Photography Major (M)

Addressing the whole student - body, mind and spirit, the purposes of the Art Program are 1) to nourish the senses (particularly the visual and tactile) in order to make the student more perceptive and visually responsive to life experiences and visual phenomena; 2) to cultivate the mind to design and solve problems through manipulating media in search of elegant, aesthetic and technically proficient solutions; and 3) to encourage and support Christian faith and practice by exploring the intersection of the visual arts and Christianity and leading the student through digital  processes that translate intangible substance (concepts and emotions) into tangible material. It is a purpose of the Concordia University Program in Art to produce graduates who, as people of faith, are diligent, reflective, compassionate, highly skilled, visually articulate, and successful in their lives and in their vocations.

The Photography major is designed to prepare the student for the fast paced world of professional photography and photo journalism. With that objective in mind, students are involved in a range of courses that will include commercial photography, grant writing, digital programs, art history, photographic history, and graphic design. At the same time, and at all levels, students will be informed of ethical practices, the role of Christian values in artistic creation and professional life, professional practices, engagement in community service, and networking strategies essential for the professional world. Through a focused curriculum in photography and associated courses in the arts, it is the intention of the program to prepare students for a rapidly and ever-changing artistic world. Photography majors are encouraged to complete a minor. An Animation minor is strongly recommended to help students develop the skills they will need to channel their talents into a successful career. Program requirements include purchase of a Mac laptop (available at reduced prices via my.cuw.edu).

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  • Describe relationships that exist between the visual arts and the Christian faith;
  • Formulate and creatively solve visual problems.
  • Communicate effectively in a range of media.
  • Apply appropriate historical knowledge in the creation, description and analysis of works of visual art. Art and design are viewed as technical, spiritual/philosophical, and social endeavors.
  • Demonstrate technical proficiency and aesthetic sensibility relative to observational drawing, composition, and the manipulation of visual arts media, including appropriate computer/digital applications.
  • Evaluate personal art work and the art work of others.
  • Selflessly share gifts and skills with others through teaching, community activities, and volunteerism.
  • Prepare documents/artifacts and practice strategies to seek employment or to advance in a chosen field.

Curriculum

Core Requirements45
Major Requirements58
Electives17
Total Hours120

Major Requirements

Required Courses
ART 1112-D Composition3
ART 130Digital Photography I3
ART 145Drawing for Art Majors3
ART 231Photography II3
ART 285Art History I3
ART 286Art History II3
ART 360Special Topics in Photography 112
ART 362Photographing for Social Media3
ART 383History of Photography3
ART 430Internship3
ART 450Senior Portfolio/Exhibition1
GD 111Graphic Design II3
GD 360Web Design I3
ENG 246Creative Writing3
or COMM 265 Journalism
COMM 339Film & Video Production3
or GD 375 Motion Graphics I
COMM 439Advanced Film and Video Production3
or GD 380 Motion Graphics II
Art Elective3
Total Hours58
1

 The Special Topics course would change for each student depending on their particular emphasis.  Special Topics would be taught 4 times.  The topic emphasis would rotate or become more advanced for each section.  Examples could be - Fashion, Documentary Essay, Performance (sports, entertainment), Visual Books, Experimental Media,  the Human Form, Styling, and so forth.