Course:
ADM 341 – Photography for the Media
Semester: Summer School 2015
Instructor: Professor
NERI FADIGATI
Class Location: Classroom
X, Via de' Velluti, 19
Class Meeting Time: Monday to Thursday 12:00-2:30pm
+ Thursday, July 2 Final Critiques
(12:00-2:00pm)
Office Hours: Available
for individual meetings every day after class
Email: info@nerifadigati.it
VLE (Virtual Learning Environment: Blackboard
will provide the Virtual Learning Environment from Fall 2014 onwards, and can
be accessed via the portal (https://my.richmond.ac.uk/)
This syllabus should be read in conjunction with
the Course Specification Document; the University Catalogue; and the
relevant Programme Specification (via the University’s website http://www.richmond.ac.uk)
Course Description
Recommended for communications and journalism
majors as well as photographers, this course develops knowledge and experience
in photojournalism and documentary photography by studying work of major
practitioners, and designing and shooting projects using digital equipment.
Students need to provide a digital camera of at least 7 mega pixel and a
laptop. There is a fee of 50 Euro for developing.
Prerequisites: None
Aims And Objectives
The
course aims to analyse the working style of great masters of documentary
photography. Students will be requested to do their own researches, presenting
in class photos taken by the studied photographers.
The
course aims to involve students in developing four photojournalistic projects:
1.
1) Portraying Florence from a personal point of view;
2.
2) Focusing on the differences between the American and the European
way of life
3.
3) Developing a picture story on The Italians, that will include
headline and captions.
4.
4) Focusing on a specific theme connected with Italian society and
culture, as chosen by the individual student and relevant as a journalistic
assignment.
The overall objective of the course is to enable
the students to set up a project in the form of an article, including photos,
headline and captions.
A
press photo assignment, covering an event, will also be part of the program.
Learning
Outcomes
At
the end of this course, successful students are expected to:
1.
1. Demonstrate a competent use of the digital SLR camera.
Threshold
(to get a C): The student will demonstrate a basic competence, both in theory
and in practice, in the understanding of black & white photographic skills
including exposure controls, focusing and composing effective photographs.
Assessment Method: the three projects
1.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of narrative in
photography and some familiarity with its historical and contemporary
practitioners.
Threshold
(to get a C): The student will
demonstrate basic competence in identifying and critically considering a range
of photographic artists whose ideas and technique provide stimulus for creative
production. Assessment Method: Mid Term/Final Projects
1.
3. Demonstrate a constructive self-criticism of their photographic
work.
Threshold
(to get a C): The student will develop to a level of basic competence a
critical methodology and discourse in response to discussion of other artist’s
work, their own work and the work of fellow students. Assessment Method: Mid Term/Final Projects
1.
4. Demonstrate the first stages in the process of developing a personal
vision.
Threshold (to get a C): The student will produce a thematic body of technically and
conceptually competent photographic images.
Assessment
Method: Final Project
1.
5. Plan, organize & perform a photojournalistic/documentary project
Threshold
(to get a C): the student should demonstrate to
be able to cover different kind of assignments, a press photo assignment as
well as a documentary project. Assessment Method: Final Project
1.
6. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the history of photojournalism
and fine art photography in the 20th Century.
Threshold
(to get a C): the student should be able
to identify the main styles established in both USA and Europe in the 1900s, as
well as the work of some of the most important photojournalists and documentary
photographers. He will also be asked to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the
use of the photographic medium in contemporary art.
Assessment Method: Final Project
Indicative
Content:
•
• Site visits
•
• How the camera works
•
• Exposure, controlling motion and depth of field
•
• Outdoor practical work
•
• Elements of composition
•
• File management: editing and adjusting
•
• How to ‘read’ an image
•
• History of Photography
•
• Press photography
•
• Critical and analytical strategies
•
• Presenting your work:
statement, presentation and portfolio
Programme outcomes are listed in the programme
specifications found at http://www.richmond.ac.uk/content/academic-schools/academic-registry/program-and-course-specifications.aspx
Method
used will be experimental, through theoretical lectures, practical
demonstrations, slide shows, visits of photo exhibitions, field trips, videos,
collective critiques, photo magazines and books readings, constant interaction
professor/student. The class will meet two times a week for twelve weeks, for a
total of 75 contact hours. The course will consist of theoretical lectures and
practical work on location each week. Two assignments given by the professor
and the mid-term check test will count as mid-term examination, a third project
given by the professor, a final project chosen by the student and the final
portfolio will count as final examination. Students will work with film, every
week the best photos taken will be enlarged to form the final portfolio.
Assessment
Criteria
All assessment criteria conform
with university assessment norms (Richmond University Special Programme
Assessment Norms for ADD PROGRAMME ). These can be found at: http://www.richmond.ac.uk/content/academic-affairs/academic-standing.aspx
Weighting Criteria
The
final grade for the course will be compounded from the following:
Portfolio 30 %
(best photographs taken during the entire course,
including assignment 1 and 2)
Mid Term Project 30 %
Final Project 40 %
____________________________________________________
TOTAL 100%
The
instructor will give 4 assignments. Mid-term project: consist of taking a
series of pictures grade focusing on the differences between the American and
the European way of life. The
Final project will be on a theme chosen by each student individually and agreed
upon with the instructor.
First
Assignment: “Portraying Florence from a personal point of view”, due by June 10th.
It
consists of presenting six photos (.jpg) in a folder under student name.1,
title and short explanation text (10 lines approx. printed)
Second
Assignment: “The Italians”, due by
June 17th
It
consists of presenting six photos (.jpg) in a folder under student name.1,
title and short explanation text (10 lines approx. printed)
Mid
Term project: (due by June 24th)
- 30% of final grade.
“Focusing
on the differences between the American and the European way of life”.
The
assignment consists of: presenting six photos (.jpg) in a folder under student
name.1, title and short explanation text (10 lines approx. printed)
Final
project (Wednesday July 1) - 40% of
final grade.
The exam consists of: presenting a project on a
topic chosen by the student; the theme has to be relevant as a journalistic
assignment. Possibly, it will be connected with Italian society and
culture. Each student will set up the project in the form of an article that
will incorporate headline, captions and a short text (it must be in the
1,800/2,500 character ranges, spaces included; to check this go to:
File>Properties>Statistics). The article will include eight photos and
will be at least four pages long. Students have to hand in: the eight photos
in the form of .jpeg files; the article saved as a PDF file; the copy of the
article, printed on paper and stapled. It counts for 40% of the final
course grade.
PLEASE NOTE: ALL POHOTOS WILL
BE TRANFERED THROUGH USB DRIVES THE SCHOOL WILL PROVIDE. EMAIL TRANSFERING IS
NOT ACCEPTED.
This
class follows the Late Submission of Coursework Policy and Feedback Norms
outlined below and found at https://my.richmond.ac.uk/Uniorg/policies_and_procedures/default.aspx
Marking
Scheme
The requirements for each piece of assessed work are clearly
specified in the assignment details. However, the following general criteria
apply to all work:
Grading Criteria
|
Descriptor
|
Alpha
Grade
|
Equivalent
GPA
|
Detailed Descriptor
|
|
Excellent
|
A
A-
|
4.0
3.7
|
Grade A applies only to the
exceptional piece of work which:
demonstrates that substantial work and thought has been
involved.
exhibits meaning or cogent argument.
demonstrates a high level of creativity and is well
supported by strong
evidence
of visual and other research.
Outstanding work: A
Superior work: A-
|
|
Good
|
B+
B
B-
|
3.3
3.0
2.7
|
Grade B applies to work which:
has been completed with a degree of diligence and
thoroughness which
has
evidently aimed to get the most learning out of the project.
goes beyond superficialities and seeks a more questioning,
analytical and thoughtful solution.
goes beyond basic required levels of visual and other
research.
indicates an increasing ability to incorporate meaning into
the work and understand key theories, debates and criticisms.
Work approaching an A category: B+
Very good work: B
Good quality work: B-
|
|
Average
|
C+
C
C-
|
2.3
2.0
1.7
|
Grade C applies to work which:
is basically competent although undeveloped.
fulfills the requirements of the project at a foundation
level in terms of its quality, analysis and expression.
shows an adequate ability to work with the material/media
and the skill to present the final artwork coherently.
incorporates an acceptable level of research.
Work showing signs of reaching above
the average: C+ Average work: C
Work that is struggling to achieve
average standards: C-
|
|
Below
Average/Poor
|
D+
D
D-
|
1.3
1.0
0.7
|
Grade D applies to work which:
has been produced without a proper understanding of the
brief.
is weak in content and shows little evidence of thought or
application.
relies on weak or superficial technique.
incorporates insufficient visual or other research.
Weak work: D+
Very poor work: D
Unsatisfactory work: D-
|
|
Fail
|
F
|
0
|
Grade F applies to work which:
has not been submitted or has been submitted beyond the
project deadline.
shows a complete lack of content, thought or application.
lacks any visual or other research.
is technically incompetent.
is the product of academic dishonesty.
does not fulfill the brief.
Failing work: F
|
Other Academic Information (optional):
Students
need to provide a digital camera of at least 7 mega pixel and a laptop.
Students have to budget approx. 50,00 €.
fee for printing, museum entrances and for matting and framing. Remember to
have your Museums card, and ID document and cash on you when you go on site
visits with the class. A strict dress code exists in Italian churches and
places of worship. You will not be allowed in if you are exposing too much of
your body. That means ensuring that on days that we are not in class you are
not wearing mini skirts, very short shorts or strap tops (or that you bring
some other clothes that will cover you up some more).
Required
Texts
There is not a text-book. Students will
find a Course Reader at a copy store ready to make photocopies (cost around
10,00 Euro). The copy store is: Lory, located in Piazza Frescobaldi, 3 minutes
walking from School. Students are also encouraged to write notes during
lectures.
Recommended Reading & Additional Resources
Roland Barthes, Camera Lucida,
Vintage, 1981
Various Authors, In Our Time, The
World as Seeing by Magnum Photographers, W.W. Norton & Co., 1994
Charlotte Cotton, The Photograph as
Contemporary Art, London
INTERNET RESOURCES:
On Photography
http://masters-of-photography.com
Organizations
Photo Agencies
htpp://www.magnumphotos.com
Sebastiao Salgado
http://www.amazonasimages.com (Sebastiao Salgado)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OivMlWXtWpY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHJWgQxTous
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZPPA2kpIig
Photographers
http://www.street-photographers.com
(Rui Palha)
http://www.ernst-haas.com (Ernst Haas)
htpp://www.jamesnachtwey.com (James
Nachtway)
http://stevemccurry.com
(Steve McCurry)
Full
Course Schedule
June 3 – Introduction to the course.
How a 35mm camera works, lens and angle of view, determining exposure.
First assignment given: “Portraying Florence from a personal point of view”.
June 4 – Exposure, Law of Reciprocity,
controlling motion and depth of field.
Practical work outdoor (shooting in San
Frediano).
June 8 – Iso number and white balance
(color management).
Practice on location, shooting at the
Boboli Gardens (Museum Card needed).
June 9 – File managing: transferring,
editing and adjusting 1.
Practice on location, shooting at Forte
Belvedere.
June 10 – File managing: transferring,
editing and adjusting 2.
First assignment to be handed in: six
photos (.jpg) in a folder under student name.1; title and short explanation
text (10 lines approx. printed)
June 11 – First assignment critique.
“Portraying Florence from a personal
point of view”. Presentation of the six photos
June 15 – Slide presentation: “Elements
of Composition”, Photographic seeing and Imaginary Photography. Field trip to
the “Bardini Gardens (Museum Card needed).
Second assignment given: “Differences between the American and the European way of life”.
June 16 - Color management - Visit to a
photo exhibition.
June 17 –Slide show: “Sebastiao
Salgado, Documentary Photographer”.
Second Assignment to be handed in: six
photos (.jpg) in a folder under student name.1, title and short explanation
text (10 lines approx. printed).
June 18 – Second assignment
critique.
“Differences between the American and
the European way of life”. Presentation of the six photos.
June 22 – Practice on location
(shooting at the Sant'Ambrogio Market).
Mid Term Project given: “The Italians”.
June 23 –
Practice on location (shooting at the San Lorenzo Market)
June 24 – Third
assignment to be handed in: six photos (.jpg) in a folder under student name.1,
title and short explanation text (10 lines approx. printed).
June 25 – Mid Term Project critique.
“The Italians”. Presentation of the six
photos.
June 29 – Practice on location (visit
to the abbey of San Miniato).
June 30 – Program review
July 1 – Written Check Test and matting the
final portfolio. Final Project to be handed in. Students have
to hand in: the eight photos in the form of .jpeg files; the article saved as a
PDF file; the copy of the article, printed on paper and stapled.
July 2 – Final
Project Critique:
REASONABLE CHANGES MAY BE MADE TO THE
CONTENT OF THE SYLLABUS. STUDENTS
WILL BE INFORMED IN WRITING OF ANY SUCH CHANGES.
All grades being used for OU-validated
degrees are subject to confirmation at the Final Assessment board.
Academic Policies (see also: http://my.richmond.ac.uk/Uniorg/policies_and_procedures/default.aspx)
Students must read and comply with all
the requirements of the regulations and policies listed at the weblinks below.
Academic Dishonesty
Academic
dishonesty is any action by which a student in any academic exercise seeks
to: claim credit for the intellectual or artistic work of another person;
or uses unauthorized materials or fabricated information; or engages in an
unauthorized editing process.
You can find a list of the actions that
might lead to you committing academic dishonesty on the web pages. If you are
not sure about what would constitute dishonesty after reading the full policy
details you should ask for more information from the course instructor, your
academic advisor, another member of academic staff, the Writing Centre, or
Student Affairs.
Full details of Richmond’s Academic
Dishonesty policy are found at:
http://my.richmond.ac.uk/Uniorg/policies_and_procedures/default.aspx
Students who are academically dishonest
will receive a penalty for the work in question or the course as a whole (which
may in turn impact upon their degree classification), depending on the
importance of the work to the overall course grade and the judgment of the
instructor and the relevant exam board.
The Richmond Attendance Policy
Full details of Richmond’s attendance
and lateness policies are found at:
http://my.richmond.ac.uk/Uniorg/policies_and_procedures/default.aspx
Attendance is required in all courses.
In any course, students who accumulate more than the permitted number of
absences, regardless of the reason, will receive an attendance failure (grade
of F) unless they withdraw from the course.
|
Course timing
|
Limit on absences before attendance
failure
|
|
courses
that meet twice a week
|
no more than 4 absences
|
|
courses
that meet once a week
|
no more than 2 absences
|
|
Summer
semester courses
|
no more than 2 absences
|
|
EAP
Program
|
no more than 4 class sessions
|
Absence Recording
Attendance is taken by instructors in
on-line registers within the university's student records system. Attendance in all courses is taken from
the first day of classes.
Students must be aware that the
University is obliged to report to the UK Border Agency any student who is in
the UK on a student visa, but who is not attending classes regularly.
Students should note in particular that
illness does not automatically excuse an absence from class. Any absence from a class session does
not exempt a student from the completion of all required work for a course.
Students must also be aware of the
requirements of the Lateness to Classes and Examinations guidance.
http://my.richmond.ac.uk/Uniorg/policies_and_procedures/default.aspx
It should also be emphasized that if a
student is late for a class session, and enters after attendance has been taken
(and an absence has been registered), it is his or her responsibility to alert
the instructor to this immediately after class. Changing an attendance entry
from “absent” to “late” is entirely at the discretion of the instructor, and
such a change will not be considered at any other time than the actual date of
the late entry.
Late submission of academic work:
Any item of work submitted late will be
subject to an automatic deduction of one increment on the letter grade scale
(e.g. the grade will be reduced from B to B-, or from C- to D+) per day.
Any coursework submitted more than one
week (seven days) after the original deadline will receive a grade of F.
Where there are mitigating
circumstances for the late submission the instructor must be informed in
advance, by email, and evidence provided to the instructor in writing
when the course work is submitted.
http://my.richmond.ac.uk/Uniorg/policies_and_procedures/default.aspx
Feedback Norms
The university has defined expectations
as to the nature and timeliness of feedback on assigned work. Students should make themselves aware
of these norms, and they are located on the portal at: https://my.richmond.ac.uk/Uniorg/policies_and_procedures/default.aspx
Examination
Regulations:
Guidance on examination regulations and
expected behavior for students can be found at:
(http://my.richmond.ac.uk/Uniorg/policies_and_procedures/default.aspx). However, please note particularly the
following University Policies:
Midterm exams, if scheduled, are
normally held during the designated week published in the academic calendar and
distributed to students during Orientation meeting. Any faculty member
wishing to hold a midterm on a different date requires the approval of the
Dean, and will inform students accordingly.
Final examinations in the summer
session take place on a single day following the last day of classes.
Summer exams are held in the same timeslot as class sessions on Thursday July 2nd.
Students are responsible for remaining
in the study centre until the end of the official examination period – the
university reserves the right to make any necessary changes to the
schedule. Any such changes to the schedule will be centrally-administered
by the study centre directors and reported to students.
Students and instructors may not make
private arrangements to reschedule any University exams. Requests for an opportunity to re-sit
must be made to the Academic Progress Committee via the study centre Director.
http://my.richmond.ac.uk/Uniorg/policies_and_procedures/default.aspx.
Students must bring photo ID cards to
every examination.
Academic
support for studies:
The
University Writing Center and Language Workshop (based on the London campus)
are available to all students who want help with academic tasks.
Library
staff can help students with questions about research and/or accessing
information. Book an appointment with a librarian (library@richmond.it).
Study
Centre students may also access the electronic resources of the main Richmond
campus library. If you wish to be
issued with a username and password for this purpose, please contact librarian@richmond.ac.uk
and/or boylv@richmond.ac.uk.
Students with Disabilities:
The University makes a variety of
special provisions in exams and assessment for students with a diagnosed
learning disability. Students must follow the requirements outlined at http://www.richmond.ac.uk/content/student-affairs/students-with-disabilities.aspx for these arrangements to be made, and
it is important that this is done in good time. The student and their
instructors are informed of the provisions after they are approved, and
reminders are sent to students and invigilators shortly before the
examinations.
