General Information

• Course Title: ART/JRNL2153 Introduction to Photography
• Course Description: Open to all students, the course introduces the fundamentals of photography, both in functional and critical perspectives. Students learn to produce unique and technically proficient photographs through the proper use of exposure, focus, lighting, and compositional techniques. Image manipulation through the use of professional software is also addressed. Students develop a critical vocabulary and perspective to judge various types of photographs. Significant out-of-class time is required to complete photographic assignments.
• Prerequisites: None.
• Location: Slider Humanities and Fine Arts Building, Room 201
• Days and Time: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 11:30 – 1:20 a.m.

Course Professor

• Professor: David Goguen, Associate Professor, Journalism
• Office: Slider Humanities and Fine Arts Building, Room 303
• Office Hours: (Conferences also available by appointment)
• Address: Slider Humanities and Fine Arts Building, Room 303, Lindsey Wilson College, Columbia, KY 42728
• Telephone: (270) 384-8241
• Course Web Site: http://comartsmatrix.com/2153/
• Course Management System: http://angel/home.asp
• E-mail: goguend@lindsey.edu

Semester Office Hours

Course Textbook

• Barrett, Terry. Criticizing Photographs: An Introduction to
  Understanding Images, 4 ed. Boston: McGraw-Hill Higher Education, Inc. 2006.

Required Materials

• Digital Camera (must be approved by the professor)
• USB Flash Drive (at least 1 Gigabyte storage or larger is recommended)
• Personal Google Account (free)
• Google Picasa Photo-Editing Software (download)

Course Outcomes

Students who successfully complete ART/JRNL2153 Introduction to Photography should be able to:

• Know the basic history of photography and photojournalism;
• Understand the basic features and operation of a digital camera;
• Produce unique and technically proficient photographs through the proper use of exposure, focus, lighting, and composition;
• Demonstrate basic competence with hardware and software used for image capture and manipulation;
• Develop a vocabulary and critical perspective to judge various types of photographs;
• Understand the fundamentals of visual reporting and write effective captions;
• Know the basic laws and ethical considerations that govern professional photographers;
• Work effectively in a collaborative environment; and,
• Display professional attitudes and work habits.

Methodology

In ART/JRNL2153, we will engage in a wide variety of photographic assignments in both artistic and media genres. In the artistic genre, we will consider various forms of creative expression and what determines aesthetic quality. In the area of photojournalism, we will explore spot news photography, photographic stories, documentary photography, and photographic illustration. The close study of professional work is critical for beginning photographers, and for this reason, we will supplement photographic assignments with various critiques and discussions of published work.

My philosophy as a faculty member is that I am more of a “facilitator of learning” than a teacher in the traditional sense. My approach to course design, delivery, and management is usually centered on what is called Constructivist Learning Theory. This means that I believe in experiential, inductive learning, where theoretical knowledge is paired with hands-on opportunities (learning by doing). Within this framework, I expect you to take an active role in your educational experience, whether it involves individual or collaborative learning.

Assignments for the course may be organized into all or some of the following categories:

• Photographic and Writing Projects
• Weblogs
• Seminars and Discussions
• Case Studies
• Role Playing
• Online Discussion Forums
• Exercises
• Study Guides
• Tutorials
• Wikis
• Exams and Quizzes

General Course Policies

Students should be familiar with academic policies outlined in the College Catalog. These are the standard policies throughout the institution.

• General Conduct. Professional conduct is expected at all times. Students should respect the rights of other classmates. Racist, sexist, or any other type of discriminatory language or behavior will not be tolerated.
• Prohibited Activities. Time designated for class is for official business. Engaging in personal activities during class time can be distracting for both the professor and fellow students. As a result, the following activities are prohibited:

• Academic Integrity and Plagiarism. Plagiarism is grounds for failure on an assignment or failure of the course. Plagiarism is defined here as the intentional theft or purchase of another person’s work or ideas for personal gain. Instances of plagiarism or any form of academic fraud will be reported immediately to the Academic Affairs Office. A complete copy of the Lindsey Wilson College Academic Integrity and Plagiarism Policy is attached to the printed version of this syllabus.
• Course Withdrawal. A copy of the Lindsey Wilson College Withdrawal Policy is attached to the printed copy of this syllabus.
• Course Extensions. Course extensions will be granted only under the most extreme circumstances and are subject to verification.
• Course Concerns. Concerns about the course or other classmates should be presented immediately in writing (via Memorandum Form) to the professor.

Special Needs and Assistance

• Learning and Other Disabilities. Students with disabilities should consult with the professor within the first two weeks of the semester about any instructional needs or special assistance needed to successfully complete the course. A complete Lindsey Wilson College Statement on Learning and Physical Disabilities is attached to the printed version of this syllabus.
• Academic Assistance. Students who need assistance with writing, math, or learning skills are encouraged to seek help at the Academic Success Center and/or Writing Center. Complete information on the Lindsey Wilson College Academic Success, Writing, and Mathematics Centers is attached to the printed version of this syllabus.

Final Exams

• Final exams are scheduled for December 7-11 for the Fall 2009 semester. The academic calendar, which contains the schedule for finals, is in the College Catalog and course schedule listing. Please make any necessary flight arrangements to occur after the final exam week. Students will not be permitted to take early finals unless extenuating circumstances exist. Extenuating circumstances include illness, a verified family emergency, or participation in officially sponsored travel in support of an event arranged by the College. Students should not plan on traveling before the conclusion of final exams and until the semester is officially over. All requests to take a final exam early must be made in person to the Academic Affairs Office.

Disclaimers

• Online Course Resources. Online resources developed for this course cannot be guaranteed. Although frequent attempts will be made to keep online information posted and current, problems can still occur. Please report any problems immediately to the professor.
• Syllabus Changes. The professor reserves the right to change this syllabus.

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance is expected, unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor. Poor attendance and lack of participation can result in loss of credit for an assignment and the course.

Excused and Unexcused Absences. Students are allowed three excused absences per semester for a course that meets three times a week and two excused absences for a course that meets twice a week.

There are four categories of excused absences:

• College-sponsored activities
• Personal illness
• Family or personal emergencies
• Severe weather

To qualify for an excused absence, students must meet the criteria listed below:

• The excuse must fit into one of the categories of excused absences listed above; and,
• The student must complete and submit the Memorandum Form on the professor’s web site within 24 hours before or after the absence. Telephone calls, conversations, printed notes, etc., will not be accepted.
• Failure to submit or properly fill out the Memorandum Form may result in an unexcused absence and a loss of points from your final grade.

Penalties for Poor Attendance. Each unexcused absence and/or excused absence in excess of the amount allowed above will result in a loss of two points from your final grade.

Tardiness. Although coming late to class is sometimes unavoidable, students should make an effort to arrive on time and prepare for scheduled activities. Coming late to class is a distraction for both the professor and classmates. The following rules regarding tardiness apply:

• Three instances of tardiness count as one absence.
• The student must complete and submit the Memorandum Form on the professor’s web site within 24 hours before (if anticipated) or after the tardiness. Telephone calls, conversations, printed notes, etc., will not be accepted.

Missing Work Assignments. Students are responsible for consulting with classmates about work missed because of absence or tardiness.

Missing an exam. Missing an exam with no penalty requires that a student follow the above procedures for an excused absence, in addition to providing written documentation stating that the absence unequivocally could not be avoided. When missing an exam, all written excuses will be verified.

• Students who fail to secure an excused absence for missing an exam will incur a penalty of 10 percent off the grade earned on the make-up test.
• Students who miss a second exam and do not have an excused absence will not be allowed to take a make-up test and will receive no points for the exam.
• Students who miss an exam must make up the test at 2:30 to 4 p.m. on Friday of the same week the test was administered. This will be the only time a make-up exam will be offered.

Attendance Policy Exceptions. Exceptions to the attendance policy may be made for extreme circumstances, student athletes, and those participating in other college-sponsored events. Arrangements should be made to prevent loss of credit.

Excuse Verification. The professor reserves the right to verify any excuse regarding absences or tardiness.

Assignments and Evaluation

Evaluation for the course is based on a point system. A total of 500 points are possible. Information on assignments, specific point values, and the course grading scale is found below.

Assignments are due at the beginning of each class period or, if required, within a specific time designated for a web discussion forum or blog. For more information on course topics and assignment due dates see the Course Schedule.

All work should be computer processed. Always keep printed copies of work (this includes notes, outlines, drafts, etc.). Save all work on a computer storage device and keep backups.

Late assignments are subject to a penalty of one letter grade per day, unless special arrangements have been made with the instructor. Assignments more than two days late will not be accepted.

Assignments and Values

Course Exams. Two exams are scheduled for the semester. These require you to demonstrate specific knowledge on topics and terminology covered in the course. You are responsible for preparing for exams and, of course, following directions. The Final Exam is not comprehensive. Each exam is worth 50 points or 10 percent (20 percent total) of your final grade

Photographic Portfolio Project. ART/JRNL2153 Introduction to Photography requires you to compile a portfolio for evaluation. I will provide detailed instructions on what to include and how to assemble your portfolio. Evaluation is based on your creative approach, demonstration of skill, and the depth of critical thinking used to complete the various assignments. The advantage of a portfolio is that you are able to select your best work over a period of time. It also provides and opportunity for you to reshoot assignments (if necessary) and experiment without being penalized with a grade.

Study Groups. Research shows that participation in a study group can increase your chances for academic success. At the beginning of the semester, I will assign you to a study group. Your responsibilities as a study group are as follows:

• Meet at least for 30-60 minutes once every two weeks;
• Compare and contrast course notes;
• Discuss course subject matter;
• Seek help (if needed) from peers regarding course subject matter;
• Prepare for exams and/or projects; and,
• Meet as a group with the professor (if needed).

Course Grading Scale

• “A” Range
  • Percentage: 93-100%
  • Point Range: 465-500 points
• “A-” Range
  • Percentage: 90-92%
  • Point Range: 450-464 points
• “B+” Range
  • Percentage: 87-89%
  • Point Range: 435-449 points
• “B” Range
  • Percentage: 83-86%
  • Point Range: 415-434 points
• “B-” Range
  • Percentage: 80-82%
  • Point Range: 400-414 points
• “C+” Range
  • Percentage: 77-79%
  • Point Range: 385-399 points
• “C” Range
  • Percentage: 70-76%
  • Point Range: 350-384 points
• “D” Range
  • Percentage: 60-69%
  • Point Range: 300-349 points
• “F” Range
  • Percentage: 0-59%
  • Point Range: 0-299 points

Course Contract

Please read the following course contract. You should be able to answer “yes” to each statement listed below. If you have any questions regarding this agreement, please contact the instructor in writing (via Memorandum Form) within two weeks of receiving this document.

• I have received and read the course syllabus in its entirety.
• I fully understand the contents of the course syllabus and have asked any questions relevant to this document.
• I understand all course policies and what is expected of me throughout the semester.
• I have read the course evaluation policy and have a full understanding of how I will be graded.
• I understand the course attendance policy and know the consequences of missing class.
• I am aware that all correspondence with the instructor will be sent via e-mail (Memorandum Form) for archive purposes.
• I understand that electronic correspondence (e-mail, etc.) is subject to illegal invasion of privacy. If such an incident occurs, I do not hold the professor and/or the College liable in any circumstances.
• I understand that the professor has the right to change this syllabus at any time if necessary.