | Tues
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
This interdisciplinary capstone, with an emphasis on contemporary photography and visual culture, is structured as an intensive critique and mentoring class focused on the development and presentation of culminating work at the end of the BFA and the continued progression of studio work beyond the BFA exhibition. The course supports the production of self-initiated work, a successful BFA show and a road map for a sustainable art practice after graduation. Preparations for the BFA exhibition include workshopping project proposals, budgets, production schedules, the development of new work and an array of possible final presentation forms.
Readings, screenings and discussions will examine useful models of participation in cultural production and a critical framework for analyzing a range of platforms to share work online, in print and exhibition. Studio visits will provide insight into the day-to-day life of artists at various stages in their career ranging from current SAIC grad students to working professionals. Online and printed portfolios utilizing an ever-evolving archive of work will be refined along with professional supporting materials such as statements, CVs and artist talks necessary for a professional practice beyond graduation. PrerequisitesPrerequisite: Professional practice course |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Photographic Imaging Technical Seminar | 5005 (001) | Alex Wieder | Tues
3:30 PM - 6:15 PM In Person |
Description
This graduate-level course provides an in-depth exploration of the technical and conceptual aspects of photography. Students will gain certifications to use department equipment and facilities, while learning about workflow, acquisition, and output capabilities. The course emphasizes both technical skill development and individual project work, allowing students to troubleshoot and resolve challenges while producing work for critique. With a focus on both analog and digital processes, the course accommodates students with diverse technical backgrounds, offering advanced training in photographic methods and tools.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentLocation |
| Graduate Photography Seminar | 5006 (001) | Jonas Becker | Mon
12:15 PM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
This graduate level studio seminar course is a hybrid of reading, discussion, making and critique, designed to pursue positions in historical and contemporary philosophy, critical analysis, and current thought relevant to photography and visual literacy. Throughout the semester, the course aims to explore the past and future of visual media and to look at its discourse in relation to life as an artist in the greater realm of culture, society and politics. Course programming includes critical readings, short and informal writing assignments, work and research presentations.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentLocation |
| Grad Projects:Photography | 6009 (001) | Jonas Becker |
TBD - TBD In Person |
Description
Taken every semester, the Graduate Projects courses allow students to focus in private sessions on the development of their work. Students register for 6 hours of Graduate Project credit in each semester of study.
PrerequisitesOpen to MFA, MFAW and MAVCS students only |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentLocation |
| Grad Projects:Photography | 6009 (002) | Jan Tichy |
TBD - TBD In Person |
Description
Taken every semester, the Graduate Projects courses allow students to focus in private sessions on the development of their work. Students register for 6 hours of Graduate Project credit in each semester of study.
PrerequisitesOpen to MFA, MFAW and MAVCS students only |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentLocation |
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