Advanced Digital Photography Syllabus Instructor: Mrs. Laura Totten Room: 502 Email: laura.totten@mercerislandschools.org Phone: 206-230- 6313 Website: www.mercerislandschools.org/domain/1461 1 semester:.5 credit Graduation Content Requirement: Fine Arts, CCR Fees: $25, student must supply a notebook Optional: flash drive to back up images (recommended minimum 4GB) Hello and welcome to Advanced Digital Photography class! I am thrilled to work with you this semester and learn about your world through your photography. This syllabus will give you an idea of my expectations of you as a photography student, my grading system, and what you can expect from me as your teacher. I want to challenge you to learn new skills, improve something you may already know, think creatively, get frustrated (working with technology can be frustrating, but it means you re trying!), grow from your frustration, and define your artistic voice. Course Objectives This course is designed to introduce you to specific types of photography based on college photography programs. You will learn about commercial and fine art photography, portraiture, and photojournalism. In this course you will acquire a high degree of proficiency in digital photography and Adobe Photoshop techniques. You will develop your personal style as an art form as you create compelling images using rule of thirds, balance, leading lines, framing, and selective focus. You will hone your photography skills as you explore subtleties of light, candid and posed portraits, and abstract art. You will complete an assignment every other week, and most photographs will be taken outside of class. You also will participate in class critiques, enter the Washington State High School Photography Competition, and create a portfolio of personal work. As a visual arts course, your work is based on a broad and sequential framework supported by specific College and Career Readiness (CCR) Competencies, as well as Washington Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs) for Visual Arts. These include: OSPI CCR Competencies: 1: Students will be able to operate, control, and identify parts of the camera. 2: Students will be able to use photographic composition rules, including the rule of thirds. 3: Students will be able to determine which lens to use in particular photographic situations. 4: Students will be able to use correct exposure when taking photographs. 5: Students will be able to use effective lighting techniques when taking photographs. 6: Students will be able to edit, adjust, and print digital photographs. Visual Arts EALRs: EALR 1. The student understands and applies arts knowledge and skills.
EALR 2. The student uses the artistic processes of creating, performing/presenting, and responding to demonstrate thinking skills. EALR 3. The student communicates through the arts. EALR 4. The student makes connections within and across the arts to other disciplines, life, cultures, and work. With these principles guiding our class experiences, you will cultivate creative thinking, visual literary skills, self- expression, self- awareness, and 21 st century skills that will go beyond the classroom. This class emphasizes student voice, so all projects will reflect your own unique talents, interests, and experiences. The power of photography is its innate ability to enrich the human experience, and I look forward to learning from each of you as you take risks with your work. Community Expectations, Safety and Routines You will be working with expensive equipment, some of which includes: cameras, lenses, computers, scanners, and printers. Each piece of equipment is a gift for you to use during this class, and it is something you share with every student in this course. I expect you to take great care of each piece of equipment. If you misuse any equipment, you will lose your privilege to use it for a specified time period, which may lead to your failure in this course. Expectations I expect you to - Respect your classmates and me - Listen to instructions and classmates - Do the best you can - Be on time and prepared for class - Take care of yourself, each other, equipment You should expect me to - Respect you - Listen to you - Do the best I can - Be understanding, patient, honest - Hold you to high expectations Consequences: 1 st : Warning 2 nd : Speak to you privately and make behavior plan together 3 rd : Referral and conference with your parent/guardian 4 th : Removal from class Safety In order for everyone and everything to be safe in the classroom, we must abide by the following: No drinks (except for bottled water) or food (except with special exceptions) allowed in the classroom Keep personal items and hands to yourself Know and abide by all rules in the classroom- handle all equipment with care Consequence for lost or damaged equipment:
You are no longer allowed to use equipment until it is replaced or repaired. Together with your parent/guardian, we will create a contract to consider further consequences. Reminders: Stay on campus and do not disturb other classes when taking pictures. Disobeying these rules may result in a one- week computer suspension and a written apology. Course Fees/Supplies There is a $25 fee to cover printing costs. Student must supply a notebook (70- page, spiral bound notebook works well) to be kept in the classroom. Student may bring a flash drive (recommended minimum 4GB) to back up images. Class Time Directions and Discussions Our time is limited, so I need everyone to be in class on time. I will give directions at the beginning of class, so please let me know ahead of time if you have an appointment or will be late. We will have periods that are devoted to discussion, critique, or demonstrations. During this instructional time, I expect all electronic devices to be put away, unless they are part of the lesson. This class is a No cell phone zone, which means I should never see your phone. IPads are to be put away unless used for instructional purposes. Workshop Time The majority of class time will be spent on your independent projects. Since we have a variety of learners in our workshop, some students need silence to work, while others will need interaction or movement. It is critical that we have a respectful community that ensures everyone an opportunity for success. I will do my best to facilitate a fair and positive learning environment for all. During independent work time, you are allowed to listen to music on your ipod under these conditions: the volume on your headphones is at a low level (so your classmates cannot hear your music), and you must put away your ipod at least five minutes before the end of class so you are ready for closure. Clean- up and Closure The last five minutes of class are for cleaning up and for our proper goodbye. Everyone is responsible for cleaning up their own work area, and returning any supplies to their appropriate place. Every student must take ownership in the operation and condition of our workshop. Be prepared for proper goodbye: all belongings put away in your bag; seated, silent, and open- minded as we discuss closure for the day. Grading Policy Photography assignments will be graded based on craftsmanship, creativity, and meeting assignment expectations. Grades will be broken down into the following: Assignments/Projects: 50% Tests/Quizzes: 15%
Discussion/Reflection: 15% Notebook: 10% CCR Professionalism & Leadership 10 %* * Employability Standards: Employability skill development for all students is a required, integral part of all College and Career Readiness (CCR) instructional programs. Traits such as punctuality, reliability and teamwork are especially valued by CCR courses due to their importance in the global workplace. Students need to be present to fully participate in course curriculum. * Leadership Standards: Leadership skill development for all students is also a required, integral part of all College and Career Readiness (CCR) instructional programs. CCR students are required to develop leadership skills by effectively participating in teams, taking a lead role where possible in group projects, and participate in the classroom and school community. Rubrics You will have the opportunity to reflect upon your projects and grade yourself before I assign the grade. Below are the basic criteria for grading: Effort: You learned how to problem solve, use a technique, or apply a concept to meet or exceed the assignment requirements. Craftsmanship: Your project focuses on integrating specific skills. Creativity: You are original and define your voice in your work. The rubric you will use to self- assess will read: Effort: I learned how to problem solve, use a technique, or apply a concept to meet or exceed the assignment requirements. Craftsmanship: My work is of high quality because I used specific and precise skills. Creativity: I made original work unique to my artistic voice. Course Policies You must complete all projects to receive a passing grade in this course. Each assignment is important because it builds your understanding of a concept or skill and gives you a unique opportunity to demonstrate a specific type of learning. It is imperative that you continuously work on your digital photography skills. No eating or drinking (besides water bottles) is allowed in the classroom. You are expected to work exclusively on photography projects during class time. Attendance and punctuality are extremely important so that you will be able to participate in presentations, class discussions, and projects. You are responsible for all missed work due to absences. Due to the nature of having to work on computers, you will have 3 days to turn in late work for an excused absence. You can make up your work after school. Late work (excluding excused absences) IS NOT accepted. You have ample class time to work on projects, and receive participation
points each day. Please talk to me if you continuously have difficulty keeping up with projects so we can create an individual work plan. Plagiarism Policy: All work must be your own. Anyone using work of another student or copying will receive a failing grade for the class. MIHS Policies: If you have a disability that could affect your performance in this class or that requires an accommodation under the American with Disabilities Act, please see me as soon as possible so that we can make appropriate arrangements. I am here to help you learn and enjoy expressing yourself through photography. If you are having difficulty understanding an assignment, or are experiencing personal challenges that are impacting your work, please talk to me. Together we can find a solution. Again- I am here for you! Please sign and return to Mrs. Totten by Thursday September 11th 1. I have read, understand, and accept the course requirements, grading policy, attendance, and class expectations. I agree to abide by these rules or accept the consequences. 2. If I misuse any equipment in this class (including but not limited to: cameras, computers, lighting equipment, card readers, and printers), I will lose the privilege to use this equipment, which may result in failing this course. 3. I understand that all projects must be complete to achieve a passing grade. 4. I understand that late work is not accepted, and missing a class will necessitate coming in at lunch or after school to make up the work. 5. I will purchase supplies (notebook to be kept in classroom, and optional flash drive) and be prepared for class. Student name: Student signature: Date: I have read this handout and discussed the expectations of this course with this student. Parent/guardian signature: Date: