A Degree in Photography?

You’ve been asked to interpret a meeting with Ketsi and Doug at the Art Department. Ketsi is inter-ested in learning about what programs UMD has for photography. Before you start, read throug the Course Schedule for the Photography Minor and perhaps even go to UMD’s Art Department’s web page.

Photography ~ Minor Only (from 2001 U of M Course catalog)

This minor provides experience with both traditional silver-based photographic processes and digital manipulation from photographic sources. Students learn the principles of design and composition and are introduced to theories of visual communication, particularly within the art and design context.

Minor Requirements (27)

  • Art 1002*—Intro to Art (3)
  • Art 1013—2-D Digital Design (3)
  • Art 1600—Photography I or Art 1607*—Freshman Seminar: Fundamentals of Photography (3)
  • Art 2900*—Visual Literacy (3)
  • Art 3016—2-D Digital Studio I (3)
  • Art 3600—Photography II (3) course must be repeated (6)
  • Art 4600—Photography III (3) course must be repeated (6)
  • Note: Art 1002 is waived for art majors; instead, they take an additional 3 credits in Art 4600, for a total of 9. Art 1605 may be substituted by non-art majors with art department head permission.

* Courses that may be used to fulfill UMD liberal education program requirements. Disclaimer:  This description is taken from the 2001 University of Minnesota Course Catalog, and is solely used for purposes of preparing for the scenario.

Meet the Participants


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Written Summary

The following summary is intended as a tool for preparation and as a guide for analysis.  It is not a formal transcription.

Doug: Opens by thanking Ketsi for interest.  Introduces himself as part of Art Department.  Asks if Ketsi has any specific questions

Ketsi: Asks if need to take 2 years of General Education first, or if can start on Photography major immediately.

Doug: Can take courses throughout.  Clarifies that there is no major, only minor housed in the Art Dept.  Some courses meet General Ed Credits:  Example:  Intro to Art meets requirement for General Ed.

Ketsi: Asks if some of courses offered during summer.

Doug: Responds in affirmative.  Shows list of courses.  Asks if any questions.

Ketsi: Expresses that she hasn’t worked with film, only digital photography.  So is not sure she will like it, and wonders how easy it would be to transfer to another major.

Doug:Responds that many students do that.  Re-affirms that photography courses can meet other requirements so change might not mean an extension of college.  Asks about her photography experience and if she is interested in working with film and darkroom.

Ketsi:Expresses interest in the old-fashioned film, rather than the technological innovations of digital photography.Though hasn’t tried it yet, so isn’t sure if it will really be for her.Asks about the future of the job market in photography.

Doug: Says that film-based photography still used a lot.  Program offers both old and new. Affirms good opportunities in photography.  Example of working for a newspaper. Asks if Ketsi has something selected for a major.

Ketsi:  Clarifies what he means by the question.

Doug:  Photography is minor.  Need to have other field like teaching or business as major to go with photography. Asks if she has another interest.

Ketsi:Plan is to go with photography first, and if that doesn’t work out, to become a language arts teacher.

Doug: Says that lots of other professions can use photography.  Example of teacher using photography with students for projects.  Or in business, using pictures for publicity and marketing.So very good skill to have whatever the field.

Ketsi:Expresses concern about how communication would work in photography.  Can’t have an interpreter all the time.  Wonders how that would work.

Doug:Never had experience with a Deaf photographer. Thinks communication could happen with gestures.  Thinks it could work.  (Phone rings)  Mentions phone.  Asks if there are any other questions.

Ketsi:Says no questions.

Doug: Appreciates Ketsi taking the time.  Hopes he answered questions.

Ketsi: Thanks Doug for answering some questions and clarifying some things she hadn’t thought of.

Doug:Concludes with thank you.

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