PELLISSIPPI STATE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE 
MASTER SYLLABUS

INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOGRAPHY
 PHO 1000

Class Hours: 3.0

 

Credit Hours:  3.0

 

Laboratory Hours: 0.0

 

Date Revised:  Fall 08

 

 NOTE:  This course is not designed for transfer credit.

 

Catalog Course Description:

 

 

 

A beginning course in the study of photography as visual communication with emphasis on the single lens reflex camera. Exposure, metering, focus, depth of field, lenses, electronic flash, basic lighting, and composition are explored.  Basic workflow and image enhancement are discussed.  Students are responsible for providing a single lens reflex digital or film camera.  Hybrid sections require a digital SLR camera.

Entry Level Standards:

 

 

 

The student should be able to effectively communicate with instructor and peers, complete assignments according to instructor specifications, and read and write at the required level.

Prerequisites:

 

 

 

None

Textbook(s) and Other Course Materials:

 

 

Photography, Barbara London and John Upton, Harper Collins.  Most recent edition. (Supplemental handouts, study guides and reference material to be provided) 
Equipment/Materials:
35mm single lens reflex camera with a built in light meter, adjustable aperture and shutter speeds, and an electronic flash. Loupe and tripod, optional. 
10-20 rolls of color transparency film Kodak Ektachrome 100S or Fuji Fujichrome 100, slide pages, pocket folders, and sharpie pens.

I. Week/Unit/Topic Basis:

 

 

 

Week 

Topic

 

1

Kinds of Cameras.  How a Camera Works.

 

2

Camera Handling. Exposure and Film.  Reciprocity. 
Chapter 1 & 2

 

3

Controlling Focus and Depth of Field.  Controlling Motion. 
Chapter 3 & 5

 

4

Color Theory.  Selecting a Film. 
Chapter 4 & 10

 

5

Composition.  Quality of Light. 
Chapter 11 & 15

 

6

Accessories: filters, tripods, etc.

 

7

Review.

 

8

MIDTERM

 

9

Lenses. 
Chapter 5

 

10

Field Trip. 
Chapter 11 & 15

 

11

Electronic Flash. 
Chapter 9

 

12

Close ups.  Special Techniques.

 

13

Simulation Shoot.

 

14

Future of Photography.  Digital Photography.

 

15

Review.  Critique.

 

16

FINAL EXAM

II. Course Objectives*:

 

 

 

A.

Explain how a camera works and know the characteristics of different types of cameras.  II.

 

B.

Describe how light creates an image on film.  IV.

 

C.

Demonstrate proficiency in the use of the 35mm Single Lens Reflex system and basic accessories. IV. 

 

D.

Demonstrate proficiency in the use of the portable electronic flash. IV.

 

E.

Describe differences in film as they relate to type, color sensitivity, speed, color bias, grain and resolution.  II. IV.

 

F.

Explain how composition, quality of light, color, and contrast affect the aesthetic quality of a photograph. III.

 

G.

Describe the differences in film and digital imagining. IV.

*Roman numerals after course objectives reference goals of the Photography program.

III. Instructional Processes*: 

 

 

Students will:

 

 

 

 

1.

Acquire specific photography-related knowledge and skills through classroom lectures and demonstrations. Communication Outcome, Personal Development Outcome, Transitional Strategy

 

2.

Research published photographs for classroom discussion and critique. Personal Development Outcome

 

3.

Simulate professional assignment by role-playing specific jobs and create a photograph and publication. Transitional Strategy

 

4.

Participate in photographic exercises solving specific technical problems. Problem Solving and Decision Making Outcome, Technological Literacy Outcome

 

5.

Complete photographic assignments where technique, artistry and subject communicate the photographer’s observation to the viewer. Problem Solving and Decision Making Outcome

 

6.

Participate in a photographic field trip where the instructor can give guidance while the students create photographs. Active Learning Strategy

 

7.

Participate in classroom critiques and discussion of student work. Active Learning Strategy

*Strategies and outcomes listed after instructional processes reference Pellissippi State’s goals for strengthening general education knowledge and skills, connecting coursework to experiences beyond the classroom, and encouraging students to take active and responsible roles in the educational process.

IV. Expectations for Student Performance*: 

 

 

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

 

1.

Identify four basic types of camera and explain how they work, their differences, and their similarities.  A

 

2.

 Select appropriate equipment for a variety of assignments. A. C. D.

 

3.

Select an appropriate film for a variety of assignments and uses.  E.

 

4.

Determine exposure for a variety of lighting conditions and subjects with the in-camera exposure meter.  C.

 

5.

Select the aperture and shutter speed combination that gives the desired focus and motion control effects.  C.

 

6.

Determine exposure with portable electronic flash using guide number, manual charts, automatic exposure, or Through The Lens exposure.  C. D.

 

7.

Select a setting based on quality of light.  E.

 

8.

Change the quality of light by using off-camera flash, bounce, and diffused light from a portable electronic flash.  D. F.

 

9.

Create an aesthetically pleasing photograph.  A. E.

 

10.

Specify resolution of a digital image based on its final usage.  A.

*Letters after performance expectations reference the course objectives listed above.

V. Evaluation:

 

 

 

A. Testing Procedures:  45% of grade

 

The final will be cumulative. 

 

B. Laboratory Expectations:

 

N/A

 

C. Field Work:  55% of grade

 

More information will be provided by the instructor in the class syllabus supplement.

 

D. Other Evaluation Methods:

 

N/A

VI. Policies:

 

 

 

A. Attendance Policy:

 

Pellissippi State expects students to attend all scheduled instructional activities. As a minimum, students in all courses (excluding distance learning courses) must be present for at least 75 percent of their scheduled class and laboratory meetings in order to receive credit for the course. Individual departments/programs/disciplines, with the approval of the vice president of Learning, may have requirements that are more stringent. In very specific circumstances, an appeal of the policy may be addressed to the head of the department in which the course was taken. If further action is warranted, the appeal may be addressed to the vice president of Learning.

 

B. Other Policies:

 

Late assignments will lose 10% for each class session they are late.