Photography and Video Minor

Offered at: San Luis Obispo Campus

The study and practice of the lens-based arts of photography and video. Emphasis is placed on concept development, photographic expression, and creative problem solving. Production skills with studio and location lighting are emphasized using digital image making, large format photography and video/cinematic production. This is a diversified, commercially oriented program stressing preparation for careers in advertising, illustration, video and cinema production, corporate and editorial photography, portraiture and digital image making for both online and print. The study of photographic history, cinema styles and contemporary practices is integral to the program. The program culminates in the creation of a professional portfolio in both still and motion that can allow the graduate to enter the professional workforce or apply for graduate study. The Photography and Video minor is not open to BFA Art and Design majors with a concentration in Photography and Video.

Program Learning Objectives

1. Produce a strong body of work and/or professional portfolio. 
2. Apply comparative reasoning in evaluating works of art and design.
3. Use verbal, visual, and technical vocabulary related to art and design that demonstrates cultural competency and a world view informed by issues of diversity, inequality, and power.
4. Effectively and professionally work in teams and participate in interdisciplinary, collaborative endeavors with people who have beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors that are different from their own.
5. Critically examine the role that visual language plays in global culture through research, innovative thinking, writing, and creative expression.
6. Demonstrate integrity and make ethical decisions in professional practice and/or creative expression.
7. Establish and maintain a rigorous creative practice that is productive and professional.
8. Demonstrate a commitment to learning, inquiry, and discovery.

Minor Requirements and Curriculum

• At least half of the units must be from upper-division courses (3000-4000 level).
• At least half of the units must be taken at Cal Poly (in residence).
• No more than one-third of the units will be taken with credit-no credit grading (CR/NC), not counting courses with mandatory CR/NC. Departments may further limit CR/NC grading if desired.
• A minimum 2.0 GPA is required in all units counted for completion of the minor.

¹

Art and Design majors may only double count one required in-major Art and Design course, and one in-major elective course toward the units required to achieve an Art and Design minor. Please consult with minor advisor.

²

Course taken to meet this requirement may not be double-counted in the Approved Electives.