Instructor's Course Guideline

Instructor’s Course Guideline
Fall 2010

Instructor: Justin Waddell
Office #: 559
Office Hours: Thursday, 1:00pm – 2:00pm (or by appointment)
Office Telephone: 284-7620 (no voicemail avail.)
Email: justin.waddell@acad.ca
Blog: http://phtg230.blogspot.com

Course: PHTG 230 A – Visualization Processes for Photographers
Wednesdays, 9-12 / 2-5 PM. Room # 534
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisite: Completion of First Year Studies or equivalent.
Note: Registration priority to will be given to Photography Majors. Students who have successfully completed VSCM.210 may not receive credit for this course.

Description:
This course prepares students for a visually literate contemporary photography practice by introducing them to design principles, with an emphasis on drawing processes, methodology, and concepts. Through formal analysis, concept development, and color theory, students gain insight into how to organize and manage design elements and principles in a variety of photography and design contexts. Time-based narrative structures and spatial-relational concepts will be researched combined with the histories of montage, collage, decoupage, and assemblage. Fieldtrips, screenings, readings, studio work, collaboration, exhibition, and critiques are essential elements of this course.

Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course the student will have:
1. Developed a high level of skill using the visual elements and principles of design to produce visuals in a variety of photography and design contexts:
2. Demonstrated an ability to analyze form, understand perspective, lighting and depth, and an ability to utilize drawing processes and ideas;
3. Become proficient with techniques and materials used in professional presentations;
4. Explored basic use of color and color theory.

Evaluation:
Student will be graded on:
1. Completion of each assignment:
• This involves the process of conceptualization and investigation.
• The actual execution and realization of the final piece.
• The ability to discuss individual working processes and methodologies.
• The depth and quality of research apparent in the finished work.
2. Consistent involvement in class dialogue and critiques.
3. A positive attitude towards everyone in the class and respect for different opinions.
4. Overall participation in class during critiques, discussions, presentations, and workshops.


Evaluative events during the semester:
Mid-term meeting
Students will meet individually with the instructor to discuss her/his progression in the course. An evaluation will be provided to the student with an indication of their progress and standing within the class. Individual meetings provide a formal venue to discuss a student’s development and to participate in a dialogue on the course content and direction. Although works will be critiqued continually throughout the term, final grades will not be assigned until the submission of a final portfolio. This process is implemented to encourage reflection on group critiques and peer evaluation as well as consultation with instructors.

Design Department

Visual Communications Design & Photography

In a professional design degree program, the sheer number of projects within any given course creates a constant dialogue between instructor and student so that progression is clearly and constantly defined. Therefore, Design does not distribute mid-term marks. Instead, effective monitoring of students’ progress throughout the semester is provided through the following Departmental protocols and procedures:
1. ongoing consultation with instructors;
2. timely assessment of projects;
3. comprehensive grading forms which are project-specific; and
4. use of the warning letter – distributed before mid-term and allowing students to withdraw without penalty. As another example of ongoing assessment of progress, faculty is encouraged to distribute warning letters whenever needed at any time during the semester.


Final portfolio submission
On the last day of formal instruction, a portfolio reflecting the overall development in the course will be submitted for evaluation. The instructor will draft written evaluation to be delivered when portfolios are retrieved. There are no scheduled individual meetings between faculty and student unless requested and agreed upon by both parties in advance of the portfolio’s submission.
*Failure to submit a final portfolio will result in an “F” grade in the course.

Final Breakdown:
Major Projects: 40%
Creative Process: 20%
Research: 20%
Assignments/Presentations: 10%
Participation/Attendance: 10%

Projects/Assignments:
There will be a minimum of three major assignments and four minor assignments; two of which will have a written component as well as a minimum of two in-class assignments / workshops. Students are also required to periodically research and annotate a minimum of three sources throughout the term. Complete descriptions of assignments including objectives and grading criteria for specific assignments will be distributed as the course progresses.

Attendance Policy:
Course content is delivered as in-class and offsite as lectures, demos and/or workshops, discussions, panels, and critiques. Therefore, missed classes results in missed information and loss continuity. If a student has missed 3 days (or more) of class, or the equivalent through lateness or leaving the class, the final grade will be negatively affected and may result in failure of the course. If illness occurs, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor as soon as possible. In such a situation, a doctor’s note is required and a student will be not listed absent for the occasion only totaling one (1) class day. If illness persists, the student will be directed to the school counselor to discuss options.
Please note:
• Simply attending class does not guarantee a passing grade
• Class field trips are compulsory, as are class critiques.

Participation:
Participation is an integral aspect of this course and students’ contributions to the class dynamic, critiques, and informal discussion will be reflected in this portion of the grade. Meaningful participation will require that students consistently involve themselves in the group. In-class components will also be used to assess students’ participation.

Critiques:
The format of critiquing may be delivered in a formal, informal, or work-in-progress and ad hoc manner. Whatever the format, critiques are an opportunity to discuss work and share information with the group. Students need to anticipate possible questions that may be raised during a discussion and welcome all well-intentioned feedback. Students are encouraged to understand that the criticism given is not intended as a personal attack. It is recommended to have a peer take notes during a critique so that an archive of comments may be compiled during the semester. Critiques are intended to be a productive learning experience. Paying attention and participating in other students' critiques is expected and is a requirement of this course and as such will be reflected in their final grade.

Additional Expectations:
• Students in this course will be responsible for regular attendance and punctuality.
• Students can expect to spend a Min. 6 hours a week out of class on course requirements.
• The studio will be a place that embraces inclusiveness and diversity.
• Occasionally, film screenings will be held as an integral part of the course.
• Readings will be assigned and critical feedback is mandatory.
• Critiques are compulsory *

Materials:
• Students must bring with them to each class basic mark-making and drawing tools and a selection of supports for experimenting in studio as well as selected readings.
• Specific materials will be required for in-class exercises; these will be announced at least one week in advance.
• All works are to be presented undamaged and complete at the time of critique. No work shall be accepted as incomplete or damaged. Please take care when handling your work. Improper presentation and transportation will not be accommodated.
• Works will be required to be presented in both digital and physical forms. All materials essential to the presentation of a work is the responsibility of the Student.
• Students are responsible for the cost of printing and mounting final works for presentation.
• The studio will be a space that involves both dry, wet, and digital medias. Please be advised to use caution and adhere to health and safety procedures when handing materials.

Texts:
There is no required text for this course however, the instructor will, whenever possible, provide selected texts on closed reserve in the library or in the form of photocopies. Students may also be directed to websites, on-line documents, periodicals, and e-resources for additional readings.

Health and safety as an instructional requirement:
It is the responsibility of every faculty member to ensure that his/her students are informed to avoid accidents and occupationally-caused disease by establishing, enforcing and personally modeling safe and healthy procedures and work habits related to all aspects of producing art and design.

Both faculty and students are expected to follow safe work practices, to comply with safety requirements, and to take an active role in protecting the health and safety of all members of the ACAD community.

Students must familiarize themselves with the minimum acceptable health and safety standards and endeavor to comply with them at all times, since they will be held individually accountable for health and safety performance. It is encouraged that students utilize the technicians and staff to ask questions when in doubt about safe working processes.

*This studio will be a solvent free environment: No turpentine (odorless included), spray adhesive or fixative, rubber cement, toxic markers etc.

Conduct Code: Studio
The use of electronic communication and personal media playing devices during studio class time:
• Cell phones: turned off and stored out of sight, except if a student or faculty member has compelling circumstances that warrant active cell phone use in the studio. These circumstances must be identified and approved by both faculty and students prior to use.
• Cell phone use permitted in hallways only.
• Personal media playing devises may be used, at the sole discretion of the faculty, during designated work periods only.
• Laptop computers and PDA usage during studio class time is limited to projects or coursework that specifically warrant their use, or for faculty designated research and production assignments.

During studio class time, it is the students' responsibility to:
• conduct themselves in a manner which reflects respect and courtesy for other class members and for faculty.
• conduct themselves in a manner which reflects respect for a healthy and, safe communal studio environment.
• conduct themselves in a manner which reflects respect for the materials, art work, and possessions of classmates.
• conduct themselves in a manner which reflects respect for College property.

*Failure to meet the basics of conduct expectations above may result in disciplinary proceedings.

College/Program/Department Policies and Procedures:
Students and faculty should refer to the College’s website for up to date information concerning academic and campus regulations. Students and faculty are responsible for familiarizing themselves and complying with all College policies, procedures and regulations as well as specific Program and/or Department regulations as distributed. Program regulations will normally be distributed within the first week of classes.

Storage of Student Artwork:
Due to the lack of space to store artwork, all student work must be removed from the College by 5:00 pm, December 23, 2010. Any artwork remaining may be disposed of.
*Please review Disposal/Storage of Student’s Work attachment.

ALBERTA COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN COURSE OUTLINE



PROGRAM/MAJOR: Photography

COURSE: PHTG.230 – Visualization Processes for Photographers

CREDITS: 3.0

PRE-REQUISITE: Completion of First Year Studies or equivalent.

NOTE: Registration priority to will be given to Photography Majors. Students who have successfully completed VSCM.210 may not receive credit for this course.

DESCRIPTION: This course prepares students for a visually literate contemporary photography practice by introducing them to design principles, with an emphasis on drawing. Through formal analysis, concept development, and color theory, students gain insight into how to organize and manage design elements and principles in a variety of photography and design contexts.

OBJECTIVES: Upon successful completion of this course the student will have:

1. developed a high level of skill using the visual elements and principles of
design to produce visuals in a variety of photography and design contexts;
2. demonstrated an ability to analyze form, understand perspective, lighting and depth, and an ability to draw;
3. become proficient with techniques and materials used in professional presentations;
4. explored basic use of color and color theory.

EVALUATION: Evaluation and assignment of grades will be based upon the quality of work produced relative to the objectives of the course. Specific criteria will be stated in writing and distributed by the course instructor normally by the end of the first week of instruction.

REGULATIONS: Students and faculty should refer to the College’s website for up to date information concerning academic and campus regulations. Students and faculty are responsible for familiarizing themselves and complying with all College policies, procedures and regulations as well as specific Program regulations as distributed. Program regulations will normally be distributed within the first week of classes.

Introduced: December 1984
Revised: May 1988
May 1990
May 1991
March 1995
December 2002, Implementation September 2003
January 2008, Implementation September 2008