Syllabus

ARTS 208 Beginning Black and White photography
Section 001 - Spring 2009
M-W 1p – 4p
Room 109
INSTRUCTOR: Rob Keller
Email: bordog@napanet.net
Office# 128 Phone: 664.2364
T/A: Brian Werle
Email: werle@sonoma.edu

OFFICE HOURS: M-W 4p or by appointment

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This is an introductory art course which is structured to provide a
solid foundation in black and white photography. Instruction will include 35mm camera operation, film exposure and development, printing, basic lighting concepts, composition, and finishing. Through specific assignments students will not only acquire technical skills, but also develop their own artistic vocabulary by learning to use the photographic medium as a means of creative expression.

PROJECTS
Projects will be graded on both technical proficiency and creative visual content. Students will be expected to discuss and defend their work. Assignments will demonstrate mastery of technical skills and individual creative expression. Through photographic presentations and discussion, students will gain familiarity with the critical and theoretical debates surrounding photography and analytical dialog.

HANDOUTS AND LECTURES
Each week there will be a lecture and students will receive handouts with the information needed for the next week's assignment. The schedule may change at any time during the semester. If you miss a class or assignment you are responsible for contacting the instructor.

ATTENDANCE POLICY
Attendance means arriving on time and staying for the entire class session. You must be present at all critiques whether or not you have completed the assignment. All students are required to have active communication and dialog. Failure to be an involved participant in the class, tardy arrivals and early departures will affect your final grade. If you have more then 3 unexcused absences you could be dropped from the class. Due dates are important, late assignments result in a lower grade.



GRADING
All aspects of the class are equally important:
Quizzes – 20%
Semester Projects –30%
Final Project – 50%
However, your contribution to the CLASS DIALOG AND THE WRITTEN FINAL will weigh very heavily on your final grade.


REQUIRED MATERIALS
35mm CAMERA:
Recommended manually adjustable apertures and shutter speeds.
Thumb Drive – Jump Drive to transfer digital imagery.
PHOTOGRAPHIC PAPER:
Recommended: ILLFORD Multigrade II RC - Available in the Crib
You will need approximately 50-150 sheets for this class.
FILM:
Recommended: Kodak 400 TMAX - Available in the Crib
You will need 15-30 rolls for this class
Negative preservers (5 frames x 7 rows) Available in the Crib
3 ring plastic negative protector
Plastic apron
Cotton towel
sharp scissors
RECOMMENDED MATERIALS
Protective clothing and rubber gloves, “Sharpie-type marking pen, and
Optional * Sketchbook for collecting ideas and logging data.


HEALTH AND SAFETY
THIS FACILITY IS FOR USE BY CURRENTLY REGISTERED PHOTOGRAPHY STUDENTS ONLY.

UNIVERSAL DARKROOM LAW -
Keep wet away from dry! There are specific wet and dry areas for all printing areas. Sinks are wet, stations are dry! No wet hands, no wet prints, no trays are to be near the enlargers.

There is an “ABSOLUTELY NO CELL PHONE” policy in place at this facility. All cell calls must be taken outside to avoid disturbing the class.



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