SDC Undergraduate Courses Photography (BA Degree)
SDC Undergraduate Courses Photography (BA Degree) Syllabus
Photography as a career choice has become increasingly important, as industries continue to be geared toward visual media in their means of communication. The need for visual imagery by businesses, media and other industries is continuously growing, as the ever expanding network of visual media see the light. Photography offers many diverse career fields ranging from commercial photography to photojournalism to fine arts photography to studio work and wildlife photography, and these genre’s all form part of the 3 level course that is offered. Photography as a career can also be extended to positions such as Photo Director, Art Director, Photo Styling or Photojournalism, all skills which are included in the course.
The student will be taught to operate & use the camera to achieve the desired results, how to apply professional studio and outdoor photographic techniques, learning advanced post editing & digital design skills, acquire visual communication skills and be versed in visual literacy and creativity. Furthermore, the student will be guided to attain photography related business skills – in order to effectively adjust to the business and corporate world. Once the student has been equipped with all necessary basic photographic skills, the students will be given the opportunity to focus on different genre’s of photography and eventually specialize in specific fields of choice, be it fashion photography, studio photography, wedding photography, wildlife photography, sports photography, or photojournalism.
LEVEL 1
Theory of Photography I:
Theory of photography provides the student with the necessary theoretical knowledge applicable to the study of photography. It is broadly divided into 2 categories, 1. Technical Criteria, and 2. Creative Criteria. The aim is to familiarize the student with the theoretical concepts behind the practical application of photography – the why and how of the end result / image. The student needs to understand the fundamental elements of photography, and how it applies to the practical situation they will find themselves in. Focus will be given to the development and engineering of the camera, technical aspects such as exposure, depth of field, science of light & lighting techniques, and theories behind the creative criteria, like composition, colour and different genre’s of photography.
Photography Practical I :
Photography practical is the practical application of the concepts learned in Theory of Photography. The subject follows the same thread as Theory of Photography, but focuses on practical application and hands on mastering of the skills taught. As with it’s theoretical counterpart, it is broadly divided into 2 categories, 1. Technical Criteria, and 2. Creative Criteria. The aim is for the student to practically apply the fundamental concepts of Photography taught in the theory environment. A huge focus will be placed on the ability of the student to practically apply technical as well as creative criteria, and will be assessed accordingly. This will include working and managing the camera settings for effect, using lighting for professional effect, using lens systems optimally, and using all of this to enhance the creative criteria – composition, colour, perspective etc.
Post Editing & Digital Design I:
The aim of the subject is to teach the student to digitally enhance and post edit their photos. The digital revolution has changed the face of photography and our students will be trained to keep up with latest trends. They will learn how to naturally enhance the photos, as well as artificially create effects or elements within the photos. This module will focus intensely on Adobe Photoshop.
Visual Communication I:
The aim is to familiarize the student with the creative and artistic side of photography. The focus will be to increase the students visual literacy skills to an advanced level, so as to be able to conceptualize and analyze photography in a visual arts critique fashion. Visual Literacy refers to a group of vision-competencies a human being can develop by seeing and at the same time having and integrating other sensory experiences. The development of these competencies is fundamental to normal human learning. When developed, they enable a visually literate person to discriminate and interpret the visible actions, objects, symbols, natural or man-made, that he encounters in his environment. Through the creative use of these competencies, he is able to communicate with others. Through the appreciative use of these competencies, he is able to comprehend and enjoy the masterworks of visual communication.
Business Studies I:
The aim is for the student to understand the working around a photography business, to understand all fundamental aspects of business – from marketing to finance. When students graduate from SDC, they will be able to be fully functional within a business environment, as well as be equipped with sufficient skills to set up their own businesses. Business Studies cover subjects like marketing, sales, finance and accounts, legalities and operational management. It also includes a tax overview, and a deeper look at products, service and customer management.
LEVEL 2
Theory of Photography II:
Theory of photography provides the student with the necessary theoretical knowledge applicable to the study of photography. In the 2nd level the aim is to familiarize the student with the advanced theoretical concepts behind the practical application of photography – the why and how of the end result / image. The student needs to understand the more advanced techniques of photography, and how to create related creative imagery. Focus will be given to the advanced lighting techniques used, the advanced use of camera settings for unusual effect, multiple exposures, filter effects, extended dynamic range imaging, advance lense systems, and applying all of these higher level skills to different specialist fields.
Photography Practical II:
Photography practical is the practical application of the advanced concepts learned in Theory of Photography. The subject follows the same thread as Theory of Photography, but focuses on practical application and hands on mastering of the skills taught. The aim is for the student to practically apply the advanced concepts taught in the theory environment. A huge focus will be placed on the ability of the student to practically apply technical as well as creative criteria, and will be assessed accordingly. This will include the advanced lighting techniques used, the advanced use of camera settings for unusual effect, multiple exposures, filter effects, extended dynamic range imaging, advanced lense systems, and applying all of these higher level skills to different specialist fields.
Post Production & Digital Design II:
The aim of the subject is to teach the student to digitally enhance and post edit their photos using a different software programmes, as well as presenting work in digital and print layout format using different program software. The digital revolution has changed the face of photography and our students will be trained to keep up with latest trends. This course will cover programmes like Adobe Lightroom and various graphic programmes.
Visual Communication II:
The aim is to familiarize the student with visual communication in a commercial environment, and visual analysis criteria used in analyzing photography as a visual communications tool. The focus will be to further the students visual communication skills to an advanced level, so as to be able to analyze photography in a commercial and editorial fashion. Students also need to understand the power of images, their ability to communicate messages and their role in media.
Business Studies II:
The aim is for the student to understand the working around photography as a career, and the broader industry and workplace. It is specifically aimed at the photographer who is looking to find work at an agency or magazine – it is vital to understanding operation and workflow of companies, how the career and role of photography fits into the broader workplace.
LEVEL 3
Theory of Photography III:
Theory of photography provides the student with the necessary theoretical knowledge applicable to the study of photography. In the 3rd level the aim is to broaden the student’s horizon and open up career opportunities. This involves completing a dissertation in the topic of choice. With a strong academic background the student is able to explore career opportunities beyond practical photography – especially careers in the media industry. This module’s goal is to equip the student with the specialized theoretical concepts behind the specialist fields in photography. The student needs to understand what the specialist fields are, and what each field entails in terms of knowledge and skill. Focus will be given to the hints and tips of creating great photographs.
Photography Practical III:
Photography practical provides the student with the necessary practical application skills necessary for the study of specialized photography. In the 3rd level the aim is to equip the student with the specialized practical application skills behind the specialist fields in photography. The student will be given practical exposure to certain specialist fields in photography – like aerial & underwater photography. Further, a huge focus is placed on commercial photography and a choice of two other genre’s. The aim is to equip the students with skills in the various fields.
Post Editing III:
The aim of the subject in the 3rd level of study is to prepare students for post editing requirements in the industry: the requirement standards as well as ethics and legalities. Additional attention will be given to graphic aspects such as web & corporate identity design using this as a photographic platform. The digital revolution has changed the face of photography and our students will be trained to keep up with latest trends.
Visual Literacy III:
The aim is to equip the student with skills of understanding visual analysis from a socio-economic and political or an external viewer or industry perspective. Visual and stylistic analysis of images will be discussed. The focus will be to further the students understanding of clients visual communication needs as well as visual literacy skills, and how photography is analyzed and perceived. The idea is to push the student out of their own visual framework and start seeing ‘through the eyes of the client’.
Business Studies III:
The aim is for the student to understand the industry and professional requirements of the photographic industry, within the broader context of the socio-economic environment. It is specifically aimed to equip the student with skills necessary to function optimally in a workplace environment within the industry. The third level will also culminate in completing a practical internship in the industry(not mandatory – extra credit) as well as completing a complete resume and business plan to be used for future reference.g
Full fee:
€ 1150
$1240