Academic Information ¬ 58
PH497c: Professional Practices [3 CREDITS]
Professional Practices engages a variety of topics related to the professional development of photographers. Emphasis is on practical skills that will assist emerging photographers as they move towards a professional career. Students develop skills in professional writing, such as grant proposals and arts criticism, in addition to learning basic business practice, approaches to self-promotion and methods entering the workplace. Each student will create a website. Professional presentation of work is directed to a broad range of applications including commercial and fine art contexts. Further professional development is considered through looking at graduate schools, artist residencies, and employment opportunities for photographers.
Honors Program The Honors Program at CVA offers expanded opportunities for exceptional students who are curious, highly motivated, and interested in deeper and more self-directed study in liberal arts classes.
CVA Symposium
For more information, contact Julie L’Enfant,
chair of liberal arts and director of the honors program, at jlenfant@cva.edu.
Professional Practice
Honors students work with the instructor in regularly
CVA’s professional practice program serves
scheduled courses to create a contract for an honors
as a bridge between college and the art and
component, which supplements or replaces some
design professions, helping students to become
regular course requirements. An honors component
familiar with current professional practices in
requires a self-directed study or research project that
their major fields. The Professional Writing and
is more creative, in-depth, and more independent
Rhetoric course builds students’ professional
than a regular assignment. Students are encouraged
writing and public speaking skills. Each student
to use primary materials and engage in direct
completes an internship in a professional art
learning experiences such as visits to museums
and design setting during the junior year.
and archives or interviews with practicing artists and designers. Assignments may include leading discussions or making a special presentation in class. Honors students are challenged to work at a high level
EN RICH M ENT
of critical thinking, writing, and speaking.
Invitations to join the program are extended
to members of the President’s List, which
CVA Symposium features a series of lectures, gallery
recognizes those who have earned a GPA of 3.5
talks, and other events. Each academic department
or above. To graduate with honors, students
coordinates one event per semester. All students,
must successfully complete six honors courses.
faculty, and staff are strongly encouraged to
These students receive special recognition at
participate in these events.
commencement, and their CVA transcript states that they have “participated with distinction.”
CVA is a member of the National Collegiate
Honors Council (NCHC). CVA honors students are eligible to participate in study programs offered through NCHC.
Internships The goal of CVA’s internship program is to prepare students for art and design careers by providing meaningful work experiences, professional contacts in the community, and intellectually challenging opportunities. Students are held to high standards of performance in their internships, and have the full support of CVA during the internship experience.