ARTS 2356 101: Photography I

Course runs from Aug. 26 to Dec. 1 with Final Exam on Dec. 4.

NOTE: In addition to the FPA Mac Lab (228), we will also be using the Photography classroom (227) and the darkroom attached to the photo class.

PARTICIPATION:

Class online participation is graded, encouraged, and expected. However, participation does not mean being disruptive or rude in class. Please be considerate of your classmates and instructor.

—COURSE ASSIGNMENTS OVERVIEW—

Written Work: 

All out-of-class assignments must be typed unless stated otherwise. Assignments will be submitted electronically through our class Blackboard. All online assignments are due at 11:59 p.m. on the day indicated on your class schedule, unless otherwise noted in the syllabus schedule and/or on Blackboard. The instructor will post a Blackboard announcement for any due date adjustments, though we will do our best to stick to the schedule as summer courses are on a tight schedule.

Assignments which do not adhere to assignment guidelines will be rejected. For example, handwritten papers will not be accepted. It is the student's responsibility to submit assignments as directed, either online or in class. Please use Turnitin on Blackboard for writing assignments or Blackboard Dropbox for activities or Flickr for digital photography assignments. Photographic prints and proof sheets will need to be handed in directly to the professor.

PRONOUNS:

Please let me know how you would like to be addressed in terms of gender pronouns and identity. You may email me or talk to me in private before or after class. I use the he, him, and his pronouns for myself and you may call me “Mr. Brown” or “Professor Brown.”

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY:

Mr. Thomas R. Brown, who publishes as “T. Rob Brown,” is a photographer and writer who began his career in 1993. In addition to more than 20 years as a full-time daily newspaper photojournalist, where he served as photographer, writer, editor, copyeditor, and page designer for numerous daily Midwest newspapers, he also served as a freelance writer for Marvel Comics and Star Wars on four published books from 2009 to 2012, including the Origins award-winning Marvel Heroic Roleplaying: Civil War, Marvel Heroic Roleplaying: Civil War: Young Avengers and Runaways, Star Wars: Galaxy of Intrigue, and Silver Ennie-winning Star Wars: Clone Wars Campaign Guide.

Twice nominated for the Pulitzer Prize, Brown earned more than 40 national, regional and state awards for photography and writing during his journalism career. Following a return to schooling to pursue his master’s degree in 2014, Brown began freelancing for The Kansas City Star as a photographer. He continues work on his fantasy and science fiction novels, screenplays, and photography books. Currently, he is working on Literally Breathtaking—a photography book about Cusco and Machu Picchu, Peru, along with Chile's Santiago region.

Brown earned his bachelor’s (1993) from Missouri Southern State University in Joplin and his master’s (2015) from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas. He is originally from the Kansas City, Missouri, area.

He began teaching at Texas A&M International University in Fall 2017.

Exam:

There will be one exam—the Midterm. See the course calendar in this syllabus for additional information. The exam will cover all reading materials and lectures (it's comprehensive). We will still attend during the scheduled Final Exam time period because this is when your Photo Story with Written Component is due. That exam time will be used for Photo Story presentations. The exam will be taken online via Respondus Monitor. If you have not yet paid the annual $15, that fee may be required to take the exam.

Respondus Monitor is part of the LockDown Browser and requires a webcam for online exams. If you need assistance with Respondus Monitor, you may contact OIT or click the Student Support tab on Blackboard and search for Instructional Technologies section and select Respondus LockDown Browser. The download itself is free.

If you do not have access to a computer with a webcam, you may be able to check one out from OIT. Please contact OIT for additional information on borrowing a laptop.

Reading Assignments:

Reading assignments for the course are to be completed before the online lecture for which they are assigned. The reading assignments will prepare you for the content of the lectures, for the activities and writing assignments, as well as for the exam.

Make-up Work:

Make-ups for the Midterm Exam and other course assignments are at the discretion of the instructor and must be discussed and scheduled. Make-up exams may be in essay format. You must contact the instructor within one week of the missed exam for instructions on how to complete your make-up. There is NO make-up option for the Final Exam/Presentations.

Obviously, the best plan is to turn assignments in on time (the deadline) so they may be graded in a reasonable amount of time to give students necessary feedback. Assignments received late receive reduced grades for each day past the deadline (see Late assignments below). Late work MUST be made up within a week of the due date or by the day of the Final Exam/Presentations, whichever comes first. Depending on the circumstances, the point loss will be decided upon by the instructor. Typically, the following rules will affect point deduction for late assignments, though the instructor may take special situations into consideration:

• For each class period an assignment is late, the work will take a 20-percent grade reduction (this amount is cumulative).
• Students are required to contact the instructor about make-up work. The instructor will NOT make an effort to contact a student about make-up work. A student's ability to turn in late work will be decided at the discretion of the instructor. Reasons for the lateness of the work will be taken into account, especially in the case of medical emergencies and other University-approved absence excuses.

Blackboard Grade Book:

This is a great tool for your reference while in the course. I will do my best to keep it fairly updated with course information and resources. It may also be used as a place to ask questions (class discussions too), which I will try to monitor and respond to at my first availability. I strongly suggest everyone keep a running record of their grades as assignments/evaluations are returned. I also recommend keeping a copy of all of your papers/assignments up until final grades are posted.

Late assignments:

Late assignments, will receive a grade reduction of 20% (two letter grades lost) for every class day they are late. If you do not have a verifiable and accepted excuse, the late assignment grade reduction will be applied. A “verifiable excuse” is determined on a case-by-case situation by the instructor but normally includes things such as a doctor's excuse, military service, etc., in accordance with the policies of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Expectations:

In this class, I expect you will: attend class prepared and on time, complete assignments on time, participate in class discussions and respect your peers, and uphold academic integrity.
In this class, you can expect I will: attend class excited to engage with you as students, learn from your own perspectives and work with you as partners in the learning process, help you make sense of topics that don’t yet make sense and be helpful in office hours, create an inclusive classroom environment, and report any plagiarism and act accordingly (see plagiarism policies).
ATTENDANCE:
Students are expected to attend all classes. Five (5) points will be deducted from your final grade (1,000 possible points) at the end of the semester for EACH unexcused absence you accumulate. During lecture-only dates, you may attend the course online during live broadcast and be counted present; however, some days may require physical attendance. In light of COVID-19, the instructor will try to accommodate situations. Please communicate with the instructor.
• In the event of an emergency that prevents you from attending class, please contact the instructor as soon as possible.
• Excused absences will be decided by the instructor based on individual circumstances, in accordance with the policy of the College of Arts and Sciences (see that section for full details).
TARDY POLICY:
As a general rule, you are expected to be to class on time (this includes in person and online classes). The instructor will not reduce points for an occasional short tardiness. If you have an excessive amount of tardiness, we will need to have a discussion after class to decide what is the problem; points will likely be deducted from your participation grade. When tardiness becomes a trend, it becomes a classroom disruption and is often a sign of other problems. If you have a scheduling difficulty which prevents you from being to class on time, please see the instructor after class so we can discuss a possible solution. If you are coming in late, please see Common Courtesy, below.

PARTICIPATION:

Your overall class participation grade is determined by the discretion of the instructor. These points are factored based on participation, attendance, and the following list of expectations:

• Adoption of an “I can do” attitude
• Being punctual and prepared for each class
• Positive participation in class discussions as well as professional behavior in all communication with other students and the instructor
• Being attentive and respectful during lecture and any student presentations
• Compliance with all Academic Policies & Requirements of Texas A&M International University and the College of Arts and Sciences

Your Grade Discussions:

If a student wishes to discuss their grade, please make a virtual appointment with the instructor. The instructor will not discuss grades of any form during class or lab time, or in front of other students. The student must work with the instructor to schedule a time when both are available.

Common Courtesy:

Please use common courtesy during classes. For many, getting up in front of a group of people for presentations can be extremely stressful. It is vital that the classroom atmosphere be kept light and enjoyable for all. Discourteous behavior will be penalized in participation points (see Expectations, above).

• If you are late to class or leave during class, do not interrupt fellow students if they are giving a presentation. In such an event, you will be asked to leave, and participation points may be removed. Please look and listen outside the classroom door to check before entering.
• Do not chew gum if you are presenting in front of the class.
• DO NOT interrupt a fellow student during their presentation. If you have questions, wait until the end of their allotted time (or for a question-and-answers session, if applicable).
• Vulgar language and inappropriate statements have no place in the classroom.
• In the interest of diversity, please remember that campus society includes a variety of cultures. Students are expected to respect other students' cultural background. In other words, treat others as you would like to be treated.

Course Structure:

Students are expected to log into Blackboard regularly, read course materials each week, follow each Blackboard Module in the order it's presented within the timeframe for each module, starting with the PowerPoints/lectures, then proceeding to online discussions (if present), then proceeding to a weekly activity (if present) and then finally to each week's main assignment. Writing assignments are turned in via Blackboard Turnitin, unless otherwise noted. Activities are turned in via Blackboard Dropbox, unless otherwise noted.

To get the most out of this course, it's best for students to complete things in the order they're presented. Each reading assignment prepares students for the PowerPoints/lectures, which hopefully make the reading assignments more clear (through examples, visuals, and context) and further the ideas established in those readings.

Announcements/Course Messages/Emails:

The instructor will frequently use announcements during the regular course week (Mondays-Thursdays), or otherwise, as needed.

The instructor and students may also communicate via course discussions. Students may post to general discussion topics to ask questions (not graded) about activities, assignments, etc.

If a student is in need of a faster response, I recommend they email me directly to thomas.brown@tamiu.edu rather than use course messages. I check my emails much more frequently than I do course messages.

I do my best to respond to messages as soon as possible, but my schedule and yours may not match up in some respects. Please be patient, especially if you email over the weekend (Friday through Sunday).

Course Communication Guidelines (Netiquette):

There are course expectations concerning etiquette or how we should treat each other online. We must consider these values as we communicate with one another. Visit Instructional Technology and Distance Education Services’ web page on Netiquette for further instruction.

Accommodations/Accessibility Policy:

Texas A&M International University seeks to provide reasonable accommodation for all qualified persons with disabilities. This University will adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations as required to afford equal educational opportunity. It is the student's responsibility to register with the Director of Student Counseling and to contact the faculty member in a timely fashion to arrange for suitable accommodation. For more information, contact the online at Office of Disability Services for Students (DSS), via phone at 956.326.3086 or by visiting the staff at the Student Center, room 118. A link to the Disabilities Services for Students site has also been included under the "Resources" tab inside the course.

Student Support Resources:

The University wishes to have all students succeed in their courses. To provide support to our students, an array of services in the areas of technology support, academic support, student support, and accessibility support may be found at the University. For more information, visit the Instructional Technology and Distance Education Services page on University Resources and Support Services.

Computer/Technology Requirements:

In order to be successful in this course, in terms of its technology requirements, students will need access to a computer with Internet access sufficient enough to watch online videos. Students should have access to a word processing program, such as Microsoft Word, for their writing assignments and their activities. Students optionally may use Adobe Acrobat. All writing and activity assignments should be turned in as either .DOC, .DOCX, or as .PDF.

Students will also need Adobe Photoshop (provided in the Mac Lab) save as a .JPG file. This is the file the student will turn in for a grade for each photo assignment and their final project.

Additional Hardware. For this class, you will need the following additional hardware: Webcam (for the Midterm Exam). Recently purchased laptops may have these built-in web cameras. If you do not have this equipment, it is recommended to purchase a stand-alone webcam, microphone, or a webcam with a built-in microphone from your local electronic store or any online store.

NOTE: Instructional Technology and Distance Education Services may check out available webcams to students on a first-come, first-served basis. To check out a webcam, please stop by Killam Library, Room 259, and request an available webcam.

TAMIU Students may access online versions of Microsoft Word and PowerPoint software through their Dusty Office 365 account at https://dusty.tamiu.edu/. This site also provides students access to download the Microsoft suite for educational use. See instructions for downloading the Microsoft Office suite.

Note: Students, if you do not own the required hardware or software or do not have access to the Internet, it might be challenging for you to make progress in this class. However, my goal is to assist you in finding solutions and guide you appropriately. Most of the required materials can either be found free of charge at TAMIU’s library, classrooms, and available computer labs. Visit Media Services’ web page on the availability of on-campus computer labs. In addition, you may also purchase any of these hardware items at any electronics store.

Learning Management System (Blackboard):

Students are provided with an orientation (*eLearning (Blackboard) Student Orientation*) and access to guides on how to use the Blackboard LMS. Guides may be available at Instructional Technology and Distance Education Services' Student eLearning Tutorial Videos page or by contacting the eLearning team at elearning@tamiu.edu.

Minimum Technical Skills Expected:

When participating in distance education courses, it is vital to consider the technology involved in order to have a successful course. Students in distance education should have knowledge of basic computer and Internet skills, as mentioned on the Instructional Technology and Distance Education Services’ webpage.

An understanding of how computers process data is useful, as is an understanding of file types, and a minimal knowledge of computer graphics requirements. Some of this will be covered in the course.

Technical Support Services:

Because of the nature of distance education courses, the Office of Information Technology (OIT) computing and information services are vital to the success of online students. This webpage covers contact information for Distance Education Services (Blackboard Support), the OIT Help Desk, and E-mail support: Technical Support Services.

Web Conferences/Synchronous sessions:

If you need to discuss your grades or get help from the instructor and you cannot meet during my office hours, you may schedule a virtual meeting. These virtual meetings will be held through Blackboard Collaborate. You must request a meeting via email (thomas.brown@tamiu.edu) at least 24 business hours in advance and offer suggested times when you are available. I will do my best to accommodate your schedule, within reason, and I will email you a link to the Collaborate virtual meeting. Meetings should be scheduled for Mondays through Fridays.

Grading Scale/Schema:

In determining the final course grade, the following scale is used in point value.
•    900+ = A
•    800-899 = B
•    700-799 = C
•    600-699 = D
•    599 or below = F
 

Rubrics:

Rubrics are available online in the course content in the Resources course module. Note: for the most part, I use the standard WIN Rubric for writing assignments. Photography assignments have other Rubrics, available on Blackboard.

Course Evaluation:

At the end of this course, students are encouraged to complete a course evaluation that will be distributed to them via email and through a course link on Blackboard.

Turnitin Policy Or Other Types of Assignments in Other Systems:

Students may turn in Turnitin or Drop Box assignments in DOC, DOCX, or PDF formats. Do NOT use Pages format.

Photographs should be turned in on Flickr.com into our digital class in .JPG format.

Proctoring:

Please see the section titled "Exam:" up above. This course's Final Exam will be through Respondus LockDown Browser with Monitor (web cam required).

Accessibility and Privacy Statements on Course Technologies:

At Texas A&M International University, we believe that all students should have equal technology opportunities in the classroom. These technologies/sites may also require user data, such as the creation of a username and password. You may find the accessibility and privacy policies of the technologies used in this class on the following pages: Accessibility Statements and Privacy Statements.

In this class, we will utilize: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Blackboard, Adobe Photoshop, Flickr online, and possibly Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, Adobe Premiere, Adobe Audition, Adobe Acrobat.

Syllabus Subject to Change:

While information and assurances are provided in this course syllabus, it should be understood that content may change in keeping with new research and literature and that events beyond the control of the instructor could occur. Students will be informed of any substantive occurrences that will produce syllabus changes.

Core-Curriculum Objectives (CCOs):

1. Critical Thinking Skills: includes creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information. (SLOs # 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
2. Communication Skills: includes effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas through written, oral and visual communication. (SLOs # 2, 3, 5)
3. Teamwork: includes the ability to work well with others, (SLOs # 5)
4. Social Responsibility: includes intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities. (SLOs # 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (SLOs):

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. identify major and minor works in various decades by photographer and contribution(s);
2. analyze the cultural, social, and historical aspects of photography;
3. evaluate photographs studied and turned in by students;
4. make connections between images, technology, aesthetics, and themes; and
5. make photographs that demonstrate creativity, effective arrangement of visual elements, technical competence, and active participation in critique.

At the beginning of the semester the instructor will use available fees and bulk order the chemicals needed for darkroom use. It is the responsibility of each student to purchase their own 8 by 10 photographic paper for B&W prints. This encourages students to try out different types of paper. You may purchase paper and other photographic supplies (including B&W film) at Denco Photo in Laredo, through Amazon, or other online retailers. If you have questions about this, please contact the instructor as soon as possible. We will discuss this in more detail on the first day of class. You will need this around the third week of class.  http://www.dencophoto.com/    2108 S Meadow Ave., Laredo, TX

Digital Camera for the second half of the semester. You won’t need this until around the time of the midterm. The University doesn’t have any digital models for checkout. A new entry-level setup costs around $500-$600 for a DSLR or somewhat more for a mirrorless setup. The digital camera should have the option for interchangeable lenses and can either be a DSLR or a mirrorless model. Some entry-level low-cost DSLRs include: Canon EOS Rebel T6 or T7, Canon EOS Rebel T100, Nikon D3500, Nikon D5500, or other models (speak to instructor if you have questions). Entry-level low-cost mirrorless options include: Nikon Z30, Nikon Z50, Canon R100, Canon R50, Sony Alpha 6000, Sony Alpha 6100. One lens (standard 50mm or a zoom that includes 50mm) is required. Two lenses are preferred (a standard or wide-angle zoom and a telephoto zoom) for more versatility.

For the first half of the semester, we do have a limited number of film cameras available for checkout, but students may choose to purchase a used 35mm SLR photographic camera (perhaps from ebay, Amazon, Adorama, or locally). This costs as low as $60-$100 – about the cost of a textbook (depending on what type of camera and lens(es) you choose). The instructor will be happy to assist you during office hours in locating a camera, should you wish to purchase one from an online seller. You may email a link to the instructor for verification. Don’t purchase anything listed as “As Is” or “For Parts” or with any rating below “Good”—those typically aren’t fully functional cameras.

EQUIPMENT CHECKOUT:

The University has a limited number of film cameras available for checkout. All cameras, lenses, and other photo accessories (such as tripods) may be checked-out by students from the Department of Psychology and Communication for no more than two consecutive days (or over the weekend if checked out on a Thursday). Failure to return equipment by the due date will result in forfeiture of checkout privileges. In order to checkout equipment, please contact the instructor for film cameras.

All equipment must be returned to the Department of Psychology and Communication before the final exam is taken. Failure to return equipment on this date will result in a failing grade.

Final project- Photo Story (Photo Essay) with written component (CCOs 1 and 2)

Turn in a series of photographs with a common motif/theme; project may be conceptual. Your Final Photo Project should consist of at least 8 photographs and a typed “Artist Statement” of at least 300 words that expresses your creative and technical process, and demonstrates engagement in creative thinking, analysis, evaluation, synthesis of information, organization, and/or forming solutions. If you choose to write a journalistic story, each of your photographs must also be accompanied by Associated Press-style captions (cutlines). Please see caption guidelines on Blackboard. Maximum of 12 images in the Photo Story.

Note: ALL primary assignments must be completed to pass the course. This includes three individual writing assignments and two exams. Students may not choose to take a zero for any primary assignment. Note: the final exam will be comprehensive.