Digital Photo Syllabus

This course introduces students to the world of art via creating images with cameras and Photoshop, and providing them with the language to discuss all types of art. Students learn about the different types of cameras, to make quality images, and to make visual art and its historical significance. The course provides an understanding of the methods of identifying, interpreting, and evaluating ideas in the creative arts through the creation of art projects. Areas covered include art's functions, the visual elements and principles of design, the history of photography, and the Photoshop program.

The nature of this course requires students to work independently on a number of ongoing assignments (digital shoots, Photoshop processing, and written assignments).Students will have passes to work around the school to during class, when allowed. In addition, it is expected that students complete photo shoots outside of classroom time (afternoons and weekends). Therefore, photo students need to manage their time wisely as well as be self-motivated, respectful while on and off campus, mature and responsible.

Course Standards:

This course follows the SC Department of Education Media Arts Standards. Please find the Standards for this class on page 375 of the provided link:

https://ed.sc.gov/scdoe/assets/File/Second_Reading_SCVPA_Standards_(Approved_June_13_2017).pdf

Course Objectives:

To learn the vocabulary associated with Digital Photography.
To learn how to appropriately critique photography pieces.
To explore the nature of creativity and the creative process.
To learn the difference between a snapshot and fine photography.
To develop the knowledge of safe working procedures in the Studio.
To learn and develop artistic studio skills and techniques.
To promote student awareness of photography-related career opportunities.

Student Expectations:

This class is a production class that will require you to always behave in a responsible and mature manner. Because of the nature of this class (activity-based), it is important that every student understands and follows the rules and guidelines of this class.

Equipment:

Because this classroom is a Computer lab, students will sign in under the district username and password (given to them by Mrs. Geese) and also sign in via Google on the Assigned DESKTOP computers every day upon entering. This will be how I enter attendance in PowerSchool - if you are not logged in immediately after the bell, you will be counted absent.
Chromebooks will not be needed while in this classroom and should not be open and/or on at any time during class. Students will receive one warning, then a referral for this offense.

Procedures:

At the beginning of each class, students will log in to the ASSIGNED DESKTOP computer. This will be how I enter attendance in PowerSchool - if you are not logged in by the bell, you will be counted absent.
Students will begin their Bell Ringer Activity once they have logged in. These activities will take 5-7 minutes each day and will be posted on Google Classroom, these are (weekly) graded assignments.
All Assignments will be posted on Google Classroom and will be due on the assigned due date. Students are expected to turn in these assignments in Classroom (unless it is a paper assignment). See Expectations for further explanation.
Paper assignments will be turned in to the Cart Basket.

Behavior:

All school-wide rules apply.
Phone calls and texting are not allowed at any time.
DURING STUDIO TIME ONLY: Students may choose to listen to music (one ear bud only), but they must keep their phone in a pocket and not scrolling through a playlist at any time.
The Internet:
- Can only be used as a tool for the class. Everything else is deemed inappropriate use.

Expectations:

As a student in the Photography course, I understand that is is time-sensitive media. Attendance and arriving to class on time is essential for me to pass this class and is essential for my success and the members of any group that I might be part of.
If I miss a class with an absence, or are tardy to class (in the door after the bell without a signed/dated Tardy slip), I am responsible for any missed work. I understand that I will have the amount of days I have missed to make up the work. If I miss a due date, I understand that I must turn in the assignment the next day.
I understand that I must fully utilize the amount of time given for each assignment in order to receive full credit for the assignment. For example, I cannot work for 10 minutes on my 3 day project and expect full credit.
I understand the subject matter in my projects cannot include: violence, sex, drugs, alcohol, guns, gangs, vulgarity, racism, or socially inappropriate material. Failure to follow these criteria could cause you to fail the assignment and/or class.
My goal is to create portfolio-quality assignments that can be used to demonstrate my skills to future employers or as a worthwhile addition to my potential college admission packet.
A clean Design Studio and work area is very important and everyone is expected to participate in keeping their work area clean. The last two minutes of class will be used to straighten your work area and clean any areas you have worked in.
On DEADLINE DAYS: Students who finish their work early and have turned it in may quietly work on other classwork. They may not play games or be on any other technical devices (phones, Chromebooks, tablets, etc). Again, the expectation is that they are working on assignments until the due date, so this only applies to days that assignments are due.

Visitors/Clients: Because Photography is sometimes a Client-based art, there may be times we have a visitor (AKA Client) visiting the classroom. Students must pay attention and be respectful to all visitors in the classroom. They will need to take notes when we have visitors who are presenting their projects.

Class Expectations: All students will be treated fairly and with respect. Verbal or physical abuse will not be tolerated. If these expectations are violated, the violator will be appropriately disciplined.

Plagiarism: Plagiarism is the act of presenting work - either written, spoken, or visual - that is not your own. I will not tolerate plagiarism of any sort. Please refer to the School's Plagiarism policy for more information and discipline procedures.

During Lectures/Assignment Explanations/Presentations/Critiques: Students MAY NOT wear earbuds/headphones (no, they may not be draped over the top of the ear). During STUDIO Time, students may listen to music, but must have one ear exposed so they may listen to any instructions, or hear me call on them.

Home work: Because many of our projects are to be completed in the the Classroom or done on Adobe CC, there will not be much homework given. There may be times that students will be given out of class activities that may include: research, project preparation, presentation preparation, etc.

Late Work: Each project/assignment will have a due date. Due Dates are firm. Students are given enough time after we complete the project in class to ensure their work has been submitted. There are no late assignments allowed (unless there was an absence). A zero will be given for ANY late work - it is the student's responsibility to pay attention to the deadline that is announced (with reminders) in class and on Google Classroom.

For Example: We finish a Unit Lesson for Line on Wednesday, Students will have until Friday at Midnight to submit.

Submitting work: Students are given ample time to upload their photos and written assignments IN CLASS by using their phone cord and connecting to the Desktops. Using their data TO UPLOAD so that they can be on their phone will not be permitted. ALL STUDENTS MUST APPROPRIATELY UTILIZE THE UPLOAD TIMES GIVEN IN CLASS

Grading:

All assignments will be graded by points (10-100). Projects/Units will be worth a total of 100 points.

Weighted Semester Average

First Quarter is worth: 20%

Second Quarter is worth: 20%

Third Quarter is worth: 20%

Fourth Quarter is worth: 20%

Final Exam is worth: 20%

Final Grading

Based on your class percentage, will be as follows:

A  100-90

B  89-80

C  79-70

D  69-60

F  59 & Below

Exam:

There will be an Exam at the end of the semester. The exam will consist of a final project and a written exam. The written portion is given on the assigned Exam Day. Please make sure your child is at school for this, I will not give the Exam early.

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