DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC COMMUNICATION
CHAIR: DON R. RICHARDSON (scm_drr@shsu.edu)
The department administratively houses four programs interrelated by the thread of communication. This interrelationship is epitomized by one course common to all programs. -- COM 131 FORMS OF PUBLIC EXPRESSION.
Photography Program
PROGRAM COORDINATOR: James E. Paster
FACULTY: Barnosky, Jackson,
Paster, Seifert
The Photography Program at Sam Houston State University is dedicated to the proposition that photography, whether commercial, or fine art, relies on a set of technical skills that serve one goal: communication. The student who is best prepared to solve the challenges that photography presents is the student with a command of the fundamental principles and practices involved.
Three degrees are offered in order to tailor the course of studies to the student's individual needs and interests. The Bachelor of Science degree emphasizes technical fundamentals and business practices that prepare students to begin a career in professional photography. The Bachelor of Arts degree, while also preparing the student to enter a career in photography, blends an emphasis on technique with a consideration of the aesthetic aspects and social effects of photographic practice. The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, offered in conjunction with the Art Department, places photography as an area of specialization within an intensive study of the fine arts and serves to prepare students to pursue a Master of Fine Arts degree.
Competence in the various degree tracks is achieved within a strong and broad-based curriculum that emphasizes fundamentals and which includes a wide variety of courses, practical applications, and facilities that are among the finest available.
Minor in Photography
Students may minor in Photography by completing a minimum of 21 semester hours. Requirements for the minor include: PHO 182, 184, 231, 6 hours from the following PHO 181, 232, 235, 263, 282 and 6 advanced hours of PHO electives.
| First Year | Credit | Second Year | Credit |
| PHO 184, 231, 232, | 9 | PHO 262, 263, 361, | 9 |
| COM 131 | 3 | Minor | 9 |
| ENG 164, 165 | 6 | ENG 265, 266, 267 | 3 |
| MTH 164 or 170 | 3 | CS 133 or 143 | 3 |
| POL 261 | 3 | Different Natural Lab Science | 4 |
| Natural Lab Science (BIO, CHM,GEL, GEO 131/111, or PHY) | 4 | Foreign Language | 4 |
| Foreign Language | 4 | 32 | |
| KIN 215 | 1 | ||
| 33 | |||
| Third Year | Credit | Fourth Year | Credit |
| PHO 235, 382, 332, 337, 3 hrs. Adv. | 15 | PHO 236, 430, 495, 363, 3 hrs. Adv. | 15 |
| MINOR | 3 | MINOR | 9 |
| ART 161 | 3 | ECO 230 or 233 or 234 or GEO 161or PSY131 or 289 | 3 |
| HIS 265 or 266 or GEO 265 or 266 | 3 | Foreign Language | 3 |
| POL 285 | 3 | HIS 164 | 3 |
| Foreign Language | 3 | 33 | |
| HIS 163 | 3 | ||
| 33 | |||
| First Year | Credit | Second Year | Credit |
| PHO 184, 231, 232 | 9 | PHO 262, 263, 361 | 9 |
| COM 131 | 3 | Minor | 6 |
| ENG 164, 165 | 6 | ENG 265, 266, 267 | 3 |
| MTH 164 | 3 | POL 261, 285 | 6 |
| Lab Science (Choose one: BIO, CHM, GEL, GEO 131/111, PHY) | 8 | MTH 170 | 3 |
| KIN 215 | 1 | Different Lab Science | 8 |
| 35 | 33 | ||
| Third Year | Credit | Fourth Year | Credit |
| PHO 235, 332, 363, 382, 3 hrs. Adv. | 15 | PHO 236, 430, 495, 6 hrs. Adv. | 15 |
| Minor | 6 | Minor | 9 |
| ART 161 | 3 | ECO 230, 233, 234; GEO 161, SOC 261, PHL 261, PSY 131 or 289 | 3 |
| HIS 163 | 3 | HIS 164 | 3 |
| HIS 265, 266, SOC 168, GEO 265, 266 | 3 | Math-Science elective | 4 |
| Math-Science elective | 3 | 34 | |
| 33 | |||
| First Year | Credit | Second Year | Credit |
| ART 160, 161, 163, 164, 265 | 15 | ART 260, 269, 271, 365, 370 | 15 |
| PHO 184 | 3 | PHO 231 | 3 |
| ENG 164, 165 | 6 | ENG 265, 266, 267 | 3 |
| HIS 163, CS 133 or CS 138 | 6 | ENG (200 level or higher), or SCM | 3 |
| KIN 215 or accepted substitute | 1 | Lab science (from two different departments) | 8 |
| 31 | 32 | ||
| Third Year | Credit | Fourth Year | Credit |
| ART 366, 466, Advanced Art History | 9 | ART 300-400 level | 9 |
| PHO, 235, 236, 337 | 9 | PHO 363, PHO 430 | 6 |
| POL 261, 285 | 6 | PHO 300-400 level | 3 |
| MTH 164 or approved substitute | 3 | Component Area IV (Cultural Studies) | 3 |
| HIS 164 | 3 | Electives, 300-400 level | 6 |
| 30 | 27 | ||
Students enrolling in PHO 182 and/or 184 must furnish their own 35mm single lens reflex camera. Upon completion of the freshman year students majoring or minoring in Photography may wish to purchase their own professional equipment.
Cost. Students enrolled in photography courses should be prepared to meet expenses for consumable supplies (film and paper). The costs for each class varies depending upon actual consumption of materials. However, a student should expect to spend a minimum of $125 per course. A nominal laboratory fee is charged for some classes.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
PHO 181 INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOGRAPHY. This is a beginning course intended for non-photography majors. Content of the course includes a study of cameras, photographic materials, and visual principles. Students must provide a 35mm camera. May be applied toward a minor in PHO. Credit 3.
PHO 182 PHOTOGRAPHIC PRACTICES I. A survey course for non-majors, this course teaches the student black and white photography, including processing and printing with darkroom work being a part of the course. Techniques of color photography are also introduced along with the use of commercial processing and printing applications. The fundamental principles of photographic imagery are explored and applied with practical, hands-on assignments. A 35mm camera is required. Credit 3
PHO 184 PHOTOGRAPHIC PRACTICES II. Designed for photography majors and minors, this course introduces the student to the technical principles and creative potential of black and white photography. Credit 3.
PHO 231 PHOTOGRAPHIC DESIGN. Students are introduced to the basic principles of visual design as they apply specifically to photographic media and methods. Prerequisite: PHO 182. Credit 3.
PHO 232 VIEW CAMERA TECHNIQUES. This course is a continuation of PHO 184. Students will be introduced to advanced exposure techniques and the principles necessary to master use of the large format camera. Prerequisite: PHO 184 Credit 3
PHO 235 HISTORY OF 19TH CENTURY PHOTOGRAPHY. A study is made of the history of photography from its earliest beginnings. Technical, visual, aesthetic and social aspects are considered. Credit 3.
PHO 236 HISTORY OF 20TH CENTURY PHOTOGRAPHY. The history of contemporary photography is examined. Technical, visual, aesthetic and social aspects are considered. Prerequisite PHO 235. Credit 3.
PHO 262 INTRODUCTION TO PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY. A study is made of fundamental studio lighting and posing. Processing and printing of black and white portraits is taught with emphasis on professional quality. Prerequisite: PHO 184 or consent of instructor. Credit 3.
PHO 263 COMPUTER-BASED PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGING. This course introduces the student to the tools and techniques used in the creation, manipulation, and presentation of digital images in the desktop computing environment. Credit 3
PHO 332 PHOTO DIGITAL IMAGING APPLICATION. This course will engage students in a study of the tools, techniques, and applications of electronic photography in the desktop computing environment. Preparation of images will include scanning and computer manipulation of film-based images as well as the importing and use of electronic images in 3D, page layout, and multimedia/authoring applications. Prerequisite: PHO 263. Credit: 3.
PHO 333 PHOTOGRAPHIC SCIENCE. In this course, students undertake a serious study of the scientific aspects of photography. Major topics of study include: physical aspects of light, lenses, exposure, light sensitive materials, sensitometry, tone reproduction, and future technologies. Prerequisite: Junior standing. Credit 3.
PHO 337 ALTERNATIVE PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES. In this course students are introduced to a variety of non-standard photographic processes. Prerequisites: PHO 232. Credit 3.
PHO 361 ADVANCED PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY. This course is a continuation of PHO 262 and is designed to introduce the student to advanced studio techniques. Students will work with color materials. Emphasis will be placed on development of a personal style of portraiture. Prerequisite: PHO 262 and 282 or consent of instructor. Credit 3.
PHO 362 COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY. This course is a continuation of PHO 232 and is concerned with producing commercial photographs in the studio as well as on location outdoors using view camera equipment. The student will be introduced to the use of 4 x 5 transparency color film. Professional quality will be stressed. Prerequisite: PHO 232 or consent of instructor. Credit 3.
PHO 363 PHOTOGRAPHY SEMINAR. May be repeated for credit. Credit 3
PHO 364 FILM APPRECIATION. A critical examination of the unique way in which movies tell their stories. Each semester a different film genre such as science fiction, documentary, Film Noir, or the films of one director or actor are examined. May be repeated for a total of 6 hours. Credit 3.
PHO 381 EXHIBITION PHOTOGRAPHY. The course deals with the fundamentals of gallery exhibition. Emphasis is placed on developing and promoting a personal photographic style. A study is also made of archival techniques. Prerequisite: 6 hours photography. Credit 3.
PHO 382 COLOR PRINTING AND RELATED TECHNOLOGIES. Credit 3.
PHO 383 FILM PRODUCTION. An examination of the complete film production sequence from original idea to pre-production planning, to shooting, post-production finishing, marketing, and distribution. Credit 3.
PHO 430 DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY. This course explores the creation, manipulation, and use of the digital image. It includes experience in three dimensional, animation, and virtual reality environments on the desktop computer workstation. Credit 3
PHO 462 PHOTOGRAPHIC FIELD STUDIES. This course introduces the students to the specialized skills used by documentary photographers. Each student will produce a professional quality photographic project which documents a subject that is of interest to the students. These projects will be done in the field outside of the studio. Prerequisite: PHO 182 or consent of instructor. Credit 3.
PHO 464 LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY. In this course students are introduced to those specific principles and practices that pertain to photographing the landscape. Prerequisite: PHO 182 or consent of instructor. Credit 3.
PHO 487 EXPRESSIVE PHOTOGRAPHY. An exploration is made of the creative application of the photographic image as a means of personal expression. Course requirements include the completion of a portfolio of creative work. Prerequisites: 15 hours of photography or consent of instructor. Credit 3.
PHO 495 PORTFOLIO. This course is designed to assist students in preparing a final presentation portfolio and in addressing issues involved with entering the work force. Recommended for all graduating seniors. Credit 3.
PHO 499 DIRECTED STUDIES. This course is provided to allow the student, under the supervision of a faculty member, to develop specialized skills, to conduct an investigation into an area of special interest or to set-up and complete an internship with an established professional photographer. Regular meetings will be held with the faculty sponsor. The course will culminate in a portfolio of photographs and/or a scholarly written report. Departmental approval is required before student may enroll in this course. May be repeated or taken concurrently to a maximum of 6 hours. Variable credit. (Credit/No Credit Course)
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