Course Descriptions

Contact the Media Studies Department for further information. 760-744-1150, ext. 2440 Office: P-31
COURSE OFFERINGS Courses numbered under 100 are not intended for transfer credit. 

PHOT 50 Digital Camera (3) 3 hours lecture Principles and use of digital cameras for beginners. Understand how your digital camera works and what the menu selections mean. Learn to download image files to your computer, make basic editing changes and how to share your images via web, email and slide presentations. The aesthetics and technology of digital photography will be discussed in lecture and critique sessions of student assignments. 

PHOT 100 Elementary Film and Darkroom Photography (3) 1½ hours lecture – 4½ hours laboratory Transfer acceptability: CSU; UC Introduction to the mechanics, optics, chemistry, lighting principles, and practices of elementary photography using film. Explores the history, aesthetics, and the conceptualization of photographic imagery. Includes darkroom procedures in developing, printing, and finishing black and white photographic materials. 

PHOT 105 Intermediate Black and White Photography (3) 1½ hours lecture – 4½ hours laboratory Prerequisite: A minimum grade of ‘C’ in PHOT 100 or PHOT 124 Transfer acceptability: CSU; UC Continues the study of the art and techniques associated with black and white photography. Problems relating to small and medium format camera systems and optics will be identified and compared. Further refinement in darkroom procedures and aesthetics will be explored.

PHOT 120 Digital Photography (3) 1½ hours lecture – 4½ hours laboratory Transfer acceptability: CSU Introduction to theory, mechanics, optics, lighting principles, and practices of photography using Digital Cameras. Explores the history, aesthetics, and the conceptualization of photographic imagery. Photographic seeing is stressed. Includes practices and procedures for image capture, asset management, software developing, printing, finishing and presentation and critique. Students are required to have an adjustable digital camera with manual exposure and RAW format capabilities. 

PHOT 124 Introduction to Film and Darkroom for Digital Photographers (3) 1½ hours lecture – 4½ hours laboratory Prerequisite: A minimum grade of ‘C’ in PHOT 120 Transfer acceptability: CSU Introduces digital photographers to analog film and darkroom methods. Includes film camera mechanics and operations, chemistry, film development, darkroom principles and practices of elementary black and white film photography. Contemporary and historical photographic imagery will be viewed and discussed. Encourages the development of personal artistic expression and visual perception through various photographic assignments. The aesthetics of photography and the conceptualization of photographic imagery will also be addressed. Many types of film cameras will be acceptable for this class. A film camera is required and your instructor will describe appropriate cameras the first day of class. 

PHOT 125 History and Criticism of Photography (3) 3 hours lecture Transfer acceptability: CSU; UC – PHOT 125 and 170 combined: maximum credit, one course A survey of the history of photography from its invention to modern times and its development as an art and communication medium. Examines important photographers, their lives and works, in order to establish a critical understanding of photography and its place in our culture. 

PHOT 130 Digital Darkroom 1 (3) 1½ hours lecture – 4½ hours laboratory Prerequisite: A minimum grade of ‘C’ in PHOT 120 Transfer acceptability: CSU The technology of digital photography, the computer, and inkjet printers. Emphasis on industry standard image editing software as the primary photographic processing and manipulation tools. Continuing instruction in digital image processing directed toward photographic output. Development of capabilities and use of the digital darkroom. 

PHOT 135 Digital Darkroom II (3) 1½ hours lecture – 4½ hours laboratory Prerequisite: A minimum grade of ‘C’ in PHOT 130 Transfer acceptability: CSU A continuing investigation into the technology, theory and aesthetics of digital photography with instruction on advanced digital image processing from a photographic perspective. Emphasis will be on; creating outstanding imagery, perfecting output through the advance use of image editing software, and advancing visual literacy. 

PHOT 140 Photojournalism (3) 1½ hours lecture – 4½ hours laboratory Note: Cross listed as JOUR 140 Recommended Preparation: PHOT 120 Transfer acceptability: CSU C-ID JOUR 160 A study of the history and practice of photojournalism, providing specific application through photographing for The Telescope, Palomar College’s newspaper. Student must provide own camera. PHOT 145 Advanced Photojournalism (3) 1½ hours lecture – 4½ hours laboratory Prerequisite: A minimum grade of ‘C’ in PHOT/JOUR 140 Transfer acceptability: CSU Designed to further develop those skills learned in PHOT 140. Provides advanced-level staffing for the college newspaper, magazine, and website. Emphasizes the use of multimedia productions, such as slide shows and DSLR video. 

PHOT 160 Photography: Professional Practices (3) 3 hours lecture Transfer acceptability: CSU Prepares students for success in the photography world. Instruction and tactics on creating an operational plan, necessary paperwork, ethical issues, copywriting your photographs, working with clients and building the client base, pricing, invoicing, insurance and marketing. Appropriate for Commercial and Fine Art Photographers. 

PHOT 171 Landscape and Culture (3) 1½ hours lecture – 4½ hours laboratory Prerequisite: A minimum grade of ‘C’ in PHOT 120 Transfer acceptability: CSU (pending) A photographic exploration of the interaction, influences and impact connecting humans, nature and the landscape. 

PHOT 209 Photographic Portfolio (3) 1½ hours lecture – 4½ hours laboratory Prerequisite: A minimum grade of ‘C’ in PHOT 105 or PHOT 130 Transfer acceptability: CSU Methods of portfolio design and production, goal setting, market research, resumes, artist statements, cover and inquiry letters and self-promotion for a range of career, scholastic and artistic purposes. Students will be required to employ their developing visual literacy, analytical skills and subjective thought. Field trips and classroom visits by working professionals will be incorporated. 

PHOT 210 Advanced Black and White Photography (3) 1½ hours lecture – 4½ hours laboratory Prerequisite: A minimum grade of ‘C’ in PHOT 105 Transfer acceptability: CSU; UC An exploration of the creative and technical possibilities of the View Camera through various assignments aimed at developing a personal style and approach to the production of quality black and white photography. A study of the relationship between film exposure and development and its application in the “zone system” is stressed. 

PHOT 215 Creative Photography (3) 1½ hours lecture – 4½ hours laboratory Prerequisite: A minimum grade of ‘C’ in PHOT 100 Transfer acceptability: CSU; UC Exploration of photography as an art form using both conventional and non conventional silver and non silver processes to permit broad variations and approaches to photographic expression. 

PHOT 216 Alternative Photographic Processes (3) 1½ hours lecture – 4½ hours laboratory Prerequisite: A minimum grade of ‘C’ in PHOT 105, or concurrent enrollment in PHOT 105 Transfer acceptability: CSU A practical, hands-on survey of historical alternatives and contemporary variations to the modern standard photographic process. Silver, Ferric, Dichromate, and Photomechanical possibilities for self expression will be explored. Typical processes learned will include Van Dyke, Cyanotype, Platinum and Palladium Kallitype, Bromoil, and gum printing. 

PHOT 220 Commercial Photography (3) 1½ hours lecture – 4½ hours laboratory Prerequisite: A minimum grade of ‘C’ in PHOT 130 Transfer acceptability: CSU Considerations of professional technical fundamentals in lighting, camera systems, digital workflow and management as applied in studio and location photography for commercial, advertising, and promotional purposes. PHOT 225 Photographic Portraiture (3) 1½ hours lecture – 4½ hours laboratory Prerequisite: A minimum grade of ‘C’ in PHOT 130 Transfer acceptability: CSU Techniques and styles of photographic portraiture. Studio and non studio applications will be explored using black and white and color films or digital capture. Emphasis on lighting equipment and techniques.