ART 2031 - Photography: Darkroom

Credits: 3
Hours/Week: Lecture 1 Lab 4
Course Description: This course challenges students to consider different ways that traditional photographic processes can be used to communicate ideas. Topics include the refining of film camera and darkroom skills, and introductions to the tools, applications, and creative methods used in making alternative, and non-silver photographic images. Other activities include critiques, discussions of the history of photography and contemporary trends in art, and reading and writing assignments. Assignments are designed to help students evaluate, interpret, and express ideas using the camera and light sensitive materials. A group field trip to a major metro area art venue is typically required.
MnTC Goals
6 Humanities/Fine Arts

Prerequisite(s): ART 1031  with a grade of C or higher
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: None

Major Content
1. Review basic foundations of traditional photography

1. Technical
   1. Parts of the camera
   2. Exposure
   3. Film developing
   4. Darkroom safety
2. Historical Context
   1. Camera Obscura
   2. Art, Science, and Technology
   3. Early Processes

2. Advanced darkroom printing techniques

1. Technical
   1. Fiber Prints
   2. Split filtering
   3. Montage printing
   4. Enlarged negatives
   5. Archival materials
2. Historical Context
   1. Early manipulated images
   2. Ansel Adams and the Sierra Club
   3. Historical and contemporary printing masters

3. Alternative and non-silver methods

1. Technical
   1. Pinhole cameras
   2. Cyanotypes
   3. Photograms and cliché verre
2. Historical Context
   1. Aperture in history
   2. Ana Atkins
   3. Man Ray

1. Demonstrate an understanding of critical thinking and intelligent image making through presentations, writing assignments, and expressive uses of the medium.
2. Demonstrate research, reading, writing and verbal skills.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the creative process and studio practice.
4. Utilize a vocabulary of terms related to the topics covered.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of formal and theoretical concepts within art, specifically within the area of photography.
6. Demonstrate the ability to expand knowledge of traditional photography materials into experimental and inventive solutions.
7. Illustrate an understanding of craftsmanship and presentation methods in their creative work.
8. Identify various exemplary works of contemporary art as well as works of historical significance.

Courses and Registration