Photography 2 /PAP Syllabus
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
I am dedicated to the education and promotion of fine arts and technology for the
students attending Westside High School. Students looking for a fun and challenging
elective will receive extensive training both behind the camera and the computer.
Students learn to use several different DSLR Nikon brand pro-consumer cameras,
photography basics, and editing skills for Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator CS3. In
addition, self confidence, team building, problem solving, critical independent thinking
and time management are central themes in each lesson plan.
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 notebook. This is a must!!!!!!
A flash drive is also a good investment (so get one).
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.
. Participation in class discussions and exercises is a necessity.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
In Photography 2 students will be given assignments in order to demonstrate their
comprehension of the basics of art and composition along with creativity. Students will
learn essential techniques and correct procedures on how to compose a photography
and manually manipulate the camera. A general rubric will be used for all assignments
with minor alterations. An appreciation of various types of photography and history will
be addressed. Each photo set will be accompanied by a written explanation of the
students thoughts about their work or process.
Design principles and technical skills are
reinforced through project based assignments.
INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES: Demonstrations/presentations/note taking/
tutorials followed by independent lab work. Opportunity provided for student discussion,
exchange, and critiques.
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) 70%
MINOR TUTORIALS (short exercises to learn a 1 or 2 skills) 30%
QUIZZES, JOURNAL ENTRIES, NOTEBOOK CHECKS
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.
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: Set up a time with me or come in 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.
1 person allowed out of the room at a time. (No begging, it is sad)
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:
ELEMENTS AND PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN/ PHOTOGRAPHY GLOSSARY
TERMS/ HANDLING OF CAMERAS/NOTE TAKING
SECOND 3 WEEKS:
INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOSHOP AND PHOTOSHOP TOOLS AND SHORTCUT
9 WEEKS: EXTENSIVE EDITING AND IMAGE MANIPULATION.
After I come back from TAEA- (I will be at Conference from the 15th -16th of November.)
We will begin work on learning MANUAL shooting techniques and how to create a body
of work. Then the “REAL” Fun begins!
There are multiple opportunities for you to showcase your work in contests. Scholastics
Art, Culture Shapers, Latino Art Beat, VASE, Youth Art Month, etc...
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.
It is my goal to help every student find their own voice and to help them unleash
it. As the late educator Jaime A. Escalante said, “The ability to see the
potentialwithin every student is what makes a great teacher.”
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 II 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________________________