Expressive Photography Syllabus for 2015-2016
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

PHTC-1343-001 Expressive Photography

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: ARTS 2356 or instructor consent

Course Description

A study of formal, professional and individual uses of photography by applying photographic technology to personalized needs. Emphasis on creative visual thinking and problem solving and the exploration of personal vision.

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

Required Common Reader Between Shades of Gray, by Ruta Sepetys (AC will provide copies)

Supplies

Supply List

Supplies will vary for each student depending on project needs, technical issues, and obsessions. Supplies are provided for demos and labs; however, students should expect to buy their own supplies for proj

Student Performance

\ Course Description:  A study of formal, professional, and individual uses of photography by applying photographic technology to personalized needs. Emphasis on creative visual thinking and problem solving and the exploration of personal vision. (WECM)

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\ End-of-Course Outcomes:  Exhibit creative visual thinking; perform and execute photographic practices that include traditional and nontraditional procedures; and interpret various types of photographic imagery. (WECM)

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\ Specific Course Outcomes:

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\ Students will

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• \ Demonstrate knowledge of traditional and nontraditional darkroom procedures
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• \ Experiment with alternative methods of making and/or presenting photographic images
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• \ Analyze images for proper exposure and/or development
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• \ Develop concepts and strategies for expressing visual ideas through photographic techniques
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• \ Develop a personal style or theme of expressive photography
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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

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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

Blackboard Online

The syllabus, assignment sheets, modules, and other documents are located on the Blackboard web 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. There is a module associated with the section; students are required to read assigned materials, and watch videos at the start of each module. Grades are posted on a regular basis and should be reviewed by the student.

Attendance Policy

In order for students to complete this course successfully, it is necessary to attend the class and participate in demonstrations, 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.” It is highly recommended that students get class notes, and demonstrations, from other students for any missed classes. In order to be fair to students that do attend classes, the instructor cannot provide private tutoring sessions to individual students who miss class. It is not necessary to contact the instructor regarding absences, or to ask permission. (Refer to “Attendance Policy” for more details)

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 Gmail. For correspondence with the instructor, please use rwest@actx.edu. The instructor, and Amarillo College, will use Gmail and AC Online for correspondence. For this reason, students are responsible for checking both on a regular basis.

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 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.

Technology

Cell phones and unrelated computer use detract from the learning environment. The LED screens also fog paper in the darkrooms. Inappropriate use of technology during labs, lectures, and critiques will result in a five-point deduction from the next portfolio grade, per event.

 

Grading Criteria

Grading Criteria/Grade Scale

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

1^st Portfolio - Pinhole                                                  20%                                         

2^nd Portfolio - Holga and Cyanotype                            20%

3^rd Portfolio - Common Reader Visual Art Response    20%

Lab Notes Worksheet (300 points)                               30%

In-Class Participation                                                  10%

 

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

 

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 Policy

Assessment of projects will be based on the following:

Visual Expression

Individual interpretation of assignment

Intentional compositional design

Explores the concept of photography as visual art

Technical Skills

Demonstrates knowledge of darkroom and camera operation

Presents technically well-crafted photographic in a professional manner

Demonstrates a willingness to experiment with new concepts

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

Attendance

Attendance Policy

In order for students to complete this course successfully, it is necessary to attend the class and participate in demonstrations, 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.” It is highly recommended that students get class notes, and demonstrations, from other students for any missed classes. In order to be fair to students that do attend classes, the instructor cannot provide private tutoring sessions to individual students who miss class. It is not necessary to contact the instructor regarding absences, or to ask permission. (Refer to “Participation Policy” for more details)

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 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.

Calendar

Additional Information

\ Additional course material is available through AC Online