SCHOOL OF PUBLIC COMMUNICATION

ACTING CHAIR: JAMES D. RAGSDALE, JR.

The School of Public Communication houses five programs interrelated by the common thread of communication. These programs include Journalism, Photography, Radio-Television, Speech Communication and the Multimedia Authoring and Communication program. The exciting programs in the School of Public Communication are the fastest growing in the College of Arts and Sciences. Visual and verbal modes of communication play a significant role in society. Whether it is informing the public on the economic effect of a widely fluctuating stock market, the exercise of free speech in the U.S. Congress or here in Texas, providing photographic images of critical events around the world, or improving relationships in the human family, effective communication is critical. The ability to use language well, think clearly, speak eloquently, and communicate effectively has long been recognized as the hallmark of an educated person. That recognition is the driving force behind the programs offered in the School of Public Communication. The Public Communication programs offer the opportunity for students to develop the specific skills and experiences demanded for a smooth transition into the working world of visual and verbal communication.

Photography Program

PROGRAM COORDINATOR: James E. Paster

NAVIGATION: Photography Major BA | Photography Major BS | Photography Major BFA | Photography Minor | Course Descriptions

FACULTY: Barnosky, Jackson, Paster, Seifert

Photography, whether commercial or fine art, relies on technical and visual 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. In a controlled environment under close observation with feedback, students are encouraged to explore, take risks, find their own path, and develop their skills.
Three photography degrees are offered to tailor a course of study to a student's individual needs and interests. The photography course requirements for the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science Degrees are similar. They both emphasize photographic fundamentals, visual literacy, photo history and business practices that prepare students to begin a career in Professional Photography. The difference is the context in which the study of photography takes place. The student who receives the B.A degree emphasizes the liberal arts while studying photography. The BS indicates an emphasis in the sciences. 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 prepares students to pursue a Master of Fine Arts degree.

Equipment and costs. Students enrolled in photography courses must furnish their own 35mm camera. An inexpensive SLR that may be operated manually and shows the settings chosen is ideal for beginning majors. As photography majors and minors progress through the program more expensive and complex professional equipment can be checked out for use or they may wish to purchase their own professional equipment. All students should be prepared to meet expenses for consumable supplies (film and paper).

Scholarships: The Madison Wolff scholarship is an endowed scholarship for students interested in photography; the Hal Fulgham scholarship is an endowed scholarship awarded to the student whose photograph is judged "best of show" in the SHSU Photographic Society's Annual Statewide High School Photo Contest.

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. Credit 3.

PHO 182 SURVEY OF PHOTOGRAPHIC PRINCIPLES. 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 230 PHOTOGRAPHIC PRINCIPLES I. 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 230. Credit 3.

PHO 232 PHOTOGRAPHIC PRINCIPLES II. This course is a continuation of PHO 230. Students will be introduced to advanced exposure techniques and the principles necessary to master use of the large format camera. Prerequisite: PHO 232. Credit 3.

PHO 233 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 234 STUDIO PRACTICES I. Students learn the fundamentals of working in the studio photographing people and objects. They are introduced to the use and control of continuous lighting as well as high-powered electronic flash in both the silver-based and digital photography modes. Prerequisites: PHO 230 and 233. 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. 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 233. Credit: 3.

PHO 337 ALTERNATIVE PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES. In this course students are introduced to a variety of non-standard photographic processes. Prerequisite: PHO 232. Credit 3.

PHO 361 STUDIO PRACTICES II. This course is a continuation of PHO 234. Advanced commercial product and portrait photography and fundamental photographic business practices are examined in both silver-based and digital modes. Prerequisites: PHO 230, 232, 233 and 234 or consent of instructor. Credit 3.

PHO 363 PHOTOGRAPHY SEMINAR. A different topic is presented each semester. Photo majors must take at least one seminar class in order to graduate. 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 semester credit 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. An exploration of color printing techniques using silver based materials as well as an introduction to the use of commercial lab. 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 230 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 230 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)