ARTS 2356 - Photography I Course Syllabus

ARTS 2356:

Description
A studio art course that introduces the technical and conceptual basics of photography as a creative medium.
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 3 Lab Hours 3
Extended Hours
0
Contact Hours
96
State Approval Code
50.0605.51 26
Instructor Name
Amanda Clements
Semester/Year
Fall Flex 2024
Meeting Time and Location
ARTS2356.4F1
Online—students are expected to spend at least 12 hours per week reading, reviewing, and participating in assigned activities for successful completion of this course.
Alternate Operations During Campus Closure

In the event of an emergency or announced campus closure due to a natural disaster or pandemic, it may be necessary for Panola College to move to altered operations. During this time, Panola College may opt to continue delivery of instruction through methods that include, but are not limited to: online learning management system (CANVAS), online conferencing, email messaging, and/or an alternate schedule. It is the responsibility of the student to monitor Panola College's website (www.panola.edu) for instructions about continuing courses remotely, CANVAS for each class for course-specific communication, and Panola College email for important general information.

Student Basic Needs

Unexpected circumstances may arise, but Panola College offers various resources to support students. If you need mental health services or are facing challenges with transportation, affording class materials and supplies, or accessing food regularly—issues that may impact your class performance—please visit panola.edu/resources.

Class Attendance

Regular and punctual attendance of classes and laboratories is required of all students. When a student has been ill or absent from class for approved extracurricular activities, he or she should be allowed, as far as possible, to make up for the missed work. If a student has not actively participated by the census date, they will be dropped by the instructor for non-attendance. This policy applies to courses that are in-person, online, hybrid, and hyflex.

Attendance in online courses is determined by submission of an assignment or participation in an activity. According to federal guidelines, simply logging into a distance learning course without participating in an academic assignment does not constitute attendance. Distance learning is defined as when a majority (more than 50%) of instruction occurs when the instructor and students are in separate physical locations. Students must engage in an academic activity prior to the course census date. 

When an instructor feels that a student has been absent to such a degree as to invalidate the learning experience, the instructor may recommend to the Vice President of Instruction that the student be withdrawn from the course. Instructors may seek to withdraw students for non-attendance after they have accumulated the following number of absences: 

Fall or spring semesters: 

3 or more class meeting times per week - 5 absences

2 class meeting times per week - 3 absences

1 class meeting per week -  2 absences

The student is responsible for seeing that he or she has been officially withdrawn from a class. A student who stops attendance in a class without officially withdrawing from that class will be given a failing grade; consequently, the student must follow official withdrawal procedures in the Admissions/Records Office.

Please note: Health Science and Cosmetology courses may require more stringent attendance policies based on their accreditation agencies. Please see the addendum and/or program handbook for further information concerning attendance.  

Pregnant/Parenting Policy

Panola College welcomes pregnant and parenting students as a part of the student body. This institution is committed to providing support and adaptations for a successful educational experience for pregnant and parenting students. Students experiencing a need for accommodations related to pregnancy or parenting will find a Pregnancy and Parenting Accommodations Request form in the Student Handbook or may request the form from the course instructor.

Instructional Goals and Purposes

The purpose of this course is to fulfill the academic requirements necessary to earn an associate degree or transfer degree, or to provide personal enrichment opportunities for Panola College students seeking an interdisciplinary course emphasizing communication or converging media.

Learning Outcomes

After studying all materials and resources presented in the course, the student will be able to:

  • Demonstrate ability to operate equipment used to capture and edit photographic images.
  • Demonstrate understanding of composition, framing, and perspective in photography.
  • Analyze and discuss aesthetic considerations of visual storytelling.
  • Discuss ethical implications of photographic manipulation.
Course Content

A general description of lecture/discussion topics included in this course are listed in the Learning Objectives section of this syllabus.

Students in all sections of this course will learn the following content:

  1. Understand a camera to achieve high quality photographs.
  2. Understand the rules of effective photographic composition.
  3. Understand light and how to manipulate it to achieve high quality photographs.
  4. Understand exposure and white balance in photography.
  5. Recognize the importance of shutter speed and f-stops in photography.
  6. Understand the importance of sharpness.
  7. Understand types of lenses and their purpose in photography.
  8. Understand when to use flash and how to achieve high quality photographs with flash.
  9. Recognize the historical significance of photography as an element for social change, and documenting historical events.
  10. Recognize the technological advances that have impacted photography over the years.
  11. Recognize the importance of ethical considerations in photography and its use in media.
  12. Develop an appreciation for photography as fine art, and explore creative expression through photography or mixed-media incorporating photography.
Methods of Instruction/Course Format/Delivery

The course is offered in the traditional classroom and on the LMS Canvas platform for lectures, discussions and audiovisual presentations. Students are required to submit photos in various subject areas, and to compile and end-of-semester portfolio.

Course Grade

The grading scale for this course is as follows:

  • Discussions - 15%
  • Quizzes - 25%
  • Assignments – 40%
  • Exams - 20%

Major Assignments/Assessments

The following items are assigned and assessed during the semester and used to calculate the student's final grade.

Assignments

  1. Photographs in several categories: campus, action, portrait, landscape-scenic, architecture, macro, creative expression
  2. Discussions.
  3. End of semester portfolio or photo essay in multimedia format

Assessments

  1. Grades for photo submissions.
  2. Quiz grades.
  3. Discussion grade.
  4. Final exhibit photo grade.
  5. Portfolio grade.
Texts Materials, and Supplies
  • Textbook: Mastering Digital Photography, by David Busch. (Muska & Lipman Publishing, a division of Course Technology)
     
  • Digital camera
Required Readings
  • Textbook (See above)
  • Online readings as assigned by instructor.
Other