Active Outline

General Information

Course ID (CB01A and CB01B)
PHTGD007.
Course Title (CB02)
Exploring Visual Expression
Course Credit Status
Credit - Degree Applicable
Effective Term
Fall 2024
Course Description
This course aims to delve into visual expression using photography as a medium. It covers fundamental concepts such as perception, light, color, composition, and visual awareness. Additionally, it fosters the development of critical thinking skills to convey aesthetic, intellectual, and emotional concerns through photography. The course also provides a basic overview of the history of photography as a medium. Furthermore, participants will receive instruction on how to effectively use cameras, lenses, and other creative controls to enhance their photographic skills.
Faculty Requirements
Discipline 1
[Photography]
FSA
[FHDA FSA - PHOTOGRAPHY]
Course Family
Not Applicable

Course Justification

This course meets a general education requirement for De Anza, CSU GE and IGETC. It covers camera operations, composition, and a history of the medium. It belongs on the Professional Photography degree and is transferable to CSU and UC.

Foothill Equivalency

Does the course have a Foothill equivalent?
No
Foothill Course ID

Course Philosophy

Formerly Statement

Course Development Options

Basic Skill Status (CB08)
Course is not a basic skills course.
Grade Options
  • Letter Grade
  • Pass/No Pass
Repeat Limit
0

Transferability & Gen. Ed. Options

Transferability
Transferable to both UC and CSU
De Anza GEArea(s)StatusDetails
2GC1De Anza GE Area C1 - ArtsApproved
CSU GEArea(s)StatusDetails
CGC1CSU GE Area C1 - ArtsApproved
IGETCArea(s)StatusDetails
IG3AIGETC Area 3A - ArtsApproved

Units and Hours

Summary

Minimum Credit Units
4.0
Maximum Credit Units
4.0

Weekly Student Hours

TypeIn ClassOut of Class
Lecture Hours4.08.0
Laboratory Hours0.00.0

Course Student Hours

Course Duration (Weeks)
12.0
Hours per unit divisor
36.0
Course In-Class (Contact) Hours
Lecture
48.0
Laboratory
0.0
Total
48.0
Course Out-of-Class Hours
Lecture
96.0
Laboratory
0.0
NA
0.0
Total
96.0

Prerequisite(s)

None

Corequisite(s)

None

Advisory(ies)

ESL D272. and ESL D273., or ESL D472. and ESL D473., or eligibility for EWRT D001A or EWRT D01AH or ESL D005.

None

Limitation(s) on Enrollment

None

Entrance Skill(s)

None

General Course Statement(s)

(See general education pages for the requirements this course meets.)

None

Methods of Instruction

Lecture and visual aids

Discussion of assigned reading

Quiz and examination review performed in class

Homework and extended projects

Museum/gallery visitation

Documentary film reflection and discussion

Collaborative learning and small group exercises

Assignments

  1. Reading from assigned chapters in textbook
  2. A typed, two-page review of an assigned museum or gallery exhibition
  3. Weekly photographic exercises
  4. Regular class discussions and critiques
  5. Group research presentation

Methods of Evaluation

  1. Written review of exhibition that describes,compares and analyzes assigned photographs in a museum or gallery.
  2. One, one-hour mid-quarter examination that assesses vital data learned from textbook reading assigned.
  3. Final portfolio that demonstrates camera skills acquired in weekly photography projects.
  4. Final oral, written and visual presentation assessing all vital class lessons.
  5. Participation in class discussions during lectures and class critiques.

Essential Student Materials/Essential College Facilities

Essential Student Materials: 
  • A digital camera or a phone camera and a notebook
Essential College Facilities:
  • Lecture room equipped with projection equipment and access to streaming services like Kanopy, which is available through the De Anza College Library

Examples of Primary Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisherDate/EditionISBN
Robert HirschLight and Lens: Thinking About Photography in the Digital AgeRoutledgeNovember 2, 2022/4th Edition978-1032005317

Examples of Supporting Texts and References

None.

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

Course Objectives

  • Evaluate and interpret photographic imagery based on objective and subjective observations and descriptions, and question preconceptions regarding what makes a good photograph.
  • Formulate an awareness, and develop an ability to analyze the elements of good composition; including light, shadow, shape, form, scale, line, perspective, color, texture and framing.
  • Demonstrate camera operations including proper exposure, depth of field, and the use of lenses, filters, flash, and other photographic accessories.
  • Compare and contrast art works, styles and movements within the photographic medium, and interpret visual communication from culturally and socially diverse groups.
  • Critique classmates work in order to develop and refine ideas regarding personal expression and visual literacy.
  • Assemble a broad foundation of visual concepts to determine individual perception through the photographic medium.

CSLOs

  • Interpret and utilize the photographic medium as a means of communication.

Outline

  1. Evaluate and interpret photographic imagery based on objective and subjective observations and descriptions, and question preconceptions regarding what makes a good photograph.
    1. Objective
      1. identify subject matter
      2. recognize purpose of image(advertisement,document,family album,etc.)
      3. describe technical aspects evident in image
    2. Subjective
      1. symbols or metaphors associated with subject matter
      2. meaning or ideas communicated by the image
    3. Preconceptions
      1. defining and recognizing visual preconceptions
      2. methods to reevaluate, and re-consider visual preconceptions
    4. Awareness
      1. determine what constitutes subject matter
      2. develop new ways to present common and uncommon subject matter
  2. Formulate an awareness, and develop an ability to analyze the elements of good composition; including light, shadow, shape, form, scale, line, perspective, color, texture and framing.
    1. Visual elements of composition to engage the viewer
      1. Shape
      2. Value/Color
      3. Line
      4. Texture
      5. Volume/Scale
      6. Space
    2. Visual Elements of composition to engage the viewer
      1. Balance -- the way parts of the picture work to stabilize the view
      2. Perspective -- perception of space
      3. Juxtaposition -- comparative positioning of objects within the frame
  3. Demonstrate camera operations including proper exposure, depth of field, and the use of lenses, filters, flash, and other photographic accessories.
    1. The Camera
      1. Comparison of film and digital camera parts and functions
      2. Advantages and disadvantages of various camera types
      3. Analog vs. digital
    2. Controls of Exposure
      1. Understanding the basic controls of exposure: film speed, aperture and shutter speed
      2. Bracketing -- varied exposures for the same image
      3. The gray card, its purpose and use
      4. Film and/or digital camera modes
    3. Controls of depth of field
      1. Understanding the basic controls of depth of field: aperture,

        distance from subject and focal length of lens
      2. Maximum depth of field and selective focus
    4. Additional camera controls and/or accessories
      1. Lens types
      2. Flash
      3. Filters
      4. Tripods
    5. Image storage and longevity for film and/or digital
  4. Compare and contrast art works, styles and movements within the photographic medium, and interpret visual communication from culturally and socially diverse groups.
    1. Historical and global awareness of the photographic medium
      1. The invention
      2. Global spread of photography
      3. Various movements
      4. Technical advancements
      5. 19th Century vs. 20th Century vs. 21st Century
    2. Expression of aesthetic, intellectual and emotional concerns through photography
    3. Integrating concepts of composition with individual personal expression
      1. Nurture social, cultural, ethnic, age, and gender influences
      2. Establish individual methodologies for photographing
  5. Critique classmates work in order to develop and refine ideas regarding personal expression and visual literacy.
    1. Perception, or how photographs communicate
      1. Replication: showing what is in front of the camera, and communicating what the photographer has selected
      2. Interaction: forcing the view to not only see recognizable objects, but to interpret what the photographer has selected
      3. Reaction: triggering something that gives meaning to the view whether or not the photographer's selection is obvious
    2. Technical skills and craftsmanship
      1. Capture
      2. Output
  6. Assemble a broad foundation of visual concepts to determine individual perception through the photographic medium.
    1. Compare and contrast a variety of photographic imagery in order to challenge established views
    2. Debate the failures and successes of visual communication
    3. Examine individual methods, meanings and visions
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