VAP 100. Darkroom Photography for Non-Majors. 3 Hours

Emphasis on learning and exploring the visual language of lens-based photographic imagery through a series of technical and creative darkroom assignments. Black and white film and chemical processes will be utilized in the creation of photographs. Students gain an understanding of technical and creative control as well as conceptual practices associated with the medium. This course does not fulfill requirements within the Department of Visual Arts.

VAP 101. Foundation Photography. 3 Hours

An experiential, project-based studio course introducing black-and-white image-making through both darkroom and digital processes. Students develop technical skills and creative expression while engaging foundational concepts in photographic history, theory, and visual culture. Emphasis is placed on critical observation and connecting photographic practice to broader artistic interests and areas of study.

VAP 200. Digital Photography for Non-Majors. 3 Hours

An emphasis on learning and exploring the visual language of lens-based digital photographic imagery through a series of technical and creative digital assignments. Using various types of digital capture devices, some examples are cell phones, consumer grade digital cameras and scanners. Macintosh computers, and Adobe Photoshop software will be utilized in the creation of photographs. Students gain an understanding of technical and creative control as well as conceptual practices associated with the digital photographic medium. Course does not fulfill Visual Arts degree requirements.

VAP 201. Intermediate Photography. 3 Hours

An introduction to the techniques and aesthetics of color photography with expanded focus on digital processing and professional workflow. Students develop intermediate imaging skills, nondestructive editing strategies, and digital printing practices through project-based assignments emphasizing concept development, craftsmanship, and stylistic refinement. Prerequisite(s): VAP 101 or equivalent.

VAP 240. Digital Processes. 3 Hours

Introduction to design and digital processes for print and electronic media. Students develop intermediate proficiency in Adobe Photoshop while exploring photographic techniques, materials, assembly, and craftsmanship related to digital image-making and graphics. Emphasizing both software and hand skills, the course builds foundational strategies, visual sensibility, and technical competence in digital imaging and visual communication.

VAP 302. Advanced Photography. 3 Hours

An experiential, project-based studio course that builds on analog and digital processes while introducing studio lighting and medium- and large-format camera systems. Students examine critical developments in photographic and AI technologies as they produce a cohesive body of work focused on a defined genre or personally driven research topic. Prerequisite(s): VAP 201 or permission of department chairperson.

VAP 320. Studio Lighting. 3 Hours

An experiential, assignment-based course that introduces and builds upon professional studio lighting techniques across digital camera formats. Students work individually and collaboratively in an industry-standard strobe studio to produce portrait and still life photography while developing technical fluency, visual problem-solving skills, and professional studio practices.

VAP 330. Alternative Photography. 3 Hours

An experiential studio course focused on alternative photographic processes, including silver and non-silver techniques. Students engage material experimentation and hand-crafted image production while critically examining process, authorship, and the role of analog methods within a digitally dominant visual culture. Prerequisite(s): VAP 101.

VAP 340. Critical Lens-Based Practices. 3 Hours

An advanced, project-based studio course that expands students’ engagement with digital lens-based image-making. Projects may incorporate moving image, video editing and emerging technologies, including advanced Adobe workflows and AI tools. Emphasis is placed on concept development, critical inquiry, ethics, and experimental approaches to visual production. Prerequisite(s): 6 Credit Hours in VAP.

VAP 410. The Photographic Portfolio. 3 Hours

Students produce a research-based body of photography through experiential learning that focuses on establishing and sustaining a professional creative practice. The course will consider developments in how both digital and print portfolios function in the context of public presentations, art exhibitions, career opportunities, and self-promotion. Prerequisite(s): 6 credit hours in VAP.

VAP 420. Documentary Photography. 3 Hours

Introduction to both the traditional and artistic practice behind documentary photography as it relates to historic and contemporary trends and uses. Students will be asked to explore a variety of ways of using photography as documentation, narrative, and propaganda through a series of research-based projects while considering ethical and theoretical concerns. Completion of personal photographic essay is required.

VAP 430. Professional Photographic Applications. 3 Hours

Problem-solving associated with professional photography; may include commercial, editorial, industrial, architectural, and illustrative photographic work both in the studio and on location. Prerequisite(s): VAP 320 or permission of department chairperson.

VAP 450. Photography Internship. 1-3 Hours

Practical applications of photographic skills. Opportunities for advanced development and practical experience in professional working environments. Repeatable up to six semester hours for B.F.A. students. Prerequisite(s): Permission of department chairperson.

VAP 477. Honors Thesis Project. 3 Hours

First of two courses leading to the selection, design, investigation, and completion of an independent, original Honors Thesis project under the guidance of a faculty research advisor. Restricted to students in the Univeristy Honors Program with permission of the program director and department chairperson. Students pursuing an interdisciplinary thesis topic may register for three semester hours each in two separate disciplines in consultation with the department chairpersons. Prerequisite(s): Approval of University Honors Program.

VAP 478. Honors Thesis Project. 3 Hours

Second of two courses leading to the selection, design, investigation, and completion of an independent, original Honors Thesis project under the guidance of a faculty research advisor. Restricted to students in the University Honors Program with permission of the program director and department chairperson. Students pursuing an interdisciplinary thesis topic may register for three semester hours each in two separate disciplines in consultation with the department chairpersons. Prerequisite(s): Approved 477; approval of University Honors Program.

VAP 490. Special Problems in Photography. 1-5 Hours

Series of assignments to guide independent study in photography, formulated to meet individual needs of the student. Prerequisite(s): VAP 201; permission of department chairperson.

VAP 498. Senior/Professional Seminar- Photography. 3 Hours

Capstone course required of all B.A. and B.F.A. photography majors, to be taken in the first semester of the senior year. Examination of aesthetic, cultural, ethical, and pragmatic issues in preparation for post-graduate experience. Prerequisite(s): (VAP 410; senior standing) or permission of department chairperson.

VAP 499. Senior/Professional Seminar II - Photography. 3 Hours

Capstone course required for all BFA Photography majors. Students examine the aesthetic, cultural, ethical, and practical issues within and relating to the field of photography. Students complete a senior project and paper, and give a public presentation of their research to be reviewed by faculty and peers. Prerequisite(s): VAP 498 or permission of department chairperson.