Course Syllabus

ART 1150 Photo I

Course Description

Photo I is a foundation studio course designed to expand creative, conceptual, and technical ability in digital photography. Students will explore the nature of and meaning of photographic representation and the role images play in contemporary culture. Multiple modes of photo-based image making will be taught through hands-on camera work, lectures, and discussion. Emphasis is placed on photography as a fine art medium through the development of creative expression and critical problem solving skills. Topics include camera operation, use of light, image editing, formal aesthetics, historical perspectives, conceptual approaches, exhibition presentation, and a final portfolio. Photo I is required in the curriculum for acceptance into the Snow College Visual Arts AFA degree program. A program fee is required.

Justification

Photo I serves as an introduction to the photographic digital visual language and is foundational to understanding basic image concepts and practices in the Fine Arts. This foundation visual arts course is offered in visual arts programs around the country in similar formats and is transferable through articulation agreements in the USHE system.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Material Proficiency: Demonstrate a proficiency in materials and techniques. Students will be exposed to an array of material techniques and processes applicable to the course, including digital media. This proficiency in material and media, in addition to the application of the creative process, will be used as the catalyst to solve visual problems.
2. Principles of Concept: Demonstrate an integration of conceptual principles. Students will be taught to discern between material, formal and conceptual principles. Material and formal understanding of creative practice will be emphasized to solve conceptual issues.
3. Historical Context: Demonstrate a fluency in historical content and context. Students will study significant historical works with particular attention to the context of when it was created. This knowledge will assist in informing their formal creative sensibilities.
4. Critical Theory: Demonstrate the ability to critically analyze a work of art. Students will learn the process of critical analysis as it applies to creative process and risk taking. Utilizing the visual vocabulary, knowledge of material processes, concepts and historical context, students will learn to articulate aesthetic qualities, examine effective visual communication, and determine conceptual merit.
5. Creative Process: Demonstrate the application of the creative process. This course teaches strategies for cultivating creativity, visual problem-solving, and developing critical thinking skills. Through applied studio projects students will engage the design process into their own practice. This will include the process of thinking about the design parameters, looking at what others have created prior, and doing, applying what they have learned.

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.