In the Department of Cinema & Photography students study the history, theory, and practice of cinema, photography, and related media the social, critical, and ideological implications of moving and still pictures. The program provides a foundation for professional, fine arts, and educational careers in cinema and photography. Students choose an emphasis in fine arts photography, commercial photography, cinema production, cinema studies (history/theory/criticism), or screenwriting.

Cinema

The Cinema specialization includes film studies and production.  Our cinema studies curriculum takes a liberal arts approach to the study of the history, criticism, and theory of cinema. Courses address a range of topics in the areas of film analysis and film theory, film styles and genres, film authors, and the histories of documentary, experimental, and narrative film. Cinema studies prepares students for advanced academic work as well as for careers in film criticism for magazines and newspapers; in film programming for museums, festivals, and universities; and in the expanding area of film distribution.

The moving image is the basis for the cinema production emphasis. Students may work independently or in group productions in one or more of the following modes: documentary, experimental, narrative, or animation. Courses include writing for film, animation, digital postproduction, optical printing and advanced sync sound production. Students choose careers as independent filmmakers, or with a large organization producing entertainment, documentation, learning aids and experimental statements.

Photography

The Photography specialization includes Fine Art & Commercial Photography. The fine art photography emphasis encourages students to realize a personal vision. Students study topics such as digital imaging, large format photography, sensitometry, and advanced color photography. Experimental applications of these tools are presented in courses covering non-silver photography and experimental darkroom and camera techniques. Studio workshops and advanced topics courses allow for individual artistic expression, as well as for investigation of special topics such as presentation and publication methods, the landscape, and environmental portraiture.

The commercial photography emphasis explores the fields of advertising, illustration and publication/editorial photography while stressing original concepts. Through their coursework, students learn professional skills in large format photography, digital imaging and sensitometry.

Digital Communication

The Digital Communication specialization is designed to give students a high level of competence as content developers, a strong sense of aesthetics and design, hands-on technical instruction, and a deep understanding of the principles of networked audio/visual communication.