Course Syllabus

In addition to the days and times below, I can be available for one-on-one Zoom meetings:

Tuesdays and Thursdays: 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm and after Lab Practice

Alternative Days and Times Available - please email

Appointment (email to set-up) – 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.

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

Canvas Help     Canvas Live Chat

© Adam Bartos  (Links to an external, Darkroom, Manhattan, N.Y., 14 years, May 2008

Students are expected to demonstrate active and engaged learning with the curriculum and assignments while attending each class session and on-class laboratory practice.

Students must be present during the entire class as well as being actively engaged and participating with the Daily On-Campus Laboratory Practice in order to receive credit.

The Daily On-Campus Laboratory Practice includes in-class shooting and technical assignments, critical issues discussions and/or responses as well as daily photographic lab practice (analog/darkroom and/or digital) with the curriculum during the entire class session.

Engagement, participation and completion of the Assignments are evaluated for each day of Daily On-Campus Laboratory Practice, with 100% of the evaluation points earned for each lab session of participation.

If you arrive considerably late and/or leave early at any time during the class, you will not receive full credit for participation.

NOTE: Students may come-in during the Instructors' Office Hours to work on assignments and lab work. However, this additional lab practice time does not make-up for absences.

Attendance Requirements

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 as well as attending each class session and On-Campus Laboratory Practice class meeting.

Hybrid (Online + 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 6 hours per week On-Campus for 8-weeks) and Face-to-Face (scheduled to meet 6 hours per week On-Campus for 16 weeks) courses, Lab Participation is Required, and the third unexcused absence could result in your being dropped from the class.

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 Hybrid class (Lecture = Online + Lab = In-Person), such as this one, is a student who is doing the following:

• Logging-In to the Course Canvas on a regular basis and Completing Reviews of Assigned Modules in Advance of Image-Making Assignments,
• and Participates in the course by Submitting to Discussions, Assignments and other Instructional/Curriculum Activities,
• and Attends and Participate in Lab Practice Activities during Weekly Assigned Lab Days and Times - Don't miss any Laboratory Practice classes, particularly as this is an 8-Week class.
• and Actively Engages with the Instructor.

An Inactive Student 

A inactive student for a Hybrid class (Lecture = Online + Lab = In-Person) 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 Is Not Attending Weekly Assigned Lab Days and Times
• 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 “W” appearing on your record is:

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

The last day to drop a course and receive a “W” on your record is:

Friday, May 10, 2024

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:

What Have You Learned About Photography and the Visual Arts 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 Series of Images - Series Analysis and Interpretation includes an assessment of a photographic series by one photographer, including the visual sensibilities and photographer's approach along with your interpretation and evaluation.

Conversations on Being a Photographer - Developing a Dialogue on Process and Practice is an ongoing dialogue about Process (how do we develop our ideas and sustain our interests) and Practice (how do we do approach making work that reveals our conceptual ideas and intentions). The Discussion Assignments consider and discuss what may be involved for each of you individually to create a sustained body of work, and how this series of photographic work will evolve during the semester.

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 will include:

In Sight: Developing a Photographic Portfolio is a Weekly Submission of In-Progress Work that includes Conceptual Development and Visual Exploration in Developing a Cohesive Series of Work as Demonstrated by Contact Sheets, Purposeful Use of Aesthetic Considerations, and Preliminary Prints in preparation of completing and submitting a cohesive portfolio of photographic work.

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 in Lab Practice and all Critical Responses for Discussions will be submitted on Canvas.

The Curriculum Calendar and Assignment Dates, including Critical Responses, Quizzes and Image-Making Assignments will be facilitated through the Grossmont College Canvas platform.

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.

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.
• Technical Execution of photographic prints and/or works.

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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.