Course Syllabus
© William Eggleston , Memphis, 1969
PHOT 150 – Introduction to Photography 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.
PHOT 150 - Introduction to Photography Syllabus PDF to Download
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
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 and Wednesdays: 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: please email directly through Canvas
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. 1 – 3 paragraph (approximately 60 – 100 words) written responses 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 approaches, the use and function of a photographic sensibility and visual language. Upon the completion of each assignment, you will be asked to submit your photographs as they reflect the assignment goals and prompts as well as written reflective discussion so as to initiate a dialog with me your thoughts and ideas about your photographic work.
The Final Photographic Project/Portfolio will consist of a portfolio of photographs processed within the context of various presentation strategies 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 (Images) and Canvas (Reflective Discussion about the Assignment).
Your final grade will be determined by a culmination of points earned based on your performance with the curriculum assignments.
College, Program and Course Information and Policies
Photography Program Courses
Grossmont College Photography courses are as follows:
2 hours lecture and 4 hours in-class laboratory practice and approximately 6 hours of outside-of-class time to work on assignments each week of the scheduled academic semester/session:
- PHOT 150 – Introduction to Photography
- PHOT 151 – Personal Photographic Vision
- PHOT 152 – Contemporary Photographic Practice
- PHOT 166 – Image and Idea
- PHOT 252 – Photographer’s Portfolio
2.5 hours of lecture only and approximately 4 – 5 hours of outside-of-class time to work on readings and assignments each week of the scheduled academic semester/session:
- PHOT 154 – History of Photography
Attendance Requirements and Substantive Participation with Curriculum
In accordance with Grossmont College policies, students are expected demonstrate active, engaged and substantive learning with the online curriculum modules in Canvas and each of the assignments for Distance Education / 100% Online courses as well as attending each class session and in-class laboratory practice for Hybrid or Face-to-Face courses.
Distance Education / 100% Online
NOTE: You may be dropped from the class for non-participation and/or not completing/submitting two (2) consecutive curriculum activities and assignments.
Non-participation includes not logging-in to the Course Canvas Shell on a regular basis.
Hybrid (Online + On-Campus Instruction) or Face-to-Face (100% On-Campus Instruction)
Instructors are obligated, at the beginning of the semester/academic session, to announce to their students their policy regarding excessive absences. When absences exceed the number of hours that a class meets in a week, the instructor may drop the student from the class for excessive absences. It is the student’s responsibility to discuss anticipated extensive absences with the instructor. Make-up work for an absence of any kind must be completed to the satisfaction of the instructor. No absence relieves the student of the responsibility of completing all work assigned.
NOTE: For Hybrid (scheduled to meet 2 -4 hours per week On-Campus) and Face-to-Face (scheduled to meet 6 hours per week On-Campus) courses, the third unexcused absence could result in your being dropped from the class.
Add | Drop Policy
Students may add courses only during the official “Add” period using an “add code” issued by the instructor and submitting the completed “Change of Program Card” to the Admission and Records Office.
It is the student’s responsibility to officially drop courses they are no longer attending and/or participating in. The instructor may drop a student who has excessive absences and/or is not participating and completing the curriculum assignments.
If a course is not officially dropped, you may receive an “F” for the course.
The last day to drop a course without a “W” appearing on your record is:
Friday, February 4, 2022
The last day to drop a course and receive a “W” on your record is:
Friday, March 11, 2022
College Student Code of Conduct
Students are subject to adhering to the policies and procedures of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District, as well as all federal, state and local laws. Student conduct must conform to District and College rules and regulations as well as course policies. If a Student Code of Conduct violation occurs while a student is enrolled, he or she may be issued administrative action, including warning (verbal and/or written), written reprimand, suspension, and/or expulsion. For additional information on the Student Code of Conduct, please consult the Grossmont College Catalog as well as the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs. Misconduct not listed in the catalog may also result in discipline if good cause exists (Educational Code Section 76034).
Academic Integrity
It is the responsibility of each student to understand the actions and behaviors that constitute academic dishonesty, including plagiarism and cheating, within each class as well as other venues on campus. Students are encouraged to ask questions of instructors and are expected to read the college’s statement on Academic Fraud (located in the class schedule). Penalties for actions inconsistent with classroom, library and College expectations for academic integrity range from a failing grade on an assignment, quiz, exam, paper, or project (which may lead to a failing grade in the course) to, under certain conditions, suspension, or expulsion from a class, program, or the college. For more information and/or further clarification, please consult with your instructor or contact the Student Affairs Office.
Course Content and Subject Matter
The subjects and materials covered in this course may sometimes be of such a nature as to be offensive to an individual’s personal beliefs. Politics, religion, sexuality and/or morality have often been the content of artists’ efforts and will be discussed openly in a mature manner to facilitate a greater understanding of varying perspectives.
Video-Conferencing (Zoom) Best Practices for Online and/or Partially-Online Courses
Per guidelines provided by the College, the following Video-Conferencing (Zoom) Best Practices will be followed in order to protect against violations of student privacy, protect academic freedom, and ensure compliance with FERPA, California’s student privacy law, and federal disability laws and their state analogs.
This includes provisions for a cameras-optional approach that respects student concerns regarding privacy, access, and equity. Such a policy should address or include:
Cameras should be presumptively optional for live synchronous online classes.
If audio and visual student participation is essential:
- Allow faculty to require cameras to be on, but only to the extent necessary, and with adequate notice to students;
- Clearly identify the essential nature of video for instruction and consider a student’s privacy or technical objections and create a confidential “opt out” mechanism that allows a student to decline video participation;
- Encourage faculty to consider an alternative to video participation such as audio participation;
- Encourage the use of electronic video backgrounds; and
- Allow students flexibility to turn off their cameras or mute audio unless needed.
- Encourage the use of the chat feature for attendance and discussion.
Exceptions to the cameras-optional default should be applied consistently across all sections of pertinent courses.
- For those classes in which live synchronous audio and visual student participation is essential, instructors should provide detailed notification in their syllabi, and notify their students via Canvas or email as early as possible.
Exceptions to the cameras-optional default will be evaluated on a case by case basis. Examples of appropriate exceptions include but are not limited to:
- Courses that have SLOs that can only be assessed via live, synchronous audio and video student participation.
- Programs/courses that are subject to independent, external, or industry-based accreditation.
- Grant-funded projects that are intended to develop synchronous instructional capabilities.
Students with Disabilities and/or Learning Challenges
Students with disabilities who may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to notify the instructor and contact the Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) early in the semester so that reasonable accommodations may be implemented as soon as possible. Students may contact ARC in person in room 60-120 or by phone (619) 644-7112 (voice). Video Phone for the Deaf [(619) 567-7712] or TTY users can call the ARC voice number through California Relay Services.
Educational Accommodations may include the following:
- Audio Books
- Learning Disabilities Assessment
- Note-Taking Assistance
- Priority Registration
- Sign Language Interpreters/Real Time Captionists
- Test Proctoring/Accommodations
- Enlarged Print Materials
Assistive Technology Accommodations may include the following:
- Voice Recorder Loan
- Video Phones for use by deaf or hard of hearing students (located in the Tech Mall near the receptionist desk)
- Other Services and Equipment Based on Individual Needs
Support Services may include the following:
- Campus & Community Referrals
- Counseling
- Career Counseling
- Disability Management
- Intervention Strategies
- Personal & Academic Counseling
- Petitions Assistance
Supervised Tutoring Referral
Students requiring reinforcement of concepts or additional help to achieve the stated learning outcomes for a course are referred to enroll in IDS 198, Supervised Tutoring. Please refer to the Tutoring Section in the current class schedule for contact information.
- IDS-198 Supervised Tutoring – Math
- IDS-198 Supervised Tutoring – Reading
- IDS-198 Supervised Tutoring – Writing
Student Support Programs and Resources
Student Support Programs and Resources are available for the following:
- Accessibility Resource Center
- Admissions and Records
- Adult Re-entry
- Articulation
- Assistive Technology Center
- Assessment Center
- Career Services
- CalWORKs
- Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE)
- Counseling
- Dream Center
- Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS)
- Financial Aid
- Student Health Services
- Student Affairs Office
- Transfer Center
- Umoja
- Veterans Services
- Via Rápida
Success Coach
During the semester, students may experience some challenges including any of the following:
- Concern about grades
- Challenges and difficulties with a class(es)
- Feeling overwhelmed with academic and/or personal matters
- Challenges in balancing school, work and personal life
- Concerns about not completing courses
Please contact your instructor to discuss in confidence and/or contact a Success Coach to help guide and connect you with the appropriate resources. Grad Coach is located upstairs in the Tech Mall (Building 70).
Basic Needs
Grossmont College is committed to providing an educational environment that fosters compassion and respect, welcomes diversity and supports students in various circumstances (including students experiencing housing and food insecurities). Student Services - Basic Needs supports programs and resources that can assist students in meeting their basic needs and promoting their academic success. Basic needs support resources include the following:
- Child Care
- Gizmo's Kitchen
- Health Services
- Mental Health Services
- Shower Facilities
- Assistance with CalFresh and Medi-Cal Applications
- Grossmont College CalFresh Outreach Program
NOTE: You may also access these resources by Clicking on the Student Support Hub in the Course Menu on the Left Side of this Page.
Curriculum Evaluation Process and Assignment Grading Criteria
Depending on the class, the following is general outline of the various activities you may be engaged with during semester. The evaluation of your photographic efforts will be based on your effort in understanding and demonstrating the aesthetic and technical principles discussed throughout the course in the development of your sense of artistic vision and technical craft. While it will be important to develop and exercise proficient technical execution with the camera and in the darkroom, it will be equally important for you to demonstrate engagement with your ideas as they relate to photography’s conceptual and aesthetic possibilities.
Your final grade will be determined by a culmination of points earned based on your performance with the below listed curriculum assignments. If you have questions regarding your assignment grades and/or the final grade, please email me to discuss.
Critical Issues Readings/Multiple-Question Summary Responses
Throughout the semester, there will be postings on the course Canvas website about various critical issues and readings on 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 on Canvas.
Image-Making Assignments
With each assignment, 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.
Once the images have been shot, you’ll develop a working process, including the making of contact sheets and edited contact sheets to edit for visually engaging and stimulating images, and print photographic prints with a considered sense of technical execution and craftsmanship. Upon the completion of each assignment, there will be a critique for discussion and feedback of your photographic efforts.
With each of the image-making assignments, your effort will be evaluated using the Canvas Rubric based upon the following considerations:
- Development of your vision, conceptual engagement and approach of photographic strategies as demonstrated through the completion of assigned images made as well as your interpretation of the assignment objectives.
- Use of aesthetic considerations and approaches, including the role and use of light, the nature of photographic description, compositional organization strategies and techniques in suggesting emphasis of pictorial content.
- Technical execution with consistent and correct camera usage, image exposure, including correct density and contrast, color/tone correction, and secondary optimization controls.
- In addition, you may asked to submit a reflective writing component that discuss various conceptual and/or aesthetic matters in relationship to the photographs submitted for an assignment.
Student Learning Outcome (SLO) Assessment Assignment | Exercise
The Student Learning Outcome (SLO) Assessment Assignment | Exercise is a Photography Program assignment for all students enrolled in a particular photography course at Grossmont College. The assignment | exercise is designed for the student to demonstrate the understanding and knowledge of a the assigned objectives and outcomes of a given photography course, whether it is a studio-based course (PHOT 150, 151, 152, 166 and/or 252) or a lecture-based course, such as PHOT 154. Such (SLO) Assessment Assignments | Exercises may include any combination of an image-making and/or technical assignment, critical writing exercise, exam and/or preparation and completion of a final project depending on the course enrolled in and will be evaluated based on stated course outcomes.
Quizzes
The quizzes will consist of multiple choice and short answer questions covering material from the class discussions, demonstrations and class handouts. The quizzes will be shorter in length, covering specific topics related to lectures and demonstrations, while the final exam will be inclusive of all material covered during the semester. It is expected that you complete the required readings as well as actively take notes during class discussions and demonstrations as well as on Canvas to assist you in the refinement of your technical skills, including the conceptual, aesthetic and technical concerns of photography within the context of the photography course enrolled in.
Final Project
The final project will consist of a portfolio of photographs submitted within the context of various presentation strategies, including a print portfolio, artist book and/or website (Instagram or Canvas), that reflects the cohesive development of your photographic vision, aesthetic sensibilities and technical execution.
The evaluation of the final project will consist of the following considerations:
- Development of your vision, conceptual engagement and approach of photographic strategies as demonstrated through the completion of assigned images made as well as your interpretation of the assignment objectives.
- Use of aesthetic considerations and approaches, including the role and use of light, the nature of photographic description, compositional organization strategies and techniques in suggesting emphasis of pictorial content.
- Technical execution with consistent and correct camera usage, image exposure, including correct density and contrast, color/tone correction, and secondary optimization controls.
- In addition, you may asked to submit a reflective writing component that discuss various conceptual and/or aesthetic matters in relationship to the photographs submitted for an assignment.
Curriculum Evaluation Criteria
With each of the above curriculum activities, there will a Grading Rubric that outlines the Criteria, Ratings and Total Points Earned. In addition, reflective comments may be provided to further clarify the evaluation of the assignment as well as provide guidance on how to address future assignments.
The Point Totals earned for each course curriculum activity are based on a percentage of the total points possible for each Criteria and Rating.
100% – Excellent performance, effort and accomplishment in demonstrating engagement with assignment objective(s)and superior technical execution.
90% – Very good performance, effort and accomplishment in demonstrating engagement with assignment objective(s) with slight additional attention necessary in further challenging aesthetic approach and/or technical execution consideration.
80% – Good performance, effort and accomplishment in demonstrating engagement with assignment objective(s) with additional attention necessary with no more than one aesthetic and/or technical execution consideration.
70% – Satisfactory performance, effort and accomplishment in demonstrating engagement with assignment objective(s) with additional attention necessary with at least two aesthetic and/or technical execution considerations.
0% – Assignment not completed - Unacceptable performance/and effort in demonstrating engagement with assignment objective(s) as well as failing to complete the assignment considerations.
Completion of Curriculum and Late Policy
It is expected that all assignments are executed and turned-in for evaluation on the assigned date.
In consideration of extenuating circumstances (i.e. extreme emergency situations, including illness, personal/family care and bereavement matters), assignment due dates and/or other arrangements can be made provided there has been timely communication with the instructor before the assignment due date.
NOTE: Assignments completed late after the assigned evaluation date will be evaluated with a 10% reduction for each day the assignment is late.
NOTE: Any missing assignment will automatically be evaluated as not completed, resulting in no points earned.
Incomplete Grades
An Incomplete (I) grade may be awarded at the discretion of the instructor when all the following conditions exist:
The student has contacted the instructor of the course and both have agreed to the provisions established in the Incomplete Grade Contract.
The student has had an unforeseen emergency that prevents them from completing the remaining course work. Evidence to verify the emergency may be requested/required.
The student has completed a minimum of 50% of the required course work, as specified in the course syllabus, with regular attendance, and there is still the possibility of earning a passing grade.
The student is responsible for acknowledging the following:
Completing the coursework as outlined in the Incomplete Grade Contract. Upon satisfactorycompletion, the instructor will replace the “I” with a grade.
The “I” is not used in calculating GPA or units.
The “I” cannot be cleared by re-enrolling in the course.
The grade earned on the portion of work completed for the course (as specified in the course syllabus) must be used to calculate the final grade for the course.
A signed Incomplete Grade Contract in which the student agrees to complete remaining coursework, must be filed by the instructor. In the case of an extreme emergency where the student is unable to meet with the instructor, the instructor may initiate and file the Incomplete Grade Contract, sending a copy to the student for signature.
The contract is invalid without both instructor and student signatures. Without the student’s signature, the I will revert to the default grade at the end of the following semester.
Class time and/or assignments outlined in the Incomplete Grade Contract must be completed by the end of the 16-week semester following the date on the contract. If not, the “I” will revert to the default grade assigned on the Incomplete Grade Contract.
An extension of time for removal of the “I” must be petitioned by the student. The petition must include evidence of approval from the instructor.
In the event that the original instructor of record on the Incomplete Grade Contract is unavailable, the student must see the appropriate department chair or dean for alternate arrangements.