VAFA110 Digital Photography Fundamentals

Department of The Arts: Photography

  1. Course Number and Title

    VAFA110 Digital Photography Fundamentals

  2. Number of Credits

    3 credits

  3. Minimum Number of Instructional Minutes Per Semester

    4050

  4. Prerequisites

    None

    Corequisites

    None

  5. Other Pertinent Information

    Students are required to provide their own digital camera (minimum 5-6 megapixel) and memory cards. Additional lab hours are required.

  6. Catalog Course Description

    Students are introduced to digital-based photographic imagery. The course examines the potential inherent in the methods, techniques, and applications of digital photography as a means of personal expression. Students produce a portfolio of images for presentation

  7. Required Course Content and Direction

    1. Learning Goals:

      1. Course
        2. Students will:
        1. gain and demonstrate competency in the use of a digital camera for taking photos (including image capture, as well as compositional concerns);
        2. employ the basic software/tools used in the manipulation and control of digital imagery (resizing, cropping, editing tools, color control, layers, etc.);
        3. develop an appreciation of the historical development of photography and the role (and development) of digital based imagery;
        4. develop their creative, expressive, and aesthetic skills through the production of photographic imagery, including a final project/portfolio;
        5. apply the vocabulary of the arts as they develop rhetorical skills regarding their own work and that of others in the class; and
        6. analyze projects through critiques, oral presentations, and discussions.

      2. Core (if applicable)
        3. Category I:
        Creative Expression
         Students will:
        1. create a unique, personal, finished product appropriate to the medium.
        2. perform a critical examination and assessment of their work, as well as the work of others.
        3. demonstrate an understanding of the language, formal qualities, structure, and interpretive methodologies relative to the medium.
        4. articulate how they got from the initial concept to the final product.

    2. Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities:

      The course provides students with a basic working knowledge of the materials and techniques used to produce digitally-generated photographic imagery. The course begins with the discussion of the materials and terminology of digital photography, including camera, hardware, and software concerns. A progression of topics follow, including basic to more advanced camera operation, image capture, image manipulation/editing, image file saving and storage concerns, and the presentation of images. In addition to the required technical information, this course introduces the history of digital photography and explores photographs as a vehicle of visual communication and as a means of personal creative expression.

    3. Assessment Methods for Core Learning Goals:

      1. Course
        2. Student assessment is based on tests/quizzes, together with the successful completion of assigned projects, the presentation of projects, and critiques.

      2. Core (if applicable)
        3. The core learning goal of creative expression is assessed on the basis of a final project/portfolio accompanied by a written statement that addresses the overall concept of the project and its development using appropriate technical and aesthetic vocabulary.

    4. Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Students:

      1. digital camera (minimum of 5-6 megapixels)
      2. computer workstation (with Internet/web connection)
      3. image editing software
      4. instructor selected textbook and/or other supplementary text based materials (including CD-ROMs, websites, etc. at the discretion of the instructor)
      5. supplementary digitally-projected/presented images
      6. see course format

  8. Teaching Methods Employed

    Section VIII is not being used in new and revised syllabi as of 12/10/08.

Review/Approval Date - 12/04; Revised 3/2010; Revised 4/2012