Photography Degree

Photography (Download brochure HERE)

Associate of Science Degree

(STATE CODE 36946)

Also see Journalism for a different AA degree option.

Associate Degree requirements must be completed with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (C) or better.

PROGRAM INFORMATION

The photo program at Pierce has switched to digital cameras and processing. Darkrooms with chemicals for developing film and printing pictures are no longer used. We now have a state-of-the-art digital photo lab where students can use Mac computers for image processing and printing, as is currently done in the industry.

The photography program teaches visual communication including producing images that tell stories, illustrate ideas, record events, express moods, make a statement, shape contemporary culture and sell products. Traditionally photography was done with film and wet darkroom processes. We now have a state-of-the-art digital photo lab where students can use Apple Macintosh computers for image processing and printing, as is currently done in the industry. Students will learn photographic skills including lighting, image processing and printing. Skills learned will be further enhanced being part of the Pierce College Media Arts Department publications, the Roundup and the Bull.

Upon completion of this program, degree holders should be able to apply the skill sets in a variety of photography careers, such as commercial and advertising photography, photojournalism and other photography businesses. These skills are also applicable in journalism fields as well as film, television and electronic media. Specific careers related to this degree would include: Photographer; Portrait Photographer; Sports Photographer; Photo Studio Owner; Advertising Photographer; Commercial Photographer; Press Photographer; Photo Editor; Television Camera Operator; Magazine Features Editor; Graphic Designer; Medical Illustrator. Jobs where this could be useful include: Advertising Art Director; Film/Video Editor; Stylist; Visual Merchandiser; Web Content Manager; Web Designer; Digital Marketer.

TRANSFER STUDENTS

Completing the Associate Degree does not necessarily meet the university-admission requirements for transfer. An Associate Degree is not a requirement for transfer to either the CSU or UC campuses. Private and out-of-state colleges and universities have unique transfer requirements. However, if you would like to transfer to a university and earn an associate degree, early educational planning can make this goal achievable. You should meet with a counselor early in your studies to develop an Educational Plan that fulfills both transfer requirements and associate degree requirements.

See page 265 of this catalog for more information on transfer requirements and resources.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this program, students will:

Using various photographic tools students will be able to produce photographs using various digital camera types and apply a variety of lighting techniques to the production of photographs. Students will also be able to produce photographs using various photographic papers and digital output.
Students will develop a personal visual style which will help them to create a portfolio and related materials for job preparation.
Students will be able to define business goals and self-promotion strategies to help them in job preparation. Additionally they will be able to describe successful working relationships with clients and subjects, to further this preparation.
Students will have sufficient mastery of one or more media to complete the technical and formal challenges pertinent to a body of original work and will be able to clearly communicate the content and context of their work visually, orally and in writing.

MAJOR – REQUIRED COURSES

SUBJECT & NO. COURSE UNITS

PHOTO 009 Introduction to Cameras and Composition. . . . . . …. . . . . . . . . 3

PHOTO 101 Beginning Digital Photography. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 3

PHOTO 016* Fundamental Commercial Photography. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . 3

PHOTO 020 Beginning Photojournalism. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

PHOTO 027A History & Aesthetics of Photography A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

PHOTO 027B History & Aesthetics of Photography B. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . 3

PHOTO 049A Photographic Digital Imaging. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

PHOTO 102* Advanced Digital Photography. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

MAJOR – ELECTIVE COURSES SUBJECT & NO. COURSE UNITS

Choose one course from the following: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4

PHOTO 021* News Photography. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 4

PHOTO 027A History & Aesthetics of Photography A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 3

PHOTO 027B History & Aesthetics of Photography B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 3

PHOTO 035 Travel Photography. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 3

.PHOTO 036* Documentary Photography. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 3

PHOTO 037* Visual Journalism: Photography, Video and Multimedia. . …… . 4

PHOTO 049B Advanced Photographic Digital Imaging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

MAJOR – TOTAL UNITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 23-24

GENERAL EDUCATION – REQUIRED COURSES

Students must complete one of the following General Education Plans:

LACCD GE LACCD General Education Plan. . . . . . . ……. . . . . . . . . . 21 units

CSU GE CSU GE Breadth Certification Plan. . . . . . ………. . . . . . . . . 39 units

IGETC Intersegmental GE Transfer Curriculum. . . ………….. . . . . 34-37 units