|
|
JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY
COURSE CODE: "AS 289"
COURSE NAME: "Digital Photography"
SEMESTER & YEAR:
Summer Session II 2024
|
SYLLABUS
INSTRUCTOR:
Alessandra Santarelli
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS:
MW 1:30 PM 5:20 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS:
45
CREDITS:
3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS:
|
|
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is meant for students who wish to deepen their knowledge of digital photography. It will review basic camera functions, lighting, principles of composition and pictorial dynamics, color interactions, and introduce methods of the elaboration of photos on the computer. The course will consider the historical and formal knowledge of photography, as well as including picture-taking in a variety of genres and the preparation of a photo exhibition. Each student must be equipped with a digital camera with a wide lens or a 3x or greater optical zoom, and camera functions selector which includes M,A,S,P. A tripod and modern single-lens reflex (SLR) digital cameras with interchangeable lenses are highly recommended.
|
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
This course aims to familiarize students with the art and techniques of digital photography. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, assignments, and critiques, students will acquire the skills to capture engaging images. The course emphasizes developing a keen eye for detail, enhancing critical analysis of images as well as gaining technical skills.
Contemporary forms of digital photography will be explored. While students will be introduced to the conventions of photography, they will also be encouraged to explore and express their personal creative approach.
This intensive course entails regular independent assignments and in-class critique sessions, in which all students are expected to actively participate. While prior photographic experience is recommended, it is not required to enroll in the course.
Course requirements:
. Digital single lens reflex (DSLR) or mirrorless camera with manual adjustments of f-stop and shutter speed
. SD memory card(s) 8GB+
. Small hard disk or thumb drive
|
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
|
Learning outcomes:
1.Technical Proficiency:Students will demonstrate a strong understanding of digital camera operation, including settings for exposure, focus, white balance, and composition techniques.
2.Creative Vision:Students will develop their artistic eye and demonstrate the ability to apply principles of design (such as rule of thirds, layering and leading lines) to create compelling photographs.
3.Image Editing Skills:Students will learn to use industry-standard photo editing software (e.g., Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop) to enhance and manipulate digital images effectively.
4.Historical and Cultural Context:Punctuating the course, students will gain insight into the historical development of photography, including different genres, and notable photographers, and will analyze how cultural contexts influence photographic practice.
5.Critical Analysis:Students will be able to critically evaluate photographic images, and discuss the visual elements, technical choices, and intended messages or narratives, as well as contribute constructively to the analysis of their peers’ images.
|
|
TEXTBOOK:
|
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
|
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
| Assignment | Guidelines | Weight |
| Mid-term Exam | An in-class written mid-term exam. | 20% |
| Final Presentation | Students are expected to be shooting consistently to produce at least 8-12 new images to show per critique. The final presentation should show how student work has improved over the course of the class and reflect an understanding of the analysis provided during in-class critiques. | 40% |
| Proficiency & Participation | Includes technical proficiency both in camera and with editing software, in-class participation and improvement of photographic vocabulary and concepts. | 40% |
-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
|
|
|
Week 1
Session 1 - Introduction to the class and to digital photography. Overview of syllabus, requirements, expectations and review of students’ individualequipment. Explanation of the grade policy.
Session 2 - Technical lecture on digital capture: camera controls and options for different effects,and set-up of students’ cameras for upcoming assingments. In-class group exercises.
Week 2
Session 3 - Technical lecture on composition and lighting. In-class practical exercises. Explanation of the first assignment for the following lesson.
Session 4 - Group critique. Students present a selection of photographs to the class. Discussion of students’ work.
Week 3
Session 5 - Midterm exam: in-class written exam based on aquired technical knowledge and visual analysis.
Session 6 - Review of Midterm exam. Technical lecture on post-production using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. Individual exercise on students’ own photographs.
Week 4
Session 7 - Group outing: timed photography exercises to be executed outdoors.
Session 8 - Group critique. Students present a selection of photographs to the class. Discussion of student’s work.
Week 5
Session 9 - Lecture on editing and sequencing. In-class individual exercises. Overview of different ways of presenting digital photographs. Individual meetings.
Session 10 - Final presentation.
|
|
|
|