Photo Digital Imaging II Syllabus for 2024-2025
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Instructor Information

Course Information

AI Statement

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. <strong>The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor. </strong>

COVID-19 Protocols

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 Enrollment Center, Suite 700. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

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:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

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.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

PHTC-2349-001 Photo Digital Imaging II

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: PHTC 1300 or instructor consent

Course Description

Advanced concepts in the use of the computer and software for photographic manipulation and output.

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

Tech Supported

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

There is no required textbook

Supplies

Supply List

1 flash drive at least 1 TB or larger* (this can be used for all of your classes)

Digital camera, min. 10 mega pixels, (photo majors should have a DSLR)

Adobe Photoshop CC software

 

*For a hard drive to be able to be read/write on both a PC and Mac computers, it must be formatted to ExFAT or FAT32 file format. FAT32 has several limitations, including a 4 GB per-file limit. Formatting an external drive will delete everything on the drive and should be done either before using the drive or after copying all data to another drive.

 

Technology

Learning Remotely

This course will be taught on online and will meet at the scheduled times throughout the semester. We will use the video conferencing software Zoom (zoom.us). The software is free. To prepare for taking a tech-supported class students will need the following equipment at home:

• Laptop or desktop computer (PC or MAC)
• Computers will need to meet the minimum requirements for Adobe Photoshop CC 2021
• Microphone – this may be built into your laptop or computer, or you may use an external device such as a USB microphone or headset.
• Webcam – a camera may already be built into your laptop, but you can also use an external USB camera for video conferencing.
• Internet – either commercially provided (ex. AT&T, Suddenlink), or a wireless hotspot through your mobile phone.
• Screen share – make sure the computer settings will allow screen sharing in Zoom.

Camera: Students will need at minimum a 10 megapixels camera (memory cards and batteries, etc.). All photo majors are required to have a DSLR; a list of suggested cameras is on the Photography web page: https://www.actx.edu/photography/fundamentals-of-photography-i

 

Adobe Photoshop CC: Students can purchase a subscription to Photoshop CC through the Adobe website: http://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/photography.html (This link is for photography only, and is cheaper than the full CC, which has a lot of other programs that students may or may not need. Make sure to get the student pricing.)

 

AC Digital Labs: Students who do not have computers, Wifi, and/or Photoshop at home may work on campus - 4 Mac Labs (Rooms 220, 306, 308, and 312) are available in Parcells Hall for students to work on projects (available hours are posted outside each lab). The Underground (basement of Ware Student Commons) also has PC and Mac available with Photoshop.

 

Technical Help

• During the first week of school, students are responsible for resolving software and hardware issues so that coursework is easy to accomplish.
• Students may use AC Digital Labs in Parcells Hall and in The Underground: (806) 371-5429 / underground@actx.edu
• For questions related to personal equipment, passwords, and Blackboard: Ask AC (806) 371-5000 / www.actx.edu/contact
• AC Bookstore has a computer service center that provides free diagnostic services and affordable flat-rate pricing. www.actx.edu/bookstore/computer-service-center

 

Financial Aid: Students may purchase cameras, computers, and other supplies through the AC Bookstore during the first week of school: funds are withdrawn from the student's account just like books and other supplies.

Student Performance

Course Description

Advanced concepts in the use of the computer and software for photographic manipulation and output. (WECM)

End-of-Course Outcomes

Produce photographs that illustrate advanced manipulation and enhancement techniques; utilize computers, various photographic input and output devices, and memory and software applications; and develop a body of work that illustrates photographic skills in digital mastery and personal expression. (WECM)

Student Learning Outcomes

Throughout the course students will:

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of digital imaging software, input and output devices
• Learn advanced techniques of digitally enhancing and manipulating photographs
• Utilize the internet for research about contemporary trends in software, techniques, and equipment related to digital photography
• Develop a personal style of photographic digital imaging
• Discuss their photographs in verbal and 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

Class Policies

Course & Conduct

AC Connect (Blackboard)

The syllabus, assignment sheets, screencasts, videos, quizzes, and other documents are located on the AC Connect web page for this course (also referred to as Blackboard). Students should contact AskAC with questions regarding login. Students are responsible for downloading and printing documents as needed. 

Zoom Attendance & Participation Policy:
An engaging and interactive learning environment requires students to actively participate. This policy outlines the expectations for attendance and participation on Zoom.

 

Students’ overall grade will be dropped one letter grade at 4 absences. At 6 absences students will fail the course. Arriving late and leaving early will count as an absence every 3rd time. To be clear, the overall grade will state the student has earned a B for the course, but because the student has 4 absences the student will earn a C

 

Attendance Requirements:

1. Camera On: Students must have their cameras on during all live class sessions. This promotes engagement and allows for a more interactive classroom atmosphere. Students may use a background image if they do not want the space they are in visible. Students should be available to respond at any time and should post a comment in the chat room if they need to leave for a moment.
2. Microphone Functionality: Students are required to ensure that their microphones are working. Participation in discussions and group activities is essential, and students should be ready to contribute verbally.
3. Profile Picture: Students must post a selfie as the profile photo; this will help everyone with face recognition.
4. Attendance Tracking: Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class. Students who are not visible on camera or who do not respond when called will be marked as absent.
5. Alternative Labs: When a student’s computer equipment is not working properly, they will need to have an alternative space to use. AC Washington campus has many options (see Technology – AC Digital Labs above), but it could also be a friend’s house, a library, or a place of employment. Have a plan.

 

Participation

1. Active participation is encouraged and will contribute to the overall grade. Students should be prepared to engage with peers and the instructor on camera, share screens during work-in-progress reviews, and respond to prompts in the chatroom throughout the session.
2. Students that do not respond to verbal and written prompts during class, will be marked as leaving class early. Leaving early and arriving late are both marked as tardy.
3. Work-in-progress: Students will show unfinished projects and receive feedback and technical help during class labs. Sharing work during this time is required to ensure projects are meeting the objectives, and students are learning assigned techniques as the course progresses. Up to 10% of the project grade is showing work in progress.
4. Critique Policy: A thoughtful critique of student work requires all students to participate. Once a critique begins, all other activities must stop. Up to 10% of the grade for a project is connected to critique participation, to earn full credit students must participate in the entire critique.

 

 

Communication 

The preferred method of correspondence is email: rwest@actx.edu.

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.

Copyright Notice

Students must be aware and responsible for the Copyright Notice for the course: The materials in this course website are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for the purposes associated with this course and may not be retained or further disseminated. 

Drop Policy 

Should the need arise; the student is responsible for dropping a course. See the Amarillo College master calendar on the AC website and the course calendar for the date of the last day to drop a course.  

 

Coursework & Exams

Exam Policy There are no exams in this course.

Homework Policy Although some open lab time is scheduled during class, successful completion of this course will require work outside of class. To earn full credit for projects students must have exercises and portfolios completed at the start of class on the scheduled due date.

 

Department

Appropriation Policy

Appropriated images are not permissible. (Examples of appropriation include stock images, royalty-free images, and artificial intelligence-generated images.) All students are working with images they shoot with a camera or flatbed scanner. Personal artwork designed for the project may also be used. Drawings may be scanned or imported from other software. All elements in the images must be created by the student. Appropriation of images, regardless of the source, is plagiarism. The use of appropriated images will earn a zero for the project.

Lab Policy
Only students currently enrolled in photography classes are allowed to use photography labs. Do not invite friends and family into the labs. The computer labs, darkrooms, and studios require students to be enrolled in a course or have taken specific courses before using those areas.
Photography Policy
Throughout the study of photography, students must make new photographs for each assignment; this ensures that students are using their cameras regularly and refining their visual thinking and technical skills. Submitting old photographs or photographs created for another class will earn a zero for the project.

Plagiarism Policy
It is crucial for students not to pass off the ideas, words, or images 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 citations 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.

Grading Criteria

Grading 

Grading Criteria / Grade Scale

Percentage and points for assignments breakdown as follows:

Module 1: Smart Objects 15%

            (smart objects grid and parody posters)

Module 2: Language Integration 20%

(textures, brushes, composites)

Module 3: Cinemagraphs 10%

Module 4: Painting and Enhancements 15%

            (Color Restoration, Retouching, and Painting)

Module 5: Personal Style Project 30%

            (artist presentation, technique presentation, and portfolio)

Module 6: Presentation 10%               

 

Refer to handouts for the requirements on each assignment.

Grading Format  

A-F 100-0% (1000-0 points)

1. = Excellent 100-90%
2. = Good 89-80%
3. = Adequate 79-70%
4. = 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 digital imaging as visual art

 

Technical Skills

Demonstrates knowledge of digital imaging with Adobe Photoshop

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

 

Late Work Policy Late work will not be accepted.

Extensions may be requested for assignments before the due date. Whether or not an extension is granted is up to the instructor. Only one extension will be granted per student during a semester. There is a 20% deduction for extensions. Regardless of the situation, all coursework must be completed by Wednesday, May 7th.

 

Please note: The date and time for images to be received via WeTransfer is the due date. The critique date is the day we review the work. Students should save the email from WeTransfer that confirms the images were sent.

Attendance

Zoom Attendance & Participation Policy:
An engaging and interactive learning environment requires students to actively participate. This policy outlines the expectations for attendance and participation on Zoom.

 

Students’ overall grade will be dropped one letter grade at 4 absences. At 6 absences students will fail the course. Arriving late and leaving early will count as an absence every 3rd time. To be clear, the overall grade will state the student has earned a B for the course, but because the student has 4 absences the student will earn a C

 

Attendance Requirements:

1. Camera On: Students must have their cameras on during all live class sessions. This promotes engagement and allows for a more interactive classroom atmosphere. Students may use a background image if they do not want the space they are in visible. Students should be available to respond at any time and should post a comment in the chat room if they need to leave for a moment.
2. Microphone Functionality: Students are required to ensure that their microphones are working. Participation in discussions and group activities is essential, and students should be ready to contribute verbally.
3. Profile Picture: Students must post a selfie as the profile photo; this will help everyone with face recognition.
4. Attendance Tracking: Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class. Students who are not visible on camera or who do not respond when called will be marked as absent.
5. Alternative Labs: When a student’s computer equipment is not working properly, they will need to have an alternative space to use. AC Washington campus has many options (see Technology – AC Digital Labs above), but it could also be a friend’s house, a library, or a place of employment. Have a plan.

 

Participation

1. Active participation is encouraged and will contribute to the overall grade. Students should be prepared to engage with peers and the instructor on camera, share screens during work-in-progress reviews, and respond to prompts in the chatroom throughout the session.
2. Students that do not respond to verbal and written prompts during class, will be marked as leaving class early. Leaving early and arriving late are both marked as tardy.
3. Work-in-progress: Students will show unfinished projects and receive feedback and technical help during class labs. Sharing work during this time is required to ensure projects are meeting the objectives, and students are learning assigned techniques as the course progresses. Up to 10% of the project grade is showing work in progress.
4. Critique Policy: A thoughtful critique of student work requires all students to participate. Once a critique begins, all other activities must stop. Up to 10% of the grade for a project is connected to critique participation, to earn full credit students must participate in the entire critique.

 

Calendar

Additional Information

See Blackboard for more info.