Course Syllabus
Graciela Iturbide Mujer Ángel, Desierto de Sonora (Angel Woman, Sonoran Desert), 1979
PHOT 150 – Introduction to Photography
Grossmont College
Section 3602|Fall 2024
"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, with no class or Zoom Meetings
Office Hours Via Zoom: M/W 1:20 -2:20 am and by appt. Zoom Office Hours Link
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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: Vital Source Companion Website Link
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:
- Home is Where the Heart Is
- Scavenger Hunt
- Making the Familiar Strange
- Landscape/Urbanscape
- Desire, Representation, and Identity
- Night Photography
- Mirrors and Windows
- Narrative, Theme, or Social Issue
Important Dates: 8-Week Semester August 21 - October 14
The last day to drop with no “W” 9/1
The last day to apply for a refund 9/1
Census 9/3
Last day to apply for (P/NP, CR/NCR) 10/12
Last day to Drop Classes w/W
Final Exam Due 10/12
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.
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 with a 3.5 GPA after completing 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 Cindy Morrin for more information at cindy.morrin@gcccd.edu. Phi Beta Kappa Link.
If you are not registered to vote, please do so at California Register to Vote. Please consider 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
Success Coach - Success Coach Website
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 get in touch with your instructor to discuss this confidently and/or contact a Success Coach to help guide and connect you with the appropriate resources. Success Coach is located upstairs in the Tech Mall (Building 70), and additional information can be found at: Success Coach Website
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.