Graciela Iturbide Mujer Ángel, Desierto de Sonora (Angel Woman, Sonoran Desert), 1979

PHOT 150 – Introduction to Photography

Section 3602|Fall 2023

"Photography deals exquisitely with appearances, but nothing is what it appears to be."  ~Duane Michals

Instructor: Patricio Chávez

E-mail: patricio.chavez@gcccd.edu

Best to communicate through Canvas

This class is fully online no class or Zoom Meetings

Office Hours Via Zoom: M/W 10:00 – 11:00 am and by appt. Zoom Office Hours Link

Syllabus PDF Chavez-1.P.Phot150.pdf

Catalog Description

An introductory course that 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 student’s visual literacy of the photographic image. Appropriate for students without photographic experience.

 

Course Objectives

The student will:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Demonstrate application of photographic tools, materials, and processes, including camera controls, image exposure and processing strategies, and photographic printing techniques.
4. Demonstrate application of 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.
5. 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 within the contexts of society and culture.

 

Course Assumptions

Each instructor may teach the course somewhat differently, although all instructors require proficiency in basic photographic technical and conceptual skills. I have a particular interest in photographic visual literacy, authentic personal expression, and the intersection of popular culture, politics, and art. I am also interested both as an artist and as an educator, in the evolution of the photographic process and how it influences how we create, see, and experience photography and how we document and interpret our visual experience. Beyond the technical aspects of photography, evaluation, and interpretation is subjective in nature. I do expect a serious level of engagement, which will be reflected in the quality of your work. Please come to me early if you would like further explanation or assistance on anything as it relates to the course, or if you need help understanding something.

 

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO) – Final Portfolio/ Final Project submitted in Canvas

SLO Assessment Activity: Final Project and Reflective Self-Assessment Essay/Artist Statement.

Create photographs of creative expression that demonstrate the purposeful use of photography’s aesthetic attributes, 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 for making optimum photographic prints. Demonstrate application of proper laboratory practices for optimum print finishing and presentation.

 

Course Requirements and Recommendations

Textbook Optional Recommended: A Short Course in Digital Photography, 4th ed. B. London & J. Stone.

Companion website: https://www.vitalsource.com/products/a-short-course-in-photography-jim-stone-v9780134525983 for interactive demonstrations and simulations of photographic techniques and processes.

                                               

Attendance/Participation

Introduction to Photography is a fully online lecture/lab course and participation is required.

 An Active Student

An active student for an Online class, such as this one, is a student who is doing the following:

• Logging into the Course Canvas on a regular basis
• Participates in the course by participating and submitting to Discussions, Assignments, and other Instructional/Curriculum Activities,
• Actively Engage with the Instructor and other student colleagues. 

An Inactive Student 

An inactive student for a Fully Online class is a student who has not done the following:

• Not Logging-In to the Course Canvas on a regular basis
• Does Not Participate in the course by Submitting to Discussions, Assignments, and other Instructional/Curriculum Activities,
• Does Not Actively Communicate and/or follow up with the Instructor and student colleagues.

 

Photography supplies (see separate supply list)

A Digital Camera is required for this course, preferably a camera with manual controls, If you do not have one but would like to purchase one please contact me right away. The supply list has resources for used and new cameras.,

A mobile phone camera or other image capture device will work for the class, if you have any questions about this let me know. 

 

Grading Policy

Final grades are based on points earned throughout the semester. You may earn points for active participation in discussions/critiques, assignments, laboratory work, quizzes, and the Final. All assignments: Late work will not be accepted without prior consent and will be docked 20%. Work will not be accepted 1 week past the due date. Assignments may be redone for a better grade up to 2 weeks after the due date. Good attendance is primary to successfully completing the course, coming late; leaving early (LEs) and unexcused absences (AB) will be considered as part of your participation grade. Students will be dropped after 3 unexcused absences prior to the drop deadline.

 

Shooting Assignments                               40%

Exercises                                                     10%

Student Presentations/Response Paper  10%

Quizzes, Mid-term, Final                            10%                                         

Final Portfolio/SLO/Artist Statement       20%

Participation/Effort                                    10%

                                                        TOTAL - 100%

 

100-90% = A     89-80% = B        79-70% = C        69-60% D          59% & below = F

 

Shooting Assignments:                                                

1. Home is Where the Heart Is
2. Scavenger Hunt
3. Making the Familiar Strange
4. Landscape/Urbanscape
5. Desire, Representation, and Identity
6. Night Photography
7. Mirrors and Windows
8. Narrative, Theme, or Social Issue

 

Important Dates:                                  8-Week Semester August 21 - October 14

 

The last day to drop with no “W”                                        8/25

The last day to apply for a refund                                        8/25

Census                                                                                    8/28

Last day to apply for (P/NP, CR/NCR)                                 9/22

Last day to Drop Classes w/W                                            9/22                                        

Final Exam Due                                                                     10/14

 

Incompletes. A grade of "I" can be given in an emergency. Incompletes must be made up within one year.

Please note: It is the student's responsibility to drop. If you do not complete the course and do not officially drop, I am required to give a letter grade if you are taking the class for a grade.

 

Art Department and Photography Area Student Conduct and Policies for On-Campus Classes

It is expected that all students will conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with common courtesy to all other students, faculty, and lab technicians. Students are expected to dress in an appropriate manner for a laboratory class, (No open-toed shoes during lab). Art Department and Photography Art Studio Courses are officially formatted as combined Lecture | Lab sections. This means that the lecture or lab portion of the class may occur anytime during the scheduled time block for the course. When working in the analog photography areas, including the film developing rooms, print finishing area, and darkrooms, closed-toe shoes must be worn always per the darkroom safety requirements. To ensure a productive working environment for all students, please clean up your work area by returning all items to their proper storage area upon the completion of class and lab. Computers in all areas of the photography area, including the classrooms, digital lab, print finishing area, and studio, are strictly for use as it pertains to photography curriculum activities. Using the computers for personal email, downloading music, and/or other inappropriate use will be considered a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. There is no food and/or drink allowed in the film developing rooms, print finishing areas, darkrooms, digital labs, and studio. A securely capped beverage may be stored in the storage space provided and must be taken into the hallway to be consumed. In consideration of fellow classmates and to ensure a thoughtful and productive learning environment without disruption, please turn off and put cell phones away before entering the classroom. If at any point during course instructional activities the cell phone is activated, this will be considered a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and will result in administrative action, including a warning and/or being asked to leave the classroom, and/or a short-term suspension.

 

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).

IMPORTANT: The content of this class may sometimes be such that it conflicts with your personal opinions and/or beliefs. Moreover, artists often deal with controversial issues in their work. All class content will be discussed in a respectful and mature manner without any intention of causing or inciting a hostile environment.

 

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 in 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. 

 

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities:

Students with disabilities who may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to notify the instructor and contact the Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) (formerly Disabled Student Programs & Services (DSPS)) 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 at (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: Welcome to the Accessibility Resource Center!

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. To add these courses, students must obtain Add Codes from the appropriate staff. Please refer to the Tutoring Section in the current class schedule for contact information

• IDS-198 Supervised Tutoring – ESL
• IDS-198 Supervised Tutoring - Math
• IDS-198 Supervised Tutoring - Reading
• IDS-198 Supervised Tutoring - Writing

 

Course Repeatability:

On June 11, 2011, the Board of Governors, the governing body for the California Community Colleges, adopted new regulations that limit the number of times a community college district could receive state funding for a student who has enrolled in the same credit course. The maximum number of times a student may enroll in the same credit course is three times.

• A student, through a combination of substandard grades (D or F) and withdrawals on their student record, may only take a class three times.
• If a student, through a combination of substandard grades (D or F) and withdrawals, wishes to take a class for the fourth time, she/he must submit a petition to the Admissions and Records Office. Petitions will only be approved based on extenuating circumstances.
• Military Withdrawals do not count in terms of repetition restrictions, nor do withdrawals that occur due to fire, or flood (Title 5 Sections 55024 end 57509).
• This rule does not contain a grandfather clause. If a student has already reached the number of course repetitions, the district will not be able to claim apportionment for that course.

 

PTK: Phi Theta Kappa is the honor society for two-year colleges. Students who have a 3.5 GPA after completion of 12 units of college degree applicable units at Grossmont College are eligible to apply. Eligible students may be invited by mail or e-mail to join this organization. Please email Dr. M. de Koning for more information at marion.de.koning@gcccd.edu

 

VOTE! If you are not registered to vote, please do so at tinyurl.com/reg2voteonline. Please choose the vote-by-mail option. And then vote!

 

Student Support Programs and Resources Grossmont Student Support Link 

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

Grad 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 this in confidence and/or contact a Grad Coach to help guide and connect you with the appropriate resources. Grad Coach is located upstairs in the Tech Mall (Building 70) and additional information can be found at: https://www.grossmont.edu/student-services/grad-coach/default.aspx

Basic Needs

Students facing food or housing insecurity are encouraged to contact a Grossmont College Basic Needs Liaison (their names are listed in the web link provided below) or you can send an e-mail to Grossmont.BasicNeeds@gcccd.edu to request information or assistance.

Additional information on basic needs resources, including Gizmo’s Kitchen (Grossmont College’s food pantry), is available at: https://www.grossmont.edu/student-services/offices-and-services/basic-needs.

 

Campus and Facility Safety Policies and Best Practices

Emergency Preparedness

At the start and throughout the semester, your instructor will provide and review the general safety and emergency preparedness information and instructions for various emergency situations, including an active shooter threat, earthquake, fire safety, personal safety/well-being, and evacuation.

Emergency Preparedness Information and Protocols

In addition to discussing and reviewing the emergency preparedness information and protocols for emergency and non-emergency situations, your instructor will provide a facility walk-thru to review building protocols in the event of any of the above emergency situations, including emergency exits and strategies for safely exiting the facilities, fire alarm and extinguisher locations, eye-wash stations, and use of the emergency phones in each room.

 

Photography Health and Safety Policies and Best Practices

Masks are required for Spring 2023 any time you are indoors. Please go to the links below for more information.

Covid/ Mask and Photography Facility Protocols

 

It is expected that all students will conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with common courtesy to all other students, faculty, and lab technicians. The Photography Program uses certain chemicals and other materials that create hazardous, universal, and/or special wastes that must be disposed of in a responsible manner so that they don’t contaminate the environment and/or threaten student health.

The College and the Photography Program are required to follow Federal, State, Local, and College Policies with regard to the proper disposal of these chemicals and materials, including analog photographic chemicals such as developers and fixers, digital inkjet printer cartridges, and batteries. In each class, instruction and handouts are provided for each student to understand and follow the proper handling and disposal policies and are reinforced with signage throughout the Photography Program facilities.

 

Students are expected to dress appropriately for a laboratory class. VAH Department and Photography Area Studio Courses are officially formatted as combined Lecture | Lab sections. This means that the lecture or lab portion of the class may occur anytime during the scheduled time block for the course.

 

When working in the analog photography areas, including the film developing rooms, print finishing area and darkrooms, closed-toe shoes must be worn always per the darkroom safety requirements.

Per OSHA requirements, disposable gloves are required to be worn in the film processing rooms, all darkrooms, and alternative processing working areas.

 

To ensure a productive working environment for all students, please clean up your work area by returning all items to their proper storage area upon the completion of class and lab.

On-Campus Computer Use/ Login and Best Practices

Computer Log-in Directions

Computers in all areas of the photography area, including the classrooms, digital lab, print finishing area, and studio, are strictly for use as it pertains to photography curriculum activities. Using the computers for personal email, downloading of music, and/or other inappropriate use will be considered a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.

Computers are required to be turned off at the end of each class.

Students are required to save their digital photographic work on an external storage device, including portable external drives and/or thumb drives.

Food and Drink Policies

There is no food and/or drink allowed in the film developing rooms, print finishing areas, darkrooms, digital labs, and studio. A securely capped drink may be stored in the storage space provided and must be taken into the hallway to be consumed.

Smart Phone | Watch Use in Classroom and Laboratory Spaces

In consideration of fellow classmates and to ensure a thoughtful and productive learning environment without disruption, please set smartphone | watch settings so notifications received are discrete, including setting the phone | watch on a vibrate setting.

Please put your smartphone | or watch away when working in any of the analog photography laboratories, including the film processing rooms and print darkroom. The operation of a smartphone and/or smartwatch can expose light-sensitive photographic materials in film processing rooms and print darkrooms.

If at any point the smartphone | watch is continuously being activated and becomes disruptive to instructional activities while in class on-campus, this could be considered a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and will result in administrative action, including a warning and/or being asked to leave the classroom, and/or a short-term suspension.

 

Service Animals and Other Animals on District Property

Per District and College policies and in order to prevent discrimination on the basis of disability, the District will allow an individual with a disability to use a service dog or miniature horse in District facilities and on District campuses in compliance with state and federal law. The Board shall designate that District property be closed to all other animals unless the animals are involved in the instructional process.

A “service animal” for purposes of this procedure means any dog (or miniature horse, as provided herein) that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.

The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the handler’s disability. The crime deterrent effects of an animal’s presence and the provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship do not constitute work or tasks for the purposes of this definition.

Exceptions
The District may ask an individual with a disability to remove a service animal from the premises if:

• The animal is out of control and the animal’s handler does not take effective action to control it; or
• The animal is not housebroken.

Children on Campus

Per District and College policies, except when children are enrolled in the Child Development Center, other instructional programs in the District, and/or attending public events under the supervision of a parent or guardian, bringing children on campus while attending classes is not permitted. Parents and guardians must be aware that the ultimate responsibility for the safety of the children in their care rests with them and no liability can be accepted by the District nor any of its agents or staff for the consequences of children being on campus.

 

Photography Area Equipment Check-Out Procedure and Policy

Photography Program Technician Jeanine Spraul – jeanine_spraul@gcccd.edu

The check-out contract is completed by the student’s instructor. Students without written reservations in the form of a completed contract cannot check out equipment under any circumstances. Students must present identification at the time of check-out. All check-out sheets must have both student and staff signatures to validate the contract.

All photography equipment for check-out is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Students making up an incomplete must be enrolled in a Grossmont College class to check out equipment.

Weekend Check-Out

Pick-up of Grossmont College photography equipment for off-campus check-out and use is on the Second Day of Class Each Week from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Equipment for off-campus checkout is due as follows:

• following Monday if the course meets on Mondays & Wednesdays or only on Fridays
• following Tuesday if the course meets on Tuesdays & Thursdays

All returned equipment must be brought to 20-110. Overdue equipment will result in a one-week suspension of borrowing privileges. A second incident of overdue equipment will result in the loss of borrowing privileges for the remainder of the semester.

No equipment can be checked out for off-campus use after the 15th week of instruction.

 

On-Campus Check-Out

Check-out of photography equipment for on-campus use only, including cameras and/or studio lighting equipment, is done during course hours and is required to be returned after completing on-campus photographic work. The check-out contract is completed by the student’s instructor and/or with the Photography Program Lab Technician or Program Teaching Assistant.

 

Semester-Long Check-Out

Semester-long check-out of photographic equipment, including available analog (film) 35mm, medium- and large-format cameras, may be requested for the following courses only:

• PHOT 151 – Personal Photographic Vision
• PHOT 166 – Image and Idea
• PHOT 252 – Photographer’s Portfolio

The semester-long check-out contract is completed by the student’s instructor. Equipment is available and permitted to be checked out from Weeks 3 – 15 of course instruction. During the check-out period, the student's academic records will be placed on hold to cover equipment liability matters, and as such, students will not be able to register for courses or request transcripts.

If a student needs to register for classes and/or request transcripts, it will be necessary for the student to request a temporary release of the hold with the instructor. As it may take a business day to complete the request, students are asked to request this temporary release in a timely manner.

Continued positive attendance is required to continue to have the equipment checked out. Excessive absences and attendance issues will result in borrowing privileges being revoked.

All photographic equipment checked out for semester-long use will be due on:

• Monday or Tuesday (depending on the course schedule) of the 15th week of instruction

The Photography Program Lab Technician does not inspect, repair or instruct students in the use of their equipment. Any such questions should be directed to the Course Instructor.

There are no exceptions nor allowances for these procedures and policies when checking out Grossmont College Photography equipment.