2015

Course Outline

Course name: Photography

Course Code: AWQ4M
Teacher: Sarah Bracken
Department: Visual Arts
Email: sbracken@blytheducation.com

CourseDescription:Thiscoursefocusesonenablingstudentstorefinetheiruseofthecreativeprocesswhencreatingandpresentingtwoand
threedimensionalartworksusingavarietyoftraditionalandemergingmediaandtechnologies.Studentswillusethecriticalanalysisprocessto
deconstructartworksandexploreconnectionsbetweenartandsociety.Thestudioprogramenablesstudentstoexplorearangeofmaterials,
processes,andtechniquesthatcanbeappliedintheirownartproduction.Studentswillalsomakeconnectionsbetweenvariousworksofartin
personal,contemporary,historical,andculturalcontexts.Thiscoursewillfocusonphotography.
Prerequisite:Grade11VisualArts/Photography,AVI3M/AWQ3M
TermworkwillbebasedonKeyCurriculumExpectations:fromTheOntarioCurriculum,Grades11and12:TheArts,2010
CREATING AND PRESENTING:
A1. The Creative Process: apply the creative process to create a variety of art works, individually and/or collaboratively;
A2. The Elements and Principles of Design: apply the elements and principles of design to create art works for the purpose
of self-expression and to communicate ideas, information, and/or messages;
A3. Production and Presentation: produce art works, using a variety of media/materials and traditional and emerging
technologies, tools, and techniques, and demonstrate an understanding of a variety of ways of presenting their works and the
works of others.
REFLECTING, RESPONDING AND ANALYSING:
B1. The Critical Analysis Process: demonstrate an understanding of the critical analysis process by examining, interpreting,
evaluating, and reflecting on various art works;
B2. Art, Society, and Values: demonstrate an understanding of how art works reflect the society in which they were created,
and of how they can affect both social and personal values;
B3. Connections Beyond the Classroom: describe opportunities and requirements for continued engagement in visual arts.
FOUNDATIONS:
C1. Terminology: demonstrate an understanding of, and use correct terminology when referring to, elements, principles, and
other components related to visual arts;
C2. Conventions and Techniques: demonstrate an understanding of conventions and techniques used in the creation of visual
art works;
C3. Responsible Practices: demonstrate an understanding of responsible practices related to visual arts.

Class Materials:
o Digital camera (DSLR), battery,
charger, memory card
o USB key
o Adobe Photoshop (or Elements trial)
o Binder, pen, paper
o Sketchbook
o Computer, charger
o Access to a printer and good quality
photo paper (in lieu of studio fees)

COURSE REQUIREMENTS/DEPARTMENT POLICIES

LATE ASSIGNMENTS: Students will always be given reasonable timelines to submit
work on or before the due date. For late assignments, 3% will be deducted per day for a
maximum of 20%. Note, if an assignment is handed in after it has been taken up/handed
back, the student must consult with the teacher before handing it in.
MISSED TESTS/SUMMATIVES: It is the students responsibility to make
arrangements, ahead of time, for any summative evaluations that are missed. If a student
misses an evaluation for an unforeseen reason such as illness or family emergency, the
student must bring a note signed by a parent or guardian and be prepared to write/make-up
the evaluation immediately upon return to school.
MISSED EXAMS: Students are required to write all scheduled examinations. A student
who misses any examination due to illness must present a medical note, stating that the
doctor was aware that a medical reason prevented the student from writing the exam.

ASSESSMENT/EVALUATION STRATEGIES:

Assessment for learning (Diagnostic):

Occurs before instruction begins to determine student readiness and to obtain information about student interests

and student preferences.

Assessment as learning (Formative): Occurs frequently and in an ongoing manner during instruction, to enable students to monitor their own progress
towards achieving their learning goals (self assessment)
Assessment of learning (Summative): Occurs at or near the end of a period of learning, this summary is used to make judgements about the quality of
student learning using established criteria, to assign a value to represent that quality and to communicate information about achievement to students and parents.
LEARNING SKILLS AND WORK HABITS:
Evaluate on a report card as E(excellent); G(good); S(satisfactory); N(needs improvement)
1) Responsibility

2) Organization

3) Independent Work

4) Collaboration

5)Initiative

6) Self-Regulation

TERM WORK: ACHIEVEMENT CATEGORIES (to be reduced from 100 to worth 70% of overall mark)
1)Application

2) Knowledge and Understanding

FINAL MARK
Term Work /70% + Final Summative Evaluation /30% = /100%

3) Communication

4)Thinking/ Inquiry

Course Evaluation & Outline

AWQ4M Units of Study
Unit 1- Photography Basics
Students will focus on the Elements and Principles of Design as they relate to photography and the Critical Analysis Process. The
basic camera functions will be explored in detail along with key fundamental concepts including: visual design, aperture, shutter
speed, framing, depth of field, lighting and the rule of thirds. Students will explore the development of key photographers and key
photographic technologies including 35mm film photography and the darkroom to complete a series of photographs experimenting
with the fundamentals.
Unit 2- Lets Tell A Story
Students will investigate stylistic changes beginning in the 19th century to present day photography around the world.
Photojournalism/photo essay, storytelling and social justice will be explored in detailed relating to key photographers. Students
will create a series telling a clear and concise story using the power of carefully constructed photographs.
Unit 3- Not Your Average Selfie
Students will study the ethical issues in photography, image manipulation/Photoshop, the selfie, Instagram and filters,
propaganda, the double exposure, surrealism and distortion. The self portrait will be studied in detail. Students will create
triptych series of three self-portraits.
Unit 4- Joiners
Students will research post-secondary career opportunities in the field of photography. The finishing touches will be explored,
including mounting and presenting your work. Students will create a series of photographs/photo collage prints experimenting
with perspective.
ISP Photography Portfolio
Students will create a series of photographs experimenting with mixed media/photo montage. Students will also present their
photography portfolio of term projects in a display method of their choice and discuss their growth and challenges as a
photographer.
Important Notes:
o Each unit will conclude with final project critiques and a unit test.
o Please refer to the course moodle website for additional details and information.
o All term work and photographs must be printed on good quality paper prior to the due date. This means managing your
time wisely if you must send your photographs to print.
o It is your responsibility to come to class prepared. Any class time wasted will result in an email home and loss of class
privileges.
o Lastly, I will be putting together a team of photographers interested in photographing campus life and events. Bonus
marks will be awarded to participants.
Assessment & Evaluation
Achievement Categories:
Knowledge & Understanding: 20%
Communication: 20%
Term Work: 70%
Assignments: 45%
Class work/Homework: 5%
Participation/Class Discussion: 10%
Tests/Quizzes: 10%

Thinking & Inquiry: 25%

Application: 35%
Summative Evaluation: 30%
Independent Study Project: 20%
Final Exam: 10%

Cheating and Plagiarism: Cheating and plagiarism are serious issues. Teachers will clearly define and discuss consequences
each term. Any cheating or plagiarism will result in serious consequences. Plagiarism includes: improper citations, word-forword copying, theft of anothers words/ideas, etc.
Course Schedule: Please follow the course schedule. It outlines all due dates, test dates and what to expect on a weekly basis.
Homework will be discussed in class, it is your responsibility to write down any homework you have. Course schedules are
subject to change. Any major changes will be updated in advance and a new schedule will be issued.