Course Syllabus

Art 8A Introduction to Photography

Course and Contact Information

Table with basic information about the course

Instructor:	Gailan Gray
Office Location:	Online
Email:	gailangray@gmail.com
Office Hours:	Friday 11AM-4PM
Class Days/Time:	Online Asynchronous
Classroom:	Online

 

Course Description

Units: 3.0 Hours: 2.0 Lecture and 4.0 Laboratory
Transferable: CSU-GE: C1, GAV-GE:C1
Introduction to the processes, principles, and tools of photography. Topics include the development of technical and aesthetic skills, elements of design and composition, camera technology, materials and equipment, and contemporary trends in photography.

 

Learning Outcomes and Course Goals:

Student Learning Outcomes SLOs:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Create photographic artworks utilizing compositional considerations, and design elements and principles such as: line, shape, volume, balance, emphasis, variety, repetition, rhythm, space, texture, value, and color.
• Research and write essays dealing with photographic history, artists, and photographic techniques.
• Critique and discuss photographic ideas and concepts.
• Analyze and discuss photographic art theories.
• Use various photographic techniques to create dynamic photographic images
• Create a photographic portfolio.

 

 

Required Textbooks/Materials

Textbook No textbook required.

All readings for this class will be provided for you in advance on Canvas. However, I will only be presenting you with specific passages from readings, and trust me, this is a great book to read. I will be providing you selected passages from the following:

 

On Photography, By Susan Sontag ISBN-13: 9780312420093

 

You may find both of these books on Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Again, no purchase is necessary, but it is a great book and definitely worth having. 

 

Required Materials for this class:

1. A Camera
   1. Since the main objective for this class is learning how to use a camera, it is highly urged that you get a DSLR or something that is not your phone. Phone cameras are great! But they do everything for you. My objective as your instructor is to teach you how to create amazing photographs without using your cellphone.

1. A tripod. This will allow you to stabilize your camera for certain assignments, it’s also an essential tool for any photographer.
2. A SD card. These usually come with your cameras, but a good size SD card can be your best friend when you are out in the field. I suggest at least a 16 GB one.
3. A Laptop or access to a computer. Because this is an online class you will need to have some sort of access to a laptop or computer to upload assignments, You also must purchase the adobe photographers suite for students ($60 for a semester).

Grading: (150 points total)

Grading Scale:

A (135-150) —Student has demonstrated full understanding of project and has presented excellent work, both technically and conceptually.

B (120-134)—Student has a good project and understood the parameters of the assignment. Some

technical/conceptual adjustments need to be made or pushed further.

C (105-119) —Student has met parameters of the assignment, average in quality, could be improved much further.

D (90-104) —Student did not meet parameters of the assignment, poor quality.

F (103 and Below) —  Students who are rewarded F’s are those who do not turn assignments in/are not here to participate in class.

 

Your grade is broken down into the following categories:

 

Projects: 60 points

Final Assignment: 40 points

Discussions: 40 points

Midterm: 10 points

 

Projects: (60 points 6 assignments at 10 points each)

You will be graded on technique, concept, following guidelines, and participation for each project assignment.

 

Project 1: Light & Space (quality of light)

Project 2: Come Pose A Situation (composition assignment)

Project 3: Drama Mama (dramatic compositions and lighting)

Project 4: Phases of Faces (portrait assignment)

Project 5: Scaping the Land (landscape assignment)

Project 6: Series-ly (Photographic series assignment)

 

Final Assignment: Digital Portfolio (40 points)

 

 

Discussions: (40 points)    

Every week there is a discussion and you must be contributing one response every week. For example if the discussion is about observing the landscape you should respond with, “While observing the landscape this week I noticed, three things: blah, blah, and blah.” That’s it, the discussions serve as an alternative to participation points.

 

Additionally you are obligated to respond to other students thoughts. Responses should be thoughtful instead of “I like this!” elaborate- “I like this, because….”

 

Midterm (10 points) Halfway through the semester you will have a short response style midterm examination. There are no additional requirements to take this midterm.

                   

 

LATE WORK POLICY:  Late work will be accepted up to Two Weeks after it’s due date. Late work submissions must be emailed to your instructor.  

 

Classroom Protocol and University Policies

Respect: Because this is an art class, expect to see some new concepts and ideas that you may not be familiar with. Have an open mind and a willingness to learn, respectfully, from another person.

 

University Policies

ADA Accommodation Statement:

Students requiring special services or arrangements because of hearing, visual, or other disability should contact their instructor, counselor, or the Accessibility Resource Center

Attendance Policy:

The college policy on attendance, as stated in the catalog is: “students missing one more class hour than the unit value for particular course, without making prior arrangements may, at the instructor’s option, be dropped without possibility of credit.”

My Policy: Missing classes is your responsibility, if you miss 6 classes or more, I will contact you via email to make sure you are well, it is at that time you should let me know if you wish to be dropped from the course, or I will continue to grade you as is.

Occupational/Vocational Statement:

“Occupational/Vocational students – Limited English language skills will not be a barrier to admittance and participation in Vocational Educational Programs.”

Student Honesty Policy Reference Statement:

“Students are expected to exercise academic honesty and integrity. Violations such as cheating and plagiarism will result in disciplinary action which may include recommendation for dismissal.”

 

 

Course Schedule

Course calendar.

Weeks	What is Planned	What You Should Be Doing
Week 1	This module will go live at 1/31. This week is just a week for getting acquainted with the course and who your instructor is.	Video: Canvas tutorial, who is your instructor, Syllabus video     Lectures: Opening Lecture, Photographic History
Week 2	This Module will be live Monday 2/7. This week is dedicated to understanding what makes a good photograph. And we will begin learning how to use our cameras at this time.     ***Should at least have your cameras and lightroom ordered by this week***	Video tutorial: Observing a photograph, Using aperture priority mode     Lectures: How to use your camera Aperture
Week 3	This module will go live Tuesday 2/14. We will begin this week with learning how to use shutter speed. As well as learning how to use Lightroom. We will also be going over Project 1.	Video Tutorial: Using Shutter Priority mode, importing and editing in lightroom   Lecture: How to use your camera, Shutterspeed and ISO   Project 1: Light & Space
Week 4	This Module will go live Monday 2/21. This week we will be doing more in-depth Lightroom tutorials.	Videos: Lightroom Tutorials   Project 1 Due 2/27
Week5	This Module will go live Monday 2/28 This week we will be learning about compositions and perspectives. Going over project 2.	Lecture: compositions and Camera Angles   Project 2: Come Pose A Situation
Week 6	This Module will go Live Monday 3/7 This week will be dedicated to learning some photoshop techniques	Videos: Photoshop tutorials   Project 2 Due 3/13
Week 7	This Module will go live Monday 3/14 This week is dedicated to learning dramatization in photography, learning some alternative techniques to create dramatic scenes.  Going over project 3.	Videos: Tutorial on creating dynamic scenes in photography.   Lecture: Cinemagraphic Photography   Project 3: Drama Mama
Week 8	This Module will go live 3/21 This week you will have your dreaded midterm assignment. Study!	Project 3 Due 3/27
Week 9	This Module will go Live 3/28 This week you will be learning about portraiture.  As well as going over project 4.	Video: Tutorial on portrait photography as well as retouching   Lectures: Portrait Photography (three parts) Project 4: Phases of Faces
Week 10	This Module will go Live 4/11 This week you will be learning about self-portrait photographers.	Video: Tutorial on making a self-portrait, as well as editing   Lectures: Self-Portrait Photography (three parts).   Project 4 Due 4/17
Week11	This Module will go Live 4/18 This week you will be learning about landscape photography. Also going over Project 5	Video: tutorial on photographing the landscape.   Lecture: Landscape Photography (3 parts)   Project 5: Scaping the Land
Week 12	This Module will go Live 4/25	Lecture Landscape Photography   Project 5 Due 5/01
Week 13	This Module will Go live 5/2 This week is dedicated to learning about narratives in photography. Also Going Over project 6	Videos: Setting up a narrative.   Lecture: Narrative   Project 6: Series-Ly
Week 14	This Module will Go Live 5/09going over The final assignment	Introduction to Final: Digital Portfolio   Project 6 Due 5/15
Week 15	This Module Will Go Live 5/16 This week is dedicated to getting everything in order for your final project.	Work on FINAL
Week 16	Final Week	Final Due 5/27