JRN 405/605
ADVANCED PHOTO SEMINAR
Thursdays 9:00-11:30 p.m., Bunnell #106
Professor: Charles Mason, Bunnell #101, 474-6217
Lab Manager: Jason Lazarus
Labs: Bunnell #127 and #128
Studio: Bunnell #129
COURSE PURPOSE:
This course is designed to provide the student who has completed other UAF
advanced photo courses with an opportunity to further work in and discuss
current issues in photojournalism, documentary photography, and art
photography. The emphasis on the course will be placed on classroom
discussions and critiques, some project work together, and a final portfolio,
of the student’s choosing, which will be worked on thoughout the semester
and will be due at the end of the course.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
We will meet weekly. Very early in the semester you will choose a final
project, from a technical and aesthetic area of your interest. This may be in
the form of a group project, an individual project, or some of both.
The seminar will provide a forum for discussing the on-going term projects
and seeing that work in progress. You are thus expected to have new work
to show on a weekly basis. You must pick a project that allows for this.
There will be a weekly accounting of your work. There will be also be some
weekly “mini” photo assignments, as topics come up.
According to class interest, there may also be meetings in the studio or field
to work on shooting techniques and in the darkrooms or digital labs for work
on technical skills. I also hope to bring in a few noted area photographers as
guests during the semester. We may even watch a photo related movie or
video on occasion.
Each student will be assigned a date on which to make a class presentation
on a photographer or photographic topic of your choosing.
On the last day of class, students will present final portfolios to the class and
then turn them in for grading. We will also mount an end of the semester
show of a part of this work, so be prepared to spend money on the materials
to do this.
GRADUATE STUDENTS:
For the JRN 605 students an additional in-depth project, paper, or
presentation will be due, as chosen in discussion with the professor.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
This is a SEMINAR class. In some ways, it can be thought of as eight
independent studies running simultaneously, with weekly meetings. We’ll
ponder issues in photography, look at books, videos, websites, etc. There
will be an informal atmosphere to this approach. But the class is WORK
DRIVEN and CLASSROOM DISCUSSION DRIVEN. If you don’t bring
in new work each week, then we won’t have much to discuss and you won’t
have the opportunity to improve in your photography.
RULES OF THE CLASS:
-Attendance at all classes is required. If you have to miss a class, an excused
absence is granted only for prior notice (for good reason), or for illness (and
I need to receive an email at latest the morning you miss the class letting me
know you are sick). We meet only 15 times this semester. Three unexcused
absences means you fail the class.
-No active cell phone usage in class—no talking, reading, or texting. Turn it
off. Join the unhooked generation!
READING:
As assigned/provided by the instructor
SUPPLY AND EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS:
You may use whatever equipment you choose, film or digital, and which is
most appropriate for your final project. You should be prepared to spend at
least as much as you did for any other photography courses, budgeting in
money for film, ink, paper, and matting, mounting and framing supplies.
You also need a portfolio box of case. (If you plan to print on ink jet
printers, you need to have taken the Ink Jet printing class or demonstrate
ability to do fine prints on ink jet printers.)
GRADING: (I will use the plus/minus grading system)
Participation in discussions, weekly showing of work in progress
Class Presentation
Final Portfolio
Total
35%
15%
50%
100%
IMPORTANT DATES:
January 17
First Class
January 31
Decisions on Final Projects due
March 14
Spring Break
May 2
Last Class- Final Projects Due, Hang Show
In addition, we’ll schedule each of you for a class presentation, and I’ll pass
out that schedule after it is finalized.
PLAGARISM/FABRICATION:
Evidence of plagiarism or fabrication in any assignment will result in a
minimum penalty of an F for the course. Further action, such as expulsion
from the department and additional academic penalties, may be taken.
Plagiarism is using other people’s words or ideas as your own. Fabrication
includes making up quotes, sources, or events. To protect yourself from false
accusations of plagiarism, keep all of your interview notes, research material
and rough drafts until you receive your grade for the semester.
GRADING:(I do use the plus/minus grading system)
Regular Mini Assignments
Final Series
Active Participation in Final Show
Attitude, Class Participation, etc.
Total
Grading will follow UAF guidelines:
25%
60%
15%
5%
100%
A
B=
C=
D=
F =
= An honor grade, indicates originality and independent work, a
thorough mastery of the subject, and the satisfactory completion
of more work than is regularly required.
Indicates outstanding ability above the average level of
performance.
Indicates a satisfactory or average level of performance.
The lowest passing grade, indicates work of below average
quality and performance.
Indicates failure to meet lowest standards.
DISABILITIES:
I will work with the UAF Office of Disabilities Services to provide
reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities. Their office can be
reached at 474-6555.