Mar 29, 2024  
Academic Catalog 2017-2018 
    
Academic Catalog 2017-2018 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Courses


 

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 Introduction to Digital Photography for Non-Majors 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
  
  • MPPH240 Sophomore Major 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. Studetns are required to attend the regular lecture series that occurs within the limits of scheduled course contact hours.

    Prerequisites: Majors Only

    Hybrid Studio/Critique
    Departmental Requirement
    Fall
  
  • MPPH241 Sophomore Major 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 Major Studio I. Advanced B&W darkroom techniques and fine silver gelatin printing  are emphasized. The class concentrates on the use of the camera format they were not exposed to in Sophomore Major Studio 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 practive 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 required to attend the regular lecture series that occurs within the limits of scheduled course contact hours.

    Prerequisites: MPPH241

    Hybrid Studio/Critique
    Departmental Requirement
    Spring
  
  • MPPH303 Alternative Camera, Alternative Techniques 3 cr.


    An introduction to non-silver processes such as palladium and cyanotype printing and to unusual types of cameras including plastic cameras, pinholes, and others. This class will include regular demonstrations as well as critique and research techniques for seeking out unusual photographic materials.

    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: MPPH240 or permission of instructor

    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 or permission of instructor

    Critique
    Culturally Diverse Content
    Departmental Elective
  
  • MPPH350 Visiting Artist Seminar 3 cr.


    This course introduces students to leading practitioners in the field of contemporary photography through frequent lectures by visiting artists, historians, and curators. The course also includes readings and discussion, film screenings, slide lectures, and visits to area exhibitions.

    Prerequisites: concurrent enrollment in Junior Projects, Senior Projects or Senior Thesis

    Lecture/Seminar
    Culturally Diverse Content
    Departmental Requirement
    Fall/Spring
  
  • MPPH360 Major Studio: Digital Photography 6 cr.


    This course is a rigorous introduction to the digital tools available to photographers. The class 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 understanding of these digital imaging practices as well as an adaptable approach to emerging technologies.

    Prerequisites: MPPH260 and MPPH261

    Seminar/Hybrid
    Culturally Diverse Content
    Departmental Requirement
    Fall
  
  • MPPH361 Junior Projects 3 cr.


    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 of the medium. Weekly critiques, slide presentations and group discussions are important elements of this class.

    Prerequisites: MPPH260, MPPH261, MPPH360 and concurrent enrollment with the same instructor in MPPH350critique

    Culturally Diverse Content
    Departmental Requirement
    Spring
  
  • 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
    Culturally Diverse Content
    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 or MPPH241 or permission of instructor.

    Critique
    Culturally Diverse and Sustainabilty Content
    Fall/Spring
  
  • MPPH379 Image and Object 3 cr.


    Image and Object is a cross-media course that examines some of the possible intersections of photography and sculpture. The course will provide demonstrations of a number of photographic and sculptural processes, lectures about artists who work with both mediums as well as critiques, field trips and visiting artists. The emphasis in this course will be on making hybrid objects, on the development of individual projects and critiques.

    Prerequisites: jr. level or above

    Hybrid Studio/Critique
    All College Elective
  
  • 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
  
  • MPPH406 Polaroid 20X24 3 cr.


    This course is centered on using the specialized Polaroid 20X24 camera. Students work directly with the instructor to create work based in the studio. Students will learn lighting and collaborative techniques unique to the Polaroid.

    Undergraduate Elective
    Spring
  
  • MPPH450 Visiting Artist Seminar 3 cr.


    This course introduces students to leading practitioners in the field of contemporary photography. Talks by visiting artists, historians and curators are organized by Instructors. On alternate weeks, the course breaks into sections to discuss the previous week’s lecture, assigned readings, view additional materials, or visit area exhibitions.

    Prerequisites: enrollment with the same instructor in MPPH361, MPPH460 or MPPH461

    Lecture/Seminar
    Culturally Diverse Content
    Departmental Requirement
    Spring
  
  • MPPH460 Senior Projects 3 cr.


    Students develop a specific project to be worked on throughout the semester and formally presented at final review. Weekly critiques of student work will be the emphasis of the course with time dedicated to developing artist statements, a written thesis paper, and preparation for a career in photography.

    Prerequisites: MPPH260, MPPH261, MPPH360, MPPH361 and concurrent enrollment with the same instructor in MPPH450

    Critique
    Culturally Diverse Content
    Departmental Requirement
    Fall
  
  • MPPH461 Senior Thesis 3 cr.


    In the final semester of the major, students are expected to complete a body of work, participate in a class exhibition, finalize a written thesis and complete preparation for pursuing a career in photography. The class will consist of critique, slide lecturers, student presentations, and discussions on assigned readings.

    Prerequisites: MPPH260, MPPH261, MPPH360, MPPH361, MPPH460 and concurrent enrollment with the same instructor in MPPH450

    Critique
    Culturally Diverse Content
    Departmental Requirement
    Spring