JCU Logo
JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "AS 289-2"
COURSE NAME: "Digital Photography"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2025
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Ilaria Ortensi
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: TH9:00 AM 11:45 AM
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 class serves as an introduction to the technical, aesthetic, and conceptual foundations of photography. Emphasizing each student's unique creative journey, we delve into the essentials of digital photography and its historical context through hands-on assignments, demonstrations, critiques, lectures, and readings. No previous photography experience is necessary.

The course is structured to seamlessly integrate the introduction of new skills via lectures, demonstrations, and in-class exercises with consistent independent assignments. Each week, students should aim to capture an average of 18 images. While students have the freedom to choose their subject matter, thematic prompts will be provided throughout the semester to inspire and guide their work. All submitted images must be thoughtfully edited and adhere to the given specifications. For the culminating assignment, students will curate and arrange their semester's work for a final presentation.
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 and the ability to capture RAW files

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

•           USB Drive: Provided by the department

 

Please note: students will have to print for their Final Presentation a portfolio of 15 photos. The cost shouldn’t exceed 40 euros.

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES

 

  • Camera Operation: Acquire proficiency in operating digital cameras, understanding their functions and features.

  • Image Capture & Processing: Master the techniques of capturing high-quality images and effectively process them using digital tools.

  • Lighting Mastery: Harness various lighting conditions to enhance the mood and quality of photographs.

  • Critical Analysis: Cultivate a discerning eye for photography, evaluating both aesthetics and technical aspects.

  • Exploration of Styles: Delve into diverse photographic styles and techniques to expand creative possibilities.

  • Articulate Feedback: Enhance the ability to articulate constructive critiques, discussing both personal work and that of peers.

  • Portfolio Development: Curate and edit a collection of photographs into a cohesive and compelling portfolio.

 
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 ExamAn in-class written response based on one photograph presented at the beginning of the class. 10
Proficiency & AssignmentsIncludes technical proficiency both in camera and with editing software and improvement of photographic vocabulary and concepts. Students should submit digital photographs of all new images made for review each week. Additionally, students should select a small number of photographs to present to class for the critiques. 50
Final PresentationStudents are expected to select 12 photos out of the photographs taken throughout the semester for the final presentation. The presentation should demonstrate how their work has improved over the course of 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

SCHEDULE

 

01/23 WEEK 1

Syllabus overview, introduction, equipment review, assignment submission guidelines, History of Photography lecture.

 

01/30 WEEK 2

Technical lecture on Photographic Capture and outdoor group exercise: Bracketing I

 

02/06 WEEK 3

Technical lecture on Photographic Capture continued and outdoor group exercise: Bracketing II

 

02/13 WEEK 4        

Digital workshop: post-production using Adobe Lightroom Classic; in-class individual activity.

 

02/2O WEEK 5

Group critique 1: Assignment review and discussion.

 

02/27 WEEK 6

Meet outside: People&Places.

 

02/28 

Technical lecture on outdoor lighting and outdoor group exercise: Scavenger Hunt. Review of slides presentation on how to capture motion.

 

03/21 WEEK 7

Group critique 2: Assignment review and discussion. Review of Midterm Exam guidelines.

 

03/06 WEEK 8

Midterm Exam, photo-editing continued and quick one-on-one meeting with the instructor.

 

03/13 WEEK 9

Meet Outside: Urban Forms.

 

03/20 WEEK 10

Lecture on Contextualizing Photographs and in-class sequencing exercise. Review of Midterm Exam results and quick one-on-one meeting with the instructor.

 

03/27 WEEK 11

Spring Break

04/03 WEEK 12

Group critique 3: Assignment review and discussion.  

 

04/10 WEEK 13

Printing Workshop. In-class individual exercise in preparation for the Final Presentation; one-on-one meeting with the instructor to review the assignments and the final selection.

 

04/17 WEEK 14

Final Presentation.

 

 04/24 WEEK 15

Continuation of Final Presentation.