Course Syllabus

 

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

 

 

 

 

Approximate Curriculum and Module Review Times

Module	Minimum Review Time
Syllabus	34 Minute Read
Introduction & Orientation	44 Minute Read
Module 1 | Beyond the Surface	46 Minute Read
Module 2 | Why People Photograph	30 Minute Read
Module 3 | Looking At It Differently - Grayscale	46 Minute Read
Module 4 | The Camera and The Lens	52 Minute Read
Module 5 | The Photographic Scene	45 Minute Read
Module 6 | Pushing the Boundaries of Grayscale	46 Minute Read
Module 7 | Looking at a Photographer	28 Minute Read
Module 8 | The Photographic Portfolio	29 Minute Read

 

   Minimum Total Review Time = approximately 7 hours*

(* if each Module Page is reviewed once)

 

   Recommended Total Review Time = approximately a minimum of 14+ hours**

(** beneficial and recommended to review Module Pages more than once to fully understand concepts and assignment prompts)

 

It has been my experience that students who are spending time reviewing the material on Canvas have generally earned higher overall course grades.

 

 

 

 

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.

 

The lecture and reading materials on Canvas provide the necessary information to learn the course content to successfully complete the course objectives and student learning outcomes.

 

 

© Adam Bartos  (Links to an external site.), Darkroom, Manhattan, N.Y., 32 years, 2007

 

On-Campus Lecture and Laboratory Practice

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:00 pm - 4:10 pm.

 

As this is a 16-week course, Lecture and Lab Attendance and Participation is essential in order to complete assignments. With this in mind, it is highly recommended not to miss any of the Required Lecture and Lab Practice meetings on-campus.

 

NOTE: A third unexcused absence from the On-Campus Lecture and Lab Practice could result in you being dropped from the class.

 

Regular and Substantive Attendance/Participation 

 

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, regular and substantive attendance and participation is crucial to your success in this course. Additionally, federal regulation mandates that federal financial aid funds (Title IV) may only be disbursed to students who are actually enrolled and engaged in coursework. Ceasing to participate in a course can have serious consequences that can affect your financial aid, veterans’ benefits, or international student status. Please feel free to reach out to me and/or your counselor to discuss your particular situation. 

 

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 In-Person / On-Campus class (Lecture + Lab = In-Person) is a student who is doing the following:

• Logging-In to the Course Canvas on a regular basis to Review Materials in Advance of Assignments
• Participates in the Course by Submitting to Discussions, Assignments and other Instructional/Curriculum Activities On-Time as Assigned
• Attends Class On-Time and Participates in Lecture and Lab Practice Activities during Weekly Assigned Course Days and Times - Don't miss any classes and don't be late and/or leave early,
• Actively Engages with the Instructor and Fellow Class Students.

 

An Inactive Student 

A inactive student for an In-Person / On-Campus class (Lecture + Lab = In-Person) is a student that has not done the following:

• Participate in the Course by Submitting to Discussions, Assignments and other Instructional/Curriculum Activities On-Time as Assigned
• Attends Class On-Time and Participates in Lecture and Lab Practice Activities during Weekly Assigned Course Days and Times
• Arrives to Class Late and/or Leaves Early
• Actively Engages with the Instructor and Fellow Class Students.

 

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:

Monday, February 17, 2025

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

Saturday, May 3, 2025

 

 

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:

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 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.

 

Assignment Grade are earned and 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, you're encouraged to please contact me at the time of the assignment and not wait until the end of the course to inquire.

 

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.

 

 

Your Final Overall Course Grade is earned as determined by a culmination of your performance with all of the curriculum assignments.

 

Extra Credit in lieu of any Missing/Incomplete Assignments or to Improve your Overall Grade is Not Available.

 

Course Final Grade Rubric

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%

 

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 so that you may earn an improved grade.

 

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.

 

 

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 the 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

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 is required to follow Federal, State, Local and College Policies with regards to 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 is 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 insure 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.

 

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 insure a thoughtful and productive learning environment without disruption, please set smart phone | watch settings so notifications received are discrete, including setting the phone | watch on a vibrate setting.

 

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 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.

 

 

Personal Health

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms where you are not feeling well, please email me as well as instructors in your other courses at your earliest convenience.

NOTE: Please Do Not Come to Campus if you are Not Feeling Well.

Please contact your doctor and the Grossmont College Health & Wellness Office via email: Health@gcccd.edu for further instructions.

 

 

 

 

Photography Program Classrooms and Lab Spaces

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Computer Use and Best Practices

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.

 

NOTE: The charging of personal electronic devices, including smartphones and tablets is not permitted.

NOTE: If you would like to use your personal laptop computer for coursework in Lab Practice and/or need to charge your camera battery, please check with your Instructor and/or the Photography Lab Technician.

 

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 thumbdrives.

 

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On-Campus Wireless Network

 

The Grossmont Wireless Network has several access points around campus that will allow students, faculty and staff to log in to it using the standard GCCCD credentials.

 

• Network Name (SSID): Grossmont Wireless

Access the wireless by logging in with your campus username and password (the same that you use to access your campus email).

• Username:  first.last or first.last#####   
  (some IDs have 5 numbers added to the last name)
• Password: your email password 

 

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Login Directions for Digital Photography Computers

 

In order to work in the Digital Labs in the Photography Program, all students will be required to login and log-off to the computer and software with a Grossmont College Email Account and Password/PIN.

 

 

 

 

All registered Grossmont College students are provided with a College email address for each semester they are enrolled in a credit course at Grossmont. 

 

• • Grossmont College Email Address is as follows: firstname.lastname@students.gcccd.edu
  • Password/PIN is: 6-Digit Birthdate (Month/Date/Year - last two digits), for example: 081621

 

Additional information can be found at STUDENT EMAIL ACCOUNTS, and Password information can be found at GCCCD Passwords.

 

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Login Directions for Adobe Photoshop

 

 

Using your Grossmont Student Email Address, Login to Adobe Photoshop

 

 

Complete Login thru Microsoft by Re-Entering Student Email Address and Password

 

Saving Digital Photography Files

 

 OneDrive

Click on Icon in Menu on Course Home Page

 

Digital photography files can be Saved as follows:

• • Saved on Student Microsoft OneDrive Account provided by College (Recommended)
  • External Hard Drive / Flash Drive (Recommended)
•  
•  
•  
  • Saved to Adobe Photoshop Account (File Save to Adobe)
  • Saved on Personal Google Drive Account

 

NOTE: Please Do Not Save Files to Desktop as these will Deleted and Removed once the Computer is Turned Off.

 

Log Off Photoshop and Computer

NOTE: At the end of each class, you are required to sign-out with Adobe and then turn the computer off at the end of each class, you are required… 

1. Sign-out of Adobe (Click on HELP in Adobe Photoshop Menu)
   
2. Log-off the Computer System

 

 

 

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. Student must present identification at time of check-out. All check-out sheets must have both student and staff signature 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 Second Day of Class Each Week from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm.

Equipment for off-campus check out is due as follows:

• following Monday if course meets on Mondays & Wednesdays or only on Fridays
• following Tuesday if 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 before the 2nd week and after the 7th 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. 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 252 – Photographer’s Portfolio

 

The check-out contract is completed by the student’s instructor. For an 8-Week Hybrid Course, equipment is available and permitted to be checked-out from Weeks 2 – 7 of course instruction. During the check-out period, the students 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 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 course schedule) of the 7th or 15th week of instruction, depending on length of course.
  

 

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 of these procedures and policies when checking-out Grossmont College Photography equipment.