SYLLABUS

Instructor: Grace Clark

Email: gaclark@uncg.edu

Phone: 218.303.5469 (work)

Office Hours: By Appointment

Course Description

This course seeks to develop an understanding of the mechanics, visual language and history of the photographic medium. Specifically, we will work with digital photographic practices, learning the fundamentals of DSLR cameras, Adobe editing software such as Photoshop and Bridge, inkjet printing, and basic digital workflow and file management. In conjunction with your studio practice, you will also learn about the medium’s history and conceptual context. There will be reading assignments and responses; you will actively look at photographic work by other practitioners, watch films and documentaries and generally engage in a discourse surrounding historic and contemporary photographic issues.

Learning Objectives

  • To attain proficiency in operating DSLR cameras, including fully manual operation of aperture, shutter, ISO, exposure, etc.

  • To understand and implement the recommended digital file management and workflow practices.

  • To acquire a basic level of command over Adobe editing software – such as Photoshop, Lightroom, and Bridge.

  • To learn the fundamentals of inkjet printing

  • To engage in formal and conceptual analysis of photographic images.

Methodology

Class will consist of technical demonstrations, lectures, discussions, classroom critiques, video screenings, virtual artist talks, and open lab time. Homework will be comprised of photographic projects, and reading and writing assignments. As a hybrid course, the majority of lectures and demos will be provided online. These are to be done independently, but within the required time period. Many work days will be considered optional lab time to allow for in-person help while accommodating others to stay home if concerned about exposure to classmates. As circumstances allow, there will be in-person critique and check-in days. The class consists of sections A and B. If we meet in person, Section A will meet Mondays and Section B will meet on Wednesdays. This allows for social distancing measures. Each section has a schedule specific to their section which can be found on the class website and Canvas.

Participation

Participation is different than attendance. Class participation is a vital aspect to your success in this course. It is also integral in creating an environment in which we all, collectively, help one another move forward with their work through a process of constructive criticism and support. Participation extends to all areas of the class, including:

  • Offering thoughtful contributions during class critiques.

  • Utilizing open work time effectively.

  • Contributing to reading response discussions

  • Taking notes during lectures, demonstrations and video screenings.

  • Showing up on time and being prepared for class.

Your participation in these areas will be noted and will comprise a portion of your final grade. PLEASE NOTE that using your cell phone during class (for texting, checking email, etc) will adversely affect your participation grade. As will utilizing lab computers for any purpose other than working on your photographs.

Attendance 

Attendance for every class and critique is expected. Your presence in class is crucial to your development in this course. However, as unforeseen circumstances sometimes arise especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, you are allowed 2 absences and any further absences are accepted on a case by case basis. Any more absences than appropriate will result in the lowering of your grade by a 1/2 of a letter grade for each additional absence.  So, for instance, if you have an A- and 3 absences, you will receive a B+, 4 absences = B, 5 absences = B- and so on.  Expectations around attendance may change as community health circumstances shift.

Lateness will not be tolerated in this class. For every 3 instances of lateness, you will acquire one unexcused absence that will count toward your overall tally of absences, which ultimately could result in the lowering of your final grade.

Electronic Device Policy

As mentioned above in the participation section, electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, laptops, iPods, iPads, etc) are strictly forbidden during critiques, discussions, and presentations. The only time you may use an electronic device during class is during open lab time when you are using a lab computer to work on your photographs. If you do bring electronic devices to class, please keep them on silent and in your backpacks.  If I ask you to put away your electronic device once, that counts as a warning. The second time, it will count as an absence. If you have a unique circumstance that requires you to have your phone available during a class period, please let me know.

Assignments

You will be required to complete assignments both in and out of class. There will be 4 main out of class assignments and a final project. I will introduce new concepts in class sessions, clearly explaining the technical and conceptual parameters in advance. When applicable, slideshows will be given highlighting key ideas and artists relevant to the content of the assignment.  Specific assignment details will be posted on both the class website and Canvas and should be checked regularly.

I do not accept late assignments. For each of the 5 main projects, there will be a “check-in” date set about half way through the project period. If you can show evidence of your progress for the assignment by this date, you will have a chance to redo the assignment if you don’t like your initial grade. Redos can be completed until the “finals” date at the end of the semester. If you have extenuating circumstances and know that you will be unable to complete the assignment on time, please contact me as in advance as possible to discuss this.

Reading

Optional: Digital Photography by Henry Horenstein, Adobe Photoshop CC for Photographers 2018

You will be assigned some critical readings on photography. These texts are written by a variety of different thinkers and are designed to help you contextualize photography’s evolution and (hopefully) plant seeds for new ideas within your own studio practices. It is imperative to know the history of whatever medium you’re working in, so we will dedicate a portion of class time to exploring the issues raised in these texts. All assigned readings will be posted on the class website in the “Media” section as well as on Canvas.

You will be required to write written responses to many of the readings. These will be uploaded to Canvas. See schedule for specific due dates.

Class Website

The class website hosts your syllabus, both sections’ schedules, media links, and other resources for inspiration and information.

Everyone will receive a link to the website as well as a password. Please bookmark the page and save the password. You will not need to create an account to access the website.

Grading

Merely completing an assignment does not ensure a good grade for that assignment. Your work in this course will be evaluated in terms of technical proficiency, evidence of experimentation and risk-taking, comprehension of specific assignment concepts, improvement and level of effort demonstrated. Overall assessment will be broken down as follows:

40%  – 4 Projects (10% each)

10% – In-Class Assignments

20% – Final Project

20% – Reading Responses

10% – Thoughtful participation in class discussions and critiques


Grading Scale

A     100 – 95 points

A-    94 – 90 points

B+   89 – 87 points

B     86 – 83 points

B-    82 – 80 points

C+   79 – 77 points

C     76 – 73 points

C-    72 – 70 points

D+   69 – 67 points

D     66 – 60 points

F     59 – and below

Grade Explanations

A Exceptional, Superlative work. Both technical and conceptual elements of the project show a level of significant mastery and originality.

B Above average work that displays well-executed compelling ideas.

C Average work where basic technical and conceptual requirements met. Work is satisfactory

D Inadequate work that fails to meet the assignment requirements. Often this work is incomplete and displays a clear lack of effort.

F Unacceptable work and effort

RUBRIC

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Academic Integrity

Any violations of the UNC Academic Integrity Policy will not be tolerated. Infractions including but not limited to cheating, plagiarism, or falsification, or turning in old images or images created for other classes. Anyone in violation of the Academic Integrity Policy will be reported to the dean of students and will receive a failing grade in the course.

Extra Credit

You have two options for extra credit. You can either write a paper about one of the selected artist interviews or documentaries or a review of a photography exhibition that takes place throughout the course of the semester. This can be completed at any time throughout the semester.

This should be a 2 page, double spaced paper that contains your own analysis.  Please refrain from purely descriptive writing – I want YOUR thoughts and opinions.  You will receive anywhere from 1 – 3 extra points on your final grade depending on the quality of work. For example, if you are at an 89 and receive 3 extra credit points your grade would go from a B+ to an A-.

Materials

The photography program requires students to have access to Adobe Photoshop. Adobe charges as a subscription service with monthly fees. There are a couple ways to go about this:

You will notice that they're all listed as annual plans. Here  (Links to an external site.)you'll find the contract obligations. I believe you can cancel part way if you don't need the service the following semester, but it will charge you 50% of the remaining fees. Read the fine print of the plan of your choosing to be certain of the details. 

  • DSLR camera with the ability to operate aperture, shutter speed, and ISO manually*

  • Memory card for your camera with a minimum of 8GB of storage capacity

  • Card reader (if your computer doesn’t have one built in)

  • External hard drive (formatted for Mac computers - 1tb recommended)

  • Spartan Card for digital printing payment (approximately $1.80 per 8.5 x 11 inch print)

*You must be able to operate whatever camera you use in fully manual mode.  NO FULLY AUTOMATIC POINT AND SHOOTS.

Acquiring Materials

Online:

B&H

Adorama

KEH

Amazon.com

Freestyle Photographic

Local:

Camcor (Burlington)

Southeastern Camera (Carrboro & Raleigh)

Peace Camera (Raleigh)

Camera Works (Durham)

HEALTH & COVID-19 

Approved by the Faculty Senate on July 1, 2020

As UNCG returns to face-to-face course offerings in fall 2020, the campus community must recognize and address concerns about physical and emotional safety.  As such, all students, faculty, and staff are required to uphold UNCG’s culture of care by actively engaging in behaviors that limit the spread of COVID-19. Such actions include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

Instructors will have seating charts for their classes. These are important for maintaining appropriate social distance during class and facilitating contact tracing should there be a confirmed case of COVID-19. Students must sit in their assigned seat at every class meeting and must not move furniture. Students should not eat or drink during class time.

A limited number of disposable masks will be available in classrooms for students who have forgotten theirs. Face coverings will also be available for purchase in the UNCG Campus Bookstore. Students who do not follow masking and social distancing requirements will be asked to put on a face covering or leave the classroom to retrieve one and only return when they follow these basic requirements to uphold standards of safety and care for the UNCG community. Once students have a face covering, they are permitted to re-enter a class already in progress. Repeated issues may result in conduct action. The course policies regarding attendance and academics remain in effect for partial or full absence from class due to lack of adherence with face covering and social distancing requirements. 


For instances where the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services (OARS) has granted accommodations regarding wearing face coverings, students should contact their instructors to develop appropriate alternatives to class participation and/or activities as needed. Instructors or the student may also contact OARS (Links to an external site.)(336.334.5440) who, in consultation with Student Health Services, will review requests for accommodations.

 

Approved by the Faculty Senate Executive Committee on July 30, 2020

Health and well-being impact learning and academic success. Throughout your time in the university, you may experience a range of concerns that can cause barriers to your academic success.  These might include illnesses, strained relationships, anxiety, high levels of stress, alcohol or drug problems, feeling down, or loss of motivation. Student Health Services and The Counseling Center can help with these or other issues you may experience. You can learn about the free, confidential mental health services available on campus by calling 336-334-5874, visiting the website at https://shs.uncg.edu/ (Links to an external site.) or visiting the Anna M. Gove Student Health Center at 107 Gray Drive. For undergraduate or graduate students in recovery from alcohol and other drug addiction, The Spartan Recovery Program (SRP) offers recovery support services. You can learn more about recovery and recovery support services by visiting https://shs.uncg.edu/srp (Links to an external site.) or reaching out to recovery@uncg.edu 

COVID-19 Spartan Shield Video

UNCG Chancellor Frank Gilliam has challenged us to create a Culture of Care at UNCG where we all wear face coverings and social distance, less to protect ourselves but rather more to protect everyone around us. It shows that you care about the well being of everyone around you. We have created this video featuring your student body presidents to better explain how and why this is so important.

Please watch this video before the first day of classes.

Shield Our Spartans (Links to an external site.)

Land Acknowledgment

Please read and spend a moment feeling into UNCG’s official Indigenous land acknowledgement below (https://libconf.uncg.edu/land-acknowledgment/ (Links to an external site.)):

 

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

UNC Greensboro is a community of learners situated within a network of historical and contemporary relationships with Native American tribes, communities, parents, students, and alumni. We acknowledge that the land we gather on has long served as the site of meeting and exchange amongst a number of Indigenous peoples, specifically the Keyauwee and Saura.

Additionally, North Carolina has been home to many Indigenous peoples at various points in time, including the tribes/nations of: Bear River/Bay River, Cape Fear, Catawba, Chowanoke, Coree/Coranine, Creek, Croatan, Eno, Hatteras, Keyauwee, Machapunga, Moratoc, Natchez, Neusiok, Pamlico, Shakori, Sara/Cheraw, Sissipahaw, Sugeree, Wateree, Weapemeoc, Woccon, Yadkin, and Yeopim.

 

Today, North Carolina recognizes 8 tribes: Coharie, Lumbee, Meherrin, Occaneechi Saponi, Haliwa Saponi, Waccamaw Siouan, Sappony, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee.

We honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this territory on which we gather.

WHAT IS A LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT?

A Land Acknowledgement is a formal statement that recognizes the unique and enduring relationship that exists between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories.

WHY DO WE RECOGNIZE THE LAND?

To recognize the land is an expression of gratitude and appreciation to those whose territory you reside on, and a way of honouring the Indigenous people who have been living and working on the land from time immemorial. It is important to understand the long standing history that has brought you to reside on the land, and to seek to understand your place within that history. Land acknowledgements do not exist in a past tense, or historical context: colonialism is a current ongoing process, and we need to build our mindfulness of our present participation. It is also worth noting that acknowledging the land is Indigenous protocol.”

http://www.lspirg.org/knowtheland (Links to an external site.)

Student Resources

UNCG Counseling 336-334-5874 https://shs.uncg.edu/cc

Violence Response Center 336-334-9839 https://cvrc.uncg.edu/for-victimssurvivors/

Title IX (Diversity, Sexual Assault) 336-256-0362 http://titleix.wp.uncg.edu

Rape Abuse Incest National Network (RAINN) 800-656-HOPE (4673) 24/7, confidentialhttps://www.rainn.org

Crisis Text Line, Text “HOME” to 74174124/7 support for all; free on most carriersmessage via facebook.com/crisistextline https://www.crisistextline.org

Trans Lifeline 877-565-886024/7 support specifically for trans (and/or transitioning) people https://www.translifeline.org/

Steve Fund Crisis Text "STEVE" to 74174124/7 support specifically for students of color https://www.stevefund.org/crisistextline/

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (24/7 support) 800-273-TALK (8255) or 800-SUICIDE (800-784-2433) https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org

The Trevor Project (LGBTQ Crisis Support)866-488-7386 https://www.thetrevorproject.org

Spartan Open Pantry Hot homecooked meals and other supporthttps://sa.uncg.edu/sop-spartan-open-pantry/UNCG

Police (Emergency) 336-334-4444 (Non-Emergency) 336-334-5963

Anonymous Reporting http://police.uncg.edu/OnlineServices/Reports/Anonymous.php