Photography and Darkroom Expectations

Course Expectations – Photography

Teacher: Mr. Coan

Email: gcoan@concordcarlisle.org • http://mrcoanart.com

Office: RM 257 — Available F Block and after school as needed

 

  1. Instructional Goals:
  • Increase understanding and recognition of the part art and design play in our daily lives.
  • Raise personal aesthetic awareness and enable the cultivation of a personal artistic vision.
  • Research ways of getting original ideas and expressing them.
  • Increase skill in using a variety of creative technology tools to achieve effects and results.
  • Develop awareness of the way art and technology communicates within a culture and tells us about our own  and other cultures.

 

  1. Textbooks:

Although there is no textbook for this course students will utilize many online resources for research and reference.

 

  1. Materials:

Most materials are provided for the class. Film, darkroom paper and chemistry are provided. Cameras are provided – students and parents must sign a use agreement to cover loss and damage.

  1. Homework:

There will be a regular homework as assigned. This is crucial to the development of artistic and critical thinking talents. The most common homework task will involve sketching for initial project ideas, collecting thoughts, research and descriptive writing.

Late homework is a problem, as a discussion will follow the next class period. If homework is going to be late please let the instructor know beforehand so a solution can be worked out. Upon the second missed due date the student is required to stay after school on the due date.

  1. Class format and procedures:

You are expected to be in class and ready to work by the time the period begins. If you know a current project is needed for class please begin working immediately. Classes do not have a standard format as activities and sequences vary. In most classes you will spend time on the computer working creatively on projects that will span several days. In addition to making art there will be time for lectures, technology instruction, discussion and reflection.

Most projects have three stages:

Planning – Each project begins with a lecture/presentation and teacher demonstration. Other planning activities may include writing, research and technology training. Discussions and group work may also be utilized.

Production – Usually this will be the time that you make something individually but can also mean cooperating with others to make something together. It is important to take advantage of the entire class time.

Evaluation and Critique – Be prepared to exhibit your work in the classroom or a public space. Be prepared to talk about your work to the instructor, to the class and to people you have never met before. At the evaluation stage it is necessary to recognize and articulate (verbally and in writing) the strong points about your work and to consider ways in which it could be improved.

Policy for makeup work: All work missed due to excused absence must be made within one week of returning to school, except in the case of an absence lasting longer than one week. In that event make arrangements with the instructor upon return to school.

Policy on attendance and tardiness: You are required to be familiar with the school’s attendance policy in the Handbook for Students and Parents. Remember that at the second unexcused tardiness you will serve a detention the day of the second tardiness or the following day. Any unauthorized absence from class will exclude you from participation in co-curricular activities that school day. If you know you are going to be absent please tell the teacher beforehand so a make up plan can be established.

Procedure in the event of a substitute teacher: Usually the class will be informed if the teacher will be absent. You are expected to conduct yourself in the same manner as when the teacher is here. There will be plenty of work to do. It is of utmost importance the you are respectful, helpful and kind to the substitute. You are ambassadors of the art department and must be mature hosts.

  1. Respect: The importance of respect cannot be overemphasized. Respect for each other, computer equipment, materials and the room itself will be monitored and discussed. As members of the CCHS Art Department you will find yourself on field trips or in various parts of the school building in order to exploit as many visual resources as possible. During these times it is important to remember that you represent the Art Department and you must display maturity and a professional work ethic at all times.
  1. Cell phones and electronic devices: Cell phones are not welcome in the classroom. Using a cell phone, texting, or even having it in sight is a distraction and disrespectful to the process of focused creative effort. Any cell phones will be confiscated until the end of class and your effort grade for that day will suffer. MP3 players (including phones) and not allowed unless prior arrangements have been made. While working on projects on the classroom computers you are not to be using any social media websites, Instant Messaging software or any other technology not directly related to your current project.

Grading

Classwork: 50%

  • Demonstrating quality craftsmanship, control of basic techniques and materials
  • Creating a finished body of work which demonstrates invention, experimentation, and risk-taking using a variety of approaches
  • Strive for personal expression rather than just technique (Documented in journal)
  • Pushing beyond the minimum requirements

Effort and Participation: 30%

  • Attendance and Punctuality
  • Daily engagement
  • Meet deadlines
  • Working independently, incorporating learning from external sources
  •  Respect for others and the studio environment

Perception and Reflection: Critiques and Assessments 20%

  • Exhibition Reviews
  • Articulate and defend perceived strengths and weaknesses of your own work
  • Self-Assessment – written reflections upon completion of assignments
  • Actively voice and explore your ideas in group critiques and class discussions