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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "AS 289-1"
COURSE NAME: "Digital Photography"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2015
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Serafino Amato
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: TH12:30 PM 3:15 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This is a course in basic digital photography. The theoretical component includes the basic functions of the camera, the use of lighting, principles of composition, interaction between colors, a discussion of architecture and interiors, and basic principles of the elaboration of photos on the computer. The practical component involves picture taking 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 is strongly recommended. Modern single-lens reflex (SLR) digital cameras with interchangeable lenses are highly recommended.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
Various genres of photography will be analyzed: Portrait
Landscape
Reportage
Close up
Theatre and arts (artists at work)
Fine art.

1. Introduction to terms used in photography, both technical and theoretical.
2. Detailed examination and review of the camera and all its mechanisms.
3. Discussion of optical principles, in particular with regard photographic lenses: focal lengths, apertures, etc.
4. Introduction to black and white film, color film, and negatives. Film speed (Iso/Asa). Techniques of film developing. Techniques of photographic printing.
5. Ways of editing and displaying photographic images; presentation in the context of a photographic exhibition. The single image, the series, the essay, etc.
6. The photographic genres
7. Natural and artificial lighting in photography.
8. The course will focus on the relationships and advantages offered by ne tchnologies for traditional film photography.
9. It is highly recommended that students come prepared to class with, if possibile, a laptop.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

The objective of the course is for students to achieve a technical knowledge sufficient to realize images in different contexts. These skills will develop in controlled environments, in order to be verifiable technically and conceptually.

Early in the course, a working context will be proposed. This context, or contexts, will be the environments of the theater, of architecture, and also of the studios of visual artists. Among the problems proposed is to photograph actors as they prepare a theatrical performance.

TEXTBOOK:
NONE
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Attendance and participationAny missed classes will be penalized. Discussion and critiques are the most important part of this class and will be evaluated by the professor to determine a part of the final grade.35
Midterm examConsisting in short answers on the technical aspects of photography and the assigned reading.15
Presentation. May be either a Gallery/ Museum report or an discussion of the work of a photographer of choice.15
Partecipation at the class blog A body of photographic work pertaining to Rome and accompanied by an oral thesis to be presented to the class.35

-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.Active partecipation at the class blog
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, or engagement with the course content.

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
 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 5 Using Adobe Lightroom to edit your files. Basic corrections, file management. On-siteEssay John Szarkowski "The photographer's Eye"  
Session 1Introduction to the course, expectations and outcomes. The basics of photography. Aperture, Shutter and ISO.    
Session 2 How to control exposure. Using your camera's lightmeter. On-site   
Session 3Lenses and visualizing the photo. Choosing the right lens. Perspective, view point. Explore Shutter Speed and Aperture 
Session 4The digital sensor and the negative compared. Differences and similarities. Using RAW. On-site Explore different lenses. perspective 
Session 6Guest lecturer. Photo journalist will explain and present his work. On-site   
Session 7Mid-Term test. Evaluate knowledge first part of this semester. Write a critique/essay about 2 photos.   
Session 8On-site Class. Villa Borghese   
Session 9Lightroom II. Advanced editing techniques for your photos. Masking, dodging and burning. From color to Black and White   
Session 10Review/critique student work. Discuss final project ideas. Prepare final project idea 
Session 11On-site class Orto Botanico   
Session 12Finalizing the portfolio. Prepare presentations for the exam day.