Documentary Photography [major or minor]
This program examines the use of documentary photography as a communication tool for the visual investigation of contemporary issues. Students develop the skills to be effective storytellers with their photographs, created with their own visual voices and from their own unique perspectives. Throughout the course track, students are challenged to choose a long-term project, investing in it and exploring it deeply and overcoming any hurdles they encounter along the way. The various outlets and markets available for documentary photography are identified and the business skills essential to success in this field will be emphasized.

TERM 1
Documentary I: Exploring the Documentary Project :: 6 units
Throughout this course, students explore the concept of documentary photography. Course lectures address what constitutes a documentary photography project, how to tell a story with honesty, integrity and clarity, establishing a unique vision and how to tell a story from a personal point of view. A major emphasis of this course is choosing a long-term project and fully investing in it. Weekly class critique plays a significant role in guiding the progression of each student’s individual documentary project throughout the term.

TERM 2
Documentary II: Evolution of the Documentary Project :: 6 units
In this course, students continue the long-term projects started in the previous term. Regular analysis of classic and modern documentary photography projects help students gain a mature understanding of the field and provides additional perspective on the evolution of their own documentary projects. Course discussions address developing personal style and vision, the elements of editing and the concept of process. The centerpiece of this course is the weekly review and critique of each student’s individual work.

TERM 3
Documentary III: The Documentary Portfolio :: 6 units
Students in this course will continue to work on the long-term documentary projects started in the previous two terms, ultimately creating a final portfolio of images that tell a story from their unique point of view. Guest lectures and occasional field trips to view documentary exhibitions allow for additional exploration within the documentary field. Weekly discussions will address legal issues, ethics, marketing and presentation as students work towards the completion of their final professional documentary portfolios.