Photography Course Listings
Courses Offered Spring 2025
- PT 270 - Basic Digital Photography (fulfills fine arts core requirement)
- PT 300 - Photocraft
- PT 319 - History of Photography
- PT 350 - Visual Thinking
- PT 353 - Book Arts and Artists' Books
- PT 383 - The Photographic Essay
Course Descriptions
PT 270 - Basic Digital Photography
(3.00 cr.)
Students acquire an understanding of and appreciation for both the technical and aesthetic
aspects of reading and making photographs. Among the numerous techniques explored
are lighting composition, and image enhancement and output. Students are expected to supply a digital camera with the ability to control aperture
and shutter speed. Fulfills fine arts core requirement.
Sessions Typically Offered: Fall/Spring/Summer
Years Typically Offered: Annually
Interdisciplinary Studies: FO/IFS
PT 300 - Photocraft
(3.00 cr.)
An intermediate, technical introduction to photography concentrating on the fundamentals
of imagemaking, editing, and presentation in both silver and digital processes. Students
gain a wide range of technical skills and experiences in both the darkroom and digital
labs, focusing on in-camera exposure techniques, film/digital printing, and project-based
work. A basic introduction to the Zone System, studio lighting, and image presentation
is also provided. Students are expected to supply a digital SLR camera (with full manual controls).
A film SLR camera is recommended.
Prerequisite: PT 270.
Sessions Typically Offered: Fall/Spring
Years Typically Offered: Annually
PT 301 - Photographic Vision: Tools, Techniques, and Theories
(3.00 cr.)
Students work with film and digital single lens reflex (SLR) cameras in the studio,
darkroom, and computer labs. Students learn to use their cameras to craft thoughtful,
intentional photographs and to enrich their understanding through careful readings
of core texts of photographic theory and analysis of historic and contemporary photographs.
Fulfills fine arts core requirement. Closed to students who have taken PT 300. Same
course as HN 323.
Sessions Typically Offered: Fall
Years Typically Offered: Annually
PT 319 - History of Photography
(3.00 cr.)
An examination of the major technical and aesthetic movements in the history of photography
since its invention. Covers the works of major artists working in this medium as well
as the major styles. Students in this class will not be expected to produce photographs. Same course as
AH 319.
Sessions Typically Offered: Spring
Years Typically Offered: Odd Years
PT 333 - Spirit Photography
(3.00 cr.)
Do you believe in ghosts? Spirits? The metaphysical? Have you ever seen or felt such
a presence? Photography has a long history of capturing things the eye cannot see.
Does this include spirits or the metaphysical? This course investigates these inquiries
by examining nineteenth century spirit photographers through contemporary artists
who strive to photograph the metaphysical. Students are introduced to the history
of this discourse and guided through the process of making spirit photographs, constructing
their own personal photographic spiritual spaces, and exploring the metaphysical through
photography.
Prerequisite: PT 270 or PT 300 or PT 301.
Sessions Typically Offered: Varies
Years Typically Offered: Varies
PT 350 - Visual Thinking
(3.00 cr.)
Focuses on methods of interdisciplinary study essential to scholar and artist. This
course combines elements of studio art, photography, and art history in a hybrid,
seminar/ studio format investigating the history, theory, and material practices of
the visual arts. The course offers a versatile, topics-based curriculum bringing the
techniques of the artist and the labor of the scholar together in one class. Interpreting
research as a creative activity crossing the boundaries of academic disciplines, the
principal learning aim is the cultivation of a scholar-artist capable of innovative
and rigorous investigation of the history of art and the individual creative processes.
Combining experiences of art making and research in the theoretical and historical
context of visual art, assignments offer students a choice of responses involving
text and image. Same course as AH 350 and SA 350.
Prerequisite: PT 270 or AH 109 or AH 110 or AH 111 or SA 224 or SA 227.
Restrictions: Restricted to visual arts majors and art history, interarts, photography, and studio
arts minors.
Sessions Typically Offered: Fall
Years Typically Offered: Annually
PT 353 - Book Arts and Artists' Books
(3.00 cr.)
Students are introduced to the materials, techniques, concepts, and equipment used
in the craft of making traditional and nontraditional books. They learn folding, stitching,
enclosing, and binding methods while creating three-dimensional works that literally
or metaphorically reference the structure of books, address contemporary ideas about
visual content, and exist as three-dimensional works of art. Same course as CM 349 and SA 353.
Prerequisite: SA 224 or SA 227.
Sessions Typically Offered: Fall/Spring
Years Typically Offered: Varies
PT 360 - Digital Mixed Media
(3.00 cr.)
A combination studio and digital photography course in which the computer is used
as a tool and an integral part of the creative process, but work is achieved through
mixed media studio methods. Two- and three-dimensional projects may include installation
and/or virtual works that exist only on the Internet. Some prior computer experience recommended. Same course as CM 360 and SA 360.
Prerequisite: SA 224 or SA 227.
Sessions Typically Offered: Fall/Spring
Years Typically Offered: Annually
Interdisciplinary Studies: IEN
PT 361 - Digital Image
(3.00 cr.)
Examines the ways in which the computer and various software programs can be used
to modify and enhance an image as a visual statement for artistic and photojournalistic
use. Students are expected to supply a digital SLR camera (with full manual controls).
Same course as CM 369 and SA 361.
Prerequisite: PT 270 or PT 300 or PT 301.
Sessions Typically Offered: Varies
Years Typically Offered: Annually
Interdisciplinary Studies: FO/IFS
PT 364 - Contemporary Digital Art
(3.00 cr.)
Students taking this course gain an understanding of contemporary artists focusing
on new media, while developing their own digital art practice. Video, animation, sound,
web-based artwork, 3-D, interactivity, and other media practices are addressed. Classes
consist of research, discussion, studio projects, critiques, and written work. Same course as CM 364 and SA 364.
Prerequisite: SA 224 or SA 227.
Sessions Typically Offered: Fall/Spring
Years Typically Offered: Annually
PT 370 - Artist in Residence Seminar
(1.00 cr.)
A seminar led by and related to the work of the current semester's Artist in Residence
at the Julio Fine Arts Gallery. Students collaborate with the artist on a project
of a group or individual nature related to the artist's exhibition and practice. Varies
by semester. May be repeated three times for degree credit. Same course as SA 370. (Pass/Fail).
Sessions Typically Offered: Varies
Years Typically Offered: Annually
PT 375 - Silver Processes
(3.00 cr.)
An intermediate study of black and white silver photography. Students produce their
own darkroom work. Exposure, development, and printing are explored in detail in the
darkroom. Students are expected to furnish a 35-millimeter film SLR camera.
Prerequisite: PT 270 or PT 300 or PT 301.
Sessions Typically Offered: Varies
Years Typically Offered: Annually
PT 376 - Directed Workshop
(3.00 cr.)
Designed to allow students to pursue an interest in a specific area of photography
such as sports, portraits, landscape, nature, etc. Weekly critiques of ongoing projects
and a final exhibition portfolio required. May be repeated twice for credit.
Prerequisite: PT 270 or PT 300 or PT 301.
Sessions Typically Offered: Varies
Years Typically Offered: Annually
PT 377 - Landscape and Nature Photography
(3.00 cr.)
An intensive workshop in photographing the landscape and elements from it as an expression
of personal statement. Some weekend field trips required.
Prerequisite: PT 270 or PT 300 or PT 301.
Sessions Typically Offered: Varies
Years Typically Offered: Varies
Interdisciplinary Studies: IES
PT 378 - Alternative Photographic Processes
(3.00 cr.)
A study of the early processes by which photographic images were recorded and displayed.
Students make their own pinhole cameras and light sensitive materials and produce
original photographs. Explores the aesthetic and expressive possibilities of alternative
photographic processes, including cyanotype, Van Dyke brown, and wet-plate collodion.
Same course as SA 378.
Prerequisite: PT 270 or PT 300 or PT 301.
Sessions Typically Offered: Varies
Years Typically Offered: Annually
PT 379 - Color Photography
(3.00 cr.)
Students study the history and production of color photographic processes. Students
explore making color photographs using digital cameras. Color theory, history, and
practice are studied through numerous readings and image analyses.
Prerequisite: PT 270 or PT 300 or PT 301.
Sessions Typically Offered: Varies
Years Typically Offered: Annually
PT 380 - Studio Lighting
(3.00 cr.)
Aims at expanding students鈥� visual awareness and their ability to create fine art
imagery through the controlled use of studio lighting. Students work in film or digital
as they explore a variety of light sources from natural light, to hot lights, to professional
strobe lights in a studio environment. Same course as CM 378.
Prerequisite: PT 270 or PT 300 or PT 301.
Sessions Typically Offered: Varies
Years Typically Offered: Annually
PT 381 - Photojournalism
(3.00 cr.)
Engages students in photography as a storytelling medium and narrative vehicle, specifically
in news and documentaries. Students learn how to communicate compelling stories via
single images and photo essays, and are introduced to the various types and outlets
of news and journalistic image-making. In addition to producing images, students analyze
published materials and are introduced to professional ethics in the field. Same course as CM 381.
Prerequisite: PT 270 or PT 300 or PT 301 or CM 308.
Sessions Typically Offered: Varies
Years Typically Offered: Annually
Interdisciplinary Studies: IPJ
PT 383 - The Photographic Essay
(3.00 cr.)
Under the instructor鈥檚 direction, students develop a body of photographic images exploring,
in depth, a specific photographic subject. Frequent classroom critiques of the ongoing
project, technical demonstrations, and museum/gallery visits.
Prerequisite: PT 270 or PT 300 or PT 301.
Sessions Typically Offered: Varies
Years Typically Offered: Annually
PT 386 - Video Art
(3.00 cr.)
An examination of the aesthetics and history of video art, as well as a study of the
techniques of video production. Students produce numerous short and long video works.
Same course as CM 327 and SA 386.
Prerequisite: PT 270 or PT 300 or PT 301 or CM 308 or SA 224 or SA 227.
Sessions Typically Offered: Varies
Years Typically Offered: Annually
Interdisciplinary Studies: IF
PT 391 - Image and Text
(3.00 cr.)
Explores the dynamic relationship between photographic imagery and text. Students
study the history of art that combines text and visual imagery. They also explore
in their own work the ways that text as an interactive, subversive, or antithetical
element can conspire with the photographic image to construct or deconstruct opinions
and provoke new responses.
Prerequisite: PT 270 or PT 300 or PT 301.
Sessions Typically Offered: Varies
Years Typically Offered: Annually
PT 393 - Portraiture
(3.00 cr.)
Provides a basic foundation for students interested in portraiture. By examining the
evolving roles of the photographer and the person being photographed, students are
acquainted with contemporary trends in portraiture. Students work on projects that
explore different ways of making portraits. Instruction includes slide presentations
on the history and aesthetics of portrait photography.
Prerequisite: PT 270 or PT 300 or PT 301.
Recommended Prerequisite: PT 380.
Sessions Typically Offered: Varies
Years Typically Offered: Annually
PT 394 - The Body in Photography
(3.00 cr.)
Throughout history the human image has been the most important subject through which
artists have expressed their personal visions and identities. This course offers students
an opportunity to study the human form as an artistic, photographic topic.
Prerequisite: PT 270 or PT 300 or PT 301.
Recommended Prerequisite: PT 380.
Sessions Typically Offered: Varies
Years Typically Offered: Annually
PT 399 - Special Topics in Photography
(3.00 cr.)
An intensive examination of a specific topic utilizing lens-based production. Topics
may be historical, cultural, or genre generated. Bi-weekly critiques and a final portfolio
are required. May be repeated four times for degree credit with different topics.
Prerequisite: PT 270 or PT 300 or PT 301.
Sessions Typically Offered: Varies
Years Typically Offered: Varies
PT 400 - Senior Capstone for Artists
(3.00 cr.)
Students are introduced to the working world of the professional artist. Students
create a cohesive body of work that is critiqued throughout the semester and exhibited
at the end of the semester. Students produce a portfolio of digital images of their
artwork with accompanying professional materials aimed at being able to participate
in the art world in some form upon graduation. Students enter at least one exhibition,
mat and frame an artwork, and attend at least one opening reception for an exhibition
off-campus. Normally taken in the fall semester of the senior year. Senior photography minors
must have written permission of the instructor. Same course as SA 400.
Prerequisite: PT 270 or PT 300 or PT 301.
Restrictions: Restricted to senior visual arts majors with a concentration in photography.
Sessions Typically Offered: Fall
Years Typically Offered: Annually
Questions about Photography Program courses? Contact us.
Transfer Opportunities for UArts Students
Loyola is eager to welcome students from University of the Arts to complete their coursework toward a number of different visual or performing arts degrees.Explore UArts Transfer Pathways