HomeMy WebLinkAboutART-181Bergen Community College
Division of Arts and Humanities
Department of Visual Art
Course Syllabus
Course Designation, Number, and Title
ART-181: Photography I
Basic Information About Course and Instructor:
Semester and Year:
Section Number:
Meeting Times:
Location:
Instructor:
Office Location:
Email Address:
Course Description:
Photography I (ART-181) introduces camera handling and basic black-and-white darkroom
techniques. Topics covered include camera operations, principles of exposure, basic
understanding of light, film development, printing, picture content, and compositional design.
Technical and aesthetic possibilities of photography are explored through hands-on shooting
assignments, slide presentations, and critiques.
Credits: 3 credits
Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Student Learning Outcomes:
As a result of meeting the requirements in this course, students will be able to:
1. Utilize a manual 35mm camera and understand its functions.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in darkroom techniques.
3. Identify and analyze key developments in the history of photography.
Means of Assessment:
● Assignments and projects
● Participation in class discussions and critiques
● Midterm and final project presentations
Course Content:
● Camera handling and manual settings
● Black-and-white film processing and development
● Darkroom printing techniques
● Light and exposure principles
● Compositional design in photography
● Historical context of photography
Course Texts and Study Materials:
Required Text:
● Horenstein, Henry. Black and White Photography.
Additional References (On Reserve at the Library):
● The History of Photography: From 1839 to the Present by Beaumont Newhall
● Looking at Photographs by John Szarkowski
Research, Writing, and/or Examination Requirements:
Students must complete all shooting assignments, participate in critiques, and present a final
project.
Grading Policy:
Grading is based on the following:
● Active participation in class discussions and critiques
● Attendance
● Completion of all assignments
● Presentation of a final project
Attendance Policy:
Students are expected to attend all classes. If absent, students are responsible for making up
missed lessons and assignments. Missing three classes will result in an "F" grade.
Other College, Divisional, and/or Departmental Policy
Statements:
Refer to the Bergen Community College policy statements on plagiarism, academic integrity,
and student support services.
Student and Faculty Support Services:
Students can access tutoring, academic coaching, and additional resources at BCC Student
Support Services.
Course Outline and Calendar:
Week Topic/Activity Assignments/Events
1 Introduction to photography, camera functions Reading on camera operations
2 Exposure principles, black-and-white film First shooting assignment
3 Film development techniques Develop first roll of film
4 Darkroom printing techniques First print critique
5 Light and composition in photography Shooting assignment on light
6 Midterm critique Present midterm project
7 Advanced printing techniques Print refinement
8 Photography as visual storytelling Shooting assignment on storytelling
9 The history of photography Research on historical
photographers
10 Experimental techniques in photography Creative photo project
11 Portfolio preparation Work on final project
12 Final critique Present final project
Note: This course outline and calendar are subject to change.