Fall 2019 - CA 265 D100

Methods and Concepts: Photo-based Practices (3)

Class Number: 9797

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2019: Mon, Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    DT VSAR

  • Instructor:

    Sharon Kahanoff
    skahanof@sfu.ca
    Office: GC3250
    Office Hours: By appointment
  • Prerequisites:

    CA (or FPA) 160. A course materials fee is required.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A studio course introducing photographic practices as they relate to practical, conceptual, aesthetic and historical issues in contemporary art. Students with credit for FPA 265 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

General Description

This studio course provides a core experience in photography. It introduces students to vocabularies, techniques, and methodologies of photography through workshops and in-class studio sessions, discussions, and critiques. Students will explore a range of approaches and processes that form the basis of photography, both analogue and digital. This course will emphasize content, creative process, research, and critical issues in photography, in conjunction with the acquisition of basic technical skills.

Specific Description

This course is an introduction to the creative potential and applications of photography. The focus is on the basics of black and white 35mm photography, theory and practice and an introduction to Digital SLR camera photography. These become a starting point for image making and story telling. No previous experience is required. Class-time will consist of lectures on technical aspects of camera, film and chemistry, demonstrations of practical procedures in the darkroom and studio, presentations of historical and contemporary concerns, discussions and reviews, and critiques of student work. Students will be given open-ended assignments and expected to do most work on assignments outside of class time. Assignments will require independent research and practical experimentation, and should result in considered and well-crafted objects.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

At the conclusion of the course students should have acquired:

Photography:
• Basic knowledge of how to operate a manual single lens reflex 35mm camera
• Confidence to expose and develop black and white film in a wide variety of situations
• The ability to make and assess good quality black & white RC prints
• Rudimentary understanding of greater awareness of the qualities and application of light
• Enhanced and critical appreciation of photography as an art form and the ability to discuss the meaning of
photographs.

Grading

  • Engagement 10%
  • Exercises 25%
  • Technical Investigations 20%
  • Assigned Projects 30%
  • Final Project 15%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Photography:
• 35 mm analog still camera with manual operation (can have automatic function as well, but aperture and shutter speed MUST be manually adjustable).
• Double reel processing tank for developing film
• B&W 35 mm Film: Kodak TMax 100 or 400, Ilford, HP5, etc. – some will be provided, but you will need up to 15 rolls or so (36 exposures each) if you continue to work in analogue form
• Photo paper: 8”x10” RC pearl or glossy – expect to use at least a full box of 100 if you continue to work analogue
• Binder and plastic negative sleeve sheets – to safely store your negatives as well as to make contact prints with
• Blower brush (or canned air for spraying dust off negatives)
• Loop

Depending on your projects, you will need materials beyond these. Student kit fees cover chemicals and in-class exercises only.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS