Course Description
This course blends traditional basic photography knowledge with the use of digital processes for the purposes of enhancing photographic imagery as both a corrective device and for creating expressive fine and commercial art. Students will explore many aspects of digital imaging and have the opportunity to develop an increased awareness of technical and aesthetic problems in digital photography. Adobe Photoshop will be used for darkroom and editing effects to produce digital imagery working with personal and stock photography. The use of peripheral hardware such as the digital camera, scanners and printing techniques is also included. Students MUST take photographs outside of school using their own cameras or check one out from their teacher!
Class Syllabus & Expectations
Student Expectations
Students will learn how to use computer and art software. However, be aware that: THE ART YOU MAKE ON THE COMPUTER WILL REFLECT THE SKILLS AND DESIGN CAPABILITIES YOU HAVE AS AN ARTIST, since it isn't the computer which is making the art but the user. Good art practice and design knowledge are still the foundation of any art. This is an art course that requires creative effort in addition to learning the technology.
Projects
All projects will be assessed with the following criteria and other specific criteria pertaining to that project. These additional criteria will be stressed when talking about the projects.
Assessment
Evaluating classroom behavior, computer assignments, reading assignments, quizzes, and final exam will determine grades.
Grade Scale
Exceptional aesthetics/content + flawless craft =A
Adequate aesthetics/content + flawless craft =B
Exceptional aesthetics/content + adequate craft =B
Adequate aesthetics/content + adequate craft =C
Adequate aesthetics/content + flawed craft =D
Poor content/poor design + adequate craft =D
Anything less than adequate in craft =F
100% -90% = A
89% - 80% = B
79% - 70% = C
69% - 60% = D
59% - 0% = F
Semester Grade Breakdown
50% Projects
25% Written Assignments
5% Participation
20% Semester Exam
Software used
Classroom Rules
Students will learn how to use computer and art software. However, be aware that: THE ART YOU MAKE ON THE COMPUTER WILL REFLECT THE SKILLS AND DESIGN CAPABILITIES YOU HAVE AS AN ARTIST, since it isn't the computer which is making the art but the user. Good art practice and design knowledge are still the foundation of any art. This is an art course that requires creative effort in addition to learning the technology.
- Attend class regularly with proper materials and attire. Good attendance is required to do well. A participation grade is given each day and not if you are not in class you will get zero participation points.
- Respect the teacher, substitute teachers, fellow students, and the equipment you are using in class.
- Apply yourself fully in order to maximize learning. I expect your best effort every day.
- It is my job to teach and assist in your learning. When you need help please ask for it, but you must try to become independent in high school. Don’t expect me to do your work for you. I will help after you try first and have difficulty.
- Put your name (first and last), class period on everything you turn in.
- If you are absent it is your responsibility to find out what we covered and when you can make it up. Art Club meets after school on Tuesdays at East campus if you would like extra time to work or need to make up an assignment.
- Your behavior is your choice and I expect outstanding behavior and respect if asked to do something. If you choose inappropriate behavior you will have consequences for that behavior.
- Use positive imagery only. Unacceptable images include those referencing gang signs, violence, alcohol, drugs, or tobacco. Submitting work of this type will result in an F on the assignment and possible disciplinary action.
- Keep track of when projects are due.
- You will have a photo of the week due every week, it doesn't matter if you are absent.
- You will have a photo journal due approximately every two weeks.
Projects
All projects will be assessed with the following criteria and other specific criteria pertaining to that project. These additional criteria will be stressed when talking about the projects.
- Focus on directions and project objectives
- Effective use of the visual elements and principles of photography
- Skills and use of techniques with camera, and computer software
Assessment
Evaluating classroom behavior, computer assignments, reading assignments, quizzes, and final exam will determine grades.
Grade Scale
Exceptional aesthetics/content + flawless craft =A
Adequate aesthetics/content + flawless craft =B
Exceptional aesthetics/content + adequate craft =B
Adequate aesthetics/content + adequate craft =C
Adequate aesthetics/content + flawed craft =D
Poor content/poor design + adequate craft =D
Anything less than adequate in craft =F
100% -90% = A
89% - 80% = B
79% - 70% = C
69% - 60% = D
59% - 0% = F
Semester Grade Breakdown
50% Projects
25% Written Assignments
5% Participation
20% Semester Exam
Software used
- Adobe Photoshop CS6 (image editing)
- BeFunky, PicMonkey (free online image editing)
- Weebly.com (free website creation software)
- Haiku
Classroom Rules
- Each assignment has a due date (which is about two weeks after we begin the project.) This date is found on the class calendar next to the assignment. Place in class basket in order to receive credit. Late assignments will have points taken off.
- All written work (questions) must be printed and put in the class basket in order to receive credit. Some computer artwork will be printed to the color printer and others will be graded from the monitor. DO NOT print computer artwork unless instructed to do so.
- There is absolutely no food, candy, gum or drinks allowed in the lab. Your 1st offense will result in a warning; a second will be a referral.
- Students must stay in assigned seats unless you are putting something in class basket, retrieving a print out, matting artwork, etc.
- I will NOT keep repeating directions for projects. Please pay attention to directions when they are given. It is your responsibility to LISTEN when I give directions and discuss projects, topics, etc. during class.
- No on-line music sites, video sites, iPhones, iPods, or any type music players of any type will be allowed as stated in the student handbook.
- Students are responsible for knowing and following the LTHS technology rules outlined in the Porter Planner. Use of proxy sites or other restricted sites will cause the student to be locked out of the computer. No playing video games, browsing websites, emailing, etc. during class time except for before class and the last 5 minutes of class ONLY! Any student found doing these things during normal class time will receive a referral with NO EXCEPTIONS!
Please go over this material above with your parents/guardians