Photography I

Course Description

This course serves as an introduction to black and white analog photography. The course will offer students an overview of analog photography focused on: Manual camera operations, black-and-white film development and darkroom printing. Equipment and basic techniques of photography. Students must purchase film and papers. 35 MM camera required. Prerequisite: ART 140, or permission of instructor.

Syllabus

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

  • Thoughtfully observe and photograph the world around them with a heightened sensitivity to framing, composition, and lighting
  • Attain proficiency in operating an analog camera, including fully manual operation of aperture, shutter, ISO, and exposure
  • Attain proficiency in developing film, making contact prints, and enlarging silver gelatin prints
  • Acquire a basic level of command over dodging and burning in the darkroom
  • Acquire a basic level of understanding of scanning film negatives
  • Engage in formal and conceptual analysis of photographic images

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure Percentage/Points
Project #115%
Project #215%
Project #315%
Project #420%
Attendance15%
Technical quiz10%
Final10%

Grading Scale:

Percentage Letter Grade
100-94 pointsA
93-90 pointsA-
89-87 pointsB+
86-83 pointsB
82-80 pointsB-
79-77 pointsC+
76-73 pointsC
72-70 pointsC-
69-67 pointsD+
66-63 pointsD
62-60 pointsD-
0-59 pointsF

Attendance/Participation:

Class attendance is mandatory. Failure to attend critiques will result in a lower assignment grade. You are allowed two no-questions-asked absences per semester with no penalty, but you are still expected to fulfill the requirements of class that day-be it working for an allotted three hours or getting lecture notes from a classmate.

Any further unexcused absence will result in a lower attendance grade. If you are going to be late, email me. If you have to miss class for a legitimate reason, just email me; I’m lenient as long as we communicate.

If you miss 4 or more classes, excused or not, your grade will still be lowered. Please also plan to be punctual; regular tardiness will result in grade penalties.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

  • 35mm film camera (cameras to borrow for the semester are available in limited supply)
  • Photographic paper
  • 35mm black-and-white roll film
  • Negative sleeves
  • Sheet protectors
  • Archival film binder

Scholarly Perspectives

This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.