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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "AS 289-4"
COURSE NAME: "Digital Photography"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall Semester 2012
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Schoneveld Jochem
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: T 9:00-11:45
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The course is aimed at developing a practical and critical understanding of digital photography and contemporary photography in general. The course will explore both the conceptual and technical aspects of photography and the use of digital imaging software and tools.

The students will develop an aesthetic sense and be able to produce and read photographic image. At the end of the course students present their own portfolio and a critical written evaluation of photographic works of fellow students.

Prerequisites
-A digital camera with RAW output and is needed for the course.
-Cameras need functions selector M,A,S,P.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
This is a course in digital photography and digital imaging, composed of 14 sessions (each being 2,5 hours long), divided in two parts:

-Theoretical and technical: the basic principles of photography, visualizing the photo, lighting techniques and digital workflow.
-Practical: including fieldworks where you will be applying what you’ve learned in the previous lessons.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
-Understanding of digital photography from a practical and theoretical viewpoint;
-Basic skills to set up a logical digital workflow: Capture, File Management, Processing Workflow, Color Management, non-destructive image processing;
-Developed an aesthetic sense and be able to produce and read photographic images;
-The ability to write a brief critical  evaluation of photographic works;
-The skills to create and present their own portfolio;
TEXTBOOK:
NONE
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Portfolio 20
Attendance 30
Mid-Term Test 20
Final Project 30

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:

A = 94-100 B = 83-86 C = 73-76 D = 63-66 A- = 90-93 B- = 80-82 C-= 70-72 D-= 60-62 B+ = 87-89 C+ = 77-79 D+=67-69 F= 0-59
A/A- = Excellent command of the photographic language consistent with the level of proficiency. Appropriate command of image structure, software applications, project's organization . B+ =Very good command of the photographic language consistent with the level of proficiency, showing facility and very few errors. B =Good command of the photographic language, consistent with the level of proficiency. Competent manipulation of images' structure, with some evidence of development and complexity; Work will be broadly coherent.  B- =Satisfactory command of the photographic language, consistent with the level of proficiency. Work will not be coherent but comprehensible; photographic structure will be simple; medium frequency of errors C+ = Evidence of the ability to control the photographic language for the purpose of effective communication, consistent with the level of proficiency. Work will be comprehensible; image structure will be very simple and other errors will be frequent but not as serious to impede project comprehension. C , C- =Some evidence of the ability to control the photographic  language for the purpose of effective communication and project, consistent with the level of proficiency; high frequency of errors. D = Little evidence of the ability to control the photographic language for the purpose of making project. Little awareness of photographic techniques and software and numerous errors. F = No evidence of the ability to digital and photographic language; failure to make a photographic project.
 GRADING BASIS: 20% Mid-term Quizzes 40 % Final Exam 40 % Class participation, homework and oral test

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Students are supposed to come prepared to class and participate in all activities. Active participation is crucial, since the learning process requires considerable practice. Regular attendance is an essential component of class participation. Attendance is mandatory. More then 3 absences will lower the participation portion of the grade considerably. Make sure your travel plans do not interfere with the class schedule. MAKE-UPS Individual arrangements for make-ups will be done only for students with medical emergencies or any other valid reasons. The Midterm and Final Exam can only be made up with approval from the Dean of Academic Affairs (Please see the John Cabot University Catalogue and Student Handbook). Please refer to the university catalog for the attendance and absence policy. 
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

SessionSession FocusReading AssignmentOther AssignmentMeeting Place/Exam Dates
Session 1The basic principles of photography I. Difference and similarities between digital and film based photography. The camera and lenses. Basic camera controls.   
Session 2The basic principles of photography II. How to control exposure. Relationship between Shutter speed and Aperture explained. How to control focus and depth of field. Fieldwork.    
Session 3Visualizing the photo. The basics of composition. Framing the subject, geometrical design elements (shapes, patterns, lines, textures). Choosing the right lens. Perspective, view point.    
Session 4Lighting techniques. Artificial vs available light. The direction of light. How light affects color. Hard and soft light. Understanding Color Temperature. Fieldwork.   
Session 5The digital workflow I. Data capture, File Management, basic corrections.    
Session 6Looking at photographs. John Szarwowski: "The truth is that anybody can make a photograph," ,"The trouble is not that photographs are hard to make. The trouble is that they are hard to make intelligent and interesting." Setting the criteria for reading photos. Write about photos. Visit a Photo exhibit   
Session 7evaluate knowledge taken during first half of the course’s lessons and theorical knowledge.   
Session 8Select your project. Setting up a framework and planning for your project.   
Session 9Editing your images. Making choices about Color and Black and white. Cropping your images. (discuss photo, photographic essay)   
Session 10The digital workflow II. Non-destructive image processing, working with RAW files, masks, dodging and burning. (discuss photo, photographic essay)   
Session 11Visiting lecturer.(discuss photo, photographic essay)   
Session 12Trip to photographic exhibition. Assignment to write a brief review of the exhibition.   
Session 13The digital workflow III: Archiving, Metadata, Profiles, Closed loop color Management, preparing images for diverse output.(discuss photo, photographic essay)   
Session 14Completion of the final project. Presentation and review of students’ photographic projects. Critically evaluate the work presented by fellow students.