Syllabus
FALL/SPRING TERM
Course Meeting Times
Lectures: 2 sessions per week, 2 hours per session
Course Goals
■Gain theoretical knowledge and practical skill in analyzing, evaluating, and capturing photographic images.
■Develop an awareness of individual style and explore creative potential through the practice of mixed artistic forms.
■Obtain insight into compositional elements and narrative structures that lead to engagement and transformation of viewer perspectives.
■Examine the artistic work of preeminent photographers.
■Engage in discussions with a spirit of openness and collaboration.
■Contribute new ideas to the classroom. Explore perspectives. Competently field questions. Reflect on what is learned and think of ways to make improvements.
Instructor Expectations
Learn and have fun! Respect varying points of view. Be present for class. Arrive prepared with finished work and all appropriate materials. Embrace academic integrity. Take responsibility for your own learning.
Reviews
Student-Teacher Tutorials are designed to strengthen the understanding of the creative process, while assignments stress photographic aesthetics and formal concerns.
Grading
Assignments 65%
Quizzes 15%
Final Paper 10%
Participation 5%
(In-class contribution and interaction with other students and the instructor. Asking questions, offering answers, sharing opinions and ideas are all ways of demonstrating participation.)
Attendance 5%
(Punctuality counts. Attendance is taken sharp at the start of class.)
*Assignments turned in late will receive one letter grade lower per day.
**Independent reading and media viewing are vital components of the course and to be completed outside of class.
***Drinks are permitted in the classroom. Students are expected to pick up after themselves.
****Plagiarism, cell phone use, text messaging during class…hmm.
Calendar
Week Topics Key Dates
1 Course Introduction
The Physics of Capturing Light
2 Visual Voice
Historical Overview
3 Digital Capturing Processes
Optics and Equipment
4 Photographic Survey—Analysis and Appraisal Quiz 1
Student Seminar
5 Camera Essentials
Choosing a Subject
6 Composition and Aesthetics I
Composition and Aesthetics II
7 Lighting I
Lighting II
8 Color Correction and Retouching I Quiz 2
Color Correction and Retouching II
9 Student-Teacher Tutorials
Student-Teacher Tutorials
10 Digital Printing
Digital Distribution
11 Data Wrangling Workflows
Archiving
12 Portraiture Quiz 3
Storytelling
13 Visualizing Identity
Modern Photography and Popular Culture
14 Photographic Survey—Analysis and Appraisal
Student Seminar
15 Break
16 Student Selected Topic(s)
Course Review
18 Exams Week Final Paper Due
