Just some hack.

UPDATE 8/31/2010: There is reasonable  difference between the supplies.  I’ll point out that the description for 645 mentions encaustic but there are no encuastic ingredients in the 645 list, whereas the 621 list has beeswax in the items.  I’m sure there will be much confusion and clarification when the first day of classes begins on Thursday.

I also see a daylab printer listed in 621.  These are for doing Polaroid film emulsion lifts, and I don’t see it in the 645 list.  That’s a savings of 200+ bucks.   I’ll update this post again later if I get more useful data.

Hmm…what’s the difference?

Per the publicly available description from the online course descriptions at AAU:

PH 645: Experimental Contemporary Photography

This course concentrates on non-traditional methods of creating and displaying photographic work. Liquid Emulsion, large scale (mural) printing and transferring techniques will be explored among other technical strategies.
Course Learning Outcomes
Will be able to:

* Employ experimental darkroom processes (including negative treatment and toners).
* Experiment with and employ original approaches to conventional photographic problems.
* Make creative decisions about scale and finish in relation to the final image, including mural printing and encaustic.

Will be familiar with:

* New ways of seeing and extending boundaries of photography
* Contemporary photographers working with experimental processes

and

PH 621: Experimental Photography

In this course, students experiment with a multitude of approaches and mixed media. The focus is on working with a coherent concept and seeing how it may be supported with experimental techniques.
Course Learning Outcomes

As a result of successfully completing this course, students…

Will be able to:

* Evaluate and apply experimental techniques to heighten their photographic concepts and finished results.
* Experiment with the camera, darkroom, photographic context, and light.
* Produce a series of 6 to 10 experimental photographs that have a sense of continuity. (The theme, style, and content should be based upon the student’s individual interest and imagination).
* Write a paper and make a presentation to support their project.
* Produce a written analysis of still life photographs that demonstrates a clear understanding of the photograph’s place within the continuum of art history.

Will be familiar with:

* History of and current trends in experimental photography.
* Commercial possibilities for experimental photography, grants, and galleries.

The difference for me is that PH 645 is being taught by the same great professor I had for my history class last semester.  Otherwise they both seem to overlap  a bit.

****** Here is the list for PH645 ******

Required Items

Digital Print Supplies

Additional Camera Supplies