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Course Syllabus: ART 114 – Digital Photography  
Seattle Central College   
Winter 2022, 5 credits  
CTC Course Number: 19293
Online/Virtual  
Dates: 1/4/22 - 3/23/22
Instructor: Jessica Hoffman 
Preferred Title: Jessica 

E-mail: jessica.hoffman@seattlecolleges.edu 

*This course will be taught online asynchronously: Course content will be delivered in an asynchronous style. This means that I will provide materials, lectures, and assignments that can be accessed at any time with specific due dates for assignments. All slide lectures, demonstrations, workshops, discussion, work reviews and consultations will be through Canvas.  Weekly modules will open on Mondays, with lectures and supplemental demos, readings, and videos. Assignments will be due on Sundays. Critiques are due the following Mondays. Studio work outside of recorded lectures will be largely comprised of camera operation, critique sessions, digital image processing, and basic on-line presentation. You should expect to spend 10-15 hours a week reviewing lectures and completing assignments.  

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION  

Instructor: Jessica Hoffman  

Preferred Title: She/Her; Jessica, Ms. Hoffman  

Preferred method of contact: Please message me through Canvas for the quickest response 

E-mail: jessica.hoffman@seattlecolleges.edu  

Email etiquette: I respond to student emails the same day I receive them, up to 5p.m. However, if you email me on a Saturday or Sunday I may not respond until Monday. If you have an urgent matter, please put URGENT in the subject line.  

Virtual Office Hours: 

  • Tuesday: 11:30am – 1:00pm 
     
  • *You must sign up via my Calendly page for a One-On-One meeting.  
    To schedule a one-on-one meeting with me during my office hours, please select an appointment time on my Calendly page.  Appointments are booked in 15 min increments. Once you make the appointment, you will be added to my calendar and you will receive an email confirmation. We will meet in my Zoom Office. 
  • If my office hours don't work for you, I am happy to find another time that works for us to be conducted over email, phone call, or private Zoom meeting. Please contact me through Canvas to schedule a time outside of my office hours. 

 

  

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY  
  

I approach teaching through a conceptual and interdisciplinary lens, at the same time promoting a strong base and proficiency within specific mediums. While my focus is first and foremost on providing a technical base in specific photographic methods, I also have an easy going and experimental approach to learning that is approachable for all levels of students, regardless of art studio experience. Students should feel comfortable to ask questions, explore options, and take risks.  

Acknowledging differing points of view, perspectives on topics, and awareness of the culturally diverse student population at the Seattle Colleges, I encourage students to draw on their own experiences to realize creative works that hold true to their values and expressions. To promote critical thinking, exploration, and student driven learning, reading discussions, brain storming, mockups and/or writing are encouraged. In realizing a finished product, craft is highly stressed. 

Our experiences in art and culture are enriched when we have the opportunity to see ourselves and creative impulses within a contemporary and historical context. Throughout class demonstrations, I provide students with examples of artist work that reflects the diversity of the history of photography as an art language seen through a multicultural lens. I introduce students to work by artists representing all nationalities, races, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and socioeconomics. To this end, I also encourage students to attend exhibitions and events throughout the city (and virtually beyond) that reflect this diverse approach. 

 

ONLINE ATTENDANCE  
 

Attendance in an online course is not assessed in the same way as a face-to-face course. The Federal Standards for Participation in Title IV (i.e., financial aid) state “Academic attendance” and “attendance at an academically-related activity” […] do not include activities where a student may be present, but not academically engaged, such as […] logging into an online class without active participation. 34 CFR 668.22(l)(7)    

Examples of activities for this course that are considered academic attendance include the following:    

Submitting a project assignment. 

Viewing an interactive tutorial, or completing a practice exercise.  

Participating in an online discussion, including required critiques. 

Initiating contact with your instructor or in general with class to ask a question about the academic subject studied in the course. 

  

COURSE CONTENT  

  

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  

Digital Photography is an introduction to the theory, techniques and processes of still photography with a digital camera. This course will engage the student in a series of exercises and projects that will explore varying strategies employed by photographers in the fine art context.  

 

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES:  

Upon successful completion of ART 114, students will be able to:  

  • Produce photographs using different modes and functions: shutter speeds, aperture, exposure settings, ISO (International Standards Organization). settings, depths of field, macro to telephoto settings.  
  • Download photographs from camera to a file management system.  
  • Identify and define different file formats (jpeg, tiff, raw, etc.).  
  • Edit photographs using a photo editing application program such as Photoshop and Lightroom.  
  • Apply design and composition concepts.  
  • Make effective presentations of work, effectively critique your own work and that of others.  
  • Develop a portfolio of best works.  
  • Follow and adhere to copyright rules.   
      

COURSE NEEDS - Equipment, Software, Materials and Textbooks:  

  

See this page for more detail and camera recommendations- What You Will Need for Art 114 - Digital Photography  

  • Digital Camera with manual functions (ability to set aperture and shutter speed)   

Students are required to have their own digital camera for the class. A DSLR is recommended to make the most of this class, but all cameras and skill levels are welcome. 

Must have full manual control over focus and all exposure controls (aperture, shutter-speed, and film-speed).   

If using a smartphone camera, you may need to install an app to give you manual control. (NOTE: You will not be able to manually control aperture with a smartphone even with an app installed. If you must use a smartphone camera, an exception can be made to the requirement for manual control of aperture.)   

    • Preferred: Digital Single Lens Reflex or mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses and full manual control.   
    • Good: Point and Shoot camera with full manual control.  
    • Acceptable: a smartphone, ipod or tablet camera with maximum manual control possible.  
       
    • You must have the handbook for your digital camera and/or understand how to change your camera’s settings. Your camera must have manual capabilities and ideally have the ability to shoot RAW files. If using a smartphone or tablet camera, you must install an app that will allow you to shoot in RAW.  
       
       
  • External Hard drive  
    • You’ll need a place to store your photos. You are responsible for your own data!  
    • If using an external USB hard drive, it should ideally have at least 500GB of storage space  
    • This can also be a form of cloud storage. Your seattlecolleges.edu account gives you free access to Office365, which comes with 1TB of cloud storage.   
       
       
  • Access to editing software for the computer or smartphone/tablet device  

You may access Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom using any one or more of the following methods:  

    • Log in with your full @seattlecolleges email address and password to the computer labs here and select any of these BE rooms: 3148, 3151, 3156, 3161, 3165, 3167, 3168, 3173, 3174, 317 
       
    • NOTE: Remote access to campus computer labs will be open from 5am to 10pm every day. Hours between 10pm and 5am are reserved for computer maintenance and updates. Use your day time hours wisely.  
       
    • NOTE: The full Adobe Lightroom application (called "Lightroom Classic") is not available through the remote desktop because the program runs of shared space on a hard drive. Basic Adobe Lightroom, while more limited in scope in terms of file management and some editing tools, is available. All of my tutorials include instructions in editing in Adobe Photoshop Camera Raw, Adobe Lightroom, and for those that have their own Adobe Creative Cloud account - Adobe Lightroom Classic. 
       
    • Adobe also provides students with discounted software, including a bundle specifically for digital photography that has Photoshop and Lightroom Classic.  

    • If you do not have access to a computer in order to run the virtual desktop through the Remote Desktop to use the Adobe Creative Cloud, you can also install Adobe apps that are specifically for photo editing. Photoshop Mix (free) and Lightroom for Mobile (comes with Creative Cloud subscription plan.) If you need a computer for the quarter, I highly encourage you to speak with IT to borrow a Chromebook on a quarterly basis. You can contact them through this form: IT Technology Request Form. Please contact me if you have technology concerns. 
       
       

Materials:   

    • Camera battery and charger. This should come with your camera. An extra battery comes in handy.  
       
       
  • Connectivity cords:  
    • Cord that connects your camera to your computer, though using an SD card reader is preferred.  
    • Cord that connects your external hard drive (see below) to your computer   
    • Cord that connects your smartphone to computer, if using a smartphone camera.  
       
  • SD card:  
    • This is where your photographic data will be held while using your camera.  
    • I recommend at least 2 SD cards with at least 32GB of space each. Any of these SD cards in this link are recommended.  
    • You will need an SD card reader. Some desktop computers and laptops have an SD card slot. Newer MAC laptops and Chromebooks do not, however, and you will need to purchase an SD card reader.  
  • Computer:  
    • Laptop or desktop with at least 200GB of free hard drive space. Apple or Windows operating system.  
    • If you need a computer for the quarter, I highly encourage you to speak with IT to borrow a Chromebook on a quarterly basis. You can contact them through this form: IT Technology Request Form. Please contact me if you have technology concerns.  
       
  • Props for photoshoots, such as:  
    • a tripod for keeping your camera still (any solid flat surface will work, like a stool or table)  
    • various lighting sources  
    • spotlights  
    • lamps  
    • flashlights  
    • Large (16” x 20”) white boards or paper to use as reflection surfaces  
    • any other props you might want to add into your photographs, like costumes or objects  
       
  • Textbooks  
    • There is no textbook for this course.  
    • Any written materials will be provided electronically as PDF or DOCX.  
    • For some assignments you may find excellent resources in the campus library. Through the library, your student ID will allow you access to excellent databases, including Artstor, which contains tens of thousands photographs.  
       
       

COURSE FORMAT:  

For Winter Quarter 2022, this class will be taught online in an asynchronous structure, meaning that we won’t have required, virtual meetings during a scheduled class time. Assignments will be posted on Mondays and due the Sundays and the following Mondays. There is no formal meeting on Zoom or any other platform during the specified class times and you are free to participate in discussions and work on assignments during the times that work for you.   

There will be 5 optional, pre-scheduled Zoom meetings. Again, these are not mandatory meetings but is time for all of you to interact with each other and ask course questions. I will record these meetings for those who are unable to attend.  Follow the Zoom link on below to join our class during the time listed. I will also email this link and password to you before the meeting.  Please remember, Zoom is a live video, so be aware of your surroundings, attire, conduct, and environment when you attend our Zoom class.  

Scheduled Zoom meetings (*these are optional to attend):  
Zoom meeting link (this link is the same for all meetings) 

Password: CENPHOTO 

  • Date: Tuesday, January 4th    
    Time: 10:30am   
    Subject: Meet and greet, course questions   
     
  • Date: Tuesday, January 18th 
    Time: 10:30am   
    Subject: General check in, course questions   
     
  • Date: Tuesday, February 1st 
    Time: 10:30am   
    Subject: Mid Term check in, course questions   
      
  • Date: Tuesday, February 15th 
    Time: 10:30am   
    Subject: General check in, course questions   
       
  • Date: Tuesday, March 1st 
    Time: 10:30am   
    Subject: General check in, course questions   

 
  

CANVAS INFO:  
  

For this course, I will conduct all course business, including assignment details and submissions, grading, and posting lecture notes, on our Canvas website. Please make sure you are comfortable with accessing and navigating Canvas. Assignments, required discussions, and additional resources will be available on our Canvas site. I will make announcements through Canvas so you should plan to check Canvas on a regular basis and/or have announcements forwarded to your email.  

  

If you have not logged in before, here's how you access Canvas.   

  • Username: ctcLink ID (EMPLID) - (example: 101000222) 
  • Password: the password you created when you initialized your ctcLink ID (EMPLID) 
    • Click the "Forgot Password?" link to retrieve or recreate your password 

 

PROJECT ASSIGNMENTS:  

You are expected to meet the requirements and strive to do your best work for all Project Assignments. Please plan to include five to ten hours every week outside of in-classroom meetings for working on your Project Assignments.  

For completed image assignments, please submit in the following formats:  

  • Original Camera Files at your camera's highest resolution using Adobe RGB 1998 color profile. An original camera file includes information in the file about the model of your camera, the exposure of the photo, the date and time the photo was taken. If I don't see this information I will not know if this photo was taken by you and I will not accept it.  
     
  • Submit all files online  individually for the complete assignment. Label all files in the order you want me to view them as "firstname_lastname_1" "firstname_lastname_2", etc.  
     
  • All assignments need to be submitted via the appropriate Canvas assignment page. I will not accept assignments submitted as email attachments. 
     
  • For completed text assignments, please submit documents in PDF, doc, docx, or txt format. 
     
     

COURSE OUTLINE:  

Creating a Composition (weeks 1-3)

  • What is Photography (week 1)  
    • Aesthetics and lectures:   
      • Readings and videos of the origins of photography 
      • Marvin Heiferman, "Photography Changes Everything," forward from Photography Changes Everything, 2012 (12 pages)  
      • Geoffrey Batchen, “Origins Without End”, from Photography And Its Origins, 2015 (11 pgs) PDF format  
      • Ariella Azoulay, “Unlearning the Origins of Photography”, from the Foto Museum series Unlearning Decisive Moments in Photography, 2018 (4 pages) PDF format  
      • Paul Graham, "Photography Is Easy, Photography Is Difficult," forward for Yale MFA Photography 2009: We Belong Together, 2009 (6 pages) PDF format  
      • Teju Cole, "When Photography Was A Weapon of Imperialism (and When It Still Is)," from New York Times column On Photography, 2017 (4 pages) PDF format 
      • “Gordon Parks: The Photograph As Protest”, Erik Wahlstrom documentary series, 2020 (9 mins) Youtube Link 
      • "Before Photography: The History of Early Photographic Processes," from the George Eastman House Collection documentary series, 2018, Youtube Link 
      • “How Can Photographs Help Create Social Change?” from KQED Art School Series interview with Paccarik Orue, 2015 
      • “LaToya Ruby Frazier Makes Moving Pictures” from Art21 New York Close Up series, 2012 
      • “Hiroshi Sugimoto” from Art21 Memory series, 2005 
         
    • Discussion   
      • What is Photography?    
    • Class Activity:   
      • Getting to know you 
    • Survey:  
      • Technology and camera equipment access and comfortability 
         
         
  • Basic Camera Operations and Digital Workflow and Editing (week 2)  
    • Aesthetics and lectures:   
      • Discussion of camera parts, types of digital cameras, and main camera functions  
      • Demo on editing and photo management within Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop Camera RAW 
         
    • Class Activities:   
      • Camera and Exposure Basics 
      • Post Production Editing 
            
  • Elements of Composition and Project 1 (week 3)  
    • Aesthetics and lectures:   
      • Discussion of the basic elements of photographic composition 
      • Slide presentation of historical and contemporary photography, which emphasizes compositional design 
    • Discussion: 
      • Elements of composition 
         
    • Project 1 - Creating a Composition:  
      • Create a series of 15 dynamic and compelling photographs, using a scavenger hunt prompt to find 15 specific listed items focusing on camera operations, the basic elements composition, and using the environment around you as inspiration.  
      • Present your favorite 3 photographs for critique 
         

Portraiture (weeks 4-6)

  • Lighting and Self-portraiture (week 4)  
    • Aesthetics and lectures:   
      • Discussion of lighting techniques as applied to portraiture 
      • Self portraiture and identity  
         
    • Class Activity:
      • You Are Here/Selfie Exercise

  • Black and White Photography (week 5)  
    • Aesthetics and lectures:   
      • Discussion of black and white photography as it relates to the historical development of the invention of photography  
      • In depth discussion on making and converting digital photographs into Black and White  
      • Slide presentation of historical and contemporary black and white photography  
          
    • Class Activity:   
      • Seeing in black and white 
          
  • Project #2: The Portrait Image (week 6)  
    • Aesthetics and lectures:   
      • Slide presentation of historical and contemporary portrait photography  
          
    • Discussion:
      • The portrait image
    • Project 2 - Portrait Photography:   
      • Create a series of 10 dynamic and compelling photographs exploring portraiture. The series should explore lighting techniques and use more than one model throughout the series.  
      • Present your favorite 3 photographs for critique 
         

Landscapes and the Environment (weeks 7-9)

  • The Environment Around You (week 7)  
    • Aesthetics and lectures:   
      • Discussion of what it means to photograph the environment around you 
      • Slide presentation of historical and contemporary photographers exploring intimate spaces and vast environments  
          
    • Class Activity:   
      • Vantage Point and Perspective 
         
  • Low Light and Night Photography (week 8)  
    • Aesthetics and lectures:   
      • Discussion of low light and night photography  
      • In depth discussion and review of ISO and long exposures  
      • Slide presentation of historical and contemporary low light and night photography  
          
    • Class Activity   
      • Low Light and Night Photography  
          
  • Project #3: Landscapes (week 9)  
    • Aesthetics and lectures:   
      • Discussion of landscape photography as it relates it to globalization, colonialism, beauty, and the history of photography  
      • Discussion and demonstration of photographing in daylight  
      • Slide presentation of historical and contemporary landscape photography  
          
    • Discussion:
      • The landscape image

    • Project 3 - Landscapes:  
      • Create a series of 10 dynamic and compelling photographs exploring the landscape. The series should explore location, lighting, and a variety of scenes.  
      • Present your favorite 3 photographs for critique 
          

Creating a Body of Work (weeks 10-11)

  • Photography and Contemporary Art (week 10)  
    • Aesthetics and lectures:   
      • Discussion of photography as contemporary and conceptual art  
      • Virtual field trip: we will visit virtual photography exhibits that touch on a range of subject matter. 
      • Slide presentation of contemporary and conceptual photography  
          
    • Class Activity: 
      • Brainstorming exercise for final project 
         
    • Discussion:  
      • Exhibition report 
         
    • Proposal: 
      • Submit a proposal for final project 
         
  • Photography and Contemporary Art: Creating a Body of Work (week 11)  
    • Aesthetics and lectures:   
      • How to create an online portfolio   
         
    • Activity: 
      • Meet with Jessica to discuss final project idea 
         
    •  Project 6 - Photo Series:  
      • Create a series of 10 related images of the subject of your choice. Your series should focus on technique, aesthetics, and conceptual ideas.  
      • Present your series for critique 
         
  • FINALS WEEK 
    • Winter Quarter Portfolio   
      • Create an online portfolio of your 10 strongest images from the quarter, in addition to the completed final series of 10 images in Creating a Body of Work  
    • Reflection Essay 
      • Consider your progress throughout the quarter, by reflecting on your strengths and identifying areas of improvement 


 

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE  

Week   

Date   

Topics 

Assignment(s)   

1   

Tues. 
1/4  
   

LECTURE: Photography changes everything  
  

CLASS ACTIVITY:  

Getting to Know You  

Due 1/9 
 
DISCUSSION:  
What is photography?  

Due 1/9 
 

SURVEY:  
Technology and Camera Needs 

Due 1/9 

   

 

CHECK IN: Meet & Greet  

  • Time: 10:30am  
  • Optional Zoom meeting to get to know each other and the course  
  • Zoom meeting link   
    Password: CENPHOTO  

   

2   

Mon.  

1/10 

LECTURE: Camera Basics  
 

LECTURE: Editing essentials in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom 

CLASS ACTIVITY:  

Camera Basics 
DUE 1/16 
 
CLASS ACTIVITY:  

Post Production Editing  
DUE 1/16 
 

3 

Mon. 

1/17 

LECTURE: Compositional Elements and How to Discuss Photographs 

DISCUSSION: Compositional Elements   

DUE 1/21 

 

PROJECT 1 - Creating a Composition   
DUE 1/23 

CRITIQUE - Creating a Composition   
DUE 1/24 

   

Tues. 

1/18 

CHECK IN: General check in and questions  

  • Time: 10:30am  
  • Optional Zoom meeting to get to know each other and the course  
  • Zoom meeting link   
    Password: CENPHOTO  

   

4 

Mon.  
1/24 

LECTURE: Self Portraiture and Lighting 

 

CLASS ACTIVITY:  
You Are Here/Selfie Exercise
DUE 1/30 

5  

Mon.  

1/31 

LECTURE: Black and White Photography  
  

 

CLASS ACTIVITY:  

Black and White Photography 
DUE 2/7 

 

   

Tues. 

2/1 
   

CHECK IN: General Check In and Course questions  

  • Time: 10:30am  
  • Optional Zoom meeting to check in with each other and answer course questions  
  • Zoom meeting link   
    Password: CENPHOTO 

   

6  

Mon.  
2/7 

LECTURE: The portrait image 
 

DISCUSSION: 
The Portrait Image

DUE 2/11

PROJECT 2 -  

The Portrait Image   
DUE 2/13 
 

CRITIQUE -  

The Portrait Image  
DUE 2/14 

7  

Mon.  
2/14 

LECTURE: The Environment Around You 

 

CLASS ACTIVITY: Perspective and Point of View 
DUE 2/20 

   

Tues.  

2/15 
 
   

CHECK IN: General Check In and Course questions  

  • Time: 10:30am  
  • Optional Zoom meeting to check in with each other and answer course questions  
  • Zoom meeting link   
    Password: CENPHOTO 

   

8   

Mon.  
2/21  

LECTURE: Low Light and Night Photography 

CLASS ACTIVITY:  

Low Light and Night Photography 

DUE 2/27 

 

9  

Mon.   
2/28 

 

LECTURE: Landscape Photography 

 
 

DISCUSSION: 

The Landscape Image

DUE 3/4 

 

PROJECT 3 -  

Landscape Photography  
DUE 3/6 

 

CRITIQUE -  

Landscape Photography 
DUE 3/7 

 

   

 
Tues. 

3/1 
   

CHECK IN: General Check In and Course questions  

  • Time: 10:30am  
  • Optional Zoom meeting to check in with each other and answer course questions  
  • Zoom meeting link   
    Password: CENPHOTO 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 10  

Mon.  
3/7 

LECTURE: Creating a Body of Work 

 

Virtual Field Trip : Online photography exhibitions 

 

Introduce final project 

 

BRAINSTORM:  

Final Project idea generation   

DUE 3/11 

 

PROPOSAL: 

Final Project idea due to Jessica 

DUE 3/13  
 

DISCUSSION:  

Exhibition report   
DUE 3/13 
 

11 

Mon. 

3/14 

LECTURE: Creating an online portfolio  

 

Individual project check ins with Jessica 

 

FINAL PROJECT -  

Creating a Body of Work  
DUE  3/20 

 

CRITIQUE -  

Creating a Body of Work  
DUE 3/21 

 

FINALS WEEK  

3/21 

The final for this course is a digital, online portfolio and a reflection essay 
DUE 3/23 
 
Any missed assignments can be made up by 3/23 
 

Optional extra credit assignments are due this week.  
 

NO ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER 11:59pm on 3/23 

Winter QUARTER PORTFOLIO:   
Create an online portfolio of your strongest photographs from the class and reflect on your progress 
DUE: 3/23 

 

LEARNING RESPONSIBILITIES:  

  • You must accept that you are solely responsible for your success. As your instructor, I am here to help you succeed, but you need to hold yourself accountable to your aesthetic practice, planning your days accordingly, and completing strong work.   
  • My job is to help you work hard, learn valuable skills, and achieve your GPA goals. Also, I understand that life happens and you might be late. Just catch up. Be aware that being late adds stress to your life, so don't start turning in everything late. Do your work on time but realize you have a buffer if needed. 
  • How to communicate with me and your peers:   
    • Use the Netiquette standards to actively participate and interact with your classmates and myself.   
    • Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you are struggling with course information, contact me through Canvas or via email or connect with your peers for help. The sooner the better.  
    • Notify me of any scheduling conflicts, etc. and ask if work can be completed.  
    • Please keep me informed of anything I need to know about the evolution of your own health or situation. We will grow, morph, and adapt together as needed over the next 11 weeks.  
       
  • Our classes are typically structured in the following way: Each week, a new assignment will open. The weekly assignments will focus on a particular subject matter (for example: camera basics, portraiture, landscape). You will be given a set amount of time to complete the assignment. We will conduct online critiques for each assignment through the Discussions board of the Assignment Module.  
      
  • It should go without saying, but ALL photographic work submitted for this course must be of your own creation. As with all art mediums, learning and progress depends on your effort to practice your craft, develop your aesthetics, and your willingness to try new things. Therefore, I will not accept photographs that were created prior to this class.  
      
  • If you must miss an assignment, you must contact me to let me know your situation. Students who will be absent from course activities due to reasons of faith or conscience may seek reasonable accommodations so that grades are not impacted. Such requests must be made in writing within the first two weeks of the quarter. 

  

COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING  
  

Assignments = 50% total  

DUE SUNDAYS 

There are 3 Project Assignments and a Final Project for this course. Each Assignment is an opportunity for you to produce a collection of photographic work. Projects will not be merely graded as final projects, but will be graded for process as well, which means if we are having a mid-project critique your participation in that will be factored into the project’s final grade.    

Critiques = 20% total  

DUE MONDAYS 

Critiques are an important part of developing your personal voice, style, and improving technique. In group critiques, you will be evaluated on how you talk about your work and the work of your peers. All critiques will take place online in Canvas Discussion threads.  

Participation (Discussions and Class Activities) = 20% total  

DUE FRIDAYS or SUNDAYS 

Participating means you are present in discussions and participating in class activities. This class is structured with an alternating schedule of discussions or class activities centered around using a particular camera setting, different subject matter to photograph, and/or reflection on a conceptual or theoretical subject.  

Discussions are meant to practice how we observe, engage, discuss, and interpret photographic imagery.  

Class Activities are quick assignments, that are meant for you to try something new with your camera and practice a particular skill. Be a good sport, help one another become better photographers through your discussions and comments, and allow others to help you with theirs!   

 

Final Portfolio = 10% total  

Your final portfolio will consist of your best 10 images from the Class Activities and Project Assignments and the 10 images from your Final Project: Creating A Body of Work in the format of an online portfolio/website and will serve as a way for me to evaluate your growth throughout the course. You will also complete a reflection essay that outlines where you think you saw the most improvement over the course.  

 

DUE DATES for all Project Assignments, Critiques, Discussions, and Class Activities are included in the assignment description. You can also see the Due Dates listed under the name of each assignment in the Canvas Assignments page or in the Modules page.  

(see Tentative Schedule above)  

AUTOMATIC ONE-WEEK EXTENSION: You have an automatic ONE week extension after the Due Date, BUT LOOSE 10% for lateness after the assignment closes. 

ADDITIONAL EXTENSION: Anyone needing more time beyond the Automatic Extension may be granted an Additional Extension if extenuating circumstances prevented you from completing the assignment. A request must be made in writing, sent by Canvas email, BEFORE the due date.  

All assignments reopen 2 weeks before the end of the quarter, as a chance for you to finish any missing assignments or to make up points for assignments missing elements.  A 10% deduction will be in place for all late work after the 1-week extension. 

 

NOTE: Your grade as reported by Canvas is not exact and may require some adjusting for your final grade. During the course, it can be off by a wide margin depending on how up-to-date the instructor is in scoring your assignments, how up-to-date you are in submitting assignments, as well as other factors. The following is the official scoring chart for this course. It may be adjusted by the instructor at any time to reflect changes in course content. Please talk to your instructor if you have any questions:  

   

  

ASSESSMENT  

The following criteria are considered in the grading process for Assignments.  

  • Technical Proficiency / Adherence to Assignment Guidelines   
    • I will present all the instructions and criteria for each assignment, and these will be clearly posted on Canvas.  
    • Make sure you follow all instructions and directions and do everything asked of you in the Assignment.  
    • For completed assignments, please submit images in the following formats:  
      • For the Assignment submission in SpeedGrader: Original Camera Files at your camera's highest resolution using Adobe RGB 1998 color profile. An original camera file includes information in the file about the model of your camera, the exposure of the photo, the date and time the photo was taken. If I don't see this information I will not know if this photo was taken by you and I will not accept it. Only submit jpeg files, unless otherwise directed.  
      • For the Discussion/Critique submission: You must EMBED the images into the discussion reply.  
      • Always name your files as firstname_lastname_submissionnumber.   
        For example: jessica_hoffman_1.jpg  
  • Elements of Design/ Aesthetics:   
    • Careful consideration of design principles (composition, contrast, balance, movement, emphasis, perspective, framing, etc.).  
  • Creative/Conceptual:   
    • The development, adventurousness, individuality, and careful consideration of your ideas (as demonstrated visually and by your ability to articulate these ideas through critique/review.)  
  • Participation / Effort:   
    • Time, effort and careful consideration demonstrated in assignment. Active involvement in class critique/review.  

 

You may always check your progress in the Canvas gradebook by clicking on the “Grades” link when you login to Canvas. You’ll be able to see your score for each assignment along with my feedback.  

If you have questions at any time about grading or my feedback please reach out over email or during student hours. Remember to talk to me about any grade anxiety or uncertainty that you have about the course or individual assignments. Periods of anxiety or stress (often concerning writing or grades) happen to everyone and I’m here to support you and make a strategic plan to meet the course goals and expectations. 

Your final grade as recorded on your transcript is in Grade Point Average (GPA). This chart shows how your point total as a percent of Total Possible Points (600 points) translates to GPA. When translating your total score in points to GPA, a very precise formula is used.  

  

Letter Grade 

Percent Grade 

4.0 GPA Scale 

A+ 

96–100 

4.0 

A 

94-95 

3.9 

A- 

90–93 

3.5 - 3.8 

B+ 

87–89 

3.2 - 3.4 

B 

84–87 

2.9 - 3.1 

B- 

80–83 

2.5 - 2.8 

C+ 

77–79 

2.2 - 2.4 

C 

74–76 

1.9 - 2.1 

C- 

70–73 

1.5 - 1.8 

D+ 

67–69 

1.2 - 1.4 

D 

65–66 

1.0 - 1.1 

F 

Below 65 

0.0 

 

Course Withdrawal:  If you decide to drop this course for any reason, and you do not wish your current grade to appear on your transcript, it is your responsibility to officially withdraw with the Registrar’s office by the dates listed on the district website:   

http://www.seattlecolleges.edu/district/calendar/academiccalendar.aspx.  

SUCCESS NOTES  

Check Canvas regularly.  

Canvas works best with Chrome.  

When participating in interactions with other students, faculty and staff via the internet, ask questions clearly, read all the contents of an email or post carefully before you reply and always be polite.  

It is best to use your own photos, drawings, and other created images for your projects. However, it is usually OK to use others’ work for ‘reference material’ (as long as it isn’t replicated in your work) and for strictly education purposes (“Fair Use”). See Course Policies below for more information on plagiarism.  

Click one of these links for more support: Canvas training, eLearning, and tutoring.  

For general help using Seattle Central College online resources and technology  

  

Winter Quarter 2022    

  

January 4 

FALL QUARTER BEGINS  

January 10 

Last day to withdraw with 100% refund (less processing fee) *  

January 18 

Last day to add/register — instructor permission required   

Last day to change audit/credit status without instructor permission.  

Last day to withdraw without a "W" appearing on transcript (All Campuses).  

January 24 

Last day to withdraw with 50% refund *  

February 9 

Faculty Development Day (no class) 

February 25 

Last day to change audit/credit status — instructor permission required.  

Last day to withdraw (no refund)  

March 23 

WINTER QUARTER ENDS 

  

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY  
  

Academic Dishonesty, or plagiarism, means using someone else’s work and calling it your own. This course will strive to enforce real world policies for attaining images and avoiding stylistic and conceptual plagiarism. In the real world the consequences for this behavior result in lawsuits and the loss of employment, so it is our duty to help you learn to avoid it as a student.  

  

Please note that I take extremely seriously the institution’s policy on the need for academic honesty in all your work. I refer you to the current Student Handbook, where guidelines on plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty are spelled out. Any form of dishonesty in an assignment will lead to a zero on the assignment, and I reserve the right to give a grade of F for the course as well.  

I refer you to the Seattle Central Student Conduct website for standards expected of all of us as learners in a Washington State public learning institution.  

 

COMMUNICATION  
 

Contacting your instructor:  

The best way to reach me is either through Canvas chat or email at   

jessica.hoffman@seattlecolleges.edu  
  

You can expect a response from me within 24hrs. If you have an urgent matter, please put URGENT in your subject line.  

If you are experiencing difficulty, either personal or technical, please communicate with me ASAP. This would be considered an URGENT matter and you can expect a response from me quickly and together we will seek the resources you need.  
 
 

Communication Guidelines:  

Without face-to-face interactions, communication through digital format requires special attention to make it effective. Use the following guidelines for discussion forums and other written communication such as emails and peer reviews throughout the course:  

  

Be considerate: To help the readers understand you, consider yourself as a reader. Set the depth of the discussion appropriate for the topic that most readers can understand in the class. Set the tone appropriate for the communication medium. For a peer review, start with a positive comments and balance among critique, constructive suggestions, and personal comments.  

Contents: Share your thoughts and ideas with the group. Keep your questions and comments relevant to the focus of the discussion. Keep discussion posts/messages short and to the point. Work with the 5 W's and the H  and include all essential information.  

Subject line: Keep it short and informative. People receive a lot of messages daily, so they use the subject line to determine the importance of the email. An unclear subject line may result an unintended consequence. If you need to discuss something new in a thread of a post/email, then start a new thread with a new subject line. Do not mix multiple topics within a thread.   

Length of discussion post/message: A good rule of thumb is fitting a post/message within a monitor screen - a length of two screens is still okay. Being concise and precise is a key in effective communication. Reading long posts/messages are tiresome; some may skip to the end and miss key points. For long posts/messages, use bullet points and summarize at the end.  

Replying to a post/message: Be specific. Simply saying "Yes" could be confusing. Simple replies such as "Good idea!", or "I agree!" doesn't contribute anything to the discussion. Include substantive comments including why and what, and perhaps follow-up questions. For an unrelated or different topic, start a new message/post.  

Writing style:   

  •  Use short sentences and simple English.   
  • Get into your stride with using correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar. For example, capitalize the first letter of a sentence. Typing in a word-processor first helps.  
  • Be informal but not sloppy or disrespectful. Avoid text messaging abbreviations, e.g. "GI, CU2 2nite".  
  • Avoid using all caps - this is the text equivalent of YELLING.  
  • Edit statements that could be interpreted as offensive.  
  •   

Layout & Formatting: Keep your message organized and neatly presented. Consider that you are "publishing" your paper to the public - in fact, you are. Try this:   

  • Add additional space between paragraphs.  
  • For multiple questions or points, consider using a list (numbered or bulleted). They work well in presenting complex ideas.  
  • Use text formatting to emphasize. Avoid over using it.  
  • Add a link for more detail.  

Wit and humor: An occasional and proper wit and humor can be refreshing. However, using humor too often or sending inconsiderate jokes will offend people. Be mindful when using humor. Avoid sarcasm. Without face-to-face interaction, your good-hearted humor may be received as criticism.  

Pause and read: When you participate in a sensitive or complex discussion, be sure to give yourself some time to reflect on your statements. Read your message from the recipient's perspectives to see if there is anything missing or unclear.   

Manners: When you ask for a favor or question, saying "please" and "thank you" is a good idea.  

Closing: Acknowledge and express your appreciation to the people for their comments on your posts/work.  

Sign-off and close: Consider including your contact information such as your e-mail address (not necessary in Canvas unless you want to communicate outside of Canvas). Sign-off with your name. For an important message, put your full name even though the recipient may know you.  

The big no-no: Do not engage in "flaming " (posting offensive messages) in discussion forums. Consider discussion forums as face-to-face discussions in a classroom. Remember that these discussion forums are public and meant for academic learning. Treat others the way you want to be treated. If you think you might be too emotional, do not send the message. Save it for at least a day and review it later. You can compose a much more effective response in that way. Also, you may feel regret and embarrassment. Remember, once you send, you cannot take it back.  

Check-In: Check your Inbox and discussion forums daily. Respond to messages and posts in a timely manner.  
 

STUDENT ABSENCES FOR REASONS OF FAITH OR CONSCIENCE STATEMENT  

Seattle Colleges will grant reasonable accommodation so that students who are absent for reasons of faith or conscience, or for an organized activity conducted under the auspices of a religious denomination, church, or religious organization will not have their grades or other learning opportunities from the class be negatively affected. Such absences must be requested in writing within the first two weeks of the quarter.  

  

STUDENT RESOURCES  

Seattle Central College is operating remotely until further notice in compliance with Governor Inslee's "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order. During this time, Student Services will continue to provide remote services to students.   

Please refer to the following websites for the most up-to-date information:   

Resources for Current Students: https://seattlecentral.edu/current-students/resources-and-contacts-students-during-remote-operations    

Community Resources and Support: https://seattlecentral.edu/current-students/housing-food-emergency-aid-and-connectivity-resources-students  

Campus emergencies: If you want to know whether or not the campus has closed due to snow, ice, or any other reason, you can:  

 sign up for instant text and/or email messages at https://www.getrave.com/login/seattlecolleges  
 
 

COURSE POLICIES  

Ethical Behavior:  

Student Dishonesty: Please refer to the student handbook about student honesty and WAC 132F-121-120 for appropriate penalties.  

Late Policy: Each project has a due date. If you have a situation that will cause your work to be late (illness, family matter, medical emergency, etc.), email me before the due date if at all possible. See Course Policies below for more information.  

Plagiarism, or academic dishonesty, is presenting someone else’s ideas or writing as your own. In your writing for this class, you are encouraged to refer to other people’s thoughts and writing — as long as you cite them. Many students do not have a clear understanding of what constitutes plagiarism, so feel free to ask questions about these matters at any time. Plagiarism includes:    

failing to cite sources of ideas   

failing to cite sources of paraphrased material   

failing to site sources of specific language and/or passages   

submitting someone else’s work as his or her own   

submitting his or her own work produced for another class   

submitting his or her own work that has been heavily edited and/or rewritten by another    

If you have any doubt about how to cite or acknowledge another’s writing, please talk to me. It is always better to be safe than sorry. As a matter of policy, any student found to have plagiarized any piece of writing in this class will automatically receive 0 points without the possibility of make-up and an incident report will be filed with the Dean of Academic Programs. If a student plagiarizes more than once over the course of a quarter, he or she will receive a 0.0 grade for the course as a whole.   

Late assignments will be turned in within a time period agreed upon between the student and instructor. All late assignments will automatically be deducted 10% of total points for that assignment.  

Extra credit opportunities will be presented by the instructor either in the original course syllabus or as the situation arises. Such opportunities will be presented to all students in the course. Points given will not raise a student from an F to a higher grade but will apply to grades above F.  

Participation is required in all class meetings, assignments, projects, quizzes, discussions and other activities, except those for extra credit. If a situation arises, such as illness, and you cannot attend class (or participate in an online discussion or other similar time-limited online group activity), please see your instructor for alternative options to receive credit. If you miss more than two classes (or other similar time-limited online group activity) with an acceptable excuse, please see the next paragraph, "Incomplete." If you miss any classes without an acceptable excuse, please see "Incomplete." If you cannot complete any assignment, quiz, project or similar activity during the timespan of the course, please see "Incomplete."  

Incomplete indicates that the student performed at a passing level, completed most of the course requirements, and intends to make up the missing work. An Incomplete is given only at the discretion of the instructor when the student has attended regularly, done satisfactory work, and furnished satisfactory proof to the instructor that the work cannot be completed because of illness or other circumstances beyond the student's control. Coursework must be completed during the following quarter, excluding summer quarter. If the student fails to remove the "I" by completing the coursework in the specified time period, the "I" will remain on the transcript. The instructor must file a written statement of reasons for giving the Incomplete, listing a description of the work which the student will need to do to remove it, with the dean of the division in which the course is offered. If the student elects to repeat a course rather than make up the work, the "I" will remain on the transcript. The grade earned will compute in the GPA; after receiving an "I" in a course, a student may repeat that course only once.  

NC — No Credit Indicates that the student did not fulfill the requirements for receiving an "S" grade, an "N" grade or a numerical grade in the course. A student in good standing may request an "NC" symbol from the instructor prior to the final examination, granted at the instructor's discretion. After an "NC" is issued, the course may be repeated no more than one (1) more time. An "NC" does not affect a student's GPA but may affect a student’s financial aid or visa status.  

Course Withdrawal - If you decide to drop this course for any reason, and you do not wish your current grade to appear on your transcript, it is your responsibility to officially withdraw with the Registrar’s office by the dates listed in the South Seattle College catalog.  

Notification is required if you will be absent from a class or late in submitting an assignment, quiz, test, project, etc. If you are experiencing problems with Canvas or any other SSC provided online service, contact the appropriate service provider and your instructor as soon as possible. If your instructor is experiencing issues that will delay or prevent his or her attendance, or providing scheduled contents or services online, s/he will announce this through Canvas and the regular SSC administrative process.  

ADA Statement:  

Students with documented disabilities requesting class accommodations, requiring special arrangements in case of building evacuation, or with emergency medical information I should know about are asked to contact the Disability Support Services office (DSS) in BE 1112. Once the disability is verified with DSS you will receive a letter of accommodation to give to your instructors. If you have questions, please ask me or contact Al Souma, Disability Support Services (Alfred.Souma@seattlecolleges.edu).  

Counseling Center:  

The instructors and staff at Seattle Central College care deeply about you and want to see you flourish and become successful in your studies and your work. There is often a great deal of anxiety and stress that comes along with being a student, and you are encouraged to seek out help from appropriate sources if a "life situation" is impacting your ability to get work done on time/in a successful manner. The Seattle Central Counseling is a good place to go to get assistance.  

NONDISCRIMINATION/TITLE IX  

Students should know that Instructors and Staff are "Mandatory Reporters" under Title IX Federal law, and if personal details are disclosed that meet the guidelines listed in the links below a report will be filed.   

Student Conduct  

I defer to the Seattle Central Student Handbook for all other classroom standards and questions, including classroom behavior, grading, and registering. It is your responsibility as a student to be familiar with the policies of the College and to make sure you are adhering to them.   

  

Student Complaint process  

The Dean of Student Development is the designated campus complaints officer and is available to meet with students to discuss issues, devise problem-solving strategies, and if necessary, guide them through the formal complaints process. Contact Kari Mills at 206.934.3840 to make an appointment.  

  

For more information: https://www.seattlecentral.edu/campus-life/student-support-and-services/student-rights-and- responsibilities/complaint-process  
  

All Gender Restrooms  

   

There are three (3) locations for all gender restrooms on the Seattle Central campuses. Two single stalled restrooms are available on the 3rd floor of the Main Broadway Edison (BE) building. These are located across from room 3216, and open daily until the close of the building (10pm Mon-Thurs; 6pm Fri & Sat) for anyone affiliated with Seattle Central College. Additionally, there is an all-gender restroom  

located on the 3rd floor of the BE building, on the north end, near IT Services. The third is located in the Mitchell Activity Center (MAC) building, Level 1 next to the weight room.  

For more information: http://www.seattlecentral.edu/maps/be/3rd-floor.php  

Reflection Room (BE 3215B)  

As of November 2017, Seattle Central College has designated room BE3215B as a Reflection Room space. The purpose of the room is to provide a safe and accessible space for meditation and reflection for students, staff and faculty. In addition, the space is intended to support self-reflective practice for developing a healthy campus community.  

The Reflection Room is open from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday on a first come, first served basis. Please see visit the Reflection Room to view the Community Expectations, or contact Assistant Director of Multicultural Services, Lyall Rudenskjold at lyall.rudenskjold@seattlecolleges.edu for more information.  

Title IX  

Seattle College District has a zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment, discrimination, sexual violence, rape, bullying, or hazing. Please see District Policy and Procedure 419 for our process on investigating and responding to reports of sexual harassment and sexual discrimination. If you have experienced sexual harassment or discrimination, sexual violence, or bullying, or are aware of an incident involving these violations, report it immediately to SCC’s Title IX Coordinator (Christina Nelson at 206.934.4017, Christina.M.Nelson@seattlecolleges.edu) or to the District Compliance Officer (Jennie Chen at 206.934.3873, jennie.chen@seattlecolleges.edu ).  

All Seattle Colleges faculty and staff are required to report incidents of sexual misconduct to the Title IX Coordinator.  

Undocumented Student Support (BE1103)  

The Multicultural Services (MCS) office in BE1103 offers support for undocumented students at Seattle Central College. Students may contact DREAMer Support Navigator, Sahira Barajas, for more information at 206.934.4005 or by visiting the MCS office.  

For more information: https://seattlecentral.edu/campus-life/student-support-and-services/dreamers   

  

 

 

 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due