Expressive Photography Syllabus for 2026-2027
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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. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting

Amarillo College prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, under Title IX and Texas Education Code §51.253–255. Faculty and staff are mandatory reporters and must share any related concerns with the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@actx.edu. Reports and additional information are available at https://www.actx.edu/hr/title-ixtitle-ix. Confidential counseling and advocacy services are available through the Counseling Center and Advocacy & Resource Center.

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 .

Statement on State-Authorized Courses at Amarillo College

For-credit academic and workforce education courses offered at Amarillo College are limited to the course options available in the statewide inventory for two-year public institutions. Courses in the state-authorized lower-division Academic Course Guide Manual and Workforce Education Course Manual have specific descriptions that prescribe course content and may include specific student learning outcomes. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) maintains and regularly updates these manuals. Amarillo College faculty and leaders ensure that these courses are aligned with THECB guidelines and evaluated based on student performance outcomes. Students enrolled in these courses are expected to engage with and learn course content. According to the AC Board of Regents Policy Manual, "faculty members are entitled to academic freedom in the conduct of research and teaching and are tasked with the associated responsibilities" (DGC). Students are entitled to academic freedom in the classroom, as well, and faculty "must not attempt to force on students a personal viewpoint and must at all times allow diversity of opinion" (Amarillo College Academic Affairs Manual).

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

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

Hours

(3 sem hrs 2 lec 4 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

There is no required textbook for this course.

Recommended Textbooks

These books are available in the AC Library:

• The Book of Alternative Photographic Processes by Christopher James
• Photographic Possibilities, Third Edition: The Expressive Use of Equipment, Ideas, Materials, and Processes by Robert Hirsch

Supplies

Supply List

This is a basic list of supplies students will need. The number of supplies will vary based on project needs, technical issues, and obsessions.

This list includes all supplies used during the semester. Some materials will be provided and discussed on the first day of the class. Students should consult with the instructor before purchasing.

Recommended suppliers:

AC Bookstore – Stonehenge paper, mixed media supplies, etc.

Photo paper, film, Pictorico, etc.

B&H Photo/Video: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/

Freestyle Photo: http://www.freestylephoto.biz/

Film and Photo Papers are sensitive to light and heat. Do not leave in the car on a hot day. Do not open photo papers except in the darkroom with safelights on. Do not tempt curious children by leaving light sensitive materials within reach.

General Supplies

• Portfolio for prints
• 1 flash drive at least 1 TB or larger* (this can be used for all of your classes)
• Hand towel, and an apron, lab coat, or old t-shirt to protect clothing
• Nitrile gloves to protect hands from chemistry
• Masks for some processes and issues with smells or safety
• Comfy shoes

*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 must be done before using the drive.

Supplies are listed for each project and many are used in more than one project, students should order materials as needed.

Photogram & Cliché Verre

Photogram stuff

B/W 8x10 darkroom paper (RC, Ilford multi-grade, photo paper, glossy or pearl surface, min. 25 sheets)

Pinhole

B/W 8x10 darkroom paper (RC, Ilford multi-grade, photo paper, glossy or pearl surface, min. 25 sheets)

Holga

Holga Camera (optional)

B/W 8x10 darkroom paper, (RC, Ilford multi-grade, photo paper, glossy or pearl surface, min. 25 sheets)

2 rolls of 120 film will be provided; students may need more

Cyanotype
8 ½ x 11 Pictorico inkjet transparency, 20 sheets minimum or 4x5” sheet film (depends on project)

Stonehenge Paper White, 22x30 inch sheets as needed (AC bookstore - only local source)

Mixed Media project

Supplies will vary based on student's needs.

Technology

Camera: Students will need at minimum a 10 mega pixels camera with a manual mode (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: We will only use Photoshop for the Cyanotype project and student can use their AC account. Optional: 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.)

Student Performance

Objectives

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)

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)

Pre-requisite Fundamentals of Photography I

Specific Course Outcomes

Students will

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

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, and other documents are located on the Blackboard web page for this course. Students should contact AskAC with login questions. Students are responsible for downloading and printing documents as needed. Grades are posted regularly and should be reviewed by the student.

Attendance & Participation Policy

This course is a darkroom course, and students will learn new techniques every week. To optimize learning, students should strive to attend every class, be prepared to work in the darkrooms during every supervised lab, and submit projects by the due date. There is no deduction for missing a class, but it is not advised. If a student must miss a class, they need to meet with another student for notes and review of lab work. Students should plan to work outside of class making photographs and working in the darkroom. Darkroom work is time-consuming; plan accordingly.

Communication
The preferred methods of correspondence are email (rwest@actx.edu) and Blackboard. Please do not use Watermark to send messages.
Copyright Notice

Students must be aware and responsible for the Copyright Notice for the course: The materials on 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.

Civility

Disruptions and/or any behavior that the instructor considers inappropriate will not be tolerated and will result in dismissal from the class. Every student deserves and will receive the respect of others. Every student is expected to be involved and engaged with other students and the instructor.

Classroom Responsibility

Good lab habits are extremely important. Be tidy, keep areas clean even when work is in progress. Areas should be left clean and ready for the next person. Be mindful, and leave no trace. Follow all of the safety protocols discussed; materials can be hazardous if not used correctly.

Drop Policy

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

Coursework & Exams

Quizzes & Exam Policy

There are no quizzes or exams. Students will be assessed on their photographic work.

Homework Policy

Although some open lab time is scheduled during class, successful completion of this course will require work outside of class. Projects must be completed at the start of class on the scheduled due date. If the project cannot be ready by that time, students should request an extension.

Make-up Exam Policy n/a

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 regularly, which will refine 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).

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 be enrolled in a course, or have taken specific courses, before using those areas.

Plagiarism Policy
It is crucial for students not to pass off the ideas or 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 citation to credit the source, and include all websites and/or books reviewed in the bibliography. Appropriation of photos, illustrations, AI, and downloads from the internet is also considered plagiarism. In fairness to other students who worked hard on their 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 Criteria

Grading Criteria/Grade Scale

Percentages/points for assignments breakdown as follows:

Experimental Darkroom 20%

Pinhole Photos 20%

Holga Photos 20%

Cyanotype Photos 20%

Mixed Media Project 20%

Refer to handouts for the requirements on each assignment.

Refer to handouts for the requirements on each assignment.

Grading Format / A-F 100-0 %

A = Excellent (100-90%)

B = Good (89-80%)

C = Adequate (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 photographs in a professional manner

Demonstrates a willingness to experiment with new concepts

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

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. There is a 20% deduction for extensions. Regardless of the situation, all coursework must be completed by Wednesday, Dec. 16th.

Attendance

Attendance & Participation Policy

This course is a darkroom course, and students will learn new techniques every week. To optimize learning, students should strive to attend every class, be prepared to work in the darkrooms during every supervised lab, and submit projects by the due date. There is no deduction for missing a class, but it is not advised. If a student must miss a class, they need to meet with another student for notes and review of lab work. Students should plan to work outside of class making photographs and working in the darkroom. Darkroom work is time-consuming; plan accordingly.

Calendar

Additional Information