Photo Digital Imaging I Syllabus for 2014-2015
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Disability Statement

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

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Course

PHTC-1300-001 Photo Digital Imaging I

Prerequisites

Course Description

Instruction in the computer as an electronic darkroom. Topics include color and grayscale images and image conversion and presentation.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 4 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

No textbook required for this course.

Supplies

2 flash drives at least 8 GB each (one for back up and one to turn in assignments)

2 ink cartridges for the Epson printers (colors to be assigned)

8 ½ x 11” photo quality ink jet paper (types and brands to be discussed)

Student Performance

Course Description: An introduction to computer and software instruction for electronic imaging. Includes color, gray scale, image conversion, presentation, and ethics.
End-of-Course Outcomes: Produce examples of photographic retouching, color corrections, copy, and photographic restoration; explain the hardware and software used in electronic photography; and organize images in a catalog or database system.

Specific Student Outcomes:

Students will

• Demonstrate knowledge of digital imaging software and equipment
• Develop concepts and strategies for expressing visual ideas through digital imaging
• Identify and analyze the compositional design elements used to create digital images
• Manage digital image files
• Discuss their photographs in verbal and/or written form
• Present work for grading in a professional manner, as directed by the instructor
• Participate meaningfully in critique
• Maintain a professional and respectful attitude
• Maintain classroom facilities and shared supplies

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

Critique Policy

In order to provide each person with a thoughtful critique of their work, all other activities must stop once a critique begins, and students need to engage in the critique process. So that everyone feels comfortable expressing their ideas about images, students need to listen to each other and respect varying viewpoints. To ensure students are able to hear all comments about their work, refrain from private conversations and direct all comments to the group discussion. Student projects not completed by the start of critique are late. (Refer to “Late Work Policy” for details) In fairness to those who completed their projects on time, please set aside incomplete projects so as not to distract from the critique. Unfortunately, the course schedule does not allow time to provide late projects with a group critique; the instructor will assess late work on the appropriate grading rubric.

Email Policy

All students are assigned an email account by Amarillo College that can be accessed through AC Connect and Blackboard. For correspondence with the instructor, please use repp@actx.edu. For open conversation with the class, use the Coffee Shop. Both are located on the left column, under Communication on the class page in Blackboard.  Students are responsible for checking their email regularly.

Technology Use Policy

Cell phones and unrelated computer use detract from the learning environment. For this reason, inappropriate use of technology such as checking email, texting, Facebook, working on projects unrelated to class, etc. during lectures, demonstrations, and critiques will result in a 5 point deduction from the next portfolio grade per event. 

Grading Criteria

Grading Policy

Assessment of projects will be based on the following:

Visual Expression

Individual interpretation of assignment

Intentional compositional design

Explores the concept of digital imaging as visual art

Technical Skills

Demonstrates knowledge of digital imaging, Adobe PhotoShop, high resolution scanning, and archival pigment printing

Presents technically well-crafted digital images in a professional manner

Displays an understanding of the concepts and techniques assigned

Professional Practices

Attends lectures, labs, and demonstrations

Participates in in-class activities, discussions, and critiques

Shows work in progress

Discusses ideas and asks questions while projects are in progress

Comes prepared for class, stays on task, and brings appropriate materials

Presents projects on time and meets the requirements of each assignment

 

Grading Format / A-F 100-0 points

A = Excellent                  (100-90)

B = Good                         (89-80)

C = Average                    (79-70)

   D = Weak                         (69-60)

   F = Unacceptable             (59-0)

 

Grading Criteria/Grade Scale

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

Assignments 1-8 (5% each)                        40%

1st Portfolio                                                 20%

Self-Orchestrated Portfolio                         30%

In-class Participation                                  10%

 

Refer to handouts for the requirements on each assignment and the portfolios.

Attendance

Attendance Policy

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.

In-Class Participation Policy

Students are expected to participate effectively in class discussions, labs, critiques, and activities during each class. Because student engagement plays a crucial role in learning, all students must attend every scheduled class. Students are allowed two absences without penalty. Three absences will result in a full letter grade deduction on the final grade for the course (an "A" becomes a "B"), at 5 absences two letter grades (an "A" becomes a "C"), and after 6 absences the student earns a failing grade in the course. Arriving late or leaving early (during lectures, demonstrations, and critiques) will count as one absence every third time. 

Calendar

Additional Information

Coursework & Exams

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.

Late Work Policy

Projects considered on time will be ready for presentation at the beginning of class on the scheduled due date. In fairness to students who finish projects on time there are penalties for late projects. Late projects submitted within one week of the critique date receive a 20-point deduction off the project grade, and for projects submitted within two weeks there is a 30-point deduction. Projects not submitted within two weeks will not be accepted, and a zero will be recorded in the grade book for this assignment. 

The Self-Orchestrated Portfolio (final critique) must be submitted on time; no late projects will be accepted.

 

Photography Department

Photography Policy

Throughout the study of photography, students must make new photographs for each assignment; this ensures that students are using their cameras on a regular basis and refining their visual thinking and technical skills. Submitting old photographs or photographs used as an assignment in another class will earn a zero for the project. Appropriation of images, regardless of the source, is plagiarism (refer to Plagiarism Policy).

Plagiarism Policy
It is crucial for students not to pass off the ideas or words of another as their own, to do so is considered theft and will be treated accordingly. When paraphrasing or quoting another source always use parenthetical citation to credit the source, and include all websites and/or books reviewed in the bibliography. In fairness to other students who worked hard on their essays and photographic projects, students caught plagiarizing will earn a zero for the project and may be subject to additional disciplinary actions by Amarillo College.

 

College

Disability Statement Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact Disability Services (SSC 119, Phone: 371-5436) as soon as possible.

Drop Policy

It is the responsibility of the student to drop a course. Last date to drop is November 18.