Course Syllabus

ART 1050 Basic Photography

Course Description

Basic Photography is a general education course designed for non-art major students who wish to expand their creative and technical ability in digital photography. Students will explore the making and meaning of images through hands-on camera work, lectures, and discussion. Emphasis is placed on the development of creative expression and photography as a fine art medium. Topics include camera operation, use of light, image editing, formal aesthetics, historical perspectives, conceptual approaches, exhibition presentation, and a final portfolio. A program fee is required.

Justification

Basic Photography serves as an introduction to the digital visual language and is foundational to understanding basic image concepts and practices in the Fine Arts. This general education course is offered on campuses across the country in similar formats and may be transferable throughout the USHE system.

General Education Outcomes

1. A student who completes the GE curriculum has a fundamental knowledge of human cultures and the natural world. Students will expand their creative abilities, heighten cultural and natural sensibilities, and develop an informed vocabulary of the visual arts. Connections to culture and the natural environment in the modern world will be discussed during lectures and discussions, and will be utilized in the practical application of media processes. Historical context of the visual language, including cultural relevance, is pertinent to the criticism and interpretation of historic and contemporary works of art. Through lectures and discussion, emphasis is placed on a series of hands-on studio projects that will be analyzed for formal and conceptual merit. Outcomes will be assessed through review of the portfolio and written assignments.
2. A student who completes the GE curriculum can read and research effectively within disciplines. This multimedia research will be evident in a completed written synopsis and embedded in creative work. This outcome will be assessed through written assignments and review of the portfolio.
3. A student who completes the GE curriculum can draw from multiple disciplines to address complex problems. This course provides students with an experience to actively engage with the creative process and develop problem solving skills as they relate to a cross-section of disciplines. The making of photographic images involves the continual analysis and response to situational environments, conditions, human interaction, and technical parameters. Outcomes will be assessed through quizzes and review of the portfolio.
4. A student who completes the GE curriculum can reason analytically, critically, and creatively. Each student will demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate a variety of artworks. Students should be able to respond to any work of art in an articulate manner. Both objective and subjective opinions are valuable, but the latter should still be defended with educated reasoning. This course will teach dynamic strategies for successfully approaching oral and written critique that analyzes historic media, the creative work of their peers and contemporaries. Outcomes will be assessed through participation in frequent oral group critiques and periodic written analysis designed to aid in expressing an educated judgement of the student's own work and that of their peers.
5. A student who completes the GE curriculum can communicate effectively through writing and speaking. Students will be exposed to a spectrum of photographic work. The ability to critically evaluate a work of art is extremely important to artistic growth. Students should be able to respond to any work of art in an articulate manner. Both objective and subjective opinions are valuable, but the latter should still be defended with educated reasoning. This course will teach dynamic strategies for successfully approaching oral and written critique that analyzes historic media, the creative work of their peers and contemporaries, as well as their own projects in an effort to enhance the potential of each work. Students will participate in frequent oral group critiques and periodic written analysis designed to aid in expressing an educated judgement of the student's own work and that of their peers, ultimately informing each student's future work to an artistic work or experience.

General Education Knowledge Area Outcomes

1. Each student will apply the elements and principles of the visual language, theory and knowledge of concept, and problem-solving skills in the creation of photographic works. Ultimately this verbal articulation of the creative process is designed to foster growth in the creative process. Each finished creative work will be critiqued to offer successes and shortcomings. Each student will apply the elements and principles of the visual language, theory and knowledge of concept, and problem-solving skills in the creation of photographic works. Ultimately this verbal articulation of the creative process is designed to foster growth in the creative process. Each finished creative work will be critiqued to offer successes and shortcomings.
2. Provide an informed synopsis of the performing and/or visual arts in the contexts of culture and history through reading and interpreting pertinent information using a variety of traditional and electronic media. Each student will demonstrate a fluency in historical content and context by articulating connections in the photographic arts to historical and modern society. This understanding will be assessed through quizzes, writings, critiques, and application of this knowledge to creative work.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the conceptual and elemental principles fundamental to the creation of various forms of artistic expression. This course privileges the creation of photographic works of art. Through a series of exercises utilizing the technical aspects of camera operation and the formal elements and principles of design, students will learn to create images incorporating the visual language. Through practice and periodic evaluation of the portfolio, this collaboration of form and content will promote more meaningful works of art.
4. Exhibit an ability to critically analyze artistic works using appropriate techniques, vocabulary, and methodologies. The practice in critical analysis will promote informed and articulate artists and viewers. Each student will demonstrate the process of critical analysis and interpretation of photographic works of art in oral and written form examining contextual, conceptual, and formal qualities. Outcomes will be assessed through written and oral critiques and portfolio review.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Material Proficiency: Demonstrate a proficiency in materials and techniques
2. Principles of Concept: Demonstrate an integration of conceptual principles
3. Historical Context: Demonstrate a fluency in historical content and context.
4. Critical Theory: Demonstrate the ability to critically analyze a work of art
5. Creative Process: Demonstrate the application of the creative process

Course Content

This course will include:• Illustrated lectures and discussions on various facets of photography including the dynamics of formal aesthetics, manual camera operation, light, image editing, exhibition presentation, historical movements, contemporary photographers, theory and criticism.• Applied application of photography methods and techniques in the classroom and in the field. • Individual and group critiques, designed to promote constructive analysis of each student's own work, the work of their peers, and historical works of art.• Internal assessment of each student's competence in the theory and practical application of topics covered through quizzes and exams.• Written critical evaluations analyzing contemporary works of art and a formal project statement designed to assist in each student’s ability to articulate their own creative process.• The compilation of a series of images presented in a final portfolio and self-published book. • The artistic genres and movements covered in this course will be representative of a ranging variety in gender, nationality, language, perspective, etc. Where disparities exist in these genres, major figures, and movements, questions or issues of representation will be addressed in class discussions and/or assignments. Discussion of representation are highlighted as significant aspects of photography as they relate to access, voice, and audience.