History of Photography Syllabus for 2022-2023
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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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.
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.

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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.

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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-1313-001 History of Photography

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: ARTS 2356

Course Description

A historical survey of the technical and aesthetic development of photography. Topics include the beginnings of the medium, inventors, development of photographic equipment, styles of the creative masters, aesthetic themes and the social impact of photography.

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; 3 lec, 1 lab)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Required Textbook - Disappearing Witness: Change in Twentieth-Century American Photography

By Gretchen Garner

Supplies

25 sheet 8x10 pack of RC B/W darkroom paper: suggested brand - Ilford, RC, Multigrade, glossy surface
B/W film – based on type of film camera

Depending on projects, other supplies may be needed

 Recommended Photo Suppliers:
B&H Photo: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/browse/Photography/ci/989/N/4294538916

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

The lab practicums will vary depending on which options students choose for each module. Students may produce digital projects and submit them online or they may choose analog projects that require darkroom supplies. Some supplies for analog work will be provided. Consult with the instructor before buying materials. All students will need the supplies above for their final projects.

Student Performance

End-of-Course Outcomes:  Describe the aesthetic and technical evolution of photography; distinguish and identify historic and contemporary image-makers; and perform research on a photography or historic theme. (WECM)

Specific Student Outcomes:

Students will

• Demonstrate knowledge of photographers, processes, and trends in the history of photography
• Conduct research utilizing library and internet resources
• Identify compositional devices used in photography
• Analyze photographs using appropriate terminology and articulate these thoughts effectively in writing (and/or in oral presentation)
• Understand and refrain from plagiarism
• 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 log in. Students are responsible for downloading and printing documents as needed.
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.

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.

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 Each module has a quiz at the end of the section that covers materials from the module. Quizzes are available on AC Connect (Blackboard). Weekly On-line Modules for the course open by 9 am on Monday mornings.  Quizzes should be completed the same week, preferably just after completing the assigned readings and videos. The two lowest quiz scores are dropped.

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.

Make-up Exam Policy Tests (quizzes and exams) are available online during the same week as the module. In order to be fair to students who take the test as scheduled, failure to take the quizzes within two weeks of the module date will result in a zero for the quiz. Since quizzes are open for two weeks during each module, there will be no other dates scheduled.

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 created for 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. 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 & Percentages

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 Criteria/Grade Scale
The grade percentages are as follows:

Lectures / Discussions / Activities- 10%

Quizzes 20% (drop the two lowest scores)

Photo projects - 30% (6 at 5% each)

Midterm Essay 10%

Final Essay 10%

Visual Research Portfolio – 6 darkroom images 20%

Refer to handouts for the requirements of each assignment.

Grading Policy

Assessment is based on the following:

• Attends lectures, labs, and demonstrations
• Participates in in-class activities, discussion boards, and critiques
• Demonstrates the ability to conduct research
• Comes prepared for class, stays on task, and brings appropriate materials
• Displays an understanding of the concepts discussed
• Discusses ideas and asks questions
• Writes in an academic style that is coherent and conveys an understanding of the topic
• Utilizes the vocabulary of photography
• Submits written responses and does not plagiarize the material of others
• Presents projects on time and meets the requirements of each

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 10% deduction in total points for the assignment, and for projects submitted within two weeks there is a 20% deduction in points. Projects not submitted within two weeks are not accepted. The final project must be submitted on time.

Attendance

Attendance & Participation Policy
Should students need to miss class materials will be available online to successfully complete the assignments. There are activities scheduled throughout the semester to help students with technical objectives: unfortunately, these activities are not available online. For the optimum learning experience, students should strive to attend every class, show work in progress, and submit projects by the due date.
 

Calendar

Additional Information

Refer to class webpage on Blackboard for details.