Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art

Area of Study:  Photography

In a world where photographic imagery is pervasive, both in the arts and the culture at large, the photography program at Chapman is committed to developing the individual photographic voice. Whether you choose to pursue a BA in Art or a BFA in Studio Art, you may concentrate your advanced coursework in photography once you have completed a set of foundation-level studio classes.

Curriculum
The photography curriculum provides students with a strong background in both the theory and the practice of photography, video and digital imagery within the context of contemporary art.   The foundation-level curriculum provides students with fundamental technical skills while examining photography's role within contemporary art and culture. On the intermediate level, students are encouraged to experiment with a broad range of techniques (including color photography, digital imaging and video) and to broaden their historical and theoretical knowledge of photography and art in general. On the advanced level, as students develop their individual practice, they participate in seminar classes that promote group discussion and debate. Students meet individually with faculty to discuss their artworks in addition to the group critiques that are part of all studio classes. 

Facilities
The Art Department has three darkrooms for processing black and white materials. There is one large darkroom for foundation-level students and two smaller group darkrooms for intermediate and advanced students. In addition to scheduled class times, when they work with one of the professors, students have access to the darkrooms an additional forty hours per week. Classes for color photography, digital media and video are held in both the university and the departmental Mac computer labs. The labs are equipped with up-to-date hardware, software, and color printers. Students currently enrolled in classes have 24-hour access to the Art Department computer lab.