# Photography (PHOT) courses

Merced College · 2026-2027 Catalog · 7 courses

Source: https://catalog.mccd.edu/schools/programs/school-art-social-science/courses/phot-courses

"Offered" lists sections in this catalog year's class schedules: Fall 2026, Spring 2027.

### PHOT-10A — Introduction to Photography

- **Units:** 3
- **Hours:** 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- **Transfers to:** CSU, UC
- **Offered:** Fall 2026, 2 sections (/c/merced-college/schedule/fall-2026/phot.md); Spring 2027, 2 sections (/c/merced-college/schedule/spring-2027/phot.md)

Introduction to Photography covers camera and darkroom principles of black and white photography. Topics include current aesthetic trends and compositional elements, image capture techniques, exposure control, film developing, contact prints, enlargements, lighting, filters, print finishing and photo mounting. (03/19)

### PHOT-10B — Intermediate Photography

- **Units:** 3
- **Hours:** 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- **Prerequisite:** PHOT-10A or PHOT-11A
- **Advisory:** AOM-50C
- **Transfers to:** CSU, UC
- **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules

This course deals with the aesthetic underpinnings and practical application of intermediate photographic principles relevant to film and digital cameras. The course emphasizes technical and compositional control and the perfection of image processing. Broad-based professional studio lighting practices factor into the course. (03/19)

### PHOT-11A — Introduction to the Digital Camera

- **Units:** 3
- **Hours:** 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- **Advisory:** AOM-50C
- **Transfers to:** CSU, UC
- **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/merced-college/schedule/fall-2026/phot.md)

This course introduces students to the creative use of digital cameras through lectures, hands-on experience and computer use. Instruction includes digital camera functions, technical and creative control, computer processing of images, and digital output options. Students gain essential knowledge of digital photographic strategies through image capture and creative Photoshop and Lightroom manipulation. (03/19)

### PHOT-33 — The History of Photography

- **Units:** 3
- **Hours:** 3 hours lecture
- **Advisory:** ENGL-C1000 (Formerly ENGL-01A)
- **Transfers to:** CSU, UC
- **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/merced-college/schedule/fall-2026/phot.md); Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/merced-college/schedule/spring-2027/phot.md)
- (Cal-GETC area 3A)
- (CSU breadth area C1) (IGETC area 3A) [CSU-GE and IGETC are only for 2024-25 catalogs or earlier]

This historical survey course covers image capture techniques from the camera obscura through current digital technologies. The artistic significance and broad social implications of photography provide an underlying basis for critical analysis. The course includes lecture and discussion components coupled with visual presentations. (03/19)

### PHOT-35 — Studio Careers in Photography

- **Units:** 3
- **Hours:** 2 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- **Prerequisite:** PHOT-11A
- **Transfers to:** CSU
- **Offered:** Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/merced-college/schedule/spring-2027/phot.md)

This course covers advanced studio lighting through black and white and color assignments. Students become acquainted with commercial equipment and image processing related to portraiture, weddings, fashion, product, and fine art photography. Assignments emphasize concept development, lighting, location work, and small and large products. Design and layout may be incorporated into specialized portfolio pieces. (05/22)

### PHOT-36 — Photo Portfolio Expressions

- **Units:** 3
- **Hours:** 2 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- **Prerequisite:** PHOT-10A or PHOT-11A
- **Transfers to:** CSU
- **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules
- (CSU breadth area C1) [CSU-GE and IGETC are only for 2024-25 catalogs or earlier]

This course explores the possibilities of visual language in-relation to photographic self-promotion. Advanced camera techniques, film handling, digital methodology, professional portfolio construction and printing formats suggest the emphasis on personal expression and a marketable skill set. (05/22)

### PHOT-49 — Independent Study in Photography

- **Units:** 1
- **Hours:** 3 hours lab
- **Prerequisite:** PHOT-10A or PHOT-11A
- **Advisory:** AOM-50C
- **Transfers to:** CSU
- **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules

This course covers a variety of topics and/or activities of current interest in the field of photography. The student chooses the topic(s) of study for the semester. (12/22)