Digital Photography
Academic Plan/Course Syllabus
Instructor: Eric Faulkner
Franklin High School, Career/Technical Education
COURSE OVERVIEW:
This course is designed to explore digital photography as a method of creative visual communication.
Course content covers basic camera operation and principles of photography such as photo composition,
the basics of camera operation, depth of field, different types of photography (i.e. action, landscape,
portrait), time exposure, etc. The course will also serve as an introduction to a variety of computer
applications for photo editing, presentation and publication. This course will assist those students seeking
a career in any of the graphic arts and communication fields.
**This course is cross-credited with art, but can only be taken for an art credit IF the student has already
had an art course. Completion of a CBPA is required to receive art credit.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this semester-long course, students will be able to:
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Understand the history of photography
Show an appreciation for photography as a communications and art form
Take and critique photos in a variety of styles (portrait, landscape, action, etc)
Utilize rules of photo composition
Effectively organize and store images on computers and the web
Know how to adjust settings and manually operate a digital camera
Edit photos with Adobe Photoshop
Use photos in a variety of presentations and/or publications
Understand implications of using web-based technology
Be aware of career options involving photography
Demonstrate leadership and employability skills and workplace ethics
Work effectively independently and in groups
WASHINGTON STATE ESSENTIAL ACADEMIC LEARNING REQUIREMENTS ASSESSED:
Photography is a career and technical education course that follows the state CTE
standards:
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Demonstrate the application of Essential Academic Learning Requirements and Grade Level
Expectations in the context of preparing for living, learning and working.
Demonstrate foundational and occupational specific skills required to meet current industry
defined standards.
Demonstrate knowledge of career options within the related pathway.
Demonstrate leadership skills and employability skills.
In addition state standards in technology, arts, math, reading, writing, and science will
be incorporated throughout the course.
COURSE MATERIALS:
Materials for this course will be drawn from a variety of sources including the media, the Internet
and the classroom and library texts. Additionally students will use a computer applications for
editing (Photoshop CS5), presenting(PowerPoint) and Publishing Photos. Students will have
some access to check out cameras at certain times.
All students must have a USB flash drive, paper and writing utensils daily. It is recommended
that students have their own digital camera (not cellphone) for use in the class.
LAB FEE:
A lab fee of $15 will be due in the first week of the course. This will cover the cost of printing supplies,
storage devices, batteries, and equipment maintenance.
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS/CONSEQUENCES:
In addition to all school rules, the following expectations are held for students:
1. RESPECT for self, others and property
2. RESPONSIBILITY for completing work, attendance, proper equipment use,
and appropriate classroom behavior and content in productions
3. RELIABILITY for following directions and making good decisions
Consequences for not meeting expectations are: verbal warning, loss of privileges/behavior plan, parent
contact, and referral to administration.
GRADING POLICY:
Grades will be averaged and based on the district standard percentage scale. Grading criteria will be
broken down as follows:
50% Projects/Tests (Major assignments will be evaluated with a standards-based rubric)
50% Class work (journals, written assignments, homework, etc.) and Work Ethic (daily
participation, teamwork, professional conduct, equipment care, attendance and leadership)
ATTENDANCE:
The depth of coverage of material in this course requires active student engagement and participation.
The failure to attend class prevents active student engagement. Because active student engagement is a
necessary component of this class, attendance, tardiness, and class participation will be considered a
basis for grading in this course.
Attendance and participation during projects will constitute part of your grade for this course. Each
student will earn points for participation on project work days. Doing work for other classes or work not
assigned to be done during class, sleeping, social talking, tardiness or leaving class early without an
excuse are all circumstances that may result in loss of participation points. Students will receive no
participation points for days on which they have unexcused absences. Further, students may not be able
to make up missed work, tests, or quizzes for unexcused absences.
LATEWORK:
Regular attendance is critical to success in this class, as much of the work will be done during class time,
and at times in groups. Excused absences will extend due dates for individual assignments only, but
class time will not be provided to complete missed work. Late work will always be accepted, but only
credit (60%) will be given on late projects, as well as all other work more than 5 days late. It is the
responsibility of the student to bring late assignments to the teacher at an appropriate time (break, lunch,
after class).
INTERNET ACCESS/WEB PUBLISHING POLICY:
The Seattle School District policy for Internet access and network use will be followed strictly in this class.
The policy can be found in the Franklin Handbook for Scholars or on the class blog.
****It is important to note that students are responsible for the equipment they are using and may be
accountable for repair costs due to abuse or carelessness. Intentional damage to any equipment or
computer data may result in loss of computer privileges and/or removal from the class!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
E-mail:
efaulkner@seattleschools.org
Phone:
206.252.6236
Room:
216