Syllabus

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Calendar/Schedule

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Student Work

 

 

     

Art 440: Intermediate Photo Imagery
Sppring Semester, 2008
School of Art Design and Art History
San Diego State University

Professor: Kim Stringfellow
Office: Art 418
Office hours: Wed, 1 to 2:45 pm
Phone: 594-6766
Email: kstringf@mail.sdsu.edu
Urls: www.kimstringfellow.com

This class meets in M/W in Art 418 from 4:00 to 6:40 pm.

Open lab hours are available in the Art 216 and Art 213 computer labs. Check the posted hours in the lab.

General Information

Further exploration of visual communication and expression through both traditional and digital applications of photographic media with an emphasis on the development of intermediate technical skills related to photographic production. This course also investigates both conceptual and theoretical issues relating to photography, media analysis and other related media topics.

Topics for discussion include historical perspectives on photography and theoretical issues relating to media analysis of photographic imagery in advertising. Formal critique of photographic imagery, technical issues relating to traditionally and digitally created photographic media & production, color theory, exploration of digital photo illustration techniques, collaborative production strategies, digital input and output options, alternative presentation and processes including experimental digital techniques, 3-D construction, Quicktime VR and other cross-disciplinary strategies are also covered. The course emphasizes personal creative expression, conceptual approaches to problem solving, and development writing skills in relationship to artistic practice.

Guest lecturers and field trips may be scheduled during the course of the semester.

Proof of Prerequisites

Every student must show proof of prerequisites by the third class period. Preregistered students who are unable to show proof of prerequisites may be administratively dropped by the instructor. If space is available, the instructor may add crashers who are able to show proof of prerequisites. By the second class period turn in a copy of either a grade report for prerequisite class or student transcript. The prerequisites for this course are grades of C or better in Art 340, or Art 207 and 240.

Calendar

Please refer to the calendar for specific readings, daily activities and topics as well as homework assignments and any other important information you will need to know for this course.

Note: The instructor reserves the right to change or update the course calendar/schedule at any time. Please refer to the online calendar weekly for updates.

Course Materials

You are required to bring proof of these materials to the second class meeting. The instructor will also check your camera to make sure it is adequate for use during this class.

  • Backup media to store & backup homework assignments—please have TWO backups i.e. disk key + laptop or iDisk (requires a .Mac subscription)
  • Access to a working 35mm film camera or a digital SLR over the course of the semester is REQUIRED for this class. A 28-70 mm zoom lens is SUGGESTED.
  • Light stand and 250 to 500 watt photo flood is SUGGESTED (see instructor for purchasing suggestions)
  • A good quality color ink-jet printer is SUGGESTED
  • Tripod is HIGHLY RECCOMENDED
  • A gray card for metering (found at professional photo shops) is SUGGESTED
  • Additional course materials & expenses include film, processing fees, printing paper, and digital file output (hi-res color printing).
  • Reccomended book(s)

Projects

Emphasis of this course is both on completion of projects and class participation. The process of solving a problem is just as important as the solution.

You should also be prepared for the possibility of a short quiz(es) during the course of the semester. A midterm & final exam will be given also.

A few extra credit assignments will be given throughout the semester.

Design Brief

In addition to the final artwork, all projects must include a typed design brief in outline form (1 to 2 pages) describing the following:

  • Description of assignment
  • Design goals and objectives (Describe the goals and objectives of the project. What are you trying to achieve by means of design?)
  • Research sources (bibliography & url list)
  • Design exploration (Describe your concept development from preliminary work to final solution development.)
  • Completed design concept and evaluation (Describe your final concept, describe how your solution meets the design objectives stated earlier and why your design is successful)
  • *All Digital assignment files will be turned at the end of the semester as flattened JPEGs (save at 10 quality or above). No TIFFS or LAYERED PSD files please! Bring your files in a folder named with your last name (use first initial if you share a last name with another student) to transfer to group folder.

Due Dates

All work is expected to be completed by the due dates. Unless otherwise specified, work is due at the beginning of the class period.

  • If work is one class meeting late, the grade will be lowered by one half letter grade.
  • If work is two class meetings late, the grade may be lowered by one full grade.
  • If work is three or more class meetings late, the grade may be lowered by one and a half grades and so forth.

If there is a problem in meeting a deadline, the instructor should be consulted in advance. Missed critiques result in your project being marked down one half letter grade automatically. DO NOT MISS CRITIQUES!

Project Rules

Photographs, preferably, should be taken by the student; if not, appropriate credit/reference should be made on the artwork or in the notebook.

Any illustration, symbol or pattern should be based on actual reference. The reference should be clearly included and identified in your design brief.

Class Participation

Emphasis of this course is both on completion of projects and class participation. Classroom interaction is vital to the learning process. Students will be expected to participated in all class activities. Lectures, tutorials, discussions and critiques will occur regularly. A grade will be given for class participation and involvement.

Attendance

Attendance to all class meetings is required and is directly related to class participation. The instructor will not personally overview an assignment that a student has missed due to absence during a class. You should consult with a classmate if you plan or have missed a class or set up a meeting during the instructor's office hours. If there is a problem in attending a class, the instructor should be consulted in advance if possible.

Tardiness to class meetings is not tolerated as it disrupts the class in session. PLEASE ARRIVE ON TIME FOR ALL CLASS MEETINGS. If you need to arrive to a class period late (or need to leave early) notify the instructor prior to the scheduled class meeting.

Grading

TO VIEW GRADES FOR ALL ASSIGNMENTS & PROJECTS USE THE ONLINE BLACKBOARD SYSTEM AT https://blackboard.sdsu.edu/webapps/login. Go to Student Tools> View Grades.

Grades will be based on the following criteria:

  • Homework Assignments and completion of readings prior to class meeting
  • Final Project (failure to complete the Final Project will result in a grade of NO CREDIT)
  • Conceptual development (creativity and problem solving)
  • Technical execution
  • Craftsmanship
  • Class participation and involvement
  • Presentation (oral Communication, written communication, neatness and organization)
  • Timeliness & preparedness
  • Enthusiasm

Grading Breakdown:

66% Projects/Assignments
5% Research Paper
25% Final Project
2% Participation
2% Design Brief

A- Outstanding achievement, available only for the highest accomplishment. B- Praiseworthy performance, definitely above average. C- Average, awarded for satisfactory performance, the most common grade. D- Minimally passing, less than the typical undergraduate achievement. F- Failing. (Based on SDSU grading guidelines.)

Incomplete
An incomplete grade will only be granted for extenuating circumstances.

Classroom Rules

NO CELL PHONES OR PAGERS (please turn yours off before entering the classroom)
NO FOOD OR DRINKS IN CLASSROOM

Books

  • Photoshop CS Artistry, Haynes & Crumpler, New Riders Press, ISBN: 073571374X (HIGHLY RECCOMENDED)
  • Real World Camera Raw with Adobe Photoshop CS, Bruce Fraser, ISBN: 032127878X (HIGHLY RECCOMENDED)

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