MTA 103 UNDERSTANDING PHOTOGRAPHY                                               

 

Instructor; Dan Wise

Office: 212 VCB / Phone: 994-6236

e-mail: dwise@montanta.edu

 

 

COURSE METHODS

The course is designed as an active practice for all the basic steps in making photographs in B&W, from camera use and film processing, to printing and final presentation of finished work.   The course also emphasizes developing skills of visual perception, using the VISUAL LANGUAGE, of photography.  Class discussions and critiques are included, as well as he material presented through lecture and the reading assignments, towards these visual, and technical skills.

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES

The goal is for you to become technically proficient with the use of the 35mm camera and in B&W darkroom practice, i.e., film processing, printing, etc..  Simultaneously you will develop a greater awareness and understanding of VISUAL LANGUAGE, as well as an ability to use it in your own images, for you to gain a better understanding of the world beyond yours, to perhaps Asee@ your world in a different light, and to make your own statement as to how you view  the world around you.

 

GRADING

The traditional A (excellent), B (good), C (fair), D (passing), F (failure), will be used for all course grades, although I may use +/- to better define a students standing in the class.  The final grade will be computed as follows;

LECTURE (tests & written papers)     = 25%

LAB                                                    = 75%

The lab grade is comprised of three parts;

ONE mid-term, two print group critique.

ONE final critique, comprised of three elements.

1. A written proposal outlining your idea.

2. 6 to 10 prints, mounted, spotted and ready for presentation, accompanied by a written self-critique of the project

3.  A group critique of the project.

Eight  weekly photographic assignments. ( and two optional experimental projects)

 

The lecture grade is comprised of two parts;

TWO tests;

1.  The first  near mid-term

2.  A second test near the end of the semester.

THREE written assignments;

1.  A short paper outlining why you are taking the course and how it fits into your curriculum and/or future.

2.  A written critique of either a group or individual photographers exhibit.

3.  A research paper designed to acquaint you with a photographer from another background/environment (one from another country, different gender, race, etc).  The intent is for you to gain a better understanding of the world beyond yours, to perhaps Asee@ your world as someone else might.  The paper is to be accompanied by a series of photographs taken by you, emulating the style of the chosen photographer (again in the hope that you will gain a better understanding of the photographers vision).

 

The exams are based on the reading assignments as well as material covered in lectures and labs.

 

Critiques are a vital part of your photographic education - participation is mandatory.

 

NOTE: I=m your instructor not a baby sitter.  YOU are responsible for getting the assignments done and handed in ---- on time.  From time to time you will be given a written assignment in addition to the photographic work.  Failure to complete any of your assignments (photographic or written), in a timely manner is unacceptable and will result in a failing grade!!  The papers help me understand you as an individual and how this VISUAL LANGUAGE we call photography fits into your future

I do take roll.  You are responsible for all information presented in both the lecture and lab.  If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to get the missed information. 

Un-excused absences are unacceptable and will result in the loss of 1/4 letter grade per absence!!   Simply contacting me and informing me that you won=t be in class(or missed one), does not constitute an excused absence. 

 

LAST DAY TO ADD: Monday, September 10

LAST DAY TO DROP: Monday, September 17

 

.Hopefully we=ll have fun as well as learn how to express ourselves better through photography.

 

MTA 103 is a beginning photo class ---- if you don=t understand something C ask!!!                 

 

You must attend all critiques, take all the tests, and turn in all assignments (written and photographic) to pass MTA 103.

 

 

 

Return to regular view	Text-only	Updated: August 23, 2007