A collection of photographs from 127 students representing 39 countries is on display in Gallery 101 of the Kresge Art Center through Dec. 9.
The photos were taken by the first class of students in a new, five-course specialization offered by MSU. Photography Basics and Beyond: From Smartphone to DSLR is offered through Coursera, an online education provider that partners with top universities and organizations around the world to offer massive open online courses.
Peter Glendinning, a professor in MSU’s Department of Art, Art History and Design, and Mark Sullivan, veteran photo instructor and associate professor in the College of Music, collaborated to develop this five-course series. Since its launch in February, more than 60,000 students from 191 different countries have enrolled.
“The learners, their goals, their abilities, their creative and expressive approaches, in short just about everything, are as varied as the 191 countries from which they have enrolled,” Glendinning said. “Some aspire to make photography their creative outlet, while others wish to make it their livelihood, and every other goal in between.”
The exhibit showcases a wide range of photos including landscapes, portraits, still lifes and nature studies. The photos represent the diverse interests and cultural contexts of learners from around the world. A guidebook containing statements by each of the photographers is available to exhibit visitors.
“The review of student portfolios and the creation of this exhibit, largely through Peter’s extraordinary efforts, and the book to follow, have only amplified the powerful cumulative impact of the final capstone course,” Sullivan said. “We hope the ripple keeps going indefinitely.”
The specialization teaches the basic technical and aesthetic aspects of photography, covering a broad range of fundamental principles including camera control, composition and creativity.
Each of the first four instructional courses is designed to be completed in four weeks, while the fifth and final capstone course takes about two months. In the capstone course, students create a final portfolio using 10 of their photos.
Although the coursework isn’t applicable toward a degree, students receive a co-branded certificate from MSU and Coursera after completing the specialization.
“My goal in developing the course was for learners to gain knowledge of camerawork, composition and creativity to help them create pictures they would be proud to share,” Glendinning said.
Students across the globe can register for the online courses for free, although a small fee is required to earn the MSU Capstone Certificate. Courses are offered on-demand, allowing students to enroll at any time.
For more information about the Photography Basics and Beyond specialization, including enrollment options, visit the Coursera website here.