Photography I (fine arts emphasis) Syllabus for 2019-2020
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Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

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Course

ARTS-2356-003 Photography I (fine arts emphasis)

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 ResourcesStudent 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:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact 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

Recommended: London and Stone's A Short Course in Photography Film and Darkroom

Supplies

See Syllabus

Student Performance

See Syllabus

Students 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

2020 SP Photography Fundamentals 1 (Comm-1318-002, Arts-2356-002-LCB)    

Syllabus
 

Instructor Information

Course Information

Textbooks

A Short Course in Photography by Barbara London

Supplies

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

Ink cartridges for the Epson printers (colors to be assigned)

An External Hard drive for backing up images is seriously recommended

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

Digital camera, bare min. 12 mega pixels, (photo majors should have a DSLR)

Matting supplies for final portfolio

Student Performance

Course Description: An introduction to cameras both digital and film, computer and software instruction for electronic imaging. Includes color, gray scale, image conversion, presentation, and photographic 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 both film and digital cameras;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

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.

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 Lightroom and 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%

Mid-Term Portfilio                                       20%

Final Portfolio                                             30%

In-class Participation                                  10%

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

Attendance – Class meets Mon and Wed 9am-11:30am

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 time. 

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 FINAL PORTFOLIO 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.

Drop Policy

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

Grading Criteria

See Syllabus

Attendance

See Syllabus

Calendar

Tues/Thur Class --- Fundamentals of Photography I

Spring 2020 Calendar

Please note: I reserve the right to change this calendar if a need or special opportunity for learning arises.

Week 1

January 21      Tuesday                            Lecture:  Intro Day – syllabus, policies, supplies; AC Connect; discuss Midterm Project and Final Portfolio; Discussion of Photography and Photograms, History of photography

Tour:  Darkroom and Photography Studio – rules and regulations

Bring your camera and camera manual to class next time.

January 23      Thursday                          Lecture:  The camera.  Composition.  Looking at  Photographs.

                                                                      Assignment #1:  Darkroom Photograms

Assignment #2:  Subject and Composition in Photography

                                                                      Photography Studio:  Working with your camera settings

 

Week 2

January 28         Tuesday                         Darkroom Day – bring supplies to make Photograms today on scanners

January 30          Thursday                       Assignment #1 Photograms DUE and first CRITIQUE – bring work in clear

                                                     plastic sleeves, labeled with your NAME

Lecture:  Review Foundations

                                         

Week 3

February 4        Tuesday                          Computer Lab:  Intro to Macs, transferring files

Come prepared to Work on Assignment #2

 

                                                                                   

February 6      Thursday                          Assignment #2  CRITIQUE DAY  Subject/Composition DUE with on-screen critique

Lecture: Film versus Digital Exposure, f/stops, depth of field, camera                                       modes, scene modes; camera lenses  [there will be a quiz a week from today on this material]

Assignment#3 – Depth of Field using Digital Camera

                                         

Week 4

February 11        Tuesday                     You need your camera today – bring your manual too!

                                                                      In-Class work:  Instructor directed depth-of-field with the group

February 13     Thursday                        Quiz #1    Technical – camera and its functions

Assignment#3 DUE –CRITIQUE DAY Depth of Field using Digital Camera with on-screen critique – you will be turning in your work on Flash drives with your names clearly labeled on them

TURN IN: two folders on your Flash Drive:

Folder 1 should have ONLY your finished work and Folder 2 should

have all the shots you took for your Depth of Field Project

                                                                      Lecture:  Shutter Speed and Motion

                                                                      Assignment #4 – Motion and Action Shots       

Week 5

February 18     Tuesday                          No Class tonight.  Students should use time to practice motion/action                                                                       shots on their Digital Cameras and plan Mid-Term projects

             

February 20     Thursday                        Need your camera today in class today

Intro to Photoshop tools, layers, blend modes, tips and tricks, selection and masking tools 

IN-Class work:  Instructor directed Motion Experiment with the group

             

Week 6

February 25     Tuesday                          Lecture:  Camera and Photoshop White balance

                 Getting the correct image size.

Discuss progress on Midterm Projects and whether class wants to do    Digital Prints or On-Screen Critique on Tuesday March 10

                                                                     

February 27  Thursday                            Assignment #4 DUE :   on-screen CRITIQUE 

TURN IN: two folders on your Flash Drive:

Folder 1 should have ONLY your finished work and Folder 2 should

have all the shots you took for your Motion/Action assignment

             

Week 7

March 3           Tuesday                           Lecture:  File Formats Advantages/Disadvantages, Cropping, Printing             

Studio: Work on Midterm Project – come prepared to work

                                                                                   

March 5            Thursday                        Midterm Projects DUE

TURN IN: two folders on your Flash Drive:

Folder 1 should have ONLY your finished work and Folder 2 should

have all the shots you took for your Midterm Exam

             

Week 8

March 10           Tuesday                         Lecture: Photographing People              

March 12          Thursday                        Bring Cameras to Class

                                                                      Assignment #5:  Photographing People Indoors and Outdoors

                                                                      Photo Studio: Creative Portraits

Week 9              SPRING BREAK March 16-22

March 17          Tuesday                          NO CLASS – have a great break!

March 19          Thursday                        NO CLASS – have a great break!

Week 10

March 24          Tuesday                          Discuss Final Portfolio – Students sign up for Subjects/Genres

                                                                      Lecture:  B&W film photography, taking film images

Darkroom Demo:  Darkroom techniques beyond Photograms – Contact Sheets, Test Strips,  Dodging and Burning, etc.                                             

                                                       

March 26        Thursday                          Assignment #5 DUE with Prints DUE  - CRITIQUE DAY

TURN IN: two folders on your Flash Drive:

Folder 1 should have ONLY your finished work and Folder 2 should

                                                                      have all the shots you took for your People assignment             

                                                                                                 

                                                                      Assignment #6:  Film Assignment - Intersecting Lines

Week 11          

March 31          Tuesday                         Lecture:  Writing artist statements, Final PortfolioDiscussion,Review for                                                                                     Quiz 2

                                                                      Darkroom: Instructor will help as needed on Assignment #6      

April 2              Thursday                         DARKROOM WORKDAY

Week 12

April 7 Tuesday                                         Assignment #6 DUE – CRITIQUE on all things DARKROOM

Film- Intersecting Lines Paper Prints DUE, Contact Sheets, Test Strips – bring work in clear plastic sleeves, labeled with your NAME

                                                                                       

April  9               Thursday                        Quiz #2 (darkroom, chemicals)

Lecture:  Photomontage techniques

Assignment #7:  Digital Photomontage

 

Week 13

April  14            Tuesday                          Workday in Class:  Photomontage (Assignment #7) Workday

April 16             Thursday                        Workday in Class:  Photomontage (Assignment #7) Workday

                                                       

                           

Week 14

April 21             Tuesday                          Assignment #7 Photomontages DUE with Digital Prints  – CRITIQUE    

TURN IN: two folders on your Flash Drive:

Folder 1 should have ONLY your finished work and Folder 2 should

                                                                      have all the shots you took for your Photomontages

                                                                      Lecture:  Documentary Photography

                                                                      Lecture:  Night Photography

                                                                      Assignment # 8 – Night Photographs     

                                                                     

April  23            Thursday                        WORKDAY: Night Photography (Assignment #8)                                                                     

Week 15

April  28            Tuesday                          Assignment #8 – Night Photography DUE with Digital Prints  – CRITIQUE

   

TURN IN: two folders on your Flash Drive:

Folder 1 should have ONLY your finished work and Folder 2 should

                                                                      have all the shots you took for Night Photography

April 30             Thursday                        Final Portfolio Workday

             

Week 16

May 5                Tuesday                          Final Portfolio Workday

May 7               Thursday                         DUE:  FINAL PORTFOLIO  TODAY:  digital prints, artist statement  CRITIQUE DAY

                                                                     

TURN IN: two folders on your Flash Drive:

Folder 1 should have ONLY your finished work and Folder 2 should

                                                                      have all the shots you took for your Final Portfolio

 

                                                                     

Week 17           FINAL EXAM WEEK  11^th - 15th  Grades due by noon on May 15

May 12       Tuesday                Portfolio Pick up at 6:30 pm

Additional Information

No additional information available