Syllabus

=**Photo 1**= ====This is a semester course that will introduce students to the essentials of photography and basic photo editing tools. Students will learn how to use their digital camera, how to compose engaging photos and recognize excellence in photography. Students will become familiar with learning 2.0 opportunities on the Internet as they use technology to aid in becoming life long learners. There will be many challenging assignments all geared to discovering ones own unique and personal vision. Students will begin with simply taking pictures and then move into learning what it takes to compose a strong image. Finally, they will learn who the people are who have made a "mark" within the art of photography.====

** //Cell phones and ipods are prohibited during class// .**

Content Standards
The following is a list that describes what students should know or be able to do in Photography 1 by the end of the semester:


 * Art History**
 * Demonstrate a basic understanding of the history of photography.
 * Describe how the impact of technology has influenced photography.
 * Technical Skills**
 * Explain and demonstrate quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.
 * Describe and identify the parts of the digital camera and how it functions.
 * Describe and demonstrate knowledge of mixing photographic chemicals print lab.
 * Demonstrate understanding of printing in the traditional darkroom
 * Demonstrate an understanding of basic photo editing tools in Adobe Photoshop CS3.
 * Creative Problem-Solving**
 * Describe and demonstrate knowledge of visual composition.
 * Identify and use the elements and principles of design.
 * Demonstrate and describe how to solve problems creatively.
 * Reasoning/Thinking Skills**
 * Discuss and explain work, using correct vocabulary in oral and written critiques.
 * Record and document evidence of learning and progress throughout the sememster.

**Process Standards (Work Habits)**
The following are skills students will develop to enhance the process of learning. Students will: 1. Use time wisely and productively. 2. Attend class on a regular basis. 3. Come to class on time, prepared, with necessary materials. 4. Keep their materials in an organized notebook. 5. Follow safety guidelines, especially when working with chemicals. 6. Work effectively with others in small group settings. 7. Provide constructive criticism when discussing artwork. 8. Maintain a positive attitude and put forth their best possible effort.

**Materials/Lab Fees**
3-ring binder Digital Camera A $25.00 lab fee will be collected with in the first week of school to help cover the cost of paper and chemicals.

**Visual Arts Grading System**
Everything we do in class contributes in some way to your overall grade.

All assignments/projects are based on meeting the standards or essential learning for the course and are graded on a 4 point scale. 4 is at the top, 1 is at the bottom. Specific criteria and rubrics are given to students for all major assignments, so they are clear how to be successful. When entered into the on-line grade book, the 4 point system is “translated” into the following 100 point scale:

3.5=94 2.5=87 1.5=78
 * Exceptional, Extraordinary Work (when merited) 4++=100**
 * Exceeds the Standard 4=97**
 * Meets the Standard 3=90**
 * Approaching the Standard 2=83**
 * Does Not Meet the Standard 1=76**

//**Assignments passed in one week after the due date will earn 70% of the assignment's grades. Assignments passed in more than two weeks after the due date will earn 50% of the assignment's grades.**// **Communication with the teacher is essential.**

This translation scale is borrowed and adapted from Robert Marzano.

If you are sick and not in school the day an assignment is due, it is due the first day you return to school. Remember it is your responsibility to make arrangements with me, concerning what you missed when you were not in school. Under extraordinary circumstances, please contact me asap, so that together, we can make a plan to get caught up and turn in or modify missing work.
 * Make-up Policy**