Course Number and Title:
VSC 165 Photography I
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: SSC 100 or concurrent
Course Credits and Hours
3 credit(s)
2 lecture hours/week
3 lab hours/week
Course Description
This course introduces the digital camera, its exposure controls, and the creative decision- making necessary to create quality digital images. Topics include management of shutter speed, ISO, aperture, depth of field, and composition as well as aesthetic and conceptual issues relevant to professional practice.
Additional Materials
- DSLR or Mirrorless Camera - Canon or Nikon (Needs to have manual settings)
Digital SLR or Mirrorless body with EF-S 18-55 mm IS STM Lens - Battery & Charger
- SD Memory card (at least a 128GB)
- Sketchbook
- No point and shoot, cell phone cameras, shore shot, or polaroid cameras are permitted
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
- Discuss the basic elements and principles of design as it pertains to photography (CCC 1, 2, 4, 5, 6; PGC 1, 3, 4, 5, 6)
- Apply project planning, project management, copyright and fair use, and teamwork principles as they pertain to photography. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
- Explain the main features of a digital single lens reflex (DSLR) digital camera. (CCC 1, 2, 4, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
- Operate the manual controls of a digital camera to create images with correct exposures. (CCC 1, 2, 4, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
- Create, present, and defend conceptual images and technical merits of work, and use constructive criticism in formal critiques to make improvements. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
- Discuss the basic elements and principles of design as it pertains to photography.
- Define key terminology of digital images.
- Identify design principles, elements, and image composition.
- Explain image resolution, image size, and image file format for web, video, and print.
- Apply project planning, project management, copyright and fair use, and teamwork principles as they pertain to photography.
- Interpret the purpose, and audience needs for preparing image(s) that meet project requirements.
- Communicate design plans with other members of the design team and/or clients.
- Explain standard copyright rules for images and image use.
- Describe project management tasks and responsibilities.
- Prepare a review and redesign cycle based on feedback.
- Explain the main features of a digital single lens reflex (DSLR) digital camera.
- Set focus.
- Set exposure and manipulate manual functions, including shutter speed, aperture, and ISO.
- Adjust clarity of the image with depth of field and panning techniques.
- Adjust the clarity of an image with slow and fast shutter speeds.
- Transfer image files to a computer.
- Operate the manual controls of a digital camera to create images with correct exposures.
- Adjust exposure by manipulating shutter speed controls.
- Adjust exposure by manipulating aperture settings.
- Adjust exposure in the form of depth of field adjustments to the aperture settings.
- Adjust clarity of the image with the focus mechanism.
- Adjust exposure by manipulating ISO.
- Create, present, and defend conceptual images and technical merits of work, and use constructive criticism in formal critiques to make improvements.
- Identify key figures in the history of modern photography.
- Critique images for design and aesthetic quality.
- Critique images for their technical merit.
- Demonstrate proper use of the rule of thirds, framal reference, and symmetrical compositions.
- Use basic lighting set-ups to create varied portrait arrangements.
- Apply basic color theory by using various color schemes.
- Select and edit a portfolio of images that is aesthetically and technically suitable for consideration as a capstone to the course.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies
The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:
| 90-100 |
= |
A |
| 80-89 |
= |
B |
| 70-79 |
= |
C |
| 0-69 |
= |
F |
Students should refer to the
Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Final Course Grade
Calculated using the following weighted average
Evaluation Measure | Percentage of final grade |
Formative Assessments |
Professional photographer presentation, full manual mode, portrait, product photography, landscape, and conceptual while accessing the manual modes of the camera (aperture, shutter speed, and ISO). (equally weighted) | 10% |
The course will contain various formative assessments including but not limited to: Quizzes Case studies Class participation activities (These assignments are not equally weighted) | 45% |
Summative Assessments |
Midterm Portfolio Collection | 15% |
Final Capstone Portfolio Assessment | 30% |
TOTAL | 100% |
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)
VSCAASVSC
- Integrate the principles and elements of design into cohesive problem-solving techniques for visual communication assignments.
- Create or evaluate and select illustrative, photographic, layout, video, and/or web-based solutions for use in effectively evoking digital/web-based solutions for multiple devices.
- Critique design solutions and develop strategies for strengthening their conceptual and technical effectiveness.
- Structure a problem-solving strategy for delivery of the client's message to his market, making efficient use of current design, production, and delivery technologies.
- Synthesize components of design industry solutions into cohesive presentations that are technically and conceptually effective.
- Integrate professional, ethical, and legal standards into business practice.
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability
We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.