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Visual Arts - Unified Arts Department
Course Code: AWQ 3M1
Course Name: Grade 11 Photography
Level:
University/College Preparation
Instructor:
Ms. N. D’Alessandro
Period:
Room Number: 121
Course Overview:
The course emphasizes the development of the knowledge and skills required for the creation of digital photographs. This includes computer photoimaging/manipulation. Students will develop an appreciation of the history of photography through researching and analyzing a specific photographer and
their photographs. The Grade 11 Photography course is designed to introduce students to: parts and functions of a digital camera; good photo compositions;
picture taking techniques; the digital darkroom process and print development. Students will be challenged with hands-on exploration and skill development
activities using the latest edition of the Photoshop program. Progressing through the units, in sequence, the students build on previously acquired knowledge
and skills. A fundamental aspect of the course will be the focus on the creative process. This process gives students practical, hands-on skill development,
appropriate motivation, and the theoretical knowledge needed to communicate ideas, feelings and beliefs through the photo art work that they create. The
Process Journal/Sketchbook will be an important tool used in tracking and working through key ideas for final pieces of art. Further analysis will be done
through individual and group critiques. The course has been designed to integrate and accommodate the concepts and experience the student has acquired in
the Grade 9 or/and 10 Visual Arts courses. *Students are required to have access to their own digital camera (w/ USB connector/cord) for this course
on a daily basis.
By the end of the course, students will:
Specific
Strands of Study and Expectations include:
Theory:
-
use appropriate vocabulary to discuss photo art work in a variety of contexts
describe how various concepts (e.g., elements, principles) and techniques and procedures are used in their photo art
works and the works of others
describe photo art work in terms of their historical foundations
describe legal, safety, and interpersonal practices related to photo art work production
Creation:
- use photography concepts in their own work
- use both traditional and emerging technologies and procedures to create photo art works
- apply the stages of the creative process (e.g. research, exploring, experimenting, executing, evaluating) to create art
work
- use concepts and procedures that the medium of digital photography shares with other art forms when creating photo
art works
Analysis:
- evaluate the aesthetic components of their own and other’s photo art work, demonstrating an understanding of the
process of critical analysis
- analyze the impact of digital photography on themselves and their community
- analyze the function of digital photography in society
- describe careers related to their interests in digital photography
Efforts will be made to meet the individual learning needs of students in order to
ensure that these expectations are being met.
Resources:
Course
Breakdown
.
Unit 1: -Introduction to the Digital Camera
-Introduction to Photoshop
-Review of the Elements and Principles of Design
-Personality
Trait Montage
Unit by
unit breakdown
Unit 2: -Elements & Principles of Design in the Environment
-Photoshop Adjustments/Corrections and Manipulation
-Scanning and Beyond
Unit 3: -Diptychs
Unit 4: -Literature As Inspiration
-Historical Photographer Photo Analysis
Unit 5: -Random with Special Effects
Unit 6: -Culminating Task: Environment Reflects Self
This unit is the Culminating Task and must be completed within
class hours. Because of the nature of culminating tasks, late work
will not be accepted.
Culminating Task: Dec. 14 to Jan. 18
Attendance is critical during this process. If a student were too ill to come to
school, a medical note would enable us to provide accommodations.
The course will use a variety of resources
including video, CD-ROM, Internet Applications
and a variety of print sources. The textbook
Photography in Focus will be distributed to
students during the first week of the course. The
text and all other resources assigned to students
are the responsibility of the student. Any
damage incurred will result in payment for
replacement. Replacement cost is $70.00.
Evaluation Structure::
Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Communication
Application
20%
20%
20%
40%
The above is reflected both in the term work (worth
70% of the final mark) and the Culminating Task
(20%) & Final Exam (10%)
Evaluation Policy
Students will be assessed & evaluated according to the work produced & skills displayed. Methods of providing
feedback will include assessing work in process & evaluating completed assignments, tests, co-operative learning
activities, simulations and presentations. Peer & self-evaluations will also be utilized.
Student marks will be determined by evaluating process & product according to 4 categories & 4 levels. Please see the
chart below for specific skills and key words used to determine student competency in the different categories.
Level
Category
Knowledge/Understanding

Knowledge of facts & terms
Understanding of concepts & relationships

Thinking/Inquiry


Critical thinking skills
Creative thinking skills
Inquiry Skills

Communication


Communication of ideas and information
Use of symbols & visuals
Oral & written communication

Level 1:
50-59%
Level 2:
60-69%
Level 3:
70-79%
Level 4:
80-100%
-Limited
display of
knowledge,
skills and
ability to
apply
concepts
-Some
success in
displaying
knowledge,
skills and
application
of concepts
-Considerable
display of
knowledge
skills and
ability to apply
concepts
-Thorough
understanding
of concepts and
ability to
communicate,
think creatively
and apply
concepts
Application




Applications in familiar contexts
Transfer of concepts to new contexts
Making logical conclusions and predictions
Use of technology
Making connections

Feedback will also be provided for student learning skills. Skills like working independently, collaboration, organization,
responsibility, self-regulation and initiative are assessed independently. Student achievement and will be conducted through the use
of a rubric indicating specific criteria to be achieved to receive each of the following letter grades:
E –Excellent
Other Evaluation Issues




G – Good
S – Satisfactory
N - Needs Improvement
LATE ASSIGNMENTS. Assignments are submitted on the Primary Due Date established by the teacher. Assignments
submitted within the 3-day Penalty Zone are penalized with a 10% deduction. This is the maximum time allowed for
submissions. The third day after the assignment is due is considered the Closure Date upon which no further assignments will
be accepted and a zero 0 maybe applied. Repeated lateness in submissions indicates poor organization skills and will result in
parental contact and will be reflected in the learning skills section of the report card.
INCOMPLETE ASSSIGNMENTS Assignments will be graded according to the extent with which they meet the criteria
established in the rubric or evaluation structure.
MISSED TESTS Tests missed with a legitimate reason will be written within a few days of the student returning from the
absence. Student eligibility to write the test and the date of writing will be at the discretion of the teacher in consultation with
the department head.
CULMINATING ACTIVITIES These activities will be due toward the end of the course. They are valued at 20 % of the final
mark and will reflect course material and competencies not otherwise reflected on the final written exam (10%).