Noack/Fall 2007                                   Photo 1

Photo 1 is a Fine Arts course that focuses on the basic techniques and aesthetics of Black and White Photography.  As with ALL  visual art courses, the study of photography is a discipline that includes creating, understanding its history, as well as critiquing oneÕs own work, and the works of others.

Essential Question:

How does learning about Photography change the way in which you view the world?

 

Content Standards

The following is a list that describes what students should know or be able to do in

Photography 1 by the end of the semester:

 

Art History

         á Describe the history and impact of photography.

Technical Skills

         á Explain and demonstrate quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.

         á Describe and identify the parts of a 35 mm camera and how it functions.

         á Demonstrate knowledge of exposing and processing black and white film successfully.

         á Describe and demonstrate knowledge of mixing photographic chemicals in processing  and print lab.

         á Demonstrate proficiency in scanning photographs and images into Adobe Photoshop 7.0.

         á Demonstrate how to make contact sheets and print Ògood qualityÓ photographs.

Creative Problem-Solving

         á Describe and demonstrate knowledge of visual composition.

         á Identify and use the elements and principles of design.

         á Demonstrate and describe how to solve problems creatively.

Reasoning/Thinking Skills

         á Discuss and explain your work, using correct vocabulary in oral and written critiques.

         á Record and document evidence of learning and progress throughout the sememster.

 

Process Standards (Work Habits)

The following are skills students will develop to enhance the process of learning.

Students will:

          1. Use time wisely and productively.

         2. Attend class on a regular basis.

         3. Come to class on time, prepared, with necessary materials.

         4. Keep their materials in an organized notebook.

         5. Follow safety guidelines, especially when working with chemicals.

         6. Work effectively with others in small group settings.

         7. Provide constructive criticism when discussing artwork.

         8. Maintain a positive attitude and put forth their best possible effort.

 

 

Materials/Lab Fees

35 mm camera, with manual focus, f-stop, shutter speeds.

3-ring binder

***Optional*** - Digital Camera

A $25.00 lab fee will be collected with in the first week of school to help cover the cost of  film, paper, and chemicals.

 

Visual Arts Grading System

Everything we do in class contributes in some way to your overall grade. There are three ways in which I collect EVIDENCE OF STUDENT LEARNING (valid, reliable, evaluation of student learning is gathered over time through a variety of ways):

 

         á Observation - What I observe during class about each student's process of learning;

         á Conversations with Students - What students observe, articulate, and show about their learning and understanding;

         á Student Work - What students demonstrate about they know and are able to do.

 

All assignments/projects are based on meeting the standards or essential learning for the course and are graded on a  4 point scale. 4 is at the top , 1 is at the bottom. Specific criteria and rubrics are given to students for all major assignments, so they are clear how to be successful. When entered into the on-line grade book, the 4 point system is ÒtranslatedÓ into the following 100 point scale:

 

Exceptional, Extraordinary Work (when merited)  4++=100

Exceeds the Standard 4=97

        3.5=94

Meets the Standard 3=90

        2.5=87

Approaching the Standard 2=83

        1.5=79

Does Not Meet the Standard 1=76

 

**This translation scale is borrowed and adapted from Robert Marzano, author of several educational text books.**

 

Make-up Policy

If you are sick and not in school the day an assignment is due, it is due the first day you return to school. Remember it is your responsibility to make arrangements with me, concerning what you missed when you were not in school. Under extraordinary circumstances, please contact me asap, so that together, we can make a plan to get caught up and turn in or modify missing work.