I received two undergraduate photography degrees from RIT in 1981 and 1983. It was the best education I could possibly have imagined. I have been shooting professionally and personally ever since.: In my opinion, there is no way to divorce the technical craft of photography from its function as a source of aesthetic expression. : My degree programs included courses in photogrphic materials and processes, chemistry, physics, optics, and standard photographic technique. I also studied fine art, color , design, poetry, and art history. my assignments varied from learning view camera techniques to developing personal photographic directions for my work.: The mix is important, some students will lean toward one area over another, but the trick is to provide enough exposure in technical/aesthetic alternatives to allow the individual to select their way. Some people will master the tools and express their vision after, others will learn the tools needed to apply their vision. : In both approaches it is critical that the students stay motivated. Really, thats the best you can do as a teacher. If the students are motivated, they will be eager and receptive to learning the techniques and experimenting with new ideas. : I think a basic level of mechanics is required as it relates to establishing film speed, proper exposure, development and printing, I think you have got to have something to start on. : Also, having a basic understanding of the mechanics ensures that students will have successful initial results. Nothing is more discouraging than pulling a clear, or bullet proof roll of film out of the soup. They need to learn the basics of exposure, development, and printing.: I have been a photographer for 26 years. I still learn stuff all the time. There is no way to teach anyone all the technical subtleties associated with the craft. half the fun is learning as you go and making the discoveries. : I thought the professors I had at RIT were the most brilliant people I had ever run across. I was in awe of the amount of knowledge they posessed. They rarely if ever dictated anything other than basic knowledge, then they sat back and let me get myself in trouble, offering suggestion and example when I asked for it. : It worked well.