syllabus
Florence
Indiana University South Bend - FINA-S497 - Summer 2007
Photography in Florence
Instructor: Susan Moore
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND REQUIREMENTS
Students enrolled in this course will research the history of photography in terms of photo-journalism and Street Photography. Students will explore photography: basic camera and darkroom techniques, formal visual qualities, aesthetics, and contemporary issues in photography.
Students will learn photography at their own level. Introductory skills in using a 35mm camera, processing film and printing images will be taught. Students working at a higher level will use medium format and conduct self-directed projects. In addition, they have access to a black and white darkroom to process and print photographs. Digital lab access will also be available.
Photography as a fine art medium is the main objective of this course. Substantial technical information is required to learn camera controls, film processing, and printing. Assignments also include dry mounting prints for the final portfolio. Technical proficiency is only part of the course work. Creative problem solving and craftsmanship are also important skills.
Classes will be held 4 days a week with photo opportunities planned for each day. The focus of the workshop will be on day trips in and around the city, visually exploring the places we find. There will be weekend field trips outside the city.
SUGGESTED READING LIST
Because this is a six credit class, reading and research should begin prior to travel dates and will continue after travel dates.
A. Richard Turner, Renaissance Florence: The Invention of a New Art (Prentice Hall: 1997).
Critical Theory
- The Photograph as Contemporary Art (World of Art), Charlotte Cotton
- Ways of Seeing, John Berger
- On photography, Sontag, Susan, New York : Anchor Books, 1990.
- The mind's eye : writings on photography and photographers, Cartier-Bresson, Henri, Millerton, N.Y. Aperture, c1999.
Suggested List of Photographers
- Henri Cartier-Bresson
- Robert Frank
- William Eggleston
- Mary Ellen Mark
- André Kertész
- Eugene Atget
- Bernice Abbott
GOALS
- Explore the city of Florence visually with a camera and black and white film.
- Express ideas visually through photography.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the unique properties of photography.
- Demonstrate a basic knowledge of black and white film development and printing.
OUTCOME
Upon the completion of this course students will complete:- Portfolio of Images for display
- Art Statement
ATTENDANCE
Come to every class meeting prepared to work. Class time will be spent in the darkroom, classroom, photographing in Florence or the surrounding area, or visiting museums. Students are expected to attend all classes, and in case of medical excuse, students should notify the instructor immediately. Students should arrive for class on time; excessive tardiness will result in a lowering of the final grade. Traveling as a group, in Italy, by train, in outdoor market, or in a cathedral, it is important that everyone arrive on time. Tardiness delays the whole group.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Class structure will be based on a four-day week and a three-day weekend. Two days of the week will be spent in a traditional class setting, either in the lab or in the classroom. The professor, assisting students individually with their print and film processing, digital or film, will supervise this lab time. There will also be weekly discussions of images in terms of formal visual qualities and aesthetic qualities. Two days a week will be spent on a walking tour of the city. There are numerous churches, museums and gardens that will be toured both for their art history content and as subject matter in photography. The weekends will allow for more flexibility in scheduling. There will be open lab time supervised by lab technicians from SRISA alternatively, there will be optional day trips scheduled by train or walking architectural guided tours.
Assignments
We will have an introduction to basic camera skills at the first orientation prior to leaving for Florence. All assignments will be based around our travel and locations in Italy. Work will stress the formal qualities of photography, the frame, light, space, and the decisive moment. In Florence, we will have access to a darkroom to develop film. Most printing in Florence will be "work prints." Quickly made RC prints can be used for discussion and visualizing a larger idea. Upon our return to South Bend, students will have lab access to continue their work and make better quality or larger prints. A completed portfolio and matted prints will be turned in for an exhibition of work on Campus.
Evaluation of Assignments
Assignments are graded on the following: problem solving, craftsmanship, formal visual qualities, concept and participation.
Critique and Discussion
Projects will be reviewed in group critique sessions. It is important that all work be completed before the start of each critique. Peer feedback an important part of learning and improving your photographic skills. In critiques, discussion will focus on the visual interpretation of the assignment, the elements of the image (what you see), production of the image (technique and craftsmanship), and content (meaning of the image or intention of the photographer). Individual critiques will be made with advanced students.
Journal
Students will need to keep a journal for technical notes and written responses to photographs, places and ideas. Record information about when and where you made a photograph.
Final Portfolio
Final portfolios will consist of 10-15 photographs for exhibition in the fall of 2007
GRADING
- 70% Assignments
- 20% Attendance and class participation
- 10% Final Portfolio
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Academic integrity is a very serious issue. Committing academic misconduct, cheating, stealing, or plagiarizing, under any circumstance will result in immediate & severe repercussions which include a failing grade for the course, dismissal from the class, & a permanent notation on your student record.
CELL PHONES
Cell phones ringing during class time is a disruption. Turn them off before coming to class or don't bring them at all. Cell phones light up and can damage photographs in the darkroom. If you do not have a cell phone, a phone can be purchased for the time in Italy to stay connected to faculty and classmates or in case of emergency. If you have a cell phone you may ask your carrier about an international plan for the time you are abroad.
DISABILITY STATEMENT
Any student who feels that an accommodation may be needed based on the impact of a disability should contact Disabled Student Services at 520-4135 in office 148 of the Administration building, Staff will work to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities.
OPEN LAB HOURS FOR DARKROOM
We will have designated lab time as a class as well as open lab time in Italy. You will be notified of these times at the orientation in Italy. Please be responsible in the lab. Use chemistry properly. Turn off lights, water, timers, enlargers and other equipment when you leave the lab. Please clean up after yourself.
MATERIALS
All students should provide their own camera. Medium format school cameras will be available for experienced students.
- Adjustable Camera - with manual controls and a working light meter.
- Cable Release - (optional)
- Tripod - (optional)
All other materials will be purchased by the school and shipped to Italy prior to our departure. Film and x-rays do not mix well. If you would like to use an alternative film (color or infared) you may purchase it and ship it with the standard materials.
- *Film- rolls of black and white negative film.
- *Paper- black and white printing paper
- *35mm Negative Storage Pages
- Canned air or Negative cleaner
You will need to mat prints upon your return for the exhibition.
- 4 ply white rag museum board - Stephen Kinsella's (314) 991-0141
-or-
- Mount Board
- Seal Brand Dry Mount Tissue
