Fundamentals of Photography I Syllabus for 2011-2012
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

ARTS-2356-001 Fundamentals of Photography I

Prerequisites

Course Description

Introduction to the basics of photography. Includes camera operation, techniques, knowledge of chemistry and presentation skills. Emphasis on design, history and contemporary trends as a means of developing an understanding of photographic esthetics.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 4 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ London & Stone, A Short Course in Photography, 8th Edition (required)

Supplies

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• \ 2 flash drives at least 4 gig each
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• \ 2 ink cartridges for the Epson printers (colors and models to be assigned)
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• \ 8 ½ x 11” Epson Premium Semi-gloss or Matte inkjet paper or Ilford Gallerie paper

  Student Performance

  \ Course Description

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  \ Introduction to the basics of photography. Includes camera operation, techniques, knowledge of chemistry, and presentation skills. Emphasis on design, history, and contemporary trends as a means of developing an understanding of photographic aesthetics.  (Cross-listed, with journalism emphasis, as COMM 1318) (ACGM)

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  \ Exemplary Educational Objectives                                                   ACGM pg 234

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  \ 1.     To demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities.

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  \ 2.     To understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within an historical and social context.

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  \ 3.     To respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.

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  \ 4.     To engage in the creative process or interpretive performance and comprehend the physical and intellectual demands required of the author or visual or performing artist.

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  \ 5.     To articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.

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  \ 6.     To develop an appreciation for the aesthetic principles that guide or govern the humanities and arts.

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  \ 7.     To demonstrate knowledge of the influence of literature, philosophy, and/or the arts on intercultural experiences.

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  \ Specific Course Outcomes:

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  \ Students will

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  • \ Demonstrate knowledge of basic digital camera operation
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  • \ Utilize aperture and shutter to control motion and depth of field
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  • \ Manually control camera exposure for shooting in various lighting conditions
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  • \ Manage digital image files
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  • \ Learn basic darkroom procedures
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  • \ Utilize compositional design elements to create communicative photographic images
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  • \ Discuss their photographs in verbal and/or written form
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  • \ Present work for grading in a professional manner, as directed by the instructor
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  • \ Participate meaningfully in critique
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  • \ Maintain a professional and respectful attitude
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  • \ Maintain classroom facilities and shared supplies
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  Students Rights and Responsibilities

  Student Rights and Responsibilities

  Log in using the AC Connect Portal

  In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

  If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

  Expected Student Behavior

  \ Email Policy All students are assigned an email account by Amarillo College that can be accessed through MyAC.  Students are responsible for checking their email regularly. The instructor will use this email account to communicate with students throughout the semester, and students may use this as a mode of communication with the instructor as well.

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  \ Homework Policy Although some open lab time is scheduled during class, successful completion of this course will require work outside of class. To receive full credit for projects students must have exercises and portfolios completed at the start of class on the scheduled due date.

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  \ AC Online Policy The syllabus, assignment sheets, technical handouts, and other documents are located on the AC Online web page for this course. Students are responsible for downloading and printing documents as needed. Lecture comprehension and participation is greatly improved by reading the assigned material and reviewing assignment sheets before each lecture. Grades and attendance will be posted on a regular basis and should be reviewed by the student. There are also links to games, suppliers, magazines, and other photo-related sites on the page.

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  \ Technology Use Policy Cell phones and unrelated computer use detract from the learning environment. For this reason personal devices should be turned off and put away upon entering the classroom or photographic labs. If a student must carry a device for emergency purposes, please discuss it with the instructor in advance.  Refer to the “Participation Policy” for grade deductions regarding improper use of technology during class.

  Grading Criteria

  \ Grading Criteria/ Grade Scale

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  \ The course is graded on a 100-point scale and the percentages are as follows:

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  \ Exercises 35%
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  \ Photojournalism 10%
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  \ First Portfolio 15%
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  \ Exams 10%
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  \ Self-Orchestrated Portfolio 20%
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  \ In-Class Participation  10%
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  \ Refer to handouts for the requirements on assignments and the portfolios.

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  \ Grading Format / A-F 100-0 points

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  \ A = Excellent (100-90)
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  \ B = Good (89-80)
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  \ C = Average (79-70)
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  \ D = Weak (69-60)
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  \ F = Unacceptable (59-0)
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  \ Grading Policy
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  \ Assessment of projects will be based on the following:
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  \ Visual expression
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  \ Individual interpretation of assignment
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  \ Intentional compositional design
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  \ Explores the concept of photography as visual art
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  \ Technical Skills
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  \ Demonstrates knowledge of digital camera operation, PhotoShop, and archival pigment printing
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  \ Presents technically well-crafted photographic in a professional manner
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  \ Displays an understanding of the concepts and techniques assigned
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  \ Professional Practices
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  \ Attends lectures, labs, and demonstrations
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  \ Participates in in-class activities, discussions, and critiques
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  \ Shows work in progress
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  \ Discusses ideas and asks questions while projects are in progress
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  \ Comes prepared for class, stays on task, and brings appropriate materials
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  \ Presents projects on time and meets the requirements of each assignment

  Attendance

  \ In order for students to successfully complete this course it is necessary to attend the class and participate in exercises, discussions, and other activities scheduled each day. Because the instructor cannot possibly know the reason why a student missed class, there is no distinction between excused and unexcused absences. Material covered in class cannot be “made-up” and students should expect to do poorly on test questions and exercises related to topics discussed on missed days. It is recommended that students get class notes from other students for any missed classes. In order to be fair to students that do attend classes, the instructor cannot copy course notes or provide private tutoring sessions to individual students who miss class. It is not necessary to contact the instructor regarding absences, or to ask permission.

  Calendar

  \ Tentative Schedule

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  \ This schedule is subject to change throughout the semester. Changes are posted on MyAC.

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  \ Assigned reading should be completed by the date listed on the syllabus.

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  \ Bold type indicates things students need to have accomplished, or bring to class, on that date

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  \ \ Week 1 \	\ \ Personal Introductions, Handouts, Textbook, AC Online \
  \ \   \	\ \ Introduction to Exercises, POV, reading, and homework \ \ Camera Types \
  \ \ Week 2 \	\ \ Bring digital cameras and manuals, Basic Camera Operation (ISO, ASM, WB, Batteries, Memory Cards, Focus, Resolution, Scene Modes) \ \ Reading: Chapter 9, Seeing Like a Camera \
  \ \   \	\ \ Bring digital cameras and manuals(in-class activity) \ \ Motion Exercise Introduction, Discussion of shutter priority \ \ Reading: Chapter 1, Camera & Chapter 2, Lens \ \ Activity #1: Lens Exercise \
  \ \ Week 3 \	\ \ Bring digital cameras and manuals(in-class activity) \ \ Photojournalism Intro \ \ Mac / File Management / Photoshop / Reading: Chapter 4, Exposure \ \ Activity #2: Metering Light - Gray card metering and 5 stop bracketing activities \
  \ \   \	\ \ Digital Lab: Adobe PhotoShop & Bridge editing & preparing images, save, back up, gray scale, contrast, dodge & burn \ \ Reading: Chapter 8, Digital Photography \
  \ \ Week 4 \	\ \ POV photographs due (75 images) Bring to lab either on flash drive, or on camera’s memory card. Bring digital cameras and manuals,Discussion of aperture priority, metering light in the manual mode, ISO, file formats & resolution, Aperture Exercise Introduction \
  \ \   \	\ \ Field Trip - 6th Street Bring Cameras - work on exercises \ \ Activities 3 & 4: Stability Test & Back Lit Subject \
  \ \ Week 5 \	\ \ Supervised Lab - Finish projects - Q & A - Power Point \
  \ \   \	\ \ POV Projection Exercise Due \ \ Natural Light Introduction/ Reading: Chapter 7, Lighting, \
  \ \ Week 6 \	\ \ Aperture & Motion Bring camera and images to work on \ \ INKS ARE DUE / 1st Portfolio Intro. / digital printing and enlarging \
  \ \   \	\ \ Aperture / Motion Projection Exercise Due \
  \ \ Week 7 \	\ \ Color Exercise Introduction, Color Theory, White Balance \ \ Printing Lab \ \ Reading: Pages 11, 60-61 \
  \ \   \	\ \ Printing Lab \
  \ \ Week 8 \	\ \ 1st Portfolio Due - 4 Printed images - formal critique \ \ Activity #5: ISO & Night Photo (independent exercise) \
  \ \   \	\ \ Exam Review/ Self-Orchestrated Portfolio Intro. \
  \ \ Week 9 \	\ \ Exam: Bring a Scantron Form 882-E, and a #2 pencil \ \ Darkroom Introduction at 7:30 \ \ Reading: Chapter 3, 5, and 6, Film, Developing Negs, & Printing \
  \ \   \	\ \ Library tour MEET AT THE LIBRARY AT 6 (they close at 7) \ \ Light Exercise Projection Due at 7:00 \
  \ \ Week 10 \	\ \ Film Development / Intro to Darkroom (photograms) \
  \ \   \	\ \ Self-Orchestrated Project Proposals Due by end of class / submit by email include one image by influence (5x7, 72ppi, jpg) \ \ Darkroom Lab (enlargements) \
  \ \ Week 11 \	\ \ Staged Intro. \ \ Color Projection Exercise Due \
  \ \   \	\ \ Field Trip TBA \
  \ \ Week 12 \	\ \ Darkroom Lab \
  \ \   \	\ \ Darkroom Exercise Due \
  \ \ Week 13 \	\ \ Writing an artist statement / Power Point Demo / Printing Lab \
  \ \   \	\ \ Staged Exercise Due - 3 printed images - Formal Critique \ \ Last day to withdraw from classes \
  \ \ Week 14 \	\ \ Power Point Presentations \
  \ \   \	\ \ Power Point Presentations \
  \ \ Week 15 \	\ \ Printing Lab / show work in progress / discuss ideas \
  \ \   \	\ \ Self-Orchestrated Portfolio Due - 6 printed images - Formal Critique \
  \ \ Week 16 \	\ \ Final Exam, Pick up graded projects \

  Additional Information

  \ Additional course material is available through AC Online

  Syllabus Created on:

  11/30/-1 12:00 AM

  Last Edited on:

  11/30/-1 12:00 AM