Syllabus

Diablo Valley College - Fall 2009
ART 161 – Black and White Photography II
Location: A-501
Instructor: Sean McFarland - mcfarland.sean@gmail.com
Office Hours: A-501, MW 5:30 – 6:30pm and by appointment

Course Objectives
1. Identify, discuss, and apply conceptual and technical principles of photography both contemporary and historical;
2. Acquire intermediate level technical skills in traditional black and white darkroom photography while reviewing and building on skills learned from beginning level photographic experience;
3. Create a body of work that reflects intermediate level of skill in lighting, printing, and exposure as well as a unique, personal photographic style and vision;
4. Present ideas using photographic images.

Expected Course Outcomes
1. Students completing the course will be able to develop a body of work that reflects intermediate level of skill in lighting, printing, and exposures as well as a unique, personal photographic style and vision.
2. Students completing the course will be able to identify, discuss and apply conceptual and technical principles of photography both contemporary and historical.
3. Students completing the course will be able to communicate ideas using photographic images.

Required Text
There is currently no requirement for purchasing a textbook. Most, if not all readings throughout the semester will be provided. However, it is highly recommended that you own or have access to the following book:

Photography: 9th edition
London, Stone, and Upton

Attendance and work expectations
Regular, on-time attendance and active participation in class discussion and critiques is required of all students. Expect to spend an average of at least 1-3 hours a week outside of class time photographing and working in the lab. If you miss a class you are responsible for obtaining all notes and handouts from that day – you must let me know if you have to miss class.

All handouts can be found at the class blog: http://art161.blogspot.com

If you miss a lab you are responsible for finding the time to make up the work on your own. Absences and lateness can result in a lower participation grade, in turn potentially lowering your final grade. Please show up for class on time and come prepared. Students are expected to produce original, independent work. Plagiarism is against school policy and will not be tolerated.

Assignments
All assignments must be handed in complete and on time. In the rare case that work is handed in late your grade will be lowered by 20% for each full week it is late. Work handed in more than two weeks after the due date will not be accepted and/or graded as an F.

Grading
10% - Quizzes
10% - Written Assignments
20% - Participation
30% - Studio Project Assignments
30% - Final Project

Required Equipment
35mm Camera - adjustable apertures, shutter speeds and focus, if the camera has automatic functions, it must also be able to operate manually.

Light meter - hand-held or in camera is also required. It is recommended that you get a new battery for your camera and have a professional do a cleaning the first week of class if needed.

Black and White Film – avoid all c-41 films as we cannot process them here in the lab. We will be discussing different film types in detail throughout the semester.

Black and White Paper – both RC and Fiber paper will be used. Expect to use between 100 and 150 sheets of paper for this class.

Negative Storage – Print File CP35-7HB Negative Preservers are recommended, along with a binder to store them.

Hand Towel – you will use this in lab to keep your hands dry while processing film and making photographic prints. Once you use it in lab, don’t use it for any other purpose as it will be CONTAMINATED!

Portfolio Case and Matt Board – used in presentation of the final project.

Lab
Lab Hours and policies are on a separate sheet.

If you have an allergy and/or any strange reactions from the chemistry in the lab speak with the instructor immediately. If you are pregnant or become pregnant during the course of the class you must consult a physician before entering the darkroom. Please refer to Susan Shaw’s Overexposure: Health Hazards in Photography. New York: Allworth Press, 1991, available in the darkroom cage for specifics.