Photographic Arts and Sciences Exploration
Photographic Arts and Sciences Exploration
Spend up to a year exploring RIT’s photography majors as you decide which program best matches your career goals.
Overview
For students interested in photography but unsure which major best meets their career aspirations, the photographic arts and sciences exploration option provides you with an overview of the two photography majors and their options. Students will learn about the curriculum, course work, and career paths associated with the BFA in photographic and imaging arts (with options in advertising photography, fine art photography, photojournalism, or visual media) and the BS in photographic sciences. This exploration option allows you to take up to a year to learn about each major while you complete general education and liberal arts courses.
Featured Profiles
Industry-standard Photography Equipment
RIT's School of Photographic Arts and Sciences Cage is an unparalleled checkout space housing a range of photography equipment you won’t find anywhere else. From specialty lenses to camera...
Why You Belong in RIT's College of Art and Design
Todd Jokl, Mari Jaye Blanchard, Melissa Dawson, Clay Patrick McBride
Get an in-depth look at RIT's College of Art and Design from our faculty and students. Let us share with you how our community of artists pushes the boundaries of creativity and innovation. And...
Unmatched Photo Studios
With 28 photo studios and a well-stocked equipment cage designed to support studio needs, RIT's School of Photographic Arts and Sciences students have access to all the necessary resources to execute...
Curriculum for Photographic Arts and Sciences Exploration
Photography undeclared, typical course sequence
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| Choose one of the following: | 8 | |
| PHPS-101,102 | Photography I, II (BS) | |
| PHAR-101,102 | Photo Arts I, II (BFA) | |
| PHPS-106 | Photographic Technology I This is the first in a two-course sequence that explores the technology of photography. This course demonstrates the application of physics, mathematics and optical science to the technology of image making. The course also provides the students with the opportunity to employ statistical data analysis to identify trends through laboratory exercises utilizing principles of scientific inquiry. Among the topics explored are the optics and physics of image formation, lens evaluation, light sources, digital light-sensitive materials, digital workflows, variability, quality control and photographic effects. Lab 2, Lecture 2 (Fall). |
3 |
| PHPS-107 | Photographic Technology II This is the second course in a two-semester course based in the study of the technology of photography, with emphasis on applications to real world photographic problems. Among the topics studied will include color vision, Munsell color system, CIELAB system, color theory, color management, digital color balance during post-processing, digital tone reproduction, and digital workflows. (Prerequisite: PHPS-106 or equivalent course.) Lab 2, Lecture 2 (Spring). |
3 |
| ENGL-150 | FYW: Future of Writing This First Year Writing Intensive course is designed to develop first-year students’ proficiency in analytical writing, rhetorical reading, and critical thinking by focusing on particular uses of narrative. Students will read, understand, and interpret a variety of texts representing different cultural perspectives and/or academic disciplines. Increasingly, scholars, artists, public figures and other professionals recognize the value of using stories across genres to inform analytical practice. Students will gain informed practice in using narrative in different disciplines, and become aware of storytelling as one among a number of rhetorical strategies for inquiry. Students will be expected to give presentations as well as write papers both in response to the reading material and in services of their own independent arguments. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
3 |
| YOPS-10 | RIT 365: RIT Connections RIT 365 students participate in experiential learning opportunities designed to launch them into their career at RIT, support them in making multiple and varied connections across the university, and immerse them in processes of competency development. Students will plan for and reflect on their first-year experiences, receive feedback, and develop a personal plan for future action in order to develop foundational self-awareness and recognize broad-based professional competencies. Lecture 1 (Fall, Spring). |
0 |
General Education-Ethical Perspective |
3 | |
General Education-Natural Science Inquiry Perspective |
3 | |
General Education-Scientific Principles Perspective |
3 | |
General Education-Mathematical B Perspective |
3 | |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 |
|
| ARTH-135 | General Education-Artistic Perspective: History of Western Art: Ancient to Medieval In this course students will examine the forms, styles, functions, and meanings of important objects and monuments dating from prehistory through the Middle Ages, and consider these works of art in their social, historical and cultural contexts. The primary goals of this course are to learn how to look, how to describe and analyze what we see, and how to use these skills to understand and explain how art visually expresses meaning. At the end of the term, students will have gained a foundational knowledge of the object, scope and methods of the discipline of art history. The knowledge obtained in this introductory course will also guide students in their own creative endeavors. Lecture 3 (Fall). |
|
General Education-Natural Science Inquiry Perspective |
||
General Education-Mathematical A Perspective |
||
| Choose one of the following: | 3 |
|
| ARTH-136 | General Education-Global Perspective: History of Western Art: Renaissance to Modern In this course students will examine the forms, styles, functions, and meanings of important objects and monuments dating from the European Renaissance through the beginning of the twentieth century, and consider these works of art in their social, historical and cultural contexts. The primary goals of this course are to learn how to look and how to describe and analyze what we see, and to use these skills to understand and explain how art visually expresses meaning. At the end of the term, students will have gained a foundational knowledge of the object, scope and methods of the discipline of art history. The knowledge obtained in this introductory course will also guide students in their own creative endeavors. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring). |
|
General Education-Mathematical B Perspective |
||
General Education-Scientific Principles Perspective |
||
| Choose one of the following: | 3 |
|
| FDTN-111 | Drawing I (BFA) This course is an introduction to the visualization of form, thought and expression through the drawing process. Concepts are introduced by lectures, discussions, demonstrations, research, and assigned projects. Designed to provide a broad introductory experience, students will experiment with a wide variety of media, tools, techniques and subjects to develop drawing expertise and problem solving skills related to design and composition. Course work will be assessed through critique, facilitating self-assessment, and the growth of both a visual and verbal vocabulary. The focus of the course is to provide awareness of the full range of ways in which drawing is used as a tool for both self-expression and communication. (Undergraduate Art and Design) Studio 6 (Fall, Spring). |
|
General Education-Artistic Perspective (BS) |
||
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 32 |
|
Please see General Education Framework in the Graduation Requirements section of this bulletin for more information.
Latest News
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December 20, 2021
![A group of students receives portfolio reviews from professional artists, including faculty.]()
Portfolio review event punctuates professional development class
Equipped with newly-developed professional skills and materials, students from Ceramics, Fine Art Photography and Metals and Jewelry gained insightful feedback on their work from 11 artists to wrap up the fall semester.
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September 7, 2021
![An aerial view of the Kodak Quad on RIT's campus.]()
New leadership roles, faculty hires highlight changes in College of Art and Design
RIT's Schools of Art, American Crafts, Film and Animation, and Photographic Arts and Sciences are all under new leadership.
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December 17, 2020
![A photo of hallway walls knocked down and getting ready for construction.]()
Multi-million dollar photo renovation set for summer 2021 completion
The $3.5 million project includes state-of-the-art editing labs and major upgrades to the student lounge and photography equipment cage.
