Art - Photography (ARTP)
ARTP 10 - Understanding Photography (3 units)
Letter Grade (LG) or Pass/No Pass (P/NP) • Total hours: 51 hours lecture
This course examines photography through historical and contemporary movements in the medium, with a focus on visual literacy, vernacular practices, and cultural identity. Grounded in theoretical perspectives from visual culture and critical theory, the course applies a critical lens to issues of ethics, racism, representation, ethnicity, national origins, gender, and gender identity as they manifest in both historical and contemporary photographic practices. Students will consider how these factors influence visual narratives and shape the reception of photographic work today. By engaging with diverse perspectives in photography, students will gain insight into how cultural identity and theory inform our understanding of the medium. Through assignments connected to course themes, students will expand their knowledge of fundamental concepts in photography and develop a deeper appreciation for the role of visual culture in shaping societal perspectives. Portions of instruction may be offered online; may also be offered fully online.
Advisory: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in ENGL C1000
Credit transferable: Transfers to CSU & UC
GE Credit: Cal-GETC 3A: Arts; MPC 3 Arts and Humanities
Catalog Program Pages Referencing ARTP 10
ARTP 11A - Beginning Photography : Black and White (3 units)
Letter Grade (LG) or Pass/No Pass (P/NP) • Total hours: 17 hours lecture; 76.5 hours studio
This is an introductory course in black-and-white photography. It focuses on black-and-white photography and its relation to photography's expressive, social, cultural, historical, and technical aspects. The course encourages the development of personal artistic expression and visual perception through various photographic techniques, including exposure, composition, content, lighting, and the use of film and digital cameras. It introduces mechanical and artistic principles in recording photographic images using a 35mm SLR camera, developing film, and printing black-and-white photographs in an analog darkroom. Portions of instruction may be offered online; may also be offered fully online.
Advisory: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in ENGL C1000
Credit transferable: Transfers to CSU & UC
Catalog Program Pages Referencing ARTP 11A
- Art
- Art History, Associate in Arts for Transfer
- Art Photography, Associate in Arts Degree
- Art Photography, Certificate of Achievement
- General Studies: Arts and Humanities Emphasis, Associate in Arts
- Graphic Arts, Associate in Science
- Graphic Arts, Certificate of Achievement
- Photography
- Studio Arts, Associate in Arts for Transfer
ARTP 11B - Intermediate Photography (3 units)
Letter Grade (LG) or Pass/No Pass (P/NP) • Total hours: 102 hours studio
This intermediate course in black and white photography is a continuation of ARTP 11A. This course will expand on the development of visual, conceptual, and technical aspects of photography. It includes expanded use of materials and techniques. Portions of instruction may be offered online; may also be offered fully online.
Prerequisite(s): ARTP 11A
Credit transferable: Transfers to CSU & UC
Catalog Program Pages Referencing ARTP 11B
ARTP 11C - Advanced Photogaphy (3 units)
Letter Grade (LG) or Pass/No Pass (P/NP) • Total hours: 102 hours studio
This advanced course emphasizes technical depth and conceptual application of photographic practice through traditional darkroom and/or digital methods. Students create a portfolio using their chosen approach that incorporates advanced exposure techniques, conceptual frameworks, and critical evaluation. Students integrate personal, theoretical, and cultural perspectives into their photographic practice. Portions of instruction may be offered online; may also be offered fully online.
Prerequisite(s): ARTP 11B
Credit transferable: Transfers to CSU & UC
Catalog Program Pages Referencing ARTP 11C
ARTP 12A - Digital Image Editing I (3 units)
Letter Grade (LG) or Pass/No Pass (P/NP) • Total hours: 102 hours studio
This course provides an introduction to the technical principles of digital image post-processing and professional workflow. Students learn to manage files, perform non-destructive editing, apply color correction and tonal adjustments, remove spots, use masking, and prepare images for digital output using industry-standard software. General computer knowledge is recommended. Portions of instruction may be offered online; may also be offered fully online.
Advisory: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in ENGL C1000
Credit transferable: Transfers to CSU & UC
Catalog Program Pages Referencing ARTP 12A
ARTP 12B - Digital Image Editing II (3 units)
Letter Grade (LG) or Pass/No Pass (P/NP) • Total hours: 102 hours studio
This course continues ARTP 12A. This course builds upon foundational digital imaging and Photoshop skills, focusing on intermediate techniques for professional photographic editing. Students explore the complex process of photographic retouching using Adobe Photoshop. Emphasis is placed on non-destructive editing, file management, and preparing images for professional display on screens and print output. Portions of instruction may be offered online; may also be offered fully online.
Prerequisite(s): ARTP 12A
Credit transferable: Transfers to CSU & UC
Catalog Program Pages Referencing ARTP 12B
ARTP 14 - History of Photography (3 units)
Letter Grade (LG) or Pass/No Pass (P/NP) • Total hours: 51 hours lecture
This course is a thematic investigation of the history of photography with attention to technological advances and cultural influences. Portions of instruction may be offered online; may also be offered fully online.
Advisory: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in ENGL C1000
Credit transferable: Transfers to CSU & UC
GE Credit: Cal-GETC 3A: Arts; MPC 3 Arts and Humanities
Catalog Program Pages Referencing ARTP 14
ARTP 15 - Portraiture Photography (3 units)
Letter Grade (LG) or Pass/No Pass (P/NP) • Total hours: 102 hours studio
This course explores techniques, characteristics, and principles of contemporary portraiture and the use of available and artificial lighting schemes. Portions of instruction may be offered online; may also be offered fully online.
Advisory: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in ENGL C1000
Credit transferable: Transfers to CSU & UC
Catalog Program Pages Referencing ARTP 15
ARTP 20A - Laboratory Practices in Photography I (2.5 units)
Letter Grade (LG) or Pass/No Pass (P/NP) • Total hours: 85 hours studio
This course provides structured laboratory time for students to develop photographic projects in the darkroom. Emphasis is placed on the application of technical skills, consistent workflow, and project-based learning. Students work independently with instructor guidance to refine darkroom practices and produce a portfolio of completed prints that reflect both technical proficiency and individual artistic intent. Portions of instruction may be offered online; may also be offered fully online.
Pre/Corequisite(s): ARTP 11A
Credit transferable: Transfers to CSU
Catalog Program Pages Referencing ARTP 20A
ARTP 20B - Laboratory Practices in Photography II (2.5 units)
Letter Grade (LG) or Pass/No Pass (P/NP) • Total hours: 85 hours studio
This course provides structured laboratory time for students to develop photographic projects in the darkroom. Emphasis is placed on the application of technical skills, consistent workflow, and project-based learning. Students work independently with instructor guidance to refine darkroom practices and produce a portfolio of completed prints that reflect both technical proficiency and individual artistic intent.
Credit transferable: Transfers to CSU
Catalog Program Pages Referencing ARTP 20B
ARTP 27 - Narrative Photography (3 units)
Letter Grade (LG) or Pass/No Pass (P/NP) • Total hours: 102 hours studio
This course is an exploration of the use of the photographic image in narrative and editorial form. Portions of instruction may be offered online; may also be offered fully online.
Advisory: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in ENGL C1000
Credit transferable: Transfers to CSU & UC
Catalog Program Pages Referencing ARTP 27
ARTP 55 - Alternative Processes (3 units)
Letter Grade (LG) or Pass/No Pass (P/NP) • Total hours: 102 hours studio
This course explores the unique characteristics of non-conventional and historic photographic processes. Portions of instruction may be offered online; may also be offered fully online.
Advisory: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in ENGL C1000
Credit transferable: Transfers to CSU & UC
Catalog Program Pages Referencing ARTP 55
ARTP 58 - Photographic Lighting (3 units)
Letter Grade (LG) or Pass/No Pass (P/NP) • Total hours: 102 hours studio
This course is the study and practice of lighting techniques in both the studio and on location. Portions of instruction may be offered online; may also be offered fully online.
Advisory: ARTP 11A or ARTP 12A; completion of or concurrent enrollment in ENGL C1000
Credit transferable: Transfers to CSU & UC
Catalog Program Pages Referencing ARTP 58
ARTP 90 - Independent Study (0.5-4 units)
Letter Grade (LG) or Pass/No Pass (P/NP) • Total hours: 25.5-204 hours lab
This course is designed to enrich the student’s experience beyond current Photography curriculum offerings. The program of study, research, reading, or activity is tailored to student needs and interests. When students have identified an instructor to supervise their program of study, the agreement is recorded on a form available in the Admissions and Records Office. Portions of instruction may be offered online; may also be offered fully online.
Advisory: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in ENGL C1000
Credit transferable: Transfers to CSU
Catalog Program Pages Referencing ARTP 90
ARTP 401 - Introduction to Camera Basics (0 units)
Pass/No Pass (P/NP) Only • Total hours: 17 hours lecture
Experience photography in a supportive environment designed for older adults and lifelong learners. This introductory course explores the fundamentals of camera operation using either a digital camera or a smartphone. Students learn about basic exposure controls (aperture, shutter speed, ISO), lighting, and composition techniques to create photographs. Topics include photographing in various lighting conditions, capturing motion, and enhancing photo composition. Whether documenting family moments, travel experiences, or artistic ideas, participants gain the confidence and technical skills needed to take photographs they’re proud of. No prior experience with photography or digital technology is required. Students will need to bring their own cameras for the class. Portions of instruction may be offered online; may also be offered fully online.