Special Topics in Commercial Photography Syllabus for 2017-2018
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
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As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

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Course

PHTC-1391-001 Special Topics in Commercial Photography

Prerequisites

Course Description

Topics address recently identified current events, skills, knowledge and/or attitudes and behaviors pertinent to the technology or occupation and relevant to the professional development of the student.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact your advisor, the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 4 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

The DSLR Filmmaker's Handbook: Real-World Production Techniques, 2^nd Edition. ISBN 978-1-118-98349-2

Supplies

Hardware, Software and Supplies:

• It is preferred that you have a DSLR with video capabilities
• USB thumb drive or external hard drive for digital files

• Camera card storage for shooting assignments (one or more 16-32 Gig cards helpful, most cameras require a class 10 card)
• Spiral notebook for note taking and story boarding

Student Performance

Course Description:

Topics address recently identified current events, skills, knowledge and/or attitudes and behaviors pertinent to the technology or occupation and relevant to the professional development of the student. (3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 2 lab)

End of Course Outcomes:
Learning outcomes/objectives are determined by local occupational need and business and industry trends.

Specific Course Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate the ability to record video effectively with a digital camera (of design approved by instructor) and how to use required accessories.
2. Produce audio for video projects that are shot with a digital camera.
3. Edit video and audio in video projects shot with a digital camera.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of basic camera framing, lighting, movement, composition, transitions, and sound design in a video project.
5. Plan, organize, and manage an efficient workflow in video projects shot on location with digital cameras.
6. Apply design and storytelling principles in a video production.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of the challenges of working on a project with or without a crew.
8. Produce successful video projects that are shot with a digital camera.
9. Discuss their work in verbal and/or written form
10. Present work for grading in a professional manner, as directed by the instructor
11. Participate meaningfully in critique
12. Maintain a professional and respectful attitude
13. 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

Classroom Environment:

For your benefit please read and comply with the Amarillo College Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook as posted on the AC website at:

http://catalog.actx.edu/content.php?catoid=8&navoid=329

Conversation:

All conversation should be related to the discussion at hand and comments should not be directed toward specific individuals. Please refrain from private conversations or other activities that might distract other learners.

Phones, laptops, and other technology:

 I want all students to be successful. Cell phones detract from the learning environment. For this reason, they should be turned off and put out of view upon entering the classroom. If you need to carry a cell phone for emergency purposes please see me in advance. If you bring a laptop or similar device to class it should not be used for any purposes other than taking notes in class.

Grading Criteria

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)

Course is graded on a 100-pt scale broken down as follows:

Lab Work                                           20%

Weekly Assignments                      40%

Midterm Project                                20%

Final Project and                             20%

Final exam                                       

Makeup Policy:

If you have a legitimate circumstance that requires you miss a test day, let me know IN ADVANCE so we can make an alternative arrangements. If you miss a test due to an emergency, let me know ASAP so arrangements can be made. All quizzes must be made up within a week or you will be given a 0 for the grade.

All assignments are due on the date specified. All assignments turned in late will have 10 points deducted from the grade. Late assignments will not be accepted after 3 weeks from the due date.

Required Examinations:

You will have a midterm and final group project. Information on this will be covered in class.

Final Examinations:

The final will be comprehensive, covering lecture and lab, and will be held on the date posted on the Office of the Registrar’s web page.

You will present your Final Project the last week of classes. Information about this will be covered in class.

Attendance

I understand it is sometimes impossible to come to class (due to illness, etc.), but because so much of the course occurs in the classroom, you should not take this class if you have other commitments or issues that will require you to be absent. I want you to be successful and your attendance is critical to your success.

In order to be fair, there is no distinction between an excused and an unexcused absence.  You may miss 1 class or lab without penalty. Please remember you will miss a considerable amount of material, and to be fair, material covered or in-class exercises cannot be made up. Each absence beyond 2 will lower your final grade by 5 points.

It is YOUR responsibility to obtain the information missed if you are absent. I will not repeat lectures or demos. You must get notes from classmates, read the given material, do research to learn the material you missed. I will not remind you about late assignments.

Class and Lab Hours:

From 9 till 11:30 I will present lecture in the classroom. You will be given a 30 minute lunch break before we meet back for lab from 12 till 2:30. Lab time will be a structured time for hands-on assignments with video and editing. Locations will vary based on the topics covered.

Tardiness:

Habitual lateness is detrimental to your success in this class and disruptive to others. I will note attendance in the first 5 minutes of class. If you are not present, you will be considered absent for that day. Latecomers will need to check with me to ensure you are marked as tardy rather than absent.

3 lates = 1 unexcused absence.

Additional lab time:

This course will require more time than allotted to complete class assignments and projects. Open lab times will be available for those who are unable to complete assignments in normal lab hours. Consider this part of your homework time, a requirement for the class. Not having enough time to complete assignments is not a valid excuse!

Failure to officially withdraw before the final deadline will result in the appropriate grade being assigned to the student.

Mandatory lab cleanup day for all advanced students is scheduled for 1 PM - 3 PM, December 9, 2016. If you have a conflict during this time you will need to schedule before this date to make up this time. The cleanup day helps prepare the labs and studios used by students for shutdown.

Calendar

Additional Information

Mandatory lab cleanup day for all advanced students is scheduled for 1 PM - 3 PM, December 8, 2017. If you have a conflict during this time you will need to schedule before this date to make up this time. The cleanup day helps prepare the labs and studios used by students for shutdown.

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.

Program Manager: Brent Cavanaugh, Office Phone: 806-371-5272

Department Secretary:  Rose Dukes, Office Phone: 806-371-5290