PO 101 - Photography I

Description
This course explores and introduces photography as a creative art form. Students learn how to use a digital camera and industry standard software to establish a technical and creative foundation of photographic knowledge. Students are introduced to different photographic approaches through demonstrations, practical projects, and hands-on editing in our state-of-the-art digital lab. A digital camera with manual controls, memory card, and a portable USB storage device is required for this course.

Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 6
Prerequisites/Other Requirements: None
English Prerequisite(s): None
Math Prerequisite(s): None
Course Corequisite(s): None
Academic Program Prerequisite: None
Consent to Enroll in Course: No Department Consent Required
Dual Enrollment Allowed?: Yes
Course Fees: $30.00
Number of Times Course can be taken for credit: 1
Programs Where This Course is a Requirement:
Photography, A.F.A., Pre-Photography, A.A. (General Transfer)

Other Courses Where This Course is a Prerequisite: PO102
Other Courses Where this Course is a Corequisite: None
Other Courses Where This course is included in within the Description: None

General Education Requirement:
None
General Education Learner Outcomes (GELO):
NA
Course Learning Outcomes:

Demonstrate proper digital camera handling and the use of camera focus and exposure systems
Make and assess accurate exposures in manual exposure mode
Demonstrate when and how to use a tripod for camera stabilization
Apply visual design principles in photographic composition
Understand the main digital image file formats, their advantages and disadvantages, and best practices for managing digital image assets
Use industry-standard photo editing software to make technical corrections and creative adjustments to digital photographs
Demonstrate an understanding of the critical role of post-production techniques in the pursuit of a unique artistic vision
Demonstrate the expressive potential of light through exposure and post-production techniques
Understand visual literacy and how images communicate to viewers through historical and contemporary case studies
Implement creative and conceptual problem solving skills through the creation of individual images and a thematic, multi-image final project

Course Outline:
I. The Camera

A. Types of cameras

B. Basic controls

C. Camera menus

D. Light meter

E. Auto focus system

F. White balance

G. Lenses & optics

II. Digital Foundations

A. Resolution and sensor size

B. Camera file formats

C. Memory cards

D. Portable USB storage

E. Backup solutions

III. Exposure & Light

A. Exposure principles

B. Dynamic range

C. Shutter speed and motion control

D. Aperture and depth of field

E. ISO / sensitivity

F. Exposure modes

G. Available and artificial light

H. Equivalent exposures in manual mode

IV. Digital Workflow

A. Digital workflow procedures

B. Importing pictures

C. File management

D. Luminosity and color adjustments

E. Global vs. local adjustments

F. Saving and exporting pictures

V. Composition and Visual Design

A. Rule of thirds

B. Unity and variety

C. Emphasis

D. Scale and proportion

E. Balance

F. Line, shape, space

G. Texture and pattern

VI. Photographic Industry & Creativity

A. Photography as an art form

B. Photography as commercial tool

C. Photography and society

D. Photography as personal vision

E. Visual literacy

F. Conceptual development

Approved for Online and Hybrid Delivery?:
Yes
Instructional Strategies:
Lecture: 20-40%

Facilitated Discussion: 10-20%

Mediated Instruction: 20-30%

Group Work: 10-15%

Lab Work: 20-50%
Mandatory Course Components:
Final creative project
Equivalent Courses:
None

Accepted GRCC Advanced Placement (AP) Exam Credit: None
AP Min. Score: NA
Name of Industry Recognize Credentials: NA

Course prepares students to seek the following external certification:
No
Course-Specific Placement Test: None
Course Aligned with ARW/IRW Pairing: ARW 100 (IRW97/IRW98), IRW 99

Mandatory Department Assessment Measures:
None

Course Type:
Program Requirement- Offering designed to meet the learning needs of students in a specific GRCC program.
Course Format:
Studio - 1:1-2
Total Studio Hours Per Week: 6
People Soft Course ID Number: 103681
Course CIP Code: 50.0799
Maximum Course Enrollment: 20
High School Articulation Agreements exist?: No
If yes, with which high schools?: None
Non-Credit GRCC Articulation Agreement With What Area: No
Identify the Non Credit Programs this Course is Accepted: NA

School: School of Liberal Arts
Department: Visual Arts
Discipline: PO
First Term Valid: Fall 2019 (08/01/2019)
1st Catalog Year: 2019-2020
Faculty Credential Requirements:
Master’s Degree (GRCC general requirement)
Faculty Credential Requirement Details:
Master of Fine Arts degree (MFA) in Photography College teaching experience is preferred.

Major Course Revisions: N/A
Last Revision Date Effective: 20250228T17:58:52
Course Review & Revision Year: 2029-2030