Photography, BFA
The Department of Photography is committed to the education of artists and professionals who have acquired a comprehensive understanding of the artistic and professional opportunities in the field. The curriculum provides an extensive photographic education through a series of core classes that promote students’ technical and conceptual development. Photography majors move from a highly structured program in their freshman and sophomore years to a more flexible program in their junior and senior years in which students choose from a variety of electives in photography, other studio disciplines, and in the humanities. This approach is intended to facilitate the transition from student to independent artist and professional. Completion of the curriculum culminates with an exhibition in the Pratt Photography Gallery, as well as a group show in a New York City gallery, and a collaborative photography publication. Small class sizes help to promote a strong sense of community in the intimate setting of Pratt’s Brooklyn campus. Students are given opportunities to meet artists and critics through the Pratt Photography Lectures, visiting critiques, and artist studio and museum visits. This access can help students build contacts and relationships with influential professionals in the field. Like a small town within a big city, we look to give students their own voice, so they can employ it in whichever direction they choose.
Undergraduates establish strong photographic practices and discourses through the study of analog and digital processes, the history and theory of photography, and the development of critical thinking and writing skills through required and elective courses in photography, other creative disciplines, and the liberal arts. Participating in this experience prepares students to actively contribute to culture and society as leaders in the photographic arts and applied industries, as well as to pursue graduate studies in related fields. Graduates are expected to demonstrate excellence in artistic vision, professional skills, innovation, and a contextual understanding of their work in contemporary culture.
| Semester 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| FDC-140 | Visualization/Representation | 3 |
| FDC-150 | Space, Form, Process | 3 |
| FDC-160 | Light Color Design Lab | 3 |
| PHOT-105 | Black and White Photography | 3 |
| HMS-101A | Literary and Critical Studies I | 3 |
| HAD-111 | Themes in Art and Culture I | 3 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| FDC-141 | Visualization/Representation/Concept | 3 |
| FDC-161 | Light Color Design Studio | 3 |
| PHOT-210 | Digital Photography | 3 |
| HAD-112 | Themes in Art and Culture II | 3 |
| Social Science "Global" Core Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| PHOT-211 | Intermediate Digital Photography | 3 |
| PHOT-220 | Large Format Photography | 3 |
| HAD-360 | History of Photography | 3 |
| Social Science "Thinking" Core Elective | 3 | |
| Math/Science Core Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| PHOT-205 | Sophomore Critique | 3 |
| PHOT-212 | Digital Photography Expanded | 3 |
| PHOT-222 | Lighting I | 3 |
| SS-255 | Between Image and Word:Why Photographers Write | 3 |
| HMS-201A | Literary and Critical Studies II | 3 |
| HAD-346 | Art Since the Sixties | 3 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Semester 5 | ||
| PHOT-305 | Junior Research I | 3 |
| PHOT-340 | Contemporary Issues in Photography | 3 |
| Department Elective | 3 | |
| History of Art and Design Elective | 3 | |
| Pratt Integrative Course | 3 | |
| Liberal Arts Post-Core Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Semester 6 | ||
| PHOT-306 | Junior Research II | 3 |
| PHOT-390 | Professional Practices in Photography | 3 |
| Liberal Arts Post-Core Elective | 3 | |
| Liberal Arts Post-Core Elective (300/400 level) | 3 | |
| All Institute Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Semester 7 | ||
| PHOT-405 | Senior Thesis I | 3 |
| PHOT-412 | The Photographer's Writing Studio | 3 |
| Department Elective | 3 | |
| Liberal Arts Post-Core Elective (300/400 level) | 3 | |
| All Institute Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Semester 8 | ||
| PHOT-406 | Senior Thesis II | 3 |
| Liberal Arts Post-Core Elective (300/400 level) | 3 | |
| All Institute Electives | 6 | |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 126 | |
Upon completion of the program:
• Students will demonstrate an understanding of the broad range of possibilities available in analog and digital photographic materials.
• Students will demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the aesthetic principles of photography.
• Students will articulate a broad knowledge of photographic and relevant cultural histories and an in-depth understanding of contemporary issues in photography pertinent to their practices.
• Students will create a cohesive body of photographic work in which an artistic vision and contextual awareness of their work is evident.
• Students will apply the technical skills and professional practices necessary to pursue careers or graduate studies in the photographic arts and applied industries.