Photography As Art I - Course Syllabus
Instructor: Ms. Little
e-mail: Allison.Little@Matsuk12.us
Prerequisite: None
Grade: 10-12 Credit: 0.5
In this introductory course students will explore various aspects of photography, its history, a survey of
prominent practitioners, methods of critique, elements of design, and technical skills involved in
producing, preserving, and presenting works of art. Students will assemble a professional portfolio in a
digital format, and will complete individual projects that include written, visual, and oral components.
Materials & Expenses
Three ring binder specifically for this class
Pen/pencil
Digital camera
Owner’s manual, or CD manual for your model of camera
USB cable for your camera used to upload photos, or universal card reader
A digital camera that allows you to manipulate aperture and shutter speed is preferred. (Look for a M,
Tv, P, AV settings on your camera) A 35mm digital Single Lens Reflex camera is ideal (but expensive!)
Each student MUST have their own camera, and bring it to class on a daily basis.
If you are going to buy a camera, please let me know and I will help you as much as possible with
choosing the camera and price.
A camera on a cell phone is not acceptable.
Cell phones/electronics are only allowed with permission during instructional
time.
Classroom Participation
Each student is required to participate daily in class discussions, lectures and critiques. Notes should be
taken in your notebook. A great deal of information will be presented during the next several weeks. It is
the responsibility of the student to obtain copies of the lecture notes, and to catch up before the end of
the week when a class is missed. Excessive absences will result in the failure of the course as you will
not be able to complete daily assignments and quizzes if you are not in class. Makeup for a quiz must
take place during Advisory within a week of the absence. Photo assignments are due by the end of class
on the due date. Please let me know if you are having difficulties, I will work with you.
There is quite a bit of time spent outside of the classroom working with your camera. You are expected
to be on task, and school rules apply. Failure to comply will result in a loss of your photo pass, and a
valuable opportunity to complete assignments.
Critiques
You will be expected to participate in class by being in class, being vocal during discussions and being
active in presenting work and criticizing work. It is expected that everyone talk at least once about each
person’s work during critiques or what ever subject matter is being presented. A strong discussion is
comprised of varied viewpoints and tolerance for each other’s opinions. A useful critique will investigate
both the strengths and weaknesses of an individual’s work. Again, you will be evaluated on the quality of
your participation.
Critiquing means that we talk about both the successes and failures in work. We will always attempt to
constructively criticize work; however, you should try not to take anyone’s comments personally.
Critiquing in class is about trying to help you become a more successful photographer, not a better
person!
Lack of participation can often mean the difference between an A and B student.
Grades
This is a basic photography course. This can be an “A” for you if you come to class, participate and take
notes in lecture and critiques, turn in assignments as instructed and on the due date, participate in tests
and quizzes and try your best. Photography is fun, but you will be expected to earn your grade by
completing the class requirements. I grade according to individual effort and how well the assignment
requirements have been fulfilled. You may have two late assignments, after that, they will be docked a
letter grade a day they are late.
Photo Portfolio 50%
Tests 20%
Bell Assignments and written work 10%
Class Conduct 10%
Final Exam 10%
If you have concerns or questions about your grades, please email or visit with me outside of class.
What you can expect from me
My goal is to help guide you through your discovery of the photographic process and to help you to
establish a firm grasp on that technique. I will be here for you to bounce your ideas off of, to lead
critiques and to promote a high level of conversation regarding class work. However, I don’t presume to
have all the answers you will need. I am a touchstone, someone to help guide you to the next step,
someone who is enthusiastic in her own work and terrifically enthusiastic about photography and art.
Don’t try to please me, try to please yourself. If you follow your own fascination, your enthusiasm for
your subject will be infectious. As your teacher, I will be looking to see how you push yourself to look at
the world in creative ways. I am here to challenge you, and in that regard I am honest and hard, but
ultimately, I want the best for all my students and will try to provide individual as well as group guidance.
Obviously, one course cannot be all things to all people, so you might have some disgruntlement or
some concerns with the process. Please remember that I am always happy to deal with issues that
might come up for you - send emails, talk to me between classes - ask questions and be vocal - you will
make yourself visible and you will learn much more.
Upon completion of this course you will be able to:
- Identify inventors, scientists, and artists who have impacted the history of photography.
- Contemplate the future of digital photography.
- Recognize digital photography terminology in relationship to the basic functions of digital
cameras.
- Understand image size and compression in relationship to image quality.
- Develop a relationship with your camera and its functions.
- Create motion photography using a variety of techniques.
- Determine the effects of directional lighting and shadow during different times of day in
relationship to camera settings.
- Demonstrate creative exploration of outdoor photography.
- Practice and demonstrate an understanding of effective pictorial composition.
- Define and illustrate the following photo composition elements: balance, contrast, emphasis,
and texture.
- Identify elements that create a mood in photos.
- Edit and improve photos using software.
- Explore creative changes to photos using software effects.
- Combine photos to create a montage.
- Define and illustrate a variety of special devices including: leading lines, framing, overlapping,
shadows, and horizontal line placement.
- Photograph candid and posed subjects.
- Compose photographic essays or stories with a series of photographs.
- Use editing software to create a variety of panoramic photographs.
- Apply the concepts and vocabulary from the course to analyze and critique photographs.
Feel free to contact me with questions and concerns.
Peace,
Allison Little
Wasilla High Art Teacher
352-8228
Allison.Little@matsuk12.us
Please have signed for your first professionalism grade.
Parent Signature: _______________________
Student Signature:_______________________