Mar 29, 2024  
2018-2019 University Catalog 
    
2018-2019 University Catalog [Archived Catalogue]

BFA in Photography



Anne Massoni, Program Director
amassoni@uarts.edu
215.717.6303

C O N T E N T S

Description

Students in the Photography program demonstrate the ability to use the department’s full range of media tools and resources to create their own artistic vision. Students develop confidence and a unique artistic voice through the acquisition and mastery of technique, combined with the understanding and application of aesthetic analysis. Students develop their ability to formulate and successfully communicate their understanding of contemporary photographic practice, employing different modes of expression including writing as well as oral discussions through classroom critiques and dialogue. Additionally, students demonstrate critical thinking skills and the ability to understand and adapt to constantly changing aesthetic and technical environments. The program is designed to provide practical professional training balanced with a fine-art aesthetic. Through our choice of visiting lecturers, gallery exhibitions, visiting artists, internships, diversity of faculty, and significant engagement and outreach with the professional, fine art, and photo education community, we offer a rich and diversified educational experience.

Program Objectives

  • Students demonstrate independent, creative problem solving and original thinking. They exhibit a distinct and personal approach to art making.
  • Students demonstrate knowledge of contemporary issues and historical precedents. They have an appreciation for experimentation/innovation as well as for the traditions of making as applied to contemporary photographic practices.
  • Students acquire and demonstrate the professional skills needed to be successful as practicing artists, entrepreneurs, and productive citizens, including further study at the graduate level.
  • Students are able to talk and write about art (including their own work) critically, intelligently, and with considerable insight.
  • Students acquire the level of technical skill required for them to reach their career goals in an ever-evolving medium. They establish a studio practice appropriate to their ideas and demonstrate a deep familiarity with materials and processes.

Academic Plan

Academic plans provide a semester by semester suggested course sequence. Plans can be customized through discussions with academic advisors.

Program Requirements (120 credits)

Discipline History (12 credits)


Critical Studies (30 credits)


Students will complete a writing placement exam to determine their composition sequence. Students who do not complete the exam may be placed based on standardized tests scores (if available) or high school GPA. Some students may be required to complete additional developmental coursework.

Students will complete one of the following sequences:

First Year Writing (6 credits)


Developmental


ESL


Critical Approaches to the Arts and Culture (9 credits)


  • Select 3 courses from subject CRIT

Scientific Inquiry Foundation Track (3 credits)


  • Select 1 course from subject SIFT

Critical Studies Electives (12 credits)


  • Select courses from subjects:
    • AHST (Art History), HIST (History)
    • FRCH (French), ITAL (Italian), LITT (Literature)
    • PHIL (Philosophy), RELI (Religion)
    • MATH (Math), SCIE (Science)
    • ANTH (Anthropology), PHIL (Philosophy), PSYC (Psychology), SOCI (Sociology)
    • STCU (Cultural Studies), STDA (Dance Studies), STGS (Gender & Sexuality Studies),
      STMU (Music Studies), STPF (Performance Studies) 
  • Select courses from  : Art History or Critical Studies Elective.

Electives (15 credits)


  • Complete 15 credits of free electives. This requirement is satisfied by any undergraduate course that isn’t required by the program.