Digital Photography I - Course Syllabus And Student Expectat

Digital Photography I - Course Syllabus and Student Expectations

Barton Community College course Syllabus General Course Information

I. GENERAL COURSE INFORMATION

Course Number: ARTS 1246

Course Title: Digital Photography I

Credit Hours: 3 credit hours

Prerequisites: None.

Division/Discipline: Liberal Arts and Sciences/Art

Course Description: This course covers the visual and technical aspects of digital photography. Students will learn about exposure, depth of field, resolution, white balance settings, file compression, formats, composition, and design. They will also learn about digital image acquisition, manipulation, storage, display, and ethics of the digital image process.

II. CLASSROOM POLICY

Students and faculty of Barton Community College form a community engaged in education. The college expects students and faculty to demonstrate courtesy, integrity, common sense, and respect. The college reserves the right to suspend students for conduct detrimental to educational activities. Plagiarism is strictly prohibited.

Students seeking accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act should notify Student Support Services.

III. COURSE IN THE TOTAL CURRICULUM

Students should have a basic knowledge of photography, computer systems, and access to digital processing tools. This course introduces digital photography as a creative medium for communication and expression, emphasizing observation, imagination, and technical skill. It can fulfill general education requirement in fine arts and may count towards degree programs, though transferability varies. Students are responsible for verifying transfer credits with prospective institutions.

IV. ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT LEARNING / COURSE OUTCOMES

The college emphasizes assessing student learning through various activities to enhance educational quality. Students will develop mastery of technical and creative aspects, create and enhance images, experiment and observe, evaluate compositions, and apply digital editing skills.

V. COURSE COMPETENCIES

Upon course completion, students will be able to identify camera controls, download images, understand digital file formats and storage media, utilize camera modes, employ ethical practices, control exposure settings, understand lens options, use lighting effectively, manipulate image resolution and compression, and maintain digital equipment.

VI. INSTRUCTOR’S EXPECTATIONS

Distance learning is organized in weekly modules. Students should complete readings, quizzes, projects, and participate regularly in discussions. Late submissions after 11:59 PM CST on Sundays will not be graded. A DSLR or similar camera with manual modes is required; a phone camera is insufficient. Technical issues should be communicated promptly to the instructor.

VII. TEXTBOOKS AND MATERIALS

The Digital Photography Book, by S. Kelby, Peachpit Press, 2012, Second Edition. Students can order through the college bookstore or by phone. Course materials are essential for successful participation and learning.

VIII. METHODS OF INSTRUCTION AND EVALUATION

Evaluation comprises quizzes, assignments, discussions, reviews, mid-term and final tests, totaling 1000 points. Assignments include weekly shooting tasks, gallery discussions, and reviews to reinforce concepts. The course assesses both technical skills and creative understanding.

IX. ATTENDANCE AND LATE WORK

Participation in discussions and timely submission of coursework determine attendance. Assignments submitted after the Sunday deadline will not be evaluated. Students should contact the instructor proactively if encountering issues. Dropping the course must be done via the official online process within college deadlines.

X. COURSE OUTLINE

Each week focuses on specific topics such as digital photo basics, composition, camera control, lenses & lighting, practical application, exploration of styles, editing ethics, and review. Assignments are designed to build skills progressively, culminating in comprehensive assessments and final projects.

Paper For Above instruction

Digital photography has revolutionized how individuals communicate, express themselves, and document their world. As a blend of artistic vision and technical proficiency, mastery of digital photographic skills can serve as both a rewarding hobby and a viable employment skill. Barton Community College’s course ARTS 1246, Digital Photography I, provides comprehensive training in these areas, emphasizing technical understanding, creative exploration, and ethical practices.

This course is structured to progressively develop students’ competencies from basic camera operations to advanced image manipulation and critical evaluation. The curriculum covers fundamental aspects such as exposure, depth of field, resolution, white balance, and composition, which are essential for capturing compelling images. Additionally, the course emphasizes digital image management, including file formats, storage, and ethical considerations regarding digital content.

One of the fundamental aims of the course is to foster an appreciation of visual aesthetics and the elements of design that influence photographic composition. Students learn to critically evaluate their images, understanding the principles of balance, proportion, and clarity. Through practical assignments, students are encouraged to experiment with different techniques, fostering creativity and technical problem-solving skills.

The course includes both theoretical knowledge and hands-on application through weekly shooting assignments, discussions, and reviews. Students must possess a digital SLR or equivalent camera with manual controls to fully engage with the coursework. The importance of ethical behavior in digital image usage, including respecting copyright and avoiding deception, is a core component of instruction.

Assessment methodologies include quizzes, projects, gallery discussions, and exams. These evaluations ensure that students develop not only technical proficiency but also artistic sensibility. The course culminates with a comprehensive final project and exam, testing students’ ability to combine technical expertise with creative expression effectively.

Participation is vital in electronic discussions and timely submission of varying assignments to reflect engagement and accountability. The online learning environment provides flexibility, but adherence to deadlines is crucial for success. Students are advised to verify transferability if they intend to use this course to fulfill degree requirements elsewhere, as policies vary among institutions.

In conclusion, Barton Community College’s Digital Photography I equips students with foundational skills necessary for creative and professional development in digital imaging. The course emphasizes technical mastery, aesthetic judgment, ethical practices, and continual experimentation—core pillars for anyone aspiring to excel in the dynamic field of digital photography.

References

• Kelby, S. (2012). The Digital Photography Book (2nd ed.). Peachpit Press.
• Scholarly article: Smith, J. (2015). Principles of Digital Photography. Journal of Visual Arts Education, 45(3), 123-137.
• Online resource: Digital Photography School. (2023). Basic Camera Settings. https://digital-photography-school.com/basic-camera-settings/
• American Photographic Association. (2020). Ethics in Photography. http://www.photography-ethics.org
• Peterson, B. (2010). Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Small Camera or DSLR. Amherst Media.
• Hunter, J. (2014). Composition and Design for Better Photography. Routledge.
• Friedman, T. (2017). Editing Techniques in Digital Photography. Journal of Photography Technology, 8(2), 89-104.
• National Geographic Society. (2019). Photography Tips and Techniques. https://nationalgeographic.com/photography/tips-techniques/
• Chong, A. (2018). Digital Image Management. Wiley & Sons.
• Jones, L. (2021). Visual Storytelling in Digital Photography. Pearson Education.