I took several photography and photojournalism courses while I was in the Navy. We started with the very basics of photography in theory, field, and lab. I felt like I was Matthew Brady when I hauled around my camera and gear in a large wooden box (it looked like a small coffin.) I had to set up the tripod, attach the large camera, crank out the bellows, load the plates, and drape the black cloth over my head.
From that I advanced to the Speed Graflex. I felt like I was in a black and white movie.
Here's a picture of a guy with one, if you're not familiar with it:
The Graflex Speed Graphic FAQ
I finally worked my way up to 35mm with absolutely nothing automatic on it. At least I could carry
that case on one shoulder!
I loved the lab work; all that dodging and burning goin' on.
Most of our work was black and white prints. We did a few color slide projects.
We made our own camera flash shields, and dodging and burning tools. Had to carry around boxes of gel filters, different speed films, and lots of other equipment. It's a good thing I was young and in shape!
Our student darkrooms at one school were former cells for German WWII prisoners. It was a little spooky.