Apr 27, 2024  
Academic Catalog 2022-2023 
    
Academic Catalog 2022-2023 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Courses


 

Graduate

  
  • MPPH601 Major Studio-Photography Sem 1 6cr


    The Graduate Major studio provides the context for graduate critique. Taught by a different faculty member each semester, this class gives graduate students the venue for thinking through their ideas, for sharing the work they produce, and for verbal participation in group critique

    Fall
  
  • MPPH602 Major Studio-Photography Sem 2 6cr


    The Graduate Major studio provides the context for graduate critique. Taught by a different faculty member each semester, this class gives graduate students the venue for thinking through their ideas, for sharing the work they produce, and for verbal participation in group critique

    Prerequisites: MPPH601

    Spring
  
  • MPPH701 Major Studio-Photography Sem 3 6cr


    The Graduate Major studio provides the context for graduate critique. Taught by a different faculty member each semester, this class gives graduate students the venue for thinking through their ideas, for sharing the work they produce, and for verbal participation in group critique

    Prerequisites: MPPH602

    Fall
  
  • MPPH702 Major Studio-Photography Sem 4 6 or 9cr


    The Graduate Major studio provides the context for graduate critique. Taught by a different faculty member each semester, this class gives graduate students the venue for thinking through their ideas, for sharing the work they produce, and for verbal participation in group critique.

    Prerequisites: MPPH701

    Spring

Photography

  
  • MPPH100 Intro Photo for Non-Majors 3 cr.


    A beginning course for students with an interest in creative work and study in black and white photography. Teaches exposure controls, camera operation and rudimentary film development and printing.

    Hybrid Studio/Critique

    All College Elective
  
  • MPPH206 Photography in the Digital Age 3 cr.


    An introduction to the digital darkroom that offers a solid foundation in digital imaging skills. Technical focus is on the current array of input, editing and output options. The content of student work is addressed in periodic critiques, and class discussions emphasize the role of the computer in contemporary photography.

    Hybrid Studio/Critique

    All College Elective
  
  • MPPH214 Drawing With Light 3cr


    Drawing with Light introduces students to making cameraless photographs in combination with
    collage, assemblage, and hand-applied elements including drawing. Students use photographic
    techniques such as photograms and the camera obscura as departure points for investigations of
    the line, value, shape, texture and space.

    Hybrid studio Critique

    Fall and Spring
  
  • MPPH240 Sophomore Studio I 6 cr


    This required sophomore course is the first in the progression of major studio/hybrid seminars in photography. The course addresses the aesthetic and technical dimensions of contemporary practice in black and white analog photography. Proficiency in B&W darkroom techniques is emphasized. At the discretion of the instructor, the class will concentrate on the use of either 4X5 view cameras or small/medium format cameras for the semester. Weekly assignments and critiques familiarize students with the importance of this equipment in contemporary practice, as well as the history of the medium. Slide presentations and field trips are combined with the principles of optics, cameras, film, photographic chemistry and darkroom technique. [Previously titled Sophomore Major Studio I]

    Prerequisites: Majors Only

    Hybrid Studio/Critique

    Departmental Requirement
    Fall
  
  • MPPH241 Sophomore Studio II 6 cr


    This required sophomore course is the second in the progression of major studio/hybrid seminars in photography. The course builds upon the base of knowledge students gained about black and white analog photography in Sophomore Studio I. Advanced B&W darkroom techniques and fine silver gelatin printing are emphasized. The class concentrates on the use of diverse analog camera formats. Weekly assignments and critiques familiarize students with the importance of this equipment in contemporary practice as well as in the history of the medium. Slide presentations and field trips are combined with principles of optics, cameras, film, photographic chemistry and darkroom technique. Students are encouraged to experiment and take risks as they explore the expressive possibilities of the medium. [Formerly titled Sophomore Major Studio II]

    Prerequisites: MPPH240

    Hybrid Studio/Critique

    Departmental Requirement
    Spring
  
  • MPPH281 Sophomore Studio/Large Format 6cr


    This required sophomore course is the second in the progression of major studio/hybrid seminars
    in photography. The course addresses the aesthetic and technical dimensions of
    contemporary practice in black and white analog photography. Advanced black and white darkroom
    techniques are emphasized. The class will concentrate on the use of the 4X5 view camera.
    Weekly assignments and critiques familiarize students with the importance of this equipment in
    contemporary practice as well as the history of he medium. Slide presentations and field trips
    are combined with the principles of optics, cameras, film, photographic chemistry, and
    darkroom techniques. [Formerly titled Soph. Major Studio II]

    Seminar Hybrid

    Dept Requirement
    Fall and Spring
  
  • MPPH303 Alternative Camera, Alternative Techniques 3 cr.


    An introduction to alternative darkroom and camera processes including plastic and pinhole, cameraless photography, digital and hand-made internegatives and non-silver printing. This class will include regular demonstrations as well as critique and research techniques for seeking out unusual photographic materials.

    Prerequisites: Open to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors

    Critique

    Departmental Elective
  
  • MPPH304 Lighting for Photography 3 cr.


    This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of photographic
    lighting. Students will explore the uses of strobe, tungsten and ambient light in both studio and location settings. Classes will consist of lectures on a wide array of approaches to the use of lighting, in-class demonstrations, and critique of student work. Over the course of the semester we will endeavor to create a collaborative conversation regarding the use of lighting and its integral relationship to the photographic image.

    Prerequisites: Open to Soph, Junior, and Senior  Only

    Critique

  
  • MPPH323 Topics in Photography 3 cr.


    Courses with this title offer in-depth studies of special topics in photography. Past seminars have included “Ways of Seeing”, “Photo Book Making”, “Portrait”, and “Afterlife: Professional Practices in Photography”.

    Prerequisites: MPPH240 and MPPH-241 or permission of instructor

    Critique

    Departmental Elective
  
  • MPPH340 Junior Techniques 6cr


    This course is a rigorous introduction to the digital tools available to photographers. The course covers a wide array of topics, with emphasis placed on digital image capture and the use of the computer as a parallel tool to traditional photographic practices. Weekly critiques address students’ aesthetic and technical progress and are supplemented by readings, lectures, and discussions that evaluate the role of the computer in contemporary photography. Students are meant to develop a solid foundation in digital imaging practices as well as a familiarity with emerging technologies.

    Prerequisites: MPPH-241

    Hybrid Studio Critique

    Dept Requirement
    Fall
  
  • MPPH341 Junior Projects 6cr


    In this required course, students develop and refine a personal vision of their own through long-term photography based projects, more advanced technical knowledge, and a deeper familiarity with uses in the medium. Weekly critiques in combination with slide presentations will stimulate group discussions that consider diverse dimensions of the language of photography. Students will be introduced to leading practitioners in the field of contemporary photography through bi-weekly lectures, readings, and written analysis. The talks by visiting artists, historians and curators are organized by the department. Lab time, technical demonstrations, oral presentations, field work, and visits to area exhibitions and studios will occur on a regular basis.

    Prerequisites: MPPH340

    Dept Requirement
  
  • MPPH374 Photo: Documentary 3 cr.


    This course provides an overview of the history, theory, and politics implied in making documentary work. Assignments and weekly critiques of student projects will encourage our greater understanding of the world and of the photographic language of documentary. By the end of the semester, students will produce a coherent body of work following a specific subject chosen in consultation with the instructor. Related readings, discussions, and slide presentations will be introduced. Formely titled: Documentary Seminar

    Prerequisites: MPPH240 or MPPH241

    Critique

    Departmental Elective
    Fall & Spring
  
  • MPPH377 Landscape Photo 3 cr.


    A course designed to explore the contemporary landscape, both with the camera and through readings on the land and on environmental concerns. Emphasis is on student photographic work, discussion of imagery and literature, and developing a personal perspective on the human relationship to the land.

    Prerequisites: MPPH240 and MPPH241 or permission of instructor.

    Critique

    Fall/Spring
  
  • MPPH392 PH Course Assistantship


    A course assistantship allows qualified
    sophomores, juniors, and seniors to assist a
    faculty member with whom they have studied
    previously. Duties may include set up, assisting
    with demonstrations and critiques during class
    meetings. Course assistants may not grade
    students. Students may register for only one
    3-credit course assistantship each semester, and
    no more than two such assistantships may count
    toward degree requirements.
    Students selected by faculty to be course
    assistants submit a Course Assistantship form
    with the faculty and chair’s signatures to the
    Registrar during registration and no later than
    the end of the Add/Drop period. Students who are
    performing a Teaching Assistantship should follow
    Independent Study procedures

    Prerequisites: By Permission of the Instructor

    Fall/Spring
  
  • MPPH398 PH Internship 3 cr.


    An internship is a supervised professional
    experience that allows you to use classroom
    training in a real work environment, develop your
    skills, focus your career goals, and make
    professional contacts.
    MassArt offers students enrolled in a degree
    program the opportunity to register an internship
    for credit. An internship counts as 3 studio
    elective credits. To receive credit, the
    internship must meet our basic internship
    requirements, be approved by a faculty advisor,
    and registered before you start the internship.

    Prerequisites: By Permission of Instructor

    Fall/Spring
  
  • MPPH399 PH Independent Study 3 cr.


    Juniors and seniors who have a specific studio
    project which cannot be accomplished within the
    structure of a course may arrange to work with a
    faculty member on an independent basis. The
    Independent Study form (available in the
    Registrar’s Office) includes a description of the
    project. Students may take only one 3-credit
    independent study each semester, and no more than
    four independent studies will count toward the
    degree.
    Independent Study forms, with faculty and the
    chair’s signatures, should be submitted to the
    Registrar during registration and not later than
    the Add/Drop deadline.

    Prerequisites: By Permission of Instructor

    Fall/Spring
  
  • MPPH440 Senior Projects 6cr


    Students will immerse themselves in a specific project to be worked on throughout the semester and formally presented at final review. Weekly critiques of student work will be one emphasis of the course with time dedicated to developing artist statements, a written thesis paper, and preparation for a career in photography. Students will learn to critically evaluate ideas. Students will be introduced to leading practitioners in the field of contemporary photography through bi-weekly lectures, readings, and written analysis. The talks by visiting artists, historians and curators are organized by the department. Lab time, technical demonstrations, oral presentations, field work, and visits to area exhibitions and studios will occur on a regular basis.

    Prerequisites: MPPH-341

  
  • MPPH441 Senior Thesis 6cr


    In the final semester of the major, students are expected to complete a body of work, participate in a class exhibition, finalize a written statement and prepare for pursuing a career in photography. Critique, slide lectures, student presentations, and discussions of assigned readings will familiarize students with the many possible uses of photographic language. Students will be introduced to leading practitioners in the field of contemporary photography through bi-weekly lectures, readings, and written analysis. The talks by visiting artists, historians and curators are organized by the department. Lab time, technical demonstrations, oral presentations, field work, and visits to area exhibitions and studios will occur on a regular basis.

    Prerequisites: MPPH440

    Dept Requirement

Post-Baccalaureate

  
  • MPPH509 Major Studio-Photo Post-Bac 6cr


    Students participate in a weekly Major Studio seminar which includes critique, visiting artists, field trips, and meetings with curators and gallerists. In addition, photography post-baccalaureate students enroll in elective photography classes, technical courses, and art history electives.

  
  • MPPH510 Major Studio II-Photo Post-Bac 6cr


    Students participate in a weekly Major Studio
    seminar which includes critique, visiting artists,
    field trips, and meetings with curators and
    gallerists. In addition, photography
    post-baccalaureate students enroll in elective
    photography classes, technical courses, and art
    history electives.

    Prerequisites: MMPH509