STA 472 Syllabus
SYLLABUS
STA 472 COLOR PHOTOGRAPHY⏐Fall 2019
Michigan State University⏐Department of Art, History, & Design
with Amy Davis
davisam8@msu.edu
T/Th 11:30AM-2:20PM⏐room 037 KAC ⏐office hours Thursday 2:20PM or by appointment
Course Description: This is an upper level class focusing on advanced digital color photography techniques, visual perception, the applications of color, and the further investigation into the methods and language of the photographic medium as it is used today. Photography ethics, advanced photoshop techniques and contemporary photographic news and video capture and editing will also be main components of this course.
As an upper level student, you already possess the base understanding of digital photographic techniques as explored in Photography I. This class will insist upon a deeper exploration of concept, technique, and aesthetic development in your work. Digital SLR color exposure and printing, as well as further developing your Photoshop skills will be emphasized. This class will also introduce the video capabilities of the DSLR camera. If you aren’t already familiar with video shooting and editing, you sure will be by the end of the semester.
Textbook: Art Photography Now by Susan Bright
Assignments/Workload:
Throughout the course of the semester, there will be a series of projects directed towards a conceptual, formal, and technical concern. A finished project is a set of prints. Unless otherwise stated, no digital files will be accepted.
*All prints should be in a folder marked with your name and assignment name, so that they stay together and are not damaged.
This course will also contain presentations with short papers, and quizzes and written responses based on the readings and lectures.
**Every Tuesday, in addition to any readings, students will be expected to bring in a contemporary photographic issue discussed in the news to present to class.
On designated Work Days, it is expected that you will have images/files to work on in class. Students who do not bring in work on lab days will be counted absent and have deductions on their final grades.
You will be making your photographs for this course outside of class time. Expect to spend 6-12 hours a week outside of class working on these assignments.
Assignment Schedule
All assignments will be turned in as prints unless otherwise listed.
Assignment 1: mini assignment, Natural Light (digital files)
Assignment 2: mini assignment, Artificial Light (digital files)
Assignment 3: mini assignment, Monochromatic
Assignment 4: Nonfiction Narrative and Video portraiture
Assignment 5: Constructed Reality
Assignment 6: Digital Dialogues
Assignment 7: Identity
Assignment 8: Self Directed Final Project with Video component
Course Requirements:
∙ TIME: A studio art course demands a substantial amount of time spent out of the classroom. Conflicting time schedules with your other classes and/or job does not qualify as an excuse for late assignments or low quality projects.
∙ PARTICIPATION: in class discussions, readings, and critique is absolutely vital to receiving a 4.0 in this course.
∙ PRESENTATIONS & WRITING
Supplies:
A note on supplies. Unfortunately, photography is expensive. This class will require you to spend approximately $100 $200 for supplies. Unlike classes where you pay a one-time lab fee, in the Visual Resources Lab, you pay as you go so that you only buy what you need. Please keep in mind a budget for the semester for paper and printing. There will be a total of 5 studio projects that require from 5 to 10 prints. In addition, in order to get a great print and because of occasional printer malfunction, making multiple prints is sometimes necessary. We will discuss the techniques to minimize this as much as possible, but it does happen.
∙The necessary gear listed below:
. digital SLR camera with full manual controls. RAW capabilities preferred (appropriate memory card)
. external hard drive (recommend Lacie or Western Digital brand)
. tripod
. 13 x 19 or 11x17 inkjet photo paper (matte and glossy finish) (list of paper options below) You are strongly encouraged to explore a few inkjet papers. They are very different!
. a minimum of two 30 count print cards ($40 each) available at VRL or digital print lab
(print cards = 20 prints in this class considering the larger print size)
.You will also be making a minimum of one large print during the semester.
.Folder or print box to turn in print assignments.
∙Online resources: BHPhotoVideo, Adorama, Amazon
∙ I will supply you with other readings.
Bring your camera, card reader, portable hard drive, and photo paper, to all classes this semester. Get a locker to keep your paper in.
Attendance Policy: Attendance is essential. It will be impossible to fully participate in class if you are not present to gain feedback on your work and provide your feedback to others. Helpful guidelines listed below.
∙After 3 absences you will receive a full point (i.e. 3.5 to 2.5) grade deduction from your final grade, each absence after 3 will result in another full point grade deduction.
∙6 absences will result in you failing the course
∙3 tardies count as one absence (tardy more than 30 minutes = absence)
∙If you are absent on a day any assignment is due you will not receive credit for that assignment unless your absence is excused. You may turn in the assignment in the next class for half credit. After this, the assignment will be marked a 0.
∙If you are absent on a critique day you will receive an automatic half point reduction in your grade for that project (unexcused absence).
- Excused absences include family emergency, scholastic obligation (lectures for other classes need to be discussed with me beforehand), illness with doctors note.
- Students unprepared for class or more than 30-minutes late will be marked absent. Students who leave before class has been excused will be marked absent. This means come to LAB days ready to work!
- Students who arrive after attendance has been taken are advised to meet with me after class to make sure they are marked in attendance.
Email:
Email is the best way to reach me outside of office hours. I will use email to correspond with this class on a regular basis. Please check your MSU email account frequently.
Office hours: This class is my last class of the day, so if you are struggling with concepts, technicals or need some additional feedback, your best bet is to stay after class. Please shoot me an email before class so I know you need my assistance.
Grading:
Completion of all of the assignments on time, with a reasonable degree of craftsmanship and care, along with regular attendance are the minimum expectation. Simply fulfilling the minimum expectations will award you a letter C grade at most. All assignments are due at the beginning of class on the due date specified by the assignment. As long as you turn your work in on time and show your best effort, you can “re-do” most projects and re-submit it for re-evaluation. Re-do projects will be accepted within 3 weeks of being graded. Final projects can be resubmitted during finals week.
General guidelines for assessing performance:
A = superior work ethic, consistent participation, thorough comprehension, mastery of technical skills
B = strong work ethic, active participation, excellent material comprehension, excellent technical skills
C = average work ethic, some participation, basic material comprehension, proficient technical skills
D = poor work ethic, inconsistent participation, loose material comprehension, basic technical skills!
F = poor work ethic, lack of participation, lacking material comprehension, poor technical skills
Participation:
Participation from all of you is vital. This means not only listening attentively in class, but also actively participating in class discussions and critiques, and in general, being a thoughtful contributing member of the class. At the sole discretion of the instructor, poor participation can and will hurt your grade by as much as 10%.
Critiques:
Each week or at least every other week, we will try to make time to discuss each other’s work. This will take the form of a discussion where each of us should have an equal footing, with myself serving as something of a moderator. From the beginning, you should try your best to speak from your hearts and to learn from each other’s comments. Please respect each other’s voices—often many of the true gems of a workshop experience come from your peers. Remember from the outset when discussing someone else’s work to keep comments and criticisms as constructively honest and helpful as possible. This is very important. Hopefully, when we look at pictures, we will be looking at and talking about art. So please remember: in matters of art, there are no facts, only opinions. Please act accordingly.
CELL PHONE and SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY: Our classroom is an oasis, free from distractions of the world. Your phone should be turned on silent mode, hidden from your view and others. Prof. Shipley is registered with MSU for its emergency system alerts, and her phone will be on for that purpose. Phone conversations, messaging, social media, etc., may be engaged during class breaks outside the classroom only.
Teaching and Learning: Student responsibilities
- Academic Honesty: Article 2.3.3 of the Academic Freedom Report states: "The student shares with the faculty the responsibility for maintaining the integrity of scholarship, grades, and professional standards." In addition, The College of Arts and Letters adheres to the policies on academic honesty as specified in General Student Regulations 1.0, Protection of Scholarship and Grades; the all-University Policy on Integrity of Scholarship and Grades; and Ordinance 17.00, Examinations. (See Spartan Life: Student Handbook and Resource Guide and/or the MSU Web site: www.msu.edu.)
Therefore, unless authorized by your instructor, you are expected to complete all course assignments, including homework, lab work, quizzes, tests and exams, without assistance from any source. You are expected to develop original work for this course; therefore, you may not submit course work you completed for another course to satisfy the requirements for this course. Also, you are not authorized to use the www.allmsu.com Web site to complete any course work in AL 461 - Strategies of Arts and Cultural Management. Students who violate MSU academic integrity rules may receive a penalty grade, including a failing grade on the assignment or in the course. Contact your instructor if you are unsure about the appropriateness of your course work. (See also http://www.msu.edu/unit/ombud/dishonestyFAQ.html)
- Accommodations for Students with Disabilities (from the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD): Michigan State University is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Requests for accommodations by persons with disabilities may be made by contacting the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities at 517-884-RCPD or on the web at rcpd.msu.edu. Once your eligibility for an accommodation has been determined, you will be issued a verified individual services accommodation ("RISA") form. Please present this form to the instructor at the start of the term and/or two weeks prior to the accommodation date (test, project, etc.). Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.
- Drops and Adds: The last day to add this course is the end of the first week of classes. The last day to withdrawal from the University for Fall 2014 with full refund is 9/23/19. You should immediately make a copy of your amended schedule to verify you have added or dropped this course.
- Commercialized Lecture Notes: Commercialization of lecture notes and university-provided course materials is not permitted in this course.**
- Attendance: Students whose names do not appear on the official class list for this course may not attend this class. Students who fail to attend the first four class sessions or class by the fifth day of the semester, whichever occurs first, may be dropped from the course.
- Grief Absence: Students seeking a grief absence must complete a Grief Absence Request Form found at https://reg.msu.edu/ under the “Student Services – Grief Absence Request Form” or at StuInfo, https://stuinfo.msu.edu/, under “Academics – Enrollment Information and Services – Grief Absence Request Form. Graduate students accessing this form will be prompted to see their major professors and notify their course instructors. Students must supply information on the nature of the loss, the date they became aware, and the expected period of absence. They must also supply supporting documentation. The absence must be approved by the office of the dean of the student’s college prior to the student leaving campus. The instructor will work with the student to arrange for completion of the work missed during the absence.
- Internet: Some professional journals will not consider a submission for publication if the article has appeared on the Internet. Please notify your instructor in writing if you do not want your course papers posted to the course Web site.
- Disruptive Behavior: Article 2.3.5 of the Academic Freedom Report (AFR) for students at Michigan State University states: "The student's behavior in the classroom shall be conducive to the teaching and learning process for all concerned." Article 2.3.10 of the AFR states that "The student has a right to scholarly relationships with faculty based on mutual trust and civility." General Student Regulation 5.02 states: "No student shall…interfere with the functions and services of the University (for example, but not limited to, classes…) such that the function or service is obstructed or disrupted. Students whose conduct adversely affects the learning environment in this classroom may be subject to disciplinary action through the Student Faculty Judiciary process.
**Note: The Code of Teaching Responsibility requires instructors who permit students to commercialize their class lecture notes to include a statement in their course syllabi that gives such permission. Absent such permission, students may not do so.
Integrity of Scholarship and Grades
This policy is located in the Academic Programs catalog
Mandatory Reporting
"Michigan State University is committed to fostering a culture of caring and respect that is free of relationship violence and sexual misconduct, and to ensuring that all affected individuals have access to services. For information on reporting options, confidential advocacy and support resources, university policies and procedures, or how to make a difference on campus, visit the Title IX website at www.titleix.msu.edu."
Please follow the link for further information:
Library Services:
The MSU Libraries offer many ways to receive research help. See http://www.lib.msu.edu/
Center for Writing:
The Writing Center offers writing support for both undergraduate and graduate students, featuring online and in-person resources. See http://writing.msu.edu/
Fine Print:
The schedule and procedures in this course syllabus are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances including, but not limited to, weather conditions, illness, or re-evaluation of course objectives. Every attempt will be made to provide said changes in writing.
Spartan Code of Honor:
“As a Spartan, I will strive to uphold values of the highest ethical standard. I will
practice honesty in my work, foster honesty in my peers, and take pride in knowing
that honor is worth more than grades. I will carry these values beyond my time as a
student at Michigan State University, continuing the endeavor to build personal
integrity in all that I do.
A=Assignment
R= Reading
SCHEDULE* This is subject to change and is a rough overview of what to expect during the semester, BUT all assignments, readings and updates will be posted on the blog. So put the URL in your phone, bookmark it and check it daily. I will also shoot the class an email when I have posted new materials.
WK 1: Introduce syllabus, watch 3 ted talks, short lecture on natural light, visit Alex, assign reading:, Susan Bright text 1-12,
assignment #1 color and light, natural light
WK 2a: lecture artificial light, white balance, lens correction, camera raw, critique assignment #1 natural light. Assign #2 artificial light
WK 2b: lecture what is color and light, color theory basics, critique Assignment #2 Artificial Light, assign #3. monochromatic image.
Readings:
WK 3a: lecture photoshop 1 + camera with in class practice time, lecture how to read a photo, visit VRL
WK 3b: critique One Block as digital files, assign Portraiture, assign technical reading, assign a video relating to portraiture
WK 4a: lecture portraiture ethics and ideas, lecture photoshop review, basics of printing (profiles, etc), work time
WK 4b: assign technical reading and Portraiture
WK 5a: OUIZ, Full Print Day
WK 5b: Portraiture Due Discuss how we read photographs, assign Emulate an Artist
WK 6a: Lecture photoshop + masks, in class worktime
WK 6b: QUIZ review, In class lighting demo
WK 7a: Presentation day 1, papers due
WK 7b: Presentation day 2, assign ways of seeing female form
WK 8a: Critique Emulate an artist, assign
WK 8b: lecture on the veracity of photography, Photoshop demo 3, assign staged project, show examples
WK 9: Possible field trip day, visiting artist day or lecture
WK 10a: Midterm
WK 10b: dry mount demo, in progress Work day
WK 11a: Staged assignment critique
WK 11b: Assign final project, write 3 project ideas and reading
WK 12a: installation, sequence and narrative lecture or visiting artist, check in on project ideas, TAKE HOME QUIZ photoshop
WK 12b: lecture artist statement, check in on quiz in class, work time
WK 13a: In progress pt 1
WK 13b: THANKSGIVING
WK 14a: In progress pt 2
WK 14b: multimedia lecture, work time
WK 15a: In progress pt 3
WK 15b: Documentary or possible field trip
WK 16a: Work day
WK 16b: EVERYTHING DUE FINAL CRITIQUE
*Schedule can change at any point in the semester at the sole discretion of the instructor.
PROJECT GRADING RUBRIC
Major projects will be graded on 5 separate criteria with a total of 50 possible points
5 = unacceptable, 6.5 = below average, 7.5 = average, 8.5 = above average, 10 = excellent
1. TECHNOLOGY / CRAFT
Techniques applied with precision and control.
3. CONCEPTUAL FOUNDATION
Was the idea well conceived and thoughtful?
2. VISUAL COMMUNICATION OF CONCEPT
Control of variables in achieving legible and expressive meaning.
4. CRITIQUE PARTICIPATION
Did the student actively and thoughtfully participate in final critique of student projects?
5. EXPECTED REQUIREMENTS
Did the student adhere to the instructions and requirements of the project
Attendance Policy and Syllabus Acknowledgement:
By signing this, you are acknowledging that you are aware of the attendance policy for STA 472 and have read through and understand the syllabus and expectations of class. You are aware that a maximum of 3 absences are allowed throughout the semester and that any days missed beyond that will result in a lowered final grade.
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Printed Name, Date
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