Course Overview
Art 120 is a beginning-level college photography course and is designed to introduce you to the art of photography as a means of personal expression. After completing this course, you will be able to:
· Identify, define, and use photographic vocabulary
· Articulate visual observations, compare and contrast multiple images, and discuss relevant interpretations of photographic examples
· Operate a 35mm SLR manual camera for the optimal exposure of film
· Process black & white negatives and make black & white photographic prints in the darkroom
· Create well-crafted photographs that demonstrate project principles as well as your individual voice
· Trim and dry mount photographic prints to matboard for classroom critique
· Identify, articulate, and support constructive criticism about your own work and the work of your colleagues
During the course of the semester, you will complete four visual projects that will introduce you to both technical and conceptual issues of photography as an art form. You will also successfully complete a final project consisting of a thematic portfolio of photographs.
Class time will consist of technical lectures, hands-on demonstrations, in-class writing exercises, slide presentations, open darkroom times, and, of course, both formal and informal critiques of your visual projects. Emphasis throughout the semester will be placed on developing your personal vision and finding your voice within the guidelines of the projects.
There may be times during this semester that you need additional help to fully realize your projects. Please don't hesitate to approach me for individual help.
Meeting Time and Location
This class will meet from 7:00 - 9:45 PM Tuesday and Thursday in VPA room 215A. Every class session will meet there first unless otherwise specified, though we will frequently be working in the darkroom.
Textbook
Please purchase A Short Course in Photography, 7th edition, by London & Stone to supplement classroom instruction. There will additionally be required articles on critical and theoretical issues that relate to the projects and ideas that we are discussing in class.
Grading Criteria
Class participation 10%
Quizzes 5%
Project #1 15%
Project #2 15%
Project #3 15%
Project #4 15%
Final Project 25%
Grades will be calculated on the traditional scale where an "A" is equal to 90% or above. A "C" is appropriate for "average" work. You will have to go above and beyond the norm to be considered for an "A" or a "B." Please consider the attached grading standards to help you succeed in the course.
Visual Project Deadlines
Projects are due at the beginning of the scheduled critique or will be considered late. Late projects will be deducted 10 percent per class session late. Projects must be submitted in a portfolio container or will not be accepted. All projects may be revised and resubmitted to improve grade.
Extra Credit
You may earn extra credit in the course by visiting museums and galleries that display photography and writing an interpretive response. Each successful response will be worth an extra 3% on your final course grade. You may write a maximum of 3 responses. Please complete the attached worksheet for each extra credit opportunity.
Attendance
Attendance is crucial for success in this class, so please do not miss any classes. Lectures and demonstrations convey specific information that is necessary to do the coursework. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class period. If you are absent more than 3 times, your final letter grade will be deducted 5 percent for each unexcused absence. Punctuality is also extremely important, as we will cover a lot of material at the beginning of the class meeting. Three late marks will count as an absence. If you come in late, it is your responsibility to make sure that your attendance is noted or you may be counted absent. Arriving more than 1/2 hour late will be considered an absence. You may be administratively withdrawn from the course if you miss more than 4 consecutive class periods.
If you miss class, it is your responsibility to get notes and handouts from your classmates. You are also responsible for all assignments, regardless of attendance in class. The only acceptable excused absences are extreme family emergencies, established religious holidays, and illness (with a doctor's note). Even for excused absences you will be held responsible for material covered on that day. This attendance policy is not negotiable.
Critiques and Participation
Critiques and participation are extremely important to your success in this class. Critiques are a time for open exchange of ideas and a time to give feedback to the artist as to the success of their project. Critiques also give you an opportunity to critically analyze and interpret technique and design. Missing a critique is equivalent to missing an exam in a non-studio class, but unlike an exam, it is not possible to make it up. Please be sure to be on time and attend all critiques. You must attend and participate in critique even if your own project is not complete.
Academic Misconduct
All work that is submitted, both written and visual, must be your own. Plagiarism will be reported and may result in disciplinary action from the college. Appropriating images from the media for purpose of meaningful commentary is acceptable. It is not acceptable to merely "borrow" images; see me if there is any doubt. All work you hand in must be created during this semester for this class.
Students With Disabilities
ECC welcomes students with disabilities and is committed to supporting them as they attend college. If a student has a disability (visual, aural, speech, emotional/psychiatric, orthopedic, health, or learning), s/he may be entitled to some accommodation, service, or support. While the College will not compromise or waive essential skill requirements in any course or degree, students with disabilities may be supported with accommodations to help meet these requirements.
The laws in effect at college level state that a person does not have to reveal a disability, but if support is needed, documentation of the disability must be provided. If none is provided, the college does not have to make any exceptions to standard procedures.
All students are expected to comply with the Student Code of Conduct and all other college procedures as stated in the current College Catalog.
PROCEDURE FOR REQUESTING ACCOMMODATIONS:
1. Go to SRC108 and sign release to have documentation sent to the college, or bring in documentation.
2. Attend an appointment that will be arranged for you with the ADA coordinator or designee.
3. If you have questions, call 847-214-7220 ( TTY - 847-214-7392) or e-mail Annabelle Rhoades at arhoades@elgin.edu
Darkroom Open Lab Hours
Classes are scheduled throughout the weekdays that use the darkroom. Open lab hours are:
Monday - Thursday 3pm - 7pm
Friday 9am - 3pm
Katie Haney, the Photography Lab Assistant, supervises open lab hours. The lab is not open on the weekends. It is possible to work in the darkroom during other classes, depending on the availability of equipment. To work during another class section, you MUST ask permission from the instructor BEFORE beginning to work. Violation of this policy may result in suspension of darkroom privileges.
Other Notes and Classroom Policies
· A word of caution: you need to invest lot of time and energy outside of class time to achieve success. Be sure that you can set aside sufficient time to be successful.
· Food and drink are permitted in the classroom area only. They should never be in the vicinity of the darkroom for your safety.
· Headphones are not permitted in the classroom or darkroom because they interfere with the communal learning experience.
· Please turn off cell phones and pagers during class time.
· Enthusiasm will always improve your participation grade!
Materials
· A 35mm Single Lens Reflex (SLR) camera, with manual aperture and shutter speed controls
· 10 rolls of 35mm Kodak T-Max 400, 36 exp, Black & White Print Film
Important Note: Do not purchase the "CN" or "Color Negative" version
· 100 sheets, variable contrast enlarging paper, RC, 8"x10", pearl surface
· film developing tank with at least two 35mm reels
· Seal Colormount Dry Mount Tissue, 8"x10", 25 sheet package
· 18% Gray Card
· 3-Ring enclosed notebook to keep your negatives clean
· Archival Negative Sleeves
· Canned Air, Anti-Static Cloth, and/or a Negative dust brush
· At least 3 sheets of 32"x 40" white 4-ply Matte Board.
Recommended: Crescent Board # 3297 - available at the ECC bookstore
· Plastic portfolio case - available at the ECC bookstore for around $6
· Scissors and Masking Tape
· Cardboard and wire for burning and dodging tools
GENERAL GRADING STANDARDS
A
The content of the work goes well beyond the assignment and is innovative, evokes questions, or offers new interpretations. Always turns in outstanding work that goes beyond the base requirements. Student is inquisitive and attentive to learning process. Demonstrates personal investment in successful outcome of project. Does not work for grade alone but for what is to be gained from each learning experience. Sets a standard that can be used for other students to measure themselves against. Shows distinct awareness of the inter relationship between class periods and/or subject matter areas. Excellent presentation craftsmanship.
Meets all deadlines on time. Student attends all classes on time or accounts for any absences (usually in advance).
B
Turns in consistently good work, but knowledge and/or skills are not yet fully developed. Student is attentive to learning process. Presentation craftsmanship is good.
Meets all deadlines on time. Attends all classes or accounts for any absences.
C
The work shows a general understanding of the issues involved and some evidence of technical craftsmanship. There is a tendency toward apathy in terms of interest and level of performance. Maintains minimum level of investment towards completion of project. Presentation craftsmanship is uneven.
Usually meets deadlines on time. Student maintains minimum requirements for class attendance.
D
Work shows an incomplete understanding of the issues involved and focus is not directed on developing artistic skills. Easily distracted and becomes a distraction to others in class. Poor presentation craftsmanship.
Seldom meets deadlines. Habitually poor attendance with unexplained absences.
E
Very poor work. Impervious to learning experience. Easily distracted and becomes a distraction to others in class. Poor presentation craftsmanship.
Does not meet deadlines. Poor attendance.
