BFA | Art, Culture & Technology

Course Descriptions

AD 11700-Photography I: Black and White Processes and Aesthetics

Credit Hours: 3.00.  Introductory course in sliver-based photographic processes and creative image making.  Emphasis is on the development of camera and darkrooom techniques, and fostering critical thinking skills related to the traditions and aesthetics of black and white photographic practice.  Typically offered in Fall and Spring.

AD 11900-Photography II: Color Imaging and Studio Practice

Credit Hours: 3.00.  Introductory course in creative use of color photographic processes and studio practices.  Emphasis is on the acquisition of camera, studio and digital printing skills which enable students to successfully perceive and structure images reflecting color's formal, symbolic, and emotional impact.  Typically offered in Fall and Spring.

AD23300-Electronic Media Studio

An introductory class to artistic practices on the computer. Students will work with digital still images, sounds, stop-frame animation and HTML-based websites and learn how to generate and/or control digital images and sounds interactively using Processing.

AD23600-Lighting Fundamentals for Photography

Credit Hours: 3.00. Introductory course in understanding electronic strobe lighting.  Begins with a review of basic lighting principles and a series of problem-solving assignments, which introduce control, and applications of electronic strobe lighting.  Still life photography and portraiture are emphasized and covers on-location lighting.  Typically offered in Spring.

AD 25100-History of Photography I

Credit Hours: 3.00. An introduction of the history of photography from the medium's inception until the start of the digital era.  Typically offered in Fall.

AD 26700-Digital Media I: Photography and Digital Imaging

Credit Hours: 3.00. Intermediate course in the creative generation and digital enhancement of photo-related imagery.  Emphasis is on the development of constructed images and critical thinking skills, as well as fostering an awareness of pertinent theoretical issues.  Typically offered in Fall.

AD30400-Video Art

Introduces students to digital video as a creative medium for artistic expression. Students learn to record, digitize, edit and distribute digital video content and author a digital portfolio of their work as well as research the history of video art and cultural impact of video technologies.

AD30701-Contemporary History of Photography

Credit Hours: 3.00. Introduction of the contemporary history of photography. Emphasis is on understanding current culture of photography since the digital revolution, 1980s. Emphasis is placed on understanding photographs from a variety of aesthetic, social, and cultural perspectives, including those of race, class and gender. Typically offered in Spring.

AD32600-Physical Computing: Arduino and Processing

This class focuses on electronics and computer graphics programming for artists and designers. Using Arduino and Processing, students learn to create expressive audiovisual systems that can respond to events in the physical world (movement, light/temperature change, sound, touch, etc.) through custom interfaces.

AD 33100-Digital Video Production and Aesthetics

Credit Hours: 300. Introduction to video as an art medium.  Approaches include making narrative, experimental, music video and commercial video.  Students gain profiency in technical and conceptual aspects of the medium through shooting exercises, production workshops, digital editing, and group critiques.  Typically offered in Fall.

AD334000-New Media Culture

Explores the cultural significance, social implications and artistic applications of new media technologies. Through discussion, reading, screenings, guest lectures and creative experiments students address questions such as: What are the cultural, political and aesthetic possibilities of a society permeated by social media, smart phones, video and digital cameras, computer interfaces, search engines, locative media and video games? And how might they differ from ‘old’ media?

AD 33700-Commercial and Professional Practice in Photography

Credit Hours: 3.00. This course introduces students to the skills necessary to attaining entry-level employment in the photographic field and familiarizes students with the vocabulary, procedures, and working realities specific to occupations in the field of photography in the areas of photo-journalism, magazine illustration, advertising/web design, and fine arts.  Permission of department required.  Typically offered Fall.

AD 38100-Fine Art Photographic Printmaking and Artist's Book

Credit Hours 3.00. An intermediate level course in fine art photographic printmaking, portfolio production, and integration of image with text.  Students will explore camera formats, presentation issues, and bookmaking techniques.  Special emphasis placed upon the creative process.  Prerequisites: Acceptance into Photography and Related Media program by successful performance in the mandatory portfolio review.  Typically offered Spring.

AD41700-Variable Topics in Electronic and Time-Based Art

An advanced undergraduate course with changing topics based on the semester offered, faculty teaching the course and/or student interest. In the past this class has been offered with the following course titles: Robots, Art and Culture; Computer Games; Electronic Fashion and Wearable Computing; Nature, Art and Technology.

AD421-Advanced Studies in Photography

This course allows students to explore photographic process, presentation and visual dialogue based on their personal interests and future goals.

Internship Class

AD 23400 – Art and Design Internship Preparation

Introduction and preparation for Art & Design Internship experience. Students will develop a resume, cover letter and other resources in their search for a suitable internship placement. Typically offered Fall Spring Summer. Credit Hour: 1.00.   

Cross-Disciplinary Learning

All Visual and Performing Arts students are encouraged to take advantage of courses outside of their specific major, to enrich their creative experiences at Purdue. You can explore course options by viewing this comprehensive course list in Art and Design. Also, visit the Theatre Department, Dance and Music Divisions for their course offerings.