Photography 3&4 Syllabus
Pre AP & AP
2012-2013
Instructor: Dani Pontus
Room: S121
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Tutorial Hours: per request
Phone#: 281-920-8000 X6176
Credit Hours: 1 Credit; 1/2 per semester
EXPECTATIONS:
The Course Fee is $55.00
If you qualify for free or reduced lunch the fee is cut in 1/2. Fees will be collected in class
and handed into the financial clerk.
You are required to have a folder for handouts This is a must.
A flash drive is also a good investment. They are pretty cheap and for sale
everywhere!
The course is taught on the college level and requires a SUBSTANTIAL amount
of dedication and self-motivation for EVERY class. This REQUIRES that students have
a DESIRE to learn new technologies, the “behind the scenes” secrets of editing images,
and an open mind about the process’ of digital media in a very digitally progressive era.
You will have deadlines for each assignment and students MUST learn to properly
manage their time EVERY week. Students will be held accountable for any
procrastination or failure to complete assignments in a timely fashion. Waiting to the last
minute IS NOT an option in here. We move at a pace for all learners to take part in. No
Child is Left Behind in my class. Participation in class discussions and exercises is a
necessity.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: PAP/AP 2D Design
This course is for students who are ready for a college level art experience. In the PreAP/AP course students will be required to do a breadth and concentration submission.
Each section will contain 12 pieces for a total of 24 final works of art. The student must
be able to demonstrate the interrelationship between personal research and studio work in
both oral and written form. Design principles and technical skills are reinforced through
project based assignments. Students are expected to fulfill all course requirements even if
they opt out of the AP exam. *Note: only Photo 3 students may opt out of the AP
portfolio.
There are 3 sections to AP portfolio. We will go into these in great detail as the course
proceeds. Section I: Quality, 5 actual pieces that show a command of technique and
advanced aesthetic decision making. These are made up of pieces in your breadth and
concentration. They are NOT 5 different pieces of art. Section II: Concentration, requires
that the student pursue a particular idea or issue. The topic will be decided on towards the
end of the 1st semester, although you allowed to change the direction as you proceed
throughout the year. (With permission and discussion with instructor.) Section III:
Breadth, the student is expected to extend his or her experience with a wide range of
subject matter, media, techniques, and aesthetic issues. Some breadth assignments will be
given by instructor, while others will be free choice.
INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES: Demonstrations/presentations/ tutorials followed
by independent lab work. Opportunity provided for student discussion, exchange, and
critiques weekly.
GRADE POLICY/ATTENDANCE:
Student work is assessed upon, composition standards, and creativity. Trying your hardest
and putting in the effort is noted during grading. Active participation in class discussions,
technical accuracy, critiques, and group work is essential and is considered part of each
project grade and final evaluation. There are demonstrations, group work, quizzes, and
possible guest lecturers that require your attendance. Tardiness is not acceptable. You will
also be graded daily on work, participation, and work ethic.
GRADING:
Grading criteria for each six weeks are as follows:
MAJOR ASSIGNMENTS (projects requiring a week’s worth of time, weekly peer to
peer critiques)
70%
MINOR /OTHER: worksheets, papers, museum visits,
etc...
PARTICIPATION (daily) this means when I TALK, you DON’T.
30%
Demonstration of a professional attitude is required. This includes but is not limited to
arriving to class on time and participating for the whole period and turning projects in on
time. For all grades 5 points will be deducted everyday project is late. Students are
expected to show courtesy to other students and the instructor. Also students must show
responsibility when using any and all of the equipment in S121.
BEING THE BEST:
Simple. The more you watch, read, and observe, the better a designer you will be. Go
online, google and search for ways to improve your projects. Learn new strategies and
introduce them to us in class, or even teach a class! Technology moves fast, so staying
ahead of the curve or falling far behind is up to you.
MAKEUP AND LATE ASSIGNMENTS:
It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that the assignments are turned in at the
appropriate time. I will accept late work up until the 2 days before grades are due in the
computer. YOU are responsible for checking with me on your grade status.
If a student is absent from school, the assignment due on that day will be accepted with
no penalty on the 2nd day the student returns to school. Student makeup work policy will
follow the policy stated in the Westside Student Handbook. The district policy will be
strictly enforced. It is the responsibility of the student to ask for any assignments they
have missed due to an absence from class.
Per Handbook ALL electronic devices must be silenced and OUT OF SIGHT!
That means: Cell Phones, pagers, PSP’s, Game Boys, MP3’s, IPOD’s, Intergalactic travel
devices, and well…all of it. * This also refers to the staff and faculty as well. I play music
in class, not just for me, but for you as well. You Cannot Be Connected to your
headphones! I WILL TAKE THEM OUT OF YOUR EARS IF YOU CANNOT. IF
this is a problem for you please take it up with your Dean or the Principal.
NO FOOD OR DRINKS NEAR MY COMPUTERS or on the floor. No exceptions! I
reserve the right to toss your snacks and beverages. Leave them on the tables in the art
area of the room.
DISCIPLINE AND BEHAVIOR:
RESPECT. That’s what I am all about. It must be earned, and it is a two-way street. I
will always do my best to respect your wishes and requests. I expect the same from you.
I find the following actions to be signs of disrespect:
• Talking during note-taking/lecture.
• Taking out your cell phone for ANY reason when I am speaking.
• Rudeness to your classmates or I. (foul language, insults, yelling)
If I take your cell phone up, it is entirely your decision based on your behavior if I keep it
until the end of class, or turn it in to the office where you must pay $15 to get it back.
You CANNOT be on the internet googling, ebaying, or looking for prom dresses during
instructional time. Turning in your projects is your top priority.
I call parents. I’ll notify a parent if there is a problem in class, but I will also call
parents to brag about your hard work and dedication.
Copyright: Do not copy or scan copyrighted materials projects. Do not duplicate any
current artists work, that is someone else's intellectual property. Students are expected to
develop their own personal imagery. You may not duplicate an images published in books
or on the web. This is a matter of artistic integrity.
TUTORIALS:
If additional help is required, tutorials are available after, before school, or during lunch.
Just let me know what you need help with and I will make sure you get it!
BATHROOM/WATER, HALL, and NURSE’S PASSES:
Don’t abuse it and I won’t take it away.
COURSE CALENDAR/OUTLINE:
*The following is a GUIDE for how the course will be taught. We will advance as a
class (no one gets left behind), and students will be notified well-in-advance of any
changes. When announced, it is up to the student to keep track of when specific
assignments are due and when tests are scheduled.
FIRST 3 WEEKS:
Explanation of expectations of AP portfolio and list of Breadth works to begin semester.
SECOND 3 WEEKS:
Photoshop tutorials when needed, cont. of Breadth assignments.
9 WEEKS: Start of Concentration
After I come back from TAEA- (I will be at Conference from the 15th -16th of November.)
We will begin work on developing your concentration.
There are multiple opportunities for you to showcase your work in contests. Scholastics
Art, Culture Shapers, Latino Art Beat, VASE, Youth Art Month, etc.. You are required to
take part in these contests when applicable. You are however REQUIRED to submit 2
pieces to VASE, in February. It is a UIL contest so you MUST be passing all courses in
order to participate.
Lastly, this will NOT BE EASY, but I want to see each of you succeed.
Anything less is unacceptable.
Follow along with me and I GUARANTEE you will have fun, learn tons,
and maybe even discover a possible future in Photography.
Failure to return bottom 1/2 of syllabus and pay class fee will result in written
assignments and student will not be allowed to use the cameras.
(which are awesome and is the whole point of the course!)
When you pay the class fee, which is much cheaper than purchasing your own
camera; You need to adhere to the safety rules of camera use.
This means if you break it, you buy it.
Return Bottom Half
I,______________________________(print name)
have read the Photography 3&4 (PAP & AP) course description. I am fully
aware of what is expected of me and understand on what basis I will be
evaluated and graded.
X______________________________________________ Student Signature
Student email ____________________________________
X______________________________________________ Parent Signature
Parent email _____________________________________
DATE SIGNED________________________