Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - CA 365 D100

Methods and Concepts: Photo-based Practices (3)

Class Number: 6501

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    DT VSAR

  • Prerequisites:

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

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Presents photo-based practices as they relate to practical, conceptual, aesthetic and historical issues in contemporary art. Additional assignments will be required for students taking the course at this level. Students with credit for FPA 365 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This studio course is a technical, historical, and conceptual introduction to photography. It offers students digital photography production experience and immerses them in the discourses surrounding contemporary photography theories and practices.
No prior experience is required as this course is intended to prepare students for further exploration of the potential of the medium of photography.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Based on lectures, discussion, tutorials and software training students will:

  • Have knowledge of key historical, critical, and theoretical developments pertaining to photography.
  • Acquire a range of technical skills including camera controls, shooting techniques, lighting, editing, and printing photographs.
  • Learn about significant photography works and photographers from diverse background.
  • Understand the potential of the medium of photography and its relation to other forms of art.
  • Be able to apply their knowledge to conceptualize and produce a professional body of photography work and incorporate that with other media.
  • Develop the skill of critically seeing and analyzing photography works within historical and cultural context.
  • Acquire theoretical and critical terminology relevant to photography.
  • Ability to present their work and critically engage with their colleagues works.

Grading

  • Project #1 15%
  • Project #2 20%
  • Research/Presentation 20%
  • Project #3 - Final 25%
  • Participation - quizzes 10%
  • Exercises (in and out of class) 10%

REQUIREMENTS:

  • A digital camera with manual control functions (Some digital cameras are available at the school sign-out office).
  • External hard drive, at least 500 GB.
  • SD or CF card and card reader for transferring digital files from the camera to the Media Lab.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Assigned readings will be provided as PDF files or through library links.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.