Syllabus

BASIC DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Ms. Lisa Finch
First Flight High School
449-7000 ext. 2459
finchli@dare.k12.nc.us

Course Description: This course is designed to acquaint students with general digital photography. It will explore history, applications, and techniques of photography. Students will be required to do research, use basic skills, and show knowledge of photography by creating and manipulating black and white and color images.

Requirements: Students must have their own digital or traditional still camera. While a digital camera is not required, students assume responsibility for converting their negatives to digital media and meeting all assignment deadlines. In addition, students must supply their own film, processing, and cdr’s. Printing photographs will be limited to special assignments.

Specific Competencies: Students will learn to shoot and prepare images for digital reproduction. Students will do independent research in a chosen area of photography. Students will demonstrate basic competency in composition and photographic preparation. Students will be able to identify and use 35mm SLR and digital cameras. Students will learn to design various graphics for digital imaging.

Course Evaluation: Grades will be determined using the following criteria:
Tests/Quizzes…………………………………………….10%
Participation……………………………..…….………….20%
Deadlines…………………………………………………10%
Projects……………………………………………………60%

Tests/Quizzes: Tests will be given at regular intervals throughout the semester. Content will be reviewed before each test. Open note quizzes will be given to assess students’ understanding of reading assignments and class discussions. Quizzes are unannounced and can not be made up. Students are encouraged to bring all notes and handouts to class each day, along with pencil and paper.

Participation: History, background information, and art criticism will be addressed each week through various discussions and assignments. Students are expected to actively participate in discussions and make good use of class time while completing assignments. Daily participation grades of 100 or zero will be assigned based upon this criteria.

Deadlines: In order to complete lessons, assignments, and projects, students are required to take photographs outside of class. Generally, that will be the only homework assignment. It is essential that students are prepared. When due dates are met student will receive 100%. This applies to both projects and homework photos. If deadlines are not met, student receives a zero. If an assignment is not turned in on time, student will be given a period of one week to submit it with a letter grade deduction. After that, the project is an F. It is the student’s responsibility to keep up with assignments and their due dates.

Projects: The bulk of the grade for this class will be for photographic projects. Students will be assessed on creativity, technical skill, and effort. There will be at least one research project which will include an oral presentation. Digital sketchbooks will be maintained by students, which will include a variety of still images on assigned subject matter. A final portfolio presentation will be assembled from students’ copies of photographs. This presentation will consist of approximately 20 images made by the student during the semester.

The standard grading scale used by First Flight High School will be used:
A=93-100 B=85-92 C=77-84 D=70-76 F=0-69

Additional Information will be posted at http://finch-creativitycounts.blogspot.com