Course Syllabus
PHOT 150 - Introduction to Photography Syllabus
SUMMER 2024
© William Eggleston, Memphis, 1969
Course Description
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.
- Satisfies General Education for Grossmont College C3
- Satisfies Course Elective Option for Studio Art - Associate of Arts Transfer Degree
- Satisfies Course Requirement for Photography Associate of Arts Degree and Certificate of Achievement
Students may use any type of lens-based, image-making device, including smart phones, digital point-and-shoot cameras, and digital SLR’s.
All course curriculum, including lecture materials, assignments and coursework evaluation will be delivered through Canvas and Instagram.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- 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
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- 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. (SLO #1)
- Demonstrate application of photographic tools, materials and processes, including camera controls, image exposure and processing. (SLO #2)
- Demonstrate application of proper laboratory practices necessary for making and presenting photographic prints of optimum technical quality, craft and professional standards. (SLO #3)
- 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. (SLO #4)
Assessment Activity: Portfolio and Reflective Self-Assessment Essay
Course Modality & Length
Section 8722 is a 6-Week / 100% Distance Education Online Session: Monday, June 10 - Thursday, July 18.
This is an asynchronous class which allows you to learn on your own schedule within the course timeframe and assignment due dates.
Familiarity with computers and the Internet is required.
All course curriculum, including lecture materials, assignments and coursework evaluation will be delivered through Canvas and Instagram.
No Required Zooms
Contact Information
Paul Turounet
Please email using Canvas 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.
This includes 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.
Office Hours
With advance notice and by scheduling an appointment, I can be available for one-on-one Zoom meetings:
Mondays - Thursdays: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Alternative Days and Times Available - please email
Appointment (email to set-up) – paul.turounet@gcccd.edu
Canvas Information
All course information, including assignments, discussions and grades will be on Canvas, which can be accessed thru the Grossmont College Website and is also available for Apple iOS or Android/Google Play.
If you need any assistance, you can contact Canvas Support by phone at 1-844-600-4953, clicking on Canvas Help and/or Canvas Live Chat
Instagram Information
We'll be using Instagram to facilitate the submission and discussion of your photographic work completed for the Image-Making Assignments.
You will need to set-up either a public account or a private account specifically for this class.
For guidance and technical assistance to set-up an account, please go to Signing Up and Getting Started on Instagram
Links to an external site.
Please use this template to insure this is the account where all of your Image-Making assignment work will be uploaded to.
@last name_class number (use an underscore between name and class number)
Example: @turounet_phot150
Please do not use any other type of account name or handle.
Once you've set-up your account, please follow the Course Account, @a_phototeacher so that I can follow your account and see your photographic work made during the class.
Substantive Participation & Drop Policy
Online Participation Requirements
Instructors are obligated, at the beginning of the semester/academic session, to announce to their students their policy regarding online engagement and participation. It is the student’s responsibility to discuss anticipated circumstances with engaging and/or completing assigned coursework with the instructor. Extenuating circumstances will be discussed with you on how to best complete the assigned course 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
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.
Substantive and Active Participation with Curriculum
Course rosters are a State and Title 5 legal requirement, and as such, I'm required to maintain the official course roster with active-only students. Per this policy, all inactive students will be dropped from class rosters so that the College can provide accurate enrollment counts to the State.
An Active Student
An active student for an asynchronous class (100% online), such as this one, is a student who is doing the following:
- Logging-In to the Course Canvas on a regular basis
- and Participates in the course by Submitting to Discussions, Assignments and other Instructional/Curriculum Activities,
- and Actively Engages with the Instructor.
An Inactive Student
An inactive student for an asynchronous class (100% online) is a student that has not done the following:
- Not Logging-In to the Course Canvas on a regular basis
- and/or Does Not Participate in the course by Submitting to Discussions, Assignments and other Instructional/Curriculum Activities,
- and/or Does Not Actively Communicate and/or Follow-Up with the Instructor.
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 grade is:
Friday, June 14, 2024
The last day to drop a course with a grade is:
Thursday, July 8, 2024
Course Content & Assignments
During the course, you will be actively engaged in various curriculum activities, including the following:
Critical Issue Discussions and Responses
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 per paragraph) written responses will be required to be submitted. Assignments include:
How Have You Learned About Photography Thus Far? includes reflections on what may have been your "defining moment" and source of inspiration for you to learn more about photography, what your interests are and what are you hoping to learn in the class.
One Picture - Image Analysis and Interpretation includes an assessment of an image from its visual sensibilities along with your interpretation and evaluation.
Looking at a Photographer includes writing about a photographer that makes/made work that you are drawn to as a source of inspiration / influence as well as suggests possibilities for your own photographic/artistic practice, whether it be subject matter and/or conceptual ideas being explored and/or how those ideas are explored.
Quizzes
Quizzes will consist of multiple choice and short answer questions. The quizzes will be shorter in length, covering specific topics related to Canvas Modules. It is expected that you complete the required review of the material in the Canvas Module.
You will have 2 attempts to successfully complete the quiz with the highest score recorded. Quizzes include:
The Camera and The Lens includes technical considerations about photographic cameras and lenses.
Photography's Materials & Processes | Grayscale and Color includes considerations about the uses and approaches of grayscale and/or color.
Image-Making Assignments
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 write reflective discussion so as to initiate a dialog with me your thoughts and ideas about your photographic work. Image-Making Assignments may include:
The List includes photographing specific ideas and subject matter to explore the use of photography's aesthetic considerations and visual sensibilities.
Proof of Existence includes considering the use of a camera and photography as a visual diary of daily experience with the exploration and use of color photography approaches.
Grayscale and Looking At Things Differently includes the consideration, exploration and use of grayscale approaches.
The Photographic Scene includes making photographs that explore four genres of photography, including:
-
- Identity and the Photographic Portrait
- Meanings of Space and Place in the Photographic Landscape
- The Photograph as Document
- Arrangements - the Photographic Still Life
Points of View will explore the various visual perspectives and points of view with the camera to reveal narrative possibilities, including
-
- Multiple-Image Sequence
- Typology
An Intervention in Photography - Cyanotypes, Collage and/or Text will consider various conceptual considerations and historical/contemporary photographic approaches, including
-
- Cyanotypes
- Collage
- Use of Text with Photographs
Final Photographic Project/Photographic Portfolio
The Final Photographic Project/Photographic 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.
NOTE: Image-Making Assignments and the Final Project/Photographic Portfolio will be submitted on both Instagram (Images) and Canvas (Reflective Discussion about the Assignment).
The Curriculum Calendar and Assignment Dates, including Critical Responses, Quizzes and Image-Making Assignments will be facilitated through the Grossmont College Canvas platform.
Completion of Assignments & Late Work 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.
Assignment Grading & Evaluation
The evaluation of your photographic efforts will be based on your effort in understanding and demonstrating the conceptual, aesthetic and technical principles discussed throughout the Canvas Modules in the development of your ideas in relationship to your sense of photographic vision. While it will be important to develop and exercise proficient technical execution with your camera, 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 with each Assignment Rubric criteria based on your completion and demonstrated understanding with the curriculum assignments. If you have questions regarding your assignment grades, please email me to discuss.
Critical Issue Discussions and Responses Criteria
The Critical Issue Discussions and Responses will be evaluated based on the following:
- Original writing demonstrates attentiveness and depth of discussion to assignment prompt(s).
- Spelling and grammar usage.
Image-Making Assignment Criteria
The Image-Making Assignments and the Final Project/Photographic Portfolio will be evaluated based on the following Assignment Rubric Criteria:
- Understanding and execution of ideas and concepts presented in course module(s) and with assignment prompts, including timely review of assigned module(s) prior to submitting assignment.
- Development of your vision, conceptual engagement and approach of photographic approach with submitted photographs that address assignment prompts.
- Considered and purposeful use of photography's visual sensibilities and aesthetic considerations, including use of photographic frame, vantage point, moments of exposure, the use and nature of lighting circumstances as well as the use of grayscale and/or color.
- Written Reflective Statement demonstrates attentiveness and depth of discussion to assignment prompt(s), including a Reflective Self-Assessment of the Assignment and Student-to-Student Assignment Review and Discussion.
Assignment Ratings
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 an average of the points/percentage earned of the total points possible for each Rubric Criteria and Rating.
- 100% of points – Well-executed performance, effort and accomplishment in demonstrating and understanding of concepts and considerations presented in course module(s) and assignment prompts.
- 75% of points – Minimum requirements completed and/or additional attention beneficial with performance, effort and accomplishment in demonstrating and understanding of concepts and considerations presented in course module(s) and assignment prompts.
- 60% of points – Less-than minimum requirements completed and/or additional attention necessary with performance, effort and accomplishment in demonstrating and understanding of concepts and considerations presented in course module(s) and assignment prompts.
- 0% of points – Assignment not completed.
Assignment Feedback and Comments
Please review the Rubric for each Graded Assignment, including Criteria and Ratings.
Feedback will be provided in the Comments section on the Assignment SpeedGrader below the Rubric for your review.
To view Comments, you will need to click on Grades, locate the Assignment, and then click on Comments. Additional guidance on navigating Comments can be found in the Canvas Guides section in each Graded Assignment.
NOTE: It is recommended that you set your Notifications for Submission Comment and Grading for Daily or Immediately.
In consideration of the type of feedback and recommendations suggested, you may want to review the Module for future reference and/or email me through Canvas.
Graded Assignments will be evaluated within one to two days of the Due Date submission.
Course Grading
| Grade | Percentage Range |
|---|---|
| A | 100% - 93% |
| A- | 92% - 90% |
| B+ |
89% - 87% |
| B |
86% - 83% |
| B- |
82% - 80% |
| C+ | 79% - 77% |
| C | 76% - 70% |
| D | 69% - 60% |
| F | 59% - 0% |
Your final grade will be determined by a culmination of points earned based on your performance with the curriculum assignments.
NOTE: The Final Overall Percentage may be Rounded-Up to the next highest grade, including those Overall Percentages that are at 0.5 or higher.
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 satisfactory completion, 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.
Learning Challenges & Accommodations
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 in a timely manner. 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.
The Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) is located in Building 60, Room 120
Email: grossmont.arc@gcccd.edu
Eligibility
Please contact ARC at your earliest convenience so that they may determine your eligibility and provide any recommended guidance to your instructor to further support you.
Participation in the ARC Program is voluntary, and it will be necessary for you to provide formal verification of disability documentation to the College.
- Physical Disability
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Blind and Low Vision
- Learning Disability
- Acquired Brain Injury
- Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Intellectual Disability
- Autism Spectrum
- Mental Health Disability
- Other Disabilities & Temporary Health Conditions
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
Academic Integrity & Student Code of Conduct
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 Grossmont College Catalog). 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.
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).
Student Support
Student Support Programs and Resources
If there is any additional information and/or assistance that you may need while at Grossmont College, the Student Support Hub has been designed to provide quick access to support services.
Click on the Grossmont College Student Support Hub Icon or the Student Support Hub Link on the Navigation Menu.
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.
The Success Coaches are 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.
Video-Conferencing Best Practices
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.
Textbook & Reading Materials
ZTC - Zero Textbook Cost
This course does not require purchase of a textbook and may use free Open Educational Resources (OER) or free textbook alternatives.