Photography

Develop your personal visual language.

Develop your experience

The photography program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is part of the 2D studio art curriculum in the School of Art. The faculty stress a broad interdisciplinary approach aiming to help students to develop a personal visual language. In additional to acquiring technical proficiency in film and digital photography students are introduced to the fundamental issues of technology and its connection to contemporary art, history, culture, and society.

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Programs in Photography

Bachelor of Arts in Art

OR BFA in 2D

Undergraduate students wishing to study photography can choose between pursuing a BA in Art (45 credit hours) or a BFA in Two-Dimensional Studies (83 credit hours). The curriculum includes course work in the history of photography, readings, discussions, technical demonstrations and group and individual critiques. This program presents the theories and practices of photography and digital imaging within the context of their histories and the current discourse in art and criticism. Graduates of the program are able to realize their personal ideas and aesthetics through a sound command of their own visual language.

Email faculty representative Paul Lee

Courses

ARTA 231 – Photography I (3 credits) — Introduction to the art of photography. Taking and processing of photographs through both traditional film/darkroom and digital.
ARTA 331 – Photography II (4 credits) — Individual expression in photographic medium.
ARTA 331 – Digital Photography (4 credits) — Studio course introducing theory and techniques of use of computer in photography.
ARTA 331 – Large Format Photography I (4 credits) — Studio course introducing theory and practice of photography using large format view camera.
ARTA 431 – Photography III (4 credits) — Individual development of photographic problems and techniques.

Degree Requirements

BA in Art

The Bachelor of Art degree with a major in art is a humanities degree with 42 credit hours in studio art and art history coursework. Many students who choose the BA path earn a second major in another field of study. The BA option allows for flexibility to pursue wide-ranging interests and career paths and to study abroad for a full semester.

Download a PDF of the Four Year Curriculum

BFA in Studio Art – 2D

The Bachelor of Fine Arts with a major in studio art is a professionally-oriented degree intended for students planning careers or graduate study in the visual arts.

Download a PDF of the Four Year Curriculum

For Current Students

The School of Art uses a combination of a professional advisor and faculty mentors to meet the needs of our students. You are assigned to our professional staff advisor, Brittany Hunt-Woods, upon admission to the School of Art. Brittany will do all primary advising (clearing registration holds, discussing graduation requirements, etc). In addition, a faculty mentor will be assigned after you pass portfolio review. You will be expected to meet with your faculty mentor at least once per year.

Photography Portfolio Review

Students submitting to the Photography Portfolio Review should have passed two courses of Art History 162, 172, 173 or 183, the studio core comprised of Art 101, Art 102 and Art 103, and at least two 200-level printmaking courses.

The portfolio review is conducted in person with the photography faculty. The reviews are scheduled for 30 minutes during the end of the semester and take the form of a critique. Students should bring prints and any other works that inform their artistic development. Students should also submit a copy of their Degree Audit Report (DARS), and a one-page statement of intent. Students receive a personal letter indicating whether they have passed the review.

Minors and Non-Art Majors

We make it easy for undergraduate students to take hands-on photography classes while pursuing another field of study. Contact the School of Art office to declare a studio art minor: (865) 974-3407.

Details

Studio Art Minor: 21 Credits

Select 6 hours of Art History (grade of C or better):

ARTH 172 – Western Art: Ancient through Medieval *
ARTH 173 – Western Art: Renaissance to Contemporary *
ARTH 183 – Asian Art *

Required:

Select 15 hours of art courses of which a minimum of 3 must be at the 300-400 level.

PHOTOGRAPHY OPTIONS

ARTA 231 – Photography I (3 credits) — Introduction to the art of photography. Taking and processing of photographs through both traditional film/darkroom and digital.
ARTA 331 – Photography II (4 credits) — Individual expression in photographic medium.
ARTA 331 – Digital Photography (4 credits) — Studio course introducing theory and techniques of use of computer in photography.
ARTA 331 – Large Format Photography I (4 credits) — Studio course introducing theory and practice of photography using large format view camera.
ARTA 431 – Photography III (4 credits) — Individual development of photographic problems and techniques.

Courses for Non-Art Majors

BA in Art