Course Syllabus
© William Eggleston, Algiers, Louisiana, 1972
PHOT 150 – Introduction to Photography (Section 3772) examines the nature of photography and visual literacy through the personal exploration and making of photographic images as well as the critical discourse of photography’s role and function in society and culture.
The primary focus of the course will be to engage in photographic practice as a means to respond subjectively as well as objectively to the conceptual and aesthetic experiences of the photographic image as a visual document of creative expression and communication.
Historical and contemporary photographic works from the contexts of the family album, art photography, commercial / advertising photography, photography and media, and cyberspace will be examined and discussed to further cultivate and refine each students’ visual literacy of the photographic image.
Students may use any type of lens-based, image-making device, including smart phones, digital point-and-shoot cameras, and digital SLR’s.
Course Objectives
Demonstrate the ability to recognize and recall the critical issues and visual strategies of photography and lens- based culture as a visual document of creative expression and communication.
Capture photographs of creative expression and communication that demonstrate the purposeful use of the critical issues and visual strategies of photography and lens-based culture.
Demonstrate application of photographic tools, materials and processes, including camera controls, image exposure and processing strategies, and photographic printing techniques.
Apply proper laboratory practices necessary for making, presenting and discussing photographic images of considered conceptual and aesthetic execution as well as optimum technical quality, craft and professional standards.
Describe, interpret and evaluate the use of photography as a means of effective creative expression and communication of personal vision within the contexts of society and culture.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
Create photographs of creative expression that demonstrate the purposeful use of photography’s aesthetic attributes for an effective communication of personal vision, including the use of light, compositional organization, photographic description, emphasis and moments of exposure.
Demonstrate application of photographic tools, materials and processes, including camera controls, image exposure and processing.
Demonstrate application of proper laboratory practices necessary for making and presenting photographic prints of optimum technical quality, craft and professional standards.
Demonstrate application of critical thinking practices in describing, interpreting and evaluating the use of photography as a means of effective creative expression and communication of personal vision.
Assessment Activity: Portfolio and Reflective Self-Assessment Essay
Syllabus Information Can Be Found in Introduction and Orientation to Course
PDF of Course Syllabus for Download
Student | Office Hours and Contact Information
With advance notice and by scheduling an appointment, I can be available for one-on-one Zoom meetings:
Mondays - Thursdays: 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Alternative Days and Times Available - please email directly through Canvas
Appointments can also be scheduled for On-Campus Office Hours as follows:
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm
Email Contact: Best to email through Canvas directly or paul.turounet@gcccd.edu
Response Expectations
I will follow-up your email within the day, and most often, within a short period from the time I have received it, including weekends as well as at night, particularly in consideration of personal and/or extenuating circumstances.
Generally, if you email me about general class matters at night after 8:00 pm, I will follow-up with a response the following morning.
Course Methodology
During the entire course, you will be actively engaged in various curriculum activities, including Critical Issue Discussions and Responses, regularly-scheduled Image-Making Assignments as well as the completion of a Final Photographic Project/Portfolio.
The Critical Issue Discussions and Responses will cover various critical issues and thoughts about photography and the photographic image and visual culture within both historical and contemporary contexts. Topics will explore various issues regarding photography, the history of photography, on being a photographer, as well as the sociological, psychological and cultural implications of the photographic image. For studio courses, a 1 – 3 paragraph (approximately 60 – 100 words) written response will be required to be submitted.
The primary curriculum for the course will be the Image-Making Assignments in which you’ll be asked to make photographic images that explore various aesthetic and technical considerations within the contexts of conceptual possibilities that are open to your individual interests. The assignments will focus on historical and contemporary conceptual approaches within the photographic medium, the use and function of a photographic sensibility and visual language. Upon the completion of each assignment, there will be a critique for discussion and feedback of your photographic efforts.
The Final Photographic Project/Portfolio will consist of a portfolio of photographs processed within the context of various presentation strategies, including a portfolio of photographs, artist book and/or website, that reflects the cohesive development of your conceptual concerns, photographic vision, aesthetic sensibilities and technical execution.
The Curriculum Calendar and Assignment Dates, including Image-Making Assignments, Quizzes and Critical Responses will be facilitated through the Grossmont College Canvas platform.
Image-Making Assignments will be submitted on both Instagram and Canvas.
College, Program and Course Information and Policies
The Introduction and Orientation to Course Module provides in-depth discussion on various College, Program and Course information and policies.
Your final grade will be determined by a culmination of points earned based on your performance with the curriculum assignments.