Department of Art, University of Lethbridge Fall 2018
Course Number: ART 3026
Course Section: A
Course Title: Photo-Arts
l
Place: Room W748
Time: Tuesday, 1:00 – 5:50pm
Instructor: Don
Gill
Office W---, Tel. 403-329-2091, don.gill@uleth.ca
Office Hours: Thursday 10:00 – 11:30 (or by
appointment)
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Photography
as a documentary medium is ingrained in critical and popular conceptions. However,
the term “documentary” has many connotations, from socially activated uses to
more evidence based scientific or journalistic processes. We will look at all
aspects of photography as a documentary medium.
Photo-arts is introduced as a component of developing a critical art practice while introducing you to the use of cameras, basic darkroom practices, history of photography and critical issues of the medium.
Classes is structured with image and video presentations, demonstrations, reading and writing exercises, work periods, in-class and homework assignments, one-on-one consultations and class critiques. A cross-section of historical and contemporary photography will be considered in relation to assigned projects. Visits to local galleries, the University Art Collection and Resource Center, and attendance at Visiting Artist Lectures will be encouraged and occasionally required.
Active participation in learning is considered essential and all students are expected to be self-motivated and to contribute to a supportive and critical environment during all classes, and especially during group critiques.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Some of the
material covered will be:
-History of photography
-Lens-based imaging as a contemporary art
form and as visual culture.
-The relationship of analog photography to
new digital processes.
-Pinhole photography and camera-less
photography.
-Camera operation and exposure.
-B&W film development.
-Digital processing and negative scanning.
-Making the print.
-Lighting if time allows.
Scrapbook
A scrapbook
is central requirement of this class. Photographers interpret the world as a
visual place therefore an analysis of a personal visual culture is foundational
to an artist's experience. Your scrapbook is the site where this interpretive
information will be produced and collected in a non-sentimental,
non-narcissistic manner. As the class progresses, material you collect from
sources in the world outside the classroom will be inserted on a regular and
consistent manner. Part of this gathering of information will be the regular
addition of a minimum of two newspaper or magazine articles a week that relate
to visual or political culture. This is in addition to your ongoing black and
white and digital additions of your own work outside of other class assignments,
and photographic images collected from the media that are dated and the sources
recorded. The scrapbook can be any size and shape except that transparent
plastic sheets are not acceptable, paper pages only. It should be treated as an
artist’s book rather than a photo album. This should be started in the first
week of classes and worked on weekly as it will be evaluated throughout the
term as well as handed in at the end.
All
assignments should be kept in a separate folio for evaluation at the end of the
term. Note: assignments should not be inserted into the scrapbook (Other than
the pinhole assignment).
Some
Web Resources:
http://www.canadianart.ca/online/
http://www.artinamericamagazine.com/
http://www.bordercrossingsmag.com
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/
http://www.artasiapacific.com/
Oral
Presentation
There will be a presentation on a
photographer, photographers or photographic movement. This will be an in-depth
5 to 10 minute oral presentation with a PowerPoint,
Keynote, or Open-Office presentation. More than one academic source should be
used. This means scholarly books or journals or online academic sources. The
Internet is valuable as a source of bibliographic information and images but
your primary research should be from scholarly sources, and please note that
Wikipedia is not as yet considered a scholarly source. Start researching
library resources far in advance in order to choose your topic. Procrastination
and finding out at the last minute that there are no library resources to
support your topic is a recipe for failure. The written component with proper
citations, bibliography and PowerPoint will be handed in. The bibliography is of particular importance!
- Attendance
and punctuality are very important. The class as a whole suffers when participants
are habitually late or absent.
Grading:
10%
- Attendance and participation.
20% - Scrapbook.
15% - Presentation.
55% - Assignments. TBA
100%
----------------------------------------------
List
of Materials
-
Camera - 35mm Single Lens
Reflex camera (SLR) with built in meter. Automatic cameras are not acceptable
unless they can be operated completely manually. Cameras are available through
the department for a small fee. If you use your own camera make sure that it is
working properly before the beginning of the term. When you rent the camera you should also get a film-developing tank –
absolutely essential! Please note that these items should be taken care of and
returned clean and in the shpe you received them in.
Note: Students will now be charged $60.50, half of which will be returned to them at the end of the semester when they have returned all tools and equipment in good shape. Please pay this fee at the Cash Office. It is called the Art Tools Rental Fee. We no longer have separate accounts for different fees; ALL equipment rented for ANY art class is charged as an Art Tools Rental Fee.
Students need only pay once, no matter how many classes require them to borrow equipment.
Once the fee has been paid, students must bring their receipt and their I.D. Card to W838 - you will be entered into our system as being able to sign out equipment. The equipment that may be borrowed includes 35mm film cameras, printmaking tools, data projectors, digital cameras, 4 x 5 cameras, and more.
If you have any
questions, please contact Mary Anne McTrowe, Brent Coulton, Niall or me.
There will
be materials available for purchase through the bookstore with much of the
following required material in it.
- Film - 125
(100) and 400 ISO film will be used primarily.
-
Photographic Paper - Pack of 8x10 Ilford photographic
paper in pearl or gloss surface. A box of 100 sheets is recommended to start
but the paper is also available in 25 sheet packs.
- Inkjet
photographic paper.
- 35 mm
negative sleeves
- Can of compressed air or blower brush
- Scissors
and bottle cap lifter
- Hand towel
(required) and apron or lab smock (optional)
- Chamois
cloth (recommended)
- Photo Mounting
supplies as needed
- Scrapbook supplies as discussed in
class.
- Pinhole camera supplies:
-
sheet of museum board or heavy display board. (for optional 4X5 in. camera)
-
roll of black electrical tape.
-
#6 sharps needle.
- empty soft
drink tin (aluminum).
- cork or
wooden clothes pin.
- box-cutter or other sharp knife and scissors.
- straightedge
STUDIO POLICY
Health and
Safety
Please read and respect the Health and Safety Guidelines posted in various areas of the Art Department. For safe use of various Art Department facilities, you will be required to attend Safety Demonstrations on which you will be tested. There are full-time technicians available to assist you with safe and proper use of equipment and facility use. Studios are appropriately equipped with safe disposal units for proper disposal of toxic materials. Do not pour solvents, contaminated liquid, or plaster down the sinks. Fixative or aerosols of any kind must be sprayed in the spray booth only, located in the sculpture area W840, and in W520. There are First Aid Kits and emergency access telephones in all studios.
If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, please advise your instructor so extra precaution with potentially toxic substances can be taken.
Working Alone
For your personal safety it is advised that you use the buddy system when working at night; do not work alone. Register with Campus Security for all after hours work time. uleth.ca/WorkingAlone.
Safewalk
The Campus also supports a Safewalk Program and it is recommended that you make use of this after hours program. Contact: Safewalk 380-1888 or uleth.ca/pln/sec/safewalk.htm.
Studio Use
Please treat the studios and equipment with respect, keeping in mind that they are all used to maximum capacity by many classes and individuals. Each student is responsible for assisting in studio clean-up after each class session.
Room Access
Room codes for studio access will be given once the add/drop period is over. You may work in the studio during non-scheduled class time (room schedules are posted on the door). As well you must have your student I.D. card with you; Campus Security may request it.
Installing Art on Campus
Installing a piece of art on campus other than the 8th level hallways requires that you submit an online Art Placement Form at least 5 days prior to installing. The form requests that you describe the materials to be used and the start and end dates of installation. Once permission is granted for use of the space, it is your responsibility to install and remove your work, and to restore the space to its original condition (or better). See technicians for further guidance on this matter.
The form is simple and can be found at: uleth.ca/hum/archives/riskandsafetyservices/Documents/artplacement.htm
Details of the rules and regulations are posted at this address.
Food/Drink
Be aware that the materials you use may contaminate food and drink in the studios. Use caution and follow good industrial hygiene practice when handling food and drink while working. There will be adequate breaks within the 6-hour meeting span of the class to replenish. (General policy: No food allowed during scheduled class time, water/drinks ok.)
Music
No personal listening devices allowed during class time. Separating yourself from the sound environment of the classroom prohibits your ability to listen to instruction, interact with peers and participate fully in activities.
Cell phones / Electronic devices
Please turn off cell phones or other electronic devices while in the classroom.
Storage and Lockers
Each student will be allowed a locker located in W748 for the semester for their photo class materials.
The safe storage of supplies and work is the responsibility of the student. The Art Department cannot be responsible for lost work or materials. Keep valuables locked or with you.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is defined as the act of representing the words or ideas of another person as your own. Plagiarism is grounds for failure, suspension or expulsion.
Students with disabilities
Students with medically diagnosed disabilities are requested to notify counselling services and the instructor so appropriate accommodations may be made.
Contacting Instructors
For reporting absences, illness or to make an appointment, instructors may be reached via telephone, email, note, or by leaving a message with the Administrative Assistant to the Department of Art, Tel: 403-394-3997, Email: art@uleth.ca. Please note that email is not to be used to make up for content of unexcused classes missed.
Critiques
Critiques are a primary pedagogical tool in the visual arts. They are essentially public forums meant to generate discussion and constructive, critical exchange about your own work and the work of your peers. They are a place to listen to and to offer comments about the technical, material, conceptual, social, etc. success or failure in the work under discussion. They are a place of direct learning, a testing ground for the vocabulary of art making. Part of your participation mark is based on your involvement in the critique.
Scrapbook
As well as the projects and assignments introduced in class, students will be asked to keep an ongoing sketchbook/notebook/journal. Assignments will be introduced weekly, complementary to the in-class work. In addition to these, you are strongly advised to work on your own. The sketchbook can serve as a personal journal, a site of reflection and a source of experimentation. Take notes, make observations, collect material, and work independently in your sketchbook.
Portfolio
You are asked to keep a portfolio of your class projects, with chronologically dated work (date and name on back of work in lower right corner). The portfolio will be submitted at the end of term. Each student must ensure their portfolio is complete and is responsible for all missing content. As a general rule, don’t throw out in-class exercises until the course is over.
If unable to pick up your scrapbook / portfolio by the end of semester, it is your responsibility to arrange ahead of time for the safe return of course material. If no arrangements have been made, your work will be discarded during end of semester clean-up. The Department does not take responsibility for lost or forgotten work.
Evaluation Method
Projects will be assigned and assessed on an ongoing basis. Each project will be given a deadline and must be completed and submitted by that deadline. No critique will be offered for late or incomplete assignments. Late assignments will be penalized a letter grade.
Changes and revisions to projects in anticipation of improving grades may be done in consultation with instructor.
The midterm grade will be composed of an average of all units of work done to the middle of the semester. The final grade will be composed of an average of all units of work done throughout the course until the end of semester. Each section of the course will be structured and graded independently by each instructor. Your final grade will be an average of both sections.
Projects /
Assignments
Projects / Assignments will be assessed using the following criteria:
Execution
and Presentation (overall standard of work achieved,
material/technical skill development)
Conceptual Development (understanding and application of concepts
presented)
Problem Solving and Innovation (openness to new ideas,
resourcefulness, willingness to experiment and take chances)
Grading:
10%
- Attendance and participation.
20% - Scrapbook.
15% - Presentation.
55% - Assignments. TBA
100%
A-, A, A+ Excellent
The
student demonstrates originality, insight, and innovation in fulfilling all
requirements. The student has considerable understanding of and independently
applies concepts introduced with a high degree of technical skill. Projects are
thoroughly considered, with a high degree of resourcefulness, investment, and
self-motivation. Work produced is of consistently outstanding quality. The
student strives for new insights, growth, and new ways of understanding and
applying class information on all projects. Please
note that to receive an A+, you must demonstrate a level of skill and
understanding beyond the expectations for this course level.
B-, B, B+ Good
The student demonstrates a firm grasp of the concepts and is able to consistently demonstrate the technical skills required. Work produced is consistently of very good quality. The student is resourceful and creative with a willingness to experiment, demonstrates investment in projects and fulfills all requirements. There is evidence of improvement of technical and critical abilities, and application of class feedback. Please note that a B is not a poor grade. The grade of B indicates that the student is exactly where they ought to be in terms of skill development and conceptual understanding relative to the course level.
C-, C, C+ Satisfactory
The student demonstrates a basic grasp of the concepts presented; technical skills may be inconsistent in their application and understanding. Good effort; basic requirements are fulfilled. Limited or tentative exploration of concepts, materials, or techniques, with limited improvement of abilities.
D, D+ Poor
The student demonstrates a lack of familiarity with the concepts presented. Technical skill is lacking. There is little attempt at independent interpretation or analysis. Basic requirements are unfulfilled.
F Fail
The student lacks a basic understanding of the concepts presented. There is gross misinterpretation of the assignments, little or no attempt at interpretation or analysis. Unacceptable standard of work.
Participation / Attendance (10%)
Participation
includes:
preparation
(bringing the necessary materials to class, coming prepared to work)
in-class work habits (starting at the beginning of class and working
through to the end)
contribution to discussion and critiques
general attitude towards your own and others’ work meeting deadlines
Attendance includes:
attendance
and punctuality (regular attendance is mandatory for achieving success in this
course. Punctuality is exceptionally important as most classes begin with a
presentation. Three unexcused absences
in one section of the course are grounds for failure. Three lates
and/or early departures equal one absence.)
Materials Required
-
Camera - 35mm Single Lens
Reflex camera (SLR) with built in meter. Automatic cameras are not acceptable
unless they can be operated completely manually. Cameras are available through
the department for a small fee. If you use your own camera, make sure that it
is working properly before the beginning of the term. When you rent the camera,
you should also get a film-developing tank – absolutely essential! Please note
that these items should be taken care of and returned clean and in the shape you received them in.
Note: Students will now be charged $63.50, half of which will be returned to them at the end of the semester when they have returned all tools and equipment in good shape. Please pay this fee at the Cash Office. It is called the Art Tools Rental Fee. We no longer have separate accounts for different fees; ALL equipment rented for ANY art class is charged as an Art Tools Rental Fee.
Students need only pay once, no matter how many classes require them to borrow equipment.
Once the fee has been paid, students must bring their receipt and their I.D. Card to W838 - you will be entered into our system as being able to sign out equipment. The equipment that may be borrowed includes 35mm film cameras, printmaking tools, data projectors, digital cameras, 4 x 5 cameras, and more.
If you have any
questions, please contact Niall Donaghy, Mary Anne McTrowe,
Brent Coulton, or me.
Photo-Arts 3026 - Assignment Schedule –
tentative and subject to change
Sept 11 – Intro and optical viewing.
Assignment - Start scrapbook and gather pinhole materials. Purchase analog
photo & digital paper.
Sept 18 – Make pinhole photos. Review developing the print & contact
printing. Intro scanning pinhole neg. Assignment - Initial pinhole negs – three
good negs variety of topics.
Sept 25 - Ass. Series of three pinhole self-portraits. Have working film camera
for next class.
Oct 02 - Intro 35mm camera use, exposure, shutter and aperture. Intro to depth
of field.
Assignment Shoot roll of film
– documentary series on a theme.
(depth of field).
Oct 09 – Presentation topic due. Work period
Oct 16 – Film development, contact printing. Intro enlarging.
Ass. Shoot roll of film. Sequence.
Oct 23 - Presentations
Oct 30 - Shoot and develop?
Nov 06 – Book Project / Photo Essay
Nov 13 –Reading Break
Nov 20 – / Crit Print finishing - Final ass. – self
assigned
Nov 27 – Review / Lab
Dec 04 – Final Critique / Scrapbook due
