contact: cedwards4@fairfield.edu
office hours: by appointment zoom
COURSE DESCRIPTION
In this course we will explore contemporary methods and approaches to photography through individual and collaborative projects. This course will familiarize students with the basic use of the camera and workings of Adobe Lightroom as well as capturing, file management, and outputting digital images. This course focuses on how we see and organize the frame to create a composition. We will break down the process of taking a photograph and discover how a photograph “speaks” both about self and the world. Students will examine historic and contemporary photographers in relation to assigned projects questioning our traditional photographic canon and creating a more inclusive and interdisciplinary understanding of photographic history. We will deconstruct and reconstruct what we photograph focusing on our process alongside this range of voices and perspectives in our process journals and responses. The final will develop a project that explores a student-proposed idea using technical and conceptual skills learned throughout the semester and considering our current social climate alongside history, culture, and ultimately ourselves integrating students' fields of study and interest.
SJ designation and ID designations (pending)
Course Objectives
- Learning fundamental principles of photography, theory, and inclusive history of photography
- Develop skills, competencies and points of view needed in the field: basic camera and computer imaging skills. Students will digitize, edit and manipulate images in Adobe Lightroom, prepare images for output via printers and other output devices and exercise proper file management etiquette.
- Develop creative capacities while recognizing diverse and multiple positions in our global community cross discipline through screenings, exhibitions, projects, critique, research and writing through screenings, exhibitions, projects, critique, research, and writing
- Situate students' creative practice in an interdisciplinary, contemporary social, cultural, and political context
Students who take Studio Art core courses (10 and 100-level) will be able to:
Goals:
- Think and make creatively
- Observe, depict, analyze, and interpret sensory information
- Understand how knowledge is socially constructed within and beyond the studio
- Identify an area of interest and articulate why it is meaningful
- Consider the ethical implications of decisions made within our globally interconnected society
Outcomes: :
- Show evidence of critical thinking about the social and cultural forces that shape decision-making
- Demonstrate skills and practices that enhance their expression and communication
- Clearly articulate comprehension of methods and process within and beyond the studio
Introductory Social Justice courses (SJ1) learning outcomes:
- 1. Identify values, beliefs, and practices of multiple cultures, worldviews, or perspectives.
- 2. Identify one’s own social identities and elements of one’s own culture.
- 3. Ask critical questions about assumptions, biases, or worldviews.
Interdisciplinary learning outcomes (PENDING):
- 1. Synthesize or draw conclusions by connecting examples, data, facts, or theories from more than one perspective or field of study.
- 2. Meaningfully synthesize connections among experiences outside of the formal classroom (e.g., life experiences, service learning, study abroad, internship) to deepen understanding of fields of study and to critically examine their own points of view.
- 3.Adapt and apply skills, theories, or methodologies across disciplines to explore complex questions and address problems.
Anti-Racism Statement:
The Studio Art Program is dedicated to teaching practices based on guiding students to reach their fullest potential as human beings. We are committed to pedagogical practices that examine identity, develop and create racial equity, social equity, and embrace radical inclusivity for everyone. In advancing the curriculum we are committed to Anti-Racist values, and are committed to examining these values in our own studio practices and our work with and for each other. We recognize that with mutual respect for each other we fortify our human values of truth and justice for all.
Requirements
Attendance is mandatory and will be noted at each class. More than two absences, excused or unexcused are grounds for failing the course. Leaving early or arriving late will be noted and will adversely affect your grade. If you must miss class it is your responsibility to make up the work. Please check the website, read project descriptions, etc, prior to emailing.
Be prepared for each class meeting. If a student comes to class unprepared (without the appropriate material to work on during class time) or does not work on the assigned exercises or project during specified class time, that student does not receive credit for the in class exercises or participation for that class date. Students should be prepared to edit and/or print during class and should expect to spend 6-8 hours outside of class working on each project.
Images created and turned in for this class cannot be used for another class. Images created outside the context of this class also cannot be used for this class and will result in a failing grade for the project.
PROJECTS: 40% the first two-thirds of the semester the students will be completing a series of 3 projects that use the skills learned to explore the technical fundamentals of digital photography and post production and explore photographic “seeing” in relation to photographic history and contemporary photography. Projects will also examine personal identities and histories alongside diverse points of view, fields of study and perspective while encouraging critical thinking.
Work handed in one week after the due date will result in a full grade deduction, projects are not accepted after 2 weeks and will result in a failing grade for the project. Reprinting / reshooting is encouraged, please hand it in one week after receiving it.
PROCESS JOURNAL + RESPONSES: 20%
PROCESS JOURNAL: Being a processed-based class, students will keep a process journal-- record your notes from class, reading, artist references, audio, videos as well as project development and ideas each week. This includes images to show inspiration. Use the process journal, to assist you in writing responses as well as informed 150 word artist statements. How did you arrive at your final? Which artists did you look into? Does the work address other disciplines or fields of study? How does this connect to your worldview, the world view of others and revealed biases or different perspectives? Connect the reading, artist talk, artist viewed in class with your work. Process Journal is due alongside the project and 150 word statement. (post in Google Drive folder titled by week or project).
RESPONSES: Series of written responses to a prompt /exhibition / artist talk along with an appropriate image posted to class google drive folder. The responses are not research papers however appropriate citation and specifics are required and a focused amount of research will augment your grade. Length of responses will vary. All the responses will use the course reading Stephen Shore's "The Nature of Photographs: A primer" (required)
Attendance at one additional workshop/artist’s talk during the semester, see syllabus
Responses are due ONE week after assigned and/or screening, participation or visit unless specified.
RESPONSES or PROCESS JOURNALS Work handed in one week after the due date will result in a full grade deduction, work is not accepted after 2 weeks and will result in a failing grade. Rewriting is encouraged, one week deadline.
CLASS PARTICIPATION: 10% students are expected to come to class on time, prepared to work with all materials needed. In addition, students are expected to participate in class-discussion and critique. Critique – all students are expected to participate in critique by having their work critiqued and by critiquing other students’ work. There is to be no printing or working on a project during critique. Remember that the purpose of critique is to learn from other students.
FINAL PROJECT: 30% 20 exhibition ready prints / 2 page artist statement. Project proposed by individual or chosen from list. 2-3 large exhibition print.
EVALUATION METHODS
1. Technical ability
2. Conceptual ideas
3. Aesthetics and craftsmanship
4. Participation in class discussions and critiques
Grading
Projects (3+) 40%
Response: 20%
Class participation 10%
Final Project 30%
A = excellent, inspired growth and consistently going beyond the basic requirements of each assignment - strong participation and an excellent attendance record.
B = very good, consistent high quality work with active participation and good attendance and punctuality.
C= satisfactory, completion of all work in a timely manner, required attendance, punctuality and participation.
D= below average work, poor attendance/participation.
F= none of the above
Studio Class Etiquette/Policy on Personal Electronic Devices: The use of cell phones and all other electronic devices (with the exception of approved medical devices) is strictly not permitted while class is in session in the Studio. Students who violate this course policy will be marked absent for the class session. (Please see College Etiquette in the Studio Class handout.)
The Writing Center: This is a resource available to all students at Fairfield University. The Writing Center is located in DiMenna-Nyselius library. A trained peer tutor will work individually and/or collaboratively with you to help you develop your ideas and establish priorities. Some tutors have training to work with students for whom English is a second language. Appointments can be made at the Writing Center website: http://www.fairfield.edu/writingcenter
Academic Integrity: “As students, faculty and administrators of Fairfield University we are privileged to share a quest for truth, knowledge, excellence, and the development of the creative intellectual potential of our community. Teaching and learning must be based on mutual trust and respect. The integrity is fundamental to and an inherent part of a Jesuit education.” {A brief guide to Academic Honesty and Integrity at Fairfield University}{Pages 21-23 Instructional Handbook for Faculty.}
Policy on Academic Honesty:
“All members of the Fairfield University Community share responsibility for establishing and maintaining appropriate standards for academic honesty and integrity. As such, faculty members have an obligation to set high standards of honesty and integrity through personal example and the learning communities they create. Such integrity is fundamental to, and an inherent part of, a Jesuit education, in which teaching and learning are based on mutual respect. It is further expected that students will follow these standards and encourage others to do so… Students are sometimes unsure about what constitutes academic dishonesty. In all academic work, students are expected to submit materials that are their own and are to include attribution for any ideas or language that are not their own.” Examples of academic dishonesty can be found in the Course Catalog and the Student Handbook. In the event of dishonesty, “professors are to award a grade of zero for the project, paper, or examination in question, and may record an F for the course itself. When appropriate, expulsion may be recommended. A notation of the event is made in the student’s file in the academic dean’s office. The student will receive a copy.” (from Academic Policies, Fairfield University Undergraduate Course Catalog)
AI Usage
You may use AI programs e.g. ChatGPT to help generate ideas and brainstorm. However, you should note that the material generated by these programs may be inaccurate, incomplete, contain biases and problematic. Beware that use may also stifle your own independent thinking and creativity. It is important to remember that chatGPT and other AI tools are not a replacement for your own critical thinking and original ideas. The ultimate goal of this course and any tool used to submit work is to enhance your own learning and understanding, not to undermine it.
You may not submit any work generated by an AI program as your own. If you include material generated by an AI program, it should be cited like any other reference material (with due consideration for the quality of the reference, which may be poor).
If you have questions about what is permitted, please reach out to me.
Academic Dishonesty:
“Students are sometimes unsure of what constitutes academic dishonesty. In all academic work, students are expected to submit materials that are their own and are to include attribution for any ideas or language that are not their own.” In the event of Academic dishonesty, a grade of 0 for the project is given and may record as an “F” itself for the course. (From the Undergraduate Course Catalogue) For examples of dishonest conduct, see the undergraduate course catalogue or the student handbook. Absolutely no plagiarism will be accepted. If you cite a text, you must footnote it or inform me of the text in your paper. (From the Undergraduate Course Catalogue.) If you are taking another studio art class, you may not hand in the same paper for both classes.
ACCESSIBILITY
Fairfield University is committed to achieving equal educational opportunities, providing students with documented disabilities access to all University programs, services and activities. In order for this course to be equally accessible to all students, different accommodations or adjustments may need to be implemented. Accessibility Supports for students with disabilities are available through the Office of Accessibility located at the DiMenna-Nyselius Library. It is your primary resource on campus to help you develop an accessibility plan to help you achieve equal access in your courses this semester. Please complete the online form and make an appointment with them as early as possible this semester to receive a letter to present to me so that we can discuss how potential accommodations can be provided and carried out for this course. If you have received an accommodation letter, please provide me with that information privately, at the start of the semester, so that we can review your accommodations together and discuss how best to help you achieve equal access in this course this semester. For more information, contact the Office of Accessiblity at ooa@fairfield.edu or 203-254-4000 ex. 2615
Below please find two suggested options from FUSA’s Mental Health Resolution for your consideration:
1. Students sometimes feel overwhelmed, lost, experience anxiety or depression, struggle with relationship difficulties or diminished self-esteem. Counseling & Psychological Services helps students cope with difficult emotions and life stressors. Counseling & Psychological Services is staffed by experienced, professional psychologists and counselors, who are attuned to the needs of college students. The services are FREE and completely confidential.
For more information contact counseling@fairfield.edu or by calling (203) 254-4000 ext 2146.2. Fairfield University provides mental health services to support the academic and personal success and well-being of students. Counseling & Psychological Services offers free, confidential psychological services to help students manage personal challenges that may interfere with your well-being. Fairfield University is committed to advancing the mental health and wellbeing of its students. If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed, depressed, and/or in need of support, services are available.
For help, contact Counseling and Psychological Services at (203) 254-4000 ext 2146.
COVID-19 PROTOCOLS / UNIVERSITY PROTOCOLS
As a community of learners, all members of this class are responsible to themselves and to each other to maintain an environment that facilitates learning and ensures health and safety for all. Students are responsible for staying up to date and abiding with all University-wide COVID-19 protocols. Additionally, students are responsible for staying up to date and complying with classroom COVID-19 protocols, which may vary from class to class. Professors are responsible for setting classroom behavior expectations that are both consistent with University-wide COVID-19 policies and responsive to their particular class context. These classroom behavioral expectations may change over the course of the semester. Classroom behavioral expectations will be posted each week in the Announcements section on Blackboard for this course [or via email, etc.].
Supplies
- There is a $95 STUDIO/MATERIAL fee for this course as stated in the course catalog.
- SOFTWARE: SOFTWARE: This class will be using Lightroom CLASSIC. You will need a subscription to Adobe CC Photography for your laptop. See system requirements here. The cost is approximately $9 month for the photography student subscription. Please plan to install lightroom CLASSIC (not CC) after the first week of class.
- CAMERA: Students will supply their own cameras and should know the preliminaries of camera operation as outlined in their camera operational booklet. All digital SLR or mirrorless cameras must have manual controls and write their own raw files. There are loaner digital cameras are available You also need to buy your own memory card for the camera. Please contact Studio Art Technician Emerson Crowley , Loyola 13 ecrowley@fairfield.edu as early as possible if you need a loaner – it will be first come, first serve. Please email her and myself with "CAMERA RENTAL" in the subject line. Please note that for those students who borrow cameras from the school, grades will not be submitted unless the camera is returned.
- You will need a flash drive or Mac formatted portable harddrive (1TB+ ) and a memory card reader. Please make sure you have the proper adapters for your Macbook
Optional items: tripod, light meter, a compatible flash with a hotshoe mount, various lenses
Bibliography
COURSE READING: The Nature of Photographs: A primer by Stephen Shore 2nd Edition 2017 (reprinted)
A copy is available to borrow in Loyola 13 / also see class google drive reading folder for PDF documents
Groys, Boris From Image to Image File—and Back: Art in the Age of Digitalization, 2008, essay
London, Barbara and Stone, Jim, A Short Course in Digital Photography. 2010
Hirsch, Robert, Light and Lens. 2008
London, Barbara, Stone, Jim and Upton, John. Photography. 2017
Paul, Christiane. Digital Art (2nd World of Art) 2008 ISBN-10: 0500203989
Price, Seth. Dispersion, 2008 essay
http://www.distributedhistory.com/Dispersion08.pdf
EXHIBITIONS / SCREENINGS / ARTIST LECTURES
(Required)TBD
Attendance Required at one of the Following Artist talks:
TBD
MOMA
International Center for Photography ICP
MET
TBD
Additional exhibitions will be announced throughout the semester