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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "AS 399-1"
COURSE NAME: "Special Topics in Studio Art: Photography in the Expanded Field"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2024
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Ilaria Ortensi
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: W12:30 PM 3:15 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: One previous course in a relevant Studio Art field. (This class requires a materials fee of €75/$85 to cover all basic art supplies.)
OFFICE HOURS:
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Specialized courses offered periodically on specific aspects of studio arts. Courses are normally topics on an area of current artistic or technical concern led by a specialist in the field.
May be taken more than once for credit with different topics.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

In this course, photography will be examined in relation to other art disciplines to highlight the pivotal role that this art form holds in contemporary art. By examining the work of contemporary artists and photographers who utilize interdisciplinary art-making strategies, the course bridges the gap between traditional photography and the diverse range of experimental and hybrid forms found in contemporary art.

The course is structured into four distinct parts focusing on the relationship between photography and a specific medium. Students will engage with assigned readings and gain a deeper understanding of each topic through lectures, in-class discussions, and demonstrations. The mediums explored include painting, graphic design, performance, and sculpture.

Throughout the course, students will be constantly encouraged to challenge the traditional boundaries of the photographic medium, resisting any urge to narrowly define them, and instead remaining open to questioning these limits. By the end of the course, students should have developed the ability to approach photography in original and creative ways, gaining an understanding of how photographs function as objects within the realm of contemporary art.

 

While the formal prerequisite to attend the course is the completion of a Studio Art class, it is highly recommended that students who decide to join have some basic experience with photography.

 
LEARNING OUTCOMES:

 

Required course materials and expected expenditure

 

•               Camera: Digital single lens reflex (DSLR) or mirrorless camera with manual adjustments of f-stop and shutter speed

•               Storage: SD or CF memory card(s) 8GB+ 

•               USB Drive: Provided by the department

 

Please note: Students will be required to produce archival inkjet prints during this course, with a cost not exceeding 50 euros (the school grants 40 euros to any incoming student). Students are responsible for purchasing additional supplies required for the Final Project and covering the cost of the museum ticket.

 

 

  • Understand the interdisciplinary nature of photography: Gain insight into how photography interacts and intersects with various art disciplines.
  • Develop experimental art-making skills: Cultivate skills in innovative and experimental art-making strategies, extending beyond traditional photography techniques.
  • Acquire advanced technical skills: Gain proficiency in advanced photography and digital post-production techniques.
  • Balance theory and practice: Engage in a mix of theoretical learning and hands-on practice to foster a well-rounded understanding of artistic concepts and techniques.
  • Promote critical thinking: Encourage students to challenge and question traditional boundaries of photographic mediums, developing analytical and critical thinking skills.
  • Create a diverse artistic portfolio: Develop a varied body of work that showcases interdisciplinary skills and personal artistic vision, culminating in a comprehensive final project.
TEXTBOOK:
NONE
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Attendance & Participation Students are required to attend every class punctually and come prepared to actively participate. 20
Midterm Exam An in-class written response based on a group of photographs presented to the class.10
Proficiency & AssignmentsThis component assesses technical proficiency in camera use, editing software, and fine art techniques introduced during the course. It also evaluates the improvement of photographic vocabulary and concepts. Students are expected to complete their weekly assignments by the designated deadlines.50
Final Presentation Students are expected to create an original artwork inspired by one of the course topics. The final presentation should demonstrate the improvement of their work over the semester and reflect an understanding of the analysis provided during in-class critiques. 20

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality shows excellent mastery of the course content along with exceptional levels of technical skill, artistic awareness, originality, resourcefulness, commitment, quantity of work and improvement. There has been excellent collaboration and leadership in group projects, and there have been no attendance problems.
BA highly competent level of performance with work that directly addresses the content of the course, with a good quantity of work produced.
CAn acceptable level of performance: the work shows awareness of the course content, but is very limited in quantity, quality, commitment and skill.
DThe student lacks a coherent grasp of the course material and has failed to produce much work.
FNegligent in attendance, academic honesty, engagement with the course content, or production of work.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. The final exam period runs until ____________
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
SCHEDULE

09/04 WEEK 1
Intro to the Course: Syllabus Overview, Equipment Review, Contemporary Photography Lecture.

Day one covers the syllabus, assignment guidelines, and grading criteria, followed by an equipment review session addressing any related queries. The day concludes with a lecture on the evolution of traditional photography into contemporary art practices.

 

09/11 WEEK 2
Digital Toolkit: Post-Production with Adobe Photoshop

This week focuses on Adobe Photoshop for post-production, including importing, editing, using layers and curves, and how to export and upload edited photographs for assignments.

09/18 WEEK 3
Photography and Painting I: Adding Materiality to Photographs

In this class, students will explore ways to merge photography with painting. It will start with a lecture showing the work of artists who have created art at the intersection of photography and painting. Students will then develop a preparatory sketch for the project they will complete the following week.

 

09/25 WEEK 4

Photography and Painting II: Adding Materiality to Photographs

In this class, students will continue exploring ways to merge photography with painting. Students will engage in an exercise where they will use a photo from their still life assignment and then apply paint directly onto the print, using the objects represented in the still life. This exercise will encourage reflection on dealing with materiality and scale in photography.


10/02 WEEK 5

Photography and Graphic Design I: Incorporating Text into Photographs

The class will begin with a lecture examining the work of artists who have incorporated graphic design elements into their photography. Students will then engage in a collage exercise to experiment with different compositions in preparation for the assignment that they will complete during the following class.


10/09 WEEK 6

Photography and Graphic Design II: Incorporating Text into Photographs

In this class students will continue to explore ways to merge photography with graphic design. In a hands-on exercise, students will start with a black and white photograph and add graphic elements (text, shapes, colors, etc.), rephotographing their composition multiple times to create a final piece. This exercise aims to refine students’ sensitivity to composition and reflect on the impact of combining text and images.


10/16 WEEK 7

Group Critique: Assignment Review and Discussion

Students will present the work they have completed so far, engage in discussions, and provide feedback to their peers.

 

10/23 WEEK 8

Midterm Exam; Photography and Performance: The Body and Constructed Narration in the Age of Social Media

The class begins with a midterm exam, where students will write a short response to a series of images. This is followed by a lecture on artists who use photography to represent identity, gender, and narrative. The class concludes with instructions for an at-home assignment (to be completed by Week 12) where students will have to perform for the camera, staging themselves as the main subject of their photographs, mainly exploring different identities and/or narrations. This exercise aims to increase students' awareness of their body language and empower them through performing for the camera.

 

10/30 WEEK 9

Meeting outside for a museum visit: tbd.

11/06 WEEK 10

Photography and Sculpture I: Placing Photographs in Space

This class explores arranging photographs as sculptures that interact with the surrounding space. The class will begin with a lecture examining the work of artists and photographers who have created art that combines photography and sculpture. Students will then create a small three-dimensional structure using cardboard to create a prototype study for the larger sculpture that they will create in the following class.

 

11/13 WEEK 11

Photography and Sculpture II: Placing Photographs in Space

In this class, students will continue to explore how photographs can be used as sculptures and interact with the surrounding space. Using foam core panels, students will create self-standing shapes to mount their photographs, understanding how photography can transcend traditional wall displays and become three-dimensional objects.

 

11/20 WEEK 12

Group Critique: Assignment Review and Discussion

Students will present the work they have completed so far, engage in discussions, and provide feedback to their peers.

 

11/27 WEEK 13

Workshop in preparation for the Final Project.

During this class, students will independently work on developing a mock-up of their final project using appropriate techniques, such as sketches, collages, or sculptural arrangements. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to meet individually with the teacher to discuss their ideas.

 

12/04 WEEK 14

Final Class: Final Project Presentations

On the last day of regular classes, students will present their final projects, showcasing their work and skills developed throughout the course. This session offers comprehensive feedback and reflection on the progress of the semester.

 

12/11 WEEK 15

Final Exam: Completion of Final Presentations

Students will conclude their final project presentations. This session serves as the final exam, allowing students to demonstrate mastery of course concepts and integration of various photographic techniques and theories. The session concludes with a final review and discussion, marking the end of the course.