syllabus advanced

JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY COURSE CODE: "AS 289-3" COURSE NAME: "Digital Photography" SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring Semester 2011

SYLLABUS INSTRUCTOR: Amato Serafino HOURS: TH 14:15-17:00 TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45 CREDITS: 3 PREREQUISITES: OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE AIMS: Time, space, light, infinity, and human sensibility. For the last century and a half, photography has been following changes in humankind’s external and internal environments. The core idea of this course is that photography is related more closely to philosophical, literary, and narrative ideas than to art history and the visual arts. The specific aim of the course is to help students evaluate different types of photographic images and to find the genres and types of images closest to their own sensibilities. The theoretical objective of this course is to find techniques to “re-create” any sort of place and space, whether it be exterior or interior. Most lessons are taking place outdoors in and around the city of Rome. We will create individual and group electronic portfolios that will be shared through the class blog. The entire class will have access and be able to upload content to the blog to create one final “product”. Students use digital or film cameras. The teacher will follow them step by step as they produce an original portfolio.

SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT: Various genres of photography will be analyzed: Portrait Landscape Reportage Close up Theatre and arts (artists at work) Fine art. 1. Introduction to terms used in photography, both technical and theoretical. 2. Detailed examination and review of the camera and all its mechanisms. 3. Discussion of optical principles, in particular with regard photographic lenses: focal lengths, apertures, etc. 4. Introduction to black and white film, color film, and negatives. Film speed (Iso/Asa). Techniques of film developing. Techniques of photographic printing. 5. Ways of editing and displaying photographic images; presentation in the context of a photographic exhibition. The single image, the series, the essay, etc. 6. The photographic genres 7. Natural and artificial lighting in photography. 8. The course will focus on the relationships and advantages offered by ne tchnologies for traditional film photography. 9. It is highly recommended that students come prepared to class with, if possibile, a laptop.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: The objective of the course is for students to achieve a technical knowledge sufficient to realize images in different contexts. These skills will develop in controlled environments, in order to be verifiable technically and conceptually. Early in the course, a working context will be proposed. This context, or contexts, will be the environments of the theater, of architecture, and also of the studios of visual artists. Among the problems proposed is to photograph actors as they prepare a theatrical performance.

TEXTBOOK: NONE

REQUIRED RESERVED READING: NONE RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING: NONE

GRADING POLICY -ASSESSMENT METHODS: A group project will involve documenting museums or classical sites offered throughout Rome.  Students will organize their own photography projects under the supervision of the professor, in class and/or on site. -ASSESSMENT CRITERIA: Assessment Guidelines for assigning main letter grades: A, B, C,D, and F. A:  Work of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensiveknowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course. B:  This is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised. There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments. C:  This is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings. D:  This level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material. Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail. F: This work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant. -ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS: Please refer to the university catalog for the attendance and absence policy.

Please refer to the university catalog for the attendance and absence policy.

ACADEMIC HONESTY As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.

STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE