Syllabus

Utah Valley University
Art Department
Documentary Photography - Art 2710
Instructor: Michael Slade
E-mail: sladephoto@yahoo.com
Phone: 801-803-4818

Syllabus

Class    11:00 am - 1:45 pm    MTWR    GT 530     May 06, 2013 - Jun 21, 2013

Introduction:

Documentary Photography is designed to introduce the photographer to various concepts regarding the documentation and description of the real world as it exists. This is a class where we will learn to separate the difference between work that is about you and work that is about others. The primary goal of shooting in a documentary style is to not make the work about you. There are a few exepctions, and we will explore the meaning of both throughout the term.

This is an accelerated class. Because the summer term format is shortened there will not be many weekly assignments, but rather a pretty comprehensive mid-term as well as several days of project critique at the end of the term. There will be benchmarks you will be asked to hit and demonstrate that you are making progress through the term, but the majority of your work will be shown at the end of the semester.

We will be calendaring heavily so that there is no confusion as to what is due and when.

This is a documentary photography class - not a digital manipulation class. Commenting on your world accurately and with purity of intent is vital. Turd-polishing is NOT allowed.

Class assignments will be given through the class blog, which is here:

http://uvudocphotosummer2013.blogspot.com/

You will each be creating a blog of your own to turn in your work to be seen by the class and by me. There will also be a printing component of the class so that you will have hard-copies of your work. This is important to me and will be stressed and graded.

This is a class where most if not all of the assignments and subject matter will be generated by YOU. I will give you a rough outline but you will be required to find your ultimate subject matter. This is a class that will keep you busy and will require you to stay on top of deadlines and plan ahead. This is training for the REAL WORLD. 

Equipment:

Digital camera - preferably one that can control shutter speed, aperture, focus, ISO sensitivity and shoot in RAW.

IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO GET THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR YOUR CAMERA. IF YOU ASK ME OPERATIONAL QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR CAMERA I WILL NOT ANSWER THEM.

Card reader - you need to be able to get the images you make with your camera into the computer. The lab will NOT have card readers for students to check out. Yes, you can download your images from your camera to your computer, but it eats the battery and it is just downright inconvenient. Do yourself a big favor and get a USB 2.0 card reader. Do NOT loan these out. They have a nasty habit of not coming back.

External storage device - This can come in many forms...thumb drive, external hard drive, etc... There will need to be a place that you can build your library of images. External storage devices can come in all kinds of sizes and price-points. Choose accordingly. An 8 or 16gb thumb drive would be sufficient for this class.

****OPTIONAL BUT STRONGLY RECOMMENDED****

Textbook - The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4 Book for Digital Photographers, by Scott Kelby

http://kelbytraining.com/product/the-adobe-photoshop-lightroom-4-book-for-digital-photographers/

If you are serious about getting the most out of this class, get this book. It's $40 new from Kelby directly, but you can get them used on Amazon too. I will NOT be going through this book chapter by chapter, rather using it for SUPPLEMENTAL material. It would be a good idea to get this book if you plan on asking me a lot of questions about stuff I don't want to cover. Eventually I'll tell you to buy the book.

Tripod - it will become your best friend. Apart from the camera and software, it is the most important piece of equipment you can purchase. They do NOT have to be expensive.

****END OF OPTIONAL BUT STRONGLY RECOMMENDED SECTION****

Commitment:

This is college. It is for adults who want to learn. Sometimes it is hard, sometimes it is fun. Oftentimes it is both. This course will return what you put into it, if you give this course maximum effort, you will learn and earn a high grade. To do this will require you to take charge of your own learning. This is a commitment. Part of this commitment is to come to class on time, be attentive, ask questions, keep your mind open to new ideas and fulfill assigned projects on time. Sometimes problems may arise that may interfere with your learning. It is important for you to communicate beforehand with your instructor about any problems. When understood and anticipated beforehand these problems can be easily resolved.

Learning is a synthesis of ideas. You will build upon the knowledge and ideas that you already have learned. Try and approach this course from that perspective. You are the one responsible for your success in this course. Make a commitment now to your own learning and success.

Revisions to Syllabus:

The standards and requirements in this syllabus may be modified at any time by the course instructor. Any changes will be announced in class.

Disability Accomodation:

Student should inform the instructor of any special need he or she may have. Academic Accommodations are granted for all students who have qualified documented disabilities.

Attendance:

Please be present not only physically but also mentally and emotionally. Be on time, and prepared with the proper materials, reading, research and assignments. Excessive absences will have a drastic influence on your grade. If you are aware of absences that may occur due to illness, doctor appointments, or other circumstances, please discuss them with your instructor via email or phone before you are absent.

If I am late in arriving to class, you must wait a full 20 minutes after the start of class before you may leave without being counted absent, or you must follow any written instructions I may give you about my anticipated tardiness.

Classroom Conduct:

I will conduct this class in an atmosphere of mutual respect. I encourage your active participation in class discussions, lectures, and demonstrations. Please be attentive, respectful, and prepared to learn. Each of us may have strongly differing opinions on the various topics of class discussions. The conflict of ideas is encouraged and welcome. The orderly questioning of the ideas of others, including mine, is similarly welcome. However, I will exercise my responsibility to manage the discussions so that ideas and argument can proceed in an orderly fashion. You should expect that if your conduct during class discussions seriously disrupts the atmosphere of mutual respect that I expect in this class, you will not be permitted to participate further. The student is expected to follow all policies regarding photography. Any misuse of the equipment or failure to follow policies may result in an immediate dismissal from the class.

Work/lab days:

Lab days are given for you to work on your projects. Lab days are a time used in the lab where you will work on your projects and have more personal feedback from the instructor both with technical and conceptual issues. Lab days are not just free days you must be present for your assigned lab time.

Critiques:

Critiques are one of the most important elements of this course. Attendance and participation in each critique is mandatory. Critiques will give you feedback that will help grow and develop your work, as well as push you as an artist. Taking notes from the discussion of your own work as well as from others work is required. Critiques are another place for you to learn to talk about and discuss your work. Incorporating and following the advice given by the instructor through the critiques is also critical to your growth. I ask that you conduct yourself with respect for each other. Be sensitive and open to each others ideas and techniques. But come with an attitude of how we can grow and improve. Critiques are a place where we discover solutions to the challenges we face in our image making. Critiques are about the work, not about the person. They are not a place to hurt each others feelings. Critiques are for us to be critical in a constructive way. They create dialog that can help you grow as an artist, and make your work stronger. To do achieve this it is important to separate your personal feelings you may have for the content and form of your work.

Lecture / Discussion / Demonstrations

You will receive most of your instruction through lectures, discussions and demonstrations. It is important for you to be actively involved in paying attention, taking notes, research and contributing to the class activities.

TECHNOLOGY USES IN THE CLASSROOM

Communication Devices:

The use of cell phones or other communication devices is disruptive, and is therefore prohibited during class. Except in emergencies, those using such devices must leave the classroom for the remainder of the class period. This will include text messaging. Remember that your phone does have an off button. There are very few things in the world that absolutely cannot wait. Please turn off your phone at the beginning of class.

Computers:

Students are permitted to use laptop computers during class for note-taking and other class-related work only. Working on projects, or internet use during lectures, class discussions, or demonstrations will not be permitted, unless it is designated by the instructor. Those using computers during class for work not related to that class must leave the classroom for the remainder of the class period.

Grading:

Assessment of learning will consist of number grades. More specific objectives will be provided with each assignment. Final grades will be determined by a simple formula: total number of points earned/total points possible. Additional explanation of the assignments will be provided in class demonstrations, lectures, and discussions. We will also be having in class critiques. Through critiques we will be learning how to asses your own learning. From this assessment we can make adjustments and directions for improvement. Late work will receive a full-letter-grade reduction. NO late work will be accepted after 1 week. An assignment that is turned in on-time can be re-done at any point of the semester. Late work can NOT be re-done.

If there are circumstances that cause missed deadlines, it is your responsibility to inform your instructor. For some circumstances accommodations can then be made to avoid late penalties.

Grading will be determined by the following items:

• Following assignment directions and requirements
• Formal and technical aspects of image making- exposure, composition, lighting, etc.
• Creative ideas and techniques
• Presentation - quality of prints, presentation
• Participation in class discussions
• Attendance

CLUES will become very important. Follow the C.L.U.E.S.