Fundamentals of Photography I Syllabus for 2014-2015
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

ARTS-2356-003 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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Occupational License Disclaimer

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

Supplies

\ 2 flash drives at least 8 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 (Glossy paper is not recommended)

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\ Folder or Envelop

Student Performance

Exemplary Educational Objectives ACGM

•  To demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities.
•  To understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within an historical and social context.
•  To respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.
•  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.
•  To articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.
•  To develop an appreciation for the aesthetic principles that guide or govern the humanities and arts.
•  To demonstrate knowledge of the influence of literature, philosophy, and/or the arts on intercultural experiences.

Specific Course Outcomes:

•  Students will demonstrate effective communication, critical thinking, and teamwork skills.
•  Students will demonstrate an understanding of the relationship of the Visual Arts and Social Responsibility.
•  Students will demonstrate knowledge of basic digital camera operation.
•  Students will utilize aperture and shutter to control motion and depth of field.
•  Students will manually control camera exposure for shooting in various lighting conditions.
•  Students will manage digital image files.
•  Students will learn basic darkroom procedures.
•  Students will utilize compositional design elements to create communicative photographic images.
•  Students will discuss their photographs in verbal and/or written form.
•  Students will present work for grading in a professional manner, as directed by the instructor.
•  Students will participate meaningfully in critique.
•  Students will maintain a professional and respectful attitude.
•  Students will maintain classroom facilities and shared supplies.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

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Expected Student Behavior

Course & Conduct

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AC Online

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The syllabus, assignment sheets, modules, and other documents are located on the Blackboard web

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page for this course. Students should contact AskAC with questions regarding log in. 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. Each week there is a module associated with the lecture; students are required to read assigned materials, watch videos, finish activities, and take the quizzes, etc. in each module. Grades are posted on a regular basis and should be reviewed by the student. There are also games, suppliers, magazines, and other photo-related sites on the Instructor's personal website: www.renewest.net/links.

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Attendance Policy

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In order for students to complete this course successfully, 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.

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Critique Policy

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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.

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Email Policy

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All students are assigned an email account by Amarillo College that can be accessed through

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Gmail. For correspondence with the instructor, please use the Private Journal. For open conversation with the class use the Coffee Shop. Both are located on the left column, under Communication, on the class webpage in Blackboard. The instructor, and Amarillo College, will use Gmail and AC Online for correspondence. For this reason, students are responsible for checking their both on a regular basis.

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Participation Policy

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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 five absences there is a two letter grade deduction (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.

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Technology

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

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Coursework & Exams

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Exam Policy The final exam will cover material from the textbook, lectures, slide presentations, and demonstrations. Each module has a quiz over material covered in that section. Quizzes are available at the end of the module on MyAC.. Students may take each quiz or exam twice and the lowest score is dropped. On-line Modules for the course open at 8 am on Monday mornings, and close at 11pm on Sunday evenings. Each module is open 14 days. All exams and quizzes adhere to this schedule, except the final exam.

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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

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date.

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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

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be recorded in the grade book for this assignment.

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The Self-Orchestrated Portfolio must be submitted on time (this is the last critique): no late projects are accepted.

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Make-up Exam Policy Tests (quizzes and exams) are available online during the module. In order to be fair to students who take the test as scheduled, failure to take tests by 11 pm on day of the exam will result in a zero for that test score. Since there are two opportunities to take the test during each module, there will be no other dates scheduled.

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Department

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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).

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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.

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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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6 Exercises (5% each) 30%

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Social Responsibility Project 20%

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Quizzes 10%

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Final Exam 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 each assignment 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

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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

Additional Information

\ Additional course material is available through AC Online

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