Photography Course DescriptionTeacher: Ms. HildebrandEmail: emi202@rcsd.ms

Course Title: Photography

Course Description: This program of study focuses on developing in-depth knowledge and skills in two-dimensional design with photographic media. Building on introductory level concepts and skills, students will continue to increase their knowledge of design as applied to photographic works, critical analysis, history and culture, aesthetics, and connections among the photographic arts, other content areas, and everyday life.

IV. Main Objective: Through understanding the basic concepts of visual design, the student will be introduced to photography as an avenue for creativity. The students will be challenged to apply practical knowledge of a digital camera as a means for producing aesthetically pleasing works of art. (2a,b; 3a,b,c,d)

V. Learning Objectives and Outcomes: Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to: A. Be acquainted with history of photography and how it has impacted the world of photography in art today. (6,8) B. Know the pros and cons of film photography versus digital photography. (12) C. Explain how photography can be used as an art form. D. Be familiar with career possibilities for anyone interested in mastering photography. (11) E. List and define the major functions of a digital camera, including manual settings. (1 a-d) F. Study the works of other photographers and critique how well they have applied knowledge of design principals. (5a-d; 6, 8) G. Develop skills in organizing an image to incorporate visual qualities such as shape, pattern, form, texture, perspective, and color. (2,4) H. Apply principals of composition and lighting in photography. (4) I. Be familiar with steps to enhancing digital works through computer programs such as Photoshop. (1) VI. Course Topics: The major topics to be considered are: A. History of Photography B. The Art of Film Photography

C. Introduction to the Digital World D. Digital Photography for the Sake of Art

E. Terms Your Manual Never Defined F. Design Principals and Techniques

G. Introduction to Enhancing Digital Photography

VII. Instructional Methods and Activities: A. Lecture B. Demonstrations C. In-class/Out-of-class assignments D. Visual examples from various sources E. Critiques F. Class Discussion G. Group Activities H. Hands-on Activities

VIII. Assignments and Evaluation A. Photohournal:

Each student will be required to keep a photojournal online through Google Docs. Critiques:

Every class, students will be assigned to study and critique a specific photographer’s work; they will be given questions to challenge application of concepts being learned. The critiques will be graded at the end of the semester for a test grade.

Research/Various Sources: This will include any research done on particular techniques/methods in photography used by other artists.

Brainstorming and Ideas for Projects Projects: This will include any assignments (homework, formative and summative) done for class.

B. Photography Projects: Throughout the course of the semester, the students will be given various assignments relating to the concepts being covered. Some assignments will be counted as homework grades, some as daily grades, and some as test grades. However, each assignment will be given a rubric for grading. Every project is significant for development of skills; hence each one will be graded for content and quality. The criteria for grading will explain specific expectations for each individual project.

C. Research Paper: (7,2,11) Students will be given a list of various areas of concentration in photography (Landscapes, portraits, documentary/photojournalism, etc.) with the goal of researching that specific area. The paper will include purposes for, methods of, and aesthetic qualities given by that particular area of photography. After which, the student will have the chance to apply research to his/her own artwork.

The paper will be evaluated by a checklist with the following items: 1) Bibliography, 2) Thesis Statement, 3) Main Points, 4) Conclusion, and 5) Practical Example demonstrated in own work.

D. Final Exam: At the end of the semester, a comprehensive final exam will be given that will cover main concepts and terms learned throughout the course.

IX. List of Materials A. Digital Camera /Phone B. Flash Drive

X. Class Rules and Procedures A. Class Rules are designed for a learning environment that is safe, productive, encouraging, and enjoyable. In order for this to happen, your cooperation is necessary. 1. ALWAYS have SELF-DISCIPLINE:

Training and control of oneself and one’s conduct, usually for personal improvement 2. ALWAYS do what is right; if you have to think about it, it is probably wrong. This also means: RESPECT everyone and remember, “The kindest word of all is the unkind word never spoken.” 3. To leave class to go to another teacher’s room, you must have a written pass from that teacher. 4. Do not leave the classroom without permission. You must have a pass AND you must sign out and back in every time you leave the room. 5. If you are tardy to class and do not have a pass, you WILL be written up. 6. No cell phones, pagers, and other personal electronic devices. (No MP3 players) 7. Bring your notebook and pencil to class with you everyday. 8. Clean up after yourself. We will end class every day with enough time for you to clean up and put your work in the proper place. Take care of our Art supplies and take PRIDE in Art class. 9. You are responsible for your work—whether in class our out of class. You must keep track of all projects/assignments upon turning them in. 10. You must obey all Rankin County School District policies at all times B. Procedures upon arriving and leaving class 1. Upon arriving to class (even before the bell rings), students should immediately take their seats and begin working on assignment written on board.

2. At the end of each class, students will be dismissed ONLY when all materials are put away, tables cleaned off, trash thrown away, and every one is in their seats.

C. Grading Procedures: For any project being graded beyond completion, students will receive a rubric in which will enable them to know what expectations are required up-front. It is imperative that the students turn in the rubric form for every project so that it may be graded in full. 1. Late Grade Procedure for Tests: Any project counting as a test grade that is not turned in on the due date will receive a 10 point penalty on day 1, 20 point penalty on day 2, and 50 point day on day 2. After the third day, projects can be turned in but the grade given will be no higher than a 50. 3. Late Grade Procedure for Daily Grades: Because daily grades will be taken during class, any student who misses class (for an excused reason) will not be penalized for missing an assignment. It will, however, be the student’s responsibility to make up any work missed.. 4. Late Grade Procedure for Homework: If a student fails to turn in homework on due date, he/she will receive a zero. *********As the teacher, I reserve the right to make changes if provided a reasonable situation.*