Course Syllabus
Course: ART 1500
Division: Fine Arts, Comm, and New MediaDepartment: Visual Art
Title: Silver & Alternative Photography
Semester Approved: Spring 2018
Five-Year Review Semester: Spring 2023
End Semester: Spring 2024
Catalog Description: This course introduces analog photographic processes based in the traditional wet darkroom. Techniques include camera building, exposure, film processing, silver-based printing methods, and alternative and experimental 19th century photographic processes. Artworks are discussed in the context of historical and contemporary photographic concepts and imagery. Students will present a final portfolio and critiques will be held regularly throughout the semester. A film camera and course fee are required.
Semesters Offered: Spring
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 3; Lab: 3
Repeatable: Yes.
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Justification: This is an introductory course in film-based darkroom photography. It is required for all bachelor degree programs in the visual arts within the state of Utah. This course will further prepare sophomore art students transferring to a four-year institution. All other higher education institutions in the state offer a basic darkroom photography course.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding, proficiency, and fluency in the following Snow College Visual Arts Student Learning Outcomes:
MATERIAL PROFICIENCY Students will be exposed to a range of material processes applicable to the analog photographic medium. Each student will be required to maintain a portfolio and produce a final body of work serving as a culmination of techniques and concepts learned. These will be reviewed periodically throughout the semester to provide feedback for improvement.
CONCEPTUAL PRINCIPLES Students will be educated to discern between material, formal and conceptual principles. Material and formal understanding of media will be emphasized to solve conceptual issues. This understanding will be applied in communicating effectively within the visual language and discerning a balance between form and content. Evidence of proficiency will culminate with a portfolio of work and critiques throughout the semester. Portfolios will be reviewed periodically throughout the semester to provide feedback for improvement and assess progress.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT Students will study significant historical photographic works with particular attention to the context of when it was created. This knowledge will assist in informing their formal creative sensibilities. Artistic influence and imitation is a standard part of the creative development of art students and will be evidenced in their final portfolio of creative work.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS Students will learn the process of critical analysis as it applies to analog and alternative photography. Utilizing the visual vocabulary, knowledge of material processes, concepts and historical context, students will learn to articulate aesthetic qualities, examine effective visual communication, and determine conceptual merit. Students will analyze both historical and contemporary work through oral and written critiques.
CREATIVE PROCESS Students will be exposed to a broad range of creative processes through lectures and discussions. Each student will be required to maintain a sketchbook or notes which will be used to write a comprehensive assessment at the end of the semester. Class discussions will be held periodically throughout the semester to provide feedback and insight.
Content:
This course will include lectures, class discussion and written assessments as they apply to the following topics:
• Basic camera operation/exposure
• Black and white photographic chemistry
• Black and white film development
• Enlarging and printing onto black and white paper
• 19th century processes and techniques
• Alternative processes and techniques
• Historical perspectives on photography
• Design/composition elements and principles
• Contemporary critical issues in photography
• Group critiques
• Exhibition presentation
Key Performance Indicators:
Each student will be evaluated on:
Attendance and Participation 10 to 20%
Portfolio/Assignments 60 to 80%
Exams: Written assessments 10 to 20%
Representative Text and/or Supplies:
No text is required for this course
Materials and supplies to be determined at the discretion of the instructor
A lab fee is required for this course
Pedagogy Statement:
This course will utilize lectures by visiting speakers, observation, and in-class discussions.
Instructional Mediums:
Lecture/Lab
Maximum Class Size: 12
Optimum Class Size: 12