San Antonio College -- 1300 San Pedro Ave. -- San Antonio, TX, 78212-4299

Credit Hours: 3-3-3

Instructor: See Faculty for instructors teaching the course.

Office: Loftin 204   Phone Number: (210) 733-2870  FAX: (210) 733-2868

Email: email to csims@accd.edu Web Address: http://www.accd.edu/sac/j-p/Sims.html

I. Catalog Description: Photographhic Perceptual Design (3-3-3) Prerequisite:COMM1318 and COMM1319 and permission of the instructor..

This course introduces students to perceptual design through the study of lighting, composition, space, color, contrast, time and psychological impact as these factors apply to the stil photography medium. .

II. Pre-requisites, co-requisites and other requirements:(1) Students should have successfully completed COMM1318 (Black and White Photo 1) and COMM1319 (Black and White Photo 2).
(2) Students should be pre-approved by the instructor or the photography program counselor.

III. Text: Photography by London and Upton

IV. Instruction will consist of: Photographic Perceptual Design 2373 is a one-semester capstone course designed to extend the student's knowledge of technique with an emphasis on psychology of color, methods of observation, the use of the senses, capturing personality on film, effects of color on viewer perception and the psychology of photo presentation and display.

V. Course Content: There will be photographic assignments, a midterm exam and a final exam. All grades count equally. If you miss any test it is your responsibility to schedule a makeup test the next time you attend class. Failure to do so will result in a grade of "0" for that test.

Students will work to develop an acute eye for what makes a successful subject.

To increase the perception of direction, color, intensity and quality of light.

To increase the ability to compose through the use of balance, space, geometric designs, surface texture, effect of time, choice of lenses and selection of perspective.

To preconcieve a visual image and produce that image through a still photograph.

To study master painters' and photographers' styles and techniques.

VI. Learning Outcomes and Performance Objectives with their methods of measurement as used to determine the students' mastery of those outcomes.

Learning Outcome 1:Students will demonstrate their understanding of master painters and photographic style.

Performance Objectives/Method(s) of measurement for each objective

1. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the work and techniques of master painters and the relationship to photographic techniques by reports and by completing written examinatons on the subjects.
2. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the psychology of visual perception, photographic meaning and the art of observation by giving a presentation on a comtemporary photographer and any other photographer from the 20th century.

Learning Outcome 2: Students will demonstrate an understanding of basic photo concepts of quality of light and intensity, color and perception of direction to composition.

Performance Objectives/Method(s) of measurement for each objective

1. Students will produce these concepts on film or electronically and will be critiqued and graded in class and demonstrate knowledge by completing written examinations and demonstrating knowledge in presentations to the instructor in the class and lab.
2. Students will interact with each other to discuss their presentations and critique their peers' work. The interactions will be graded based on content, completeness, effectiveness of presentation, critical thinking and visual effectiveness.

Learning Outcome 3: Students will preconceive a visual image and produce the image through a still photograph using their knowledge of quality of light and intensity, color and perception of direction to composition.

Performance Objectives/Method(s) of measurement for each objective

1. Students will turn in transparencies of their work for instructor evaluation and critique and demonstrate knowledge by completing written examinations and writing detailed description of the processes used.

Performance Objectives/Method(s) of measurement for each objective

1. Students will turn in transparencies of their work for instructor evaluation and demonstrate knowledge by completing written examinations and writing detailed description of the processes used.
2. Students will participate in instructor demonstration of techniques employed in completing the assigned work.
3. Students will compile a portfolio of their work to be evaluated at the end of the semester.

VII. Course requirements and grade computation: Assignments will require students to select the correct equipment, lighting, compositional techniques and perspective that will render the subject in its best likeness. A variety of subjects will be required, and the student will make selection of subjects as well. The various subjects will be reproduced on film or electronically and critiqued in class. Each student will present a 15-minute presentation on any other photographer from the 20th century
Students are not allowed to shoot nudity or suggestive behavior.

A. College Requirements: A written, comprehensive final examination, not to exceed two and one-half hours in length, shall be given at the end of each semester for each course at the regularly scheduled time. Any exceptions to these requirements must be approved by the appropriate dean. Other examinations are given at the discretion of the instructor.

A student who must be absent from a final examination should petition that instructor for permission to postpone the examination. A student absent without permission from a final examination is graded "F." Postponed examinations result in a grade of "I." The final exam must be taken within 120 calendar days from the end of the semester or the grade automatically becomes an "F." (San Antonio College Bulletin, Faculty Handbook - January 1995)

B. Departmental Requirement: A student wishing to withdraw from this class during the semester must process a formal withdrawal through the Office of Admissions and Records. Failure to withdraw formally will result in the assignment of a failing grade (F) for the  course.  You may drop by going to the Office of Admissions and Records, or you may send an e-mail requesting that the instructor drop you from the class. If you do the latter, please be sure to type your full name at the bottom of your request. You also may go by Room 204 of Loftin Student Center to pick up a drop slip.

The college bulletin allows absences for the equivalent of two weeks of class, but you will be dropped after that number.

C. Instructor Requirements:

According to current medical information, some physicians are recommending that pregnant women avoid contact with photographic chemicals. Anyone who is pregnant or suspects pregnancy should immediately consult the instructor. As a pregnancy measure, you will be restricted from exposure to photographic chemicals. To finish the semester, you will be given several options by your instructor.

B. Students are urged not to bring children to either a class or a lab. Minors under the age of twelve (12) must not be left unattended on campus. College Academic Council - April, 1998

C. ADA Statement: "As per Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, if accommodation is needed contact the Office of DisABILITY Support Services, CAC 124C, Phone: (210) 733-2347.

D. A Rapid Response Team exists for the purpose of responding to emergencies. If you have a disability that will require assistance in the event of a building evacuation, notify Disability Support Services, Chance Academic Center 124C, Phone: (210) 733-2347.

E. Academic Dishonesty: Students may be subject to disciplinary proceedings resulting in an academic penalty or disciplinary penalty for academic dishonesty. Academic Dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism and collusion. For additional information refer to the "Student Code of Conduct" in the San Antonio College Bulletin.

F. Students are required to silence all electronic devices (e.g., pagers, cellular phones, etc.) when in classrooms, laboratories and the library. College Academic Council, 01/ 2000.

G. San Antonio College Attendance Policy: Regular and punctual attendance at all classes and laboratories, day and/or evening, is required. A student absent for any reason is responsible for all work missed. Both tardiness and early departure from class are forms of absenteeism. The instructor establishes the policy with regard to each.

Absences of each student are recorded without exception. The counting of absences begins on the first day of class. A student absent the equivalent of two weeks of instruction in a 16-week semester may be dropped by the instructor. If a student is dropped from a class for excessive absences, the instructor will record a grade of "W' (withdraw). It is the student's responsibility to ensure that the withdrawals have been submitted.

H. San Antonio College is a smoke free campus.

I. ACCD DPS Emergency Phone Numbers:

ACCD DPS Emergency Phone (210) 222-0911
ACCD DPS General Phone (210) 208-8099
ACCD DPS Weather Phone (210) 208-8189 (For information on college closures)