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Black and White Photography Syllabus.
In this course we will investigate the technical aspects behind black and white photography using the 35mm camera and
enlarging the images in a traditional darkroom. A series of assignments will provide a solid framework to develop a personal
vision merging technical know how and conceptual sophistication. Attention to the meaning of the work produced will be
considered in classroom critiques that will look into the actions and considerations revolving around the production of the final
and finished print. We will also investigate how a sequence or series of photographs builds meaning, allowing us to tell a story,
or to study relationships between similar or disparate events or objects. We can consider common examples in everyday life,
such as the photo essay, the photomontage, the editorial fashion spread, and the product catalog, where more than one image is
used to communicate an idea or message. On a more personal level, we often want to connect the individual frames that have
been exposed in succession when shooting roll film. As we move from an emphasis on the single photograph to the
combination of several images (sequential and serial imagery), we will explore a variety of methods for printing and for image
presentation, including matting, installation and, in some cases, bookmaking..
Black and White Photography is an introduction/intermediate level course that combines an investigation of the process of
black and white photography with the study of serial and sequential imagery. The final goal of this study should yield a
cohesive body of work; a portfolio. This course does not require previous experience in photography. Each student needs to
have an automatic WITH MANUAL OVERRIDE or manual 35mm camera. Students with prior experience and a current
portfolio may work with other formats. Costs for the course vary and are dependent on the scope of the individual student
projects.
Supplies estimate: $200.00.
REQUIRED TEXTS:
1. WEBCT LISTINGS of assignments and readings (http://webct.utdallas.edu)
To locate one’s user ID and password go to: http://netid.utdallas.edu
To learn about webct go to: http://som.utdallas.edu/training/gettingstarted.htm
2. UTD Library Reserve writings and photography books by artists, historians, and critics. Assigned readings specified
during class.
3. UTD TECHNICAL HANDBOOK print or CDROM.
RECOMMENDED TEXT:
A Short Course in Photography by Barbara London and Jim Stone. ISBN 0-13-110201-X
REQUIREMENTS: Evaluation will be based on attendance, participation, 4 class assignments, a midterm review, a written
final portfolio essay and a final portfolio of ten images.
PHOTOGRAPHY is a practice-based studio course. During specific course periods when studio work time is scheduled,
students should be prepared to print, to develop film or to review contact sheets with the instructor. Evaluation will be based
on attendance and participation, class assignments, a final portfolio and essay, discussion of specific reading assignments, the
individual midterm review and participation in critiques. Attendance at critiques is comparable to exams in lecture courses.
The studio assignments are designed to assess the student's ability to apply principles discussed in class and to measure the
individual student's improvement over time. Consequently, assignments that are turned in late are downgraded one letter grade
and must be submitted within two weeks of the deadline.
Class Participation: Attendance is required. Three missed classes during the semester is grounds for dismissal. Arriving at
class late or leaving early is disruptive, eating, drinking and mobile phones in class or darkrooms should be avoided.
Production and quality of work are generally lower for those students who miss classes or do not pay attention. Students who
are absent from class when assignments are announced need to check with other students regarding the parameters of the
exercise. The instructor will only clarify specific points. Furthermore, the final grade for class participation will be lowered
due to absenteeism. Students have the responsibility to obtain a written medical excuse from a doctor and to submit it to the
instructor if absences are due to medical problems. UTD students enrolled in art courses must attend the prescribed three
hours of class per week. This arrangement of scheduled time is designed to accommodate the UTD student population.
Most studio courses offered by universities require six hours of contact per week. Hence, attendance during the
stipulated three hours is necessary. Also, students need to work outside of class time--at least those three remaining
hours if not more--in order to finish assignments in a timely manner. Proper academic conduct during class is expected
specially during critiques. Any student with a severe illness or with other problems that hinder their attendance should contact
the instructor.
Withdrawal dates: Observe the university academic calendar online for the deadline to withdraw from classes (Sep 2
withdraw without a W; Undergraduates Sep22-Oct 20: period for WP/WF-Graduates last W day Nov 1). Requests for an
incomplete grade are in general not considered for undergraduate courses that have lab work attached.
FALL 2005 ARTS3371.501 Tuesday 7:00-9:45PM meets in AS 1.105 (Media Room-Visual Arts Bldg.)
Black and White Photography Syllabus.
Equipment and the Laboratory: Instruction in the use of equipment and care of facilities is designed to prevent damage
through misuse. Questions on the use or location of equipment should be directed to the instructor. Also refer to the UTD
Photography Handbook for details on our operations. Enrolled students are responsible for maintaining a cooperative
environment. Only currently enrolled photography students are permitted to use the darkroom (absolutely no exceptions).
Students may gain access to the lab during scheduled building hours. Consult for current semester hours. After hours access is
granted to those students registered with Campus Police-the instructor will submit names 2-3 weeks into the semester.
FINAL PORTFOLIO and four Class Assignments: Class assignments DUE AT VARIOUS TIMES are designed to
encourage experimentation with the photographic process and with the possibilities for working in a series. The final portfolio
will be based on a topic or theme selected by the student, perhaps representing an extension of one of the class assignments.
The final form of the portfolio may consist of one (or a variation) of the following
1-a series of TEN 8" x 10" enlargements; Three prints must be matted, spot toned and printed on fiberbased paper in
time for the FINAL PORTFOLIO REVIEW.
2-a photographic book consisting of at least sixteen pages, perhaps printed smaller than 8" x 10". The book will hold
about 32 images that should present a cohesive theme.
3-a group of at least ten prints, perhaps printed larger than 8" x 10", that are designed to be viewed as a single unit --
as in an installation, sculptural object, or larger two-dimensional work designed to be hung on a wall or some sort of
appropriate surface.
GRADING: Midterm grades due Oct 11th - Final grades due Tuesday Dec 5th.
A= outstanding quality, concept goes beyond expectations and is delivered on time 90-100•
B= good solid ideas, above average quality and delivered on time with one exception 80-89•
C= acceptable yet simple ideas, some minor flaws in quality and mostly on time 70-79•
D= barely acceptable, deficient quality and untimely delivery 60-69•
F= unacceptable, missing assignments and suspect work 59 or less
CLASS ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION: 10%
•Active participation in critiques and class discussion, including participation in possible article teams.
•Preparation for class including materials needed for developing film or printing and for group critique
•Missing three or more classes are grounds for failing grade. (Exemptions made with medical records etc.)