1. Photographic Design II
Teacher: Ms. Karp – karpe@fultonschools.org; Room 303; 404.847.1980 ext. 280
Photographic Design II Photographic Design II is a laboratory class designed to emphasize a broad approach to the study of
photography through survey and introductory experiences. The principles of photography will be explored through the use of a
35mm Manual cameras, 35mm black & white roll film & processing, enlarging negatives, and alternative processes and presentation.
While taking pictures, students will utilize the elements of art and the principles of design to compose photographs that explore their
artistic voice. Various means of presenting and creating photographs will be explored. Students who successfully complete this
course receive .5 units of credit and are allowed to enroll in additional upper level photography courses. Through this course, we
hope to develop internationally minded people who exemplify the traits found in the Learner Profile. Units that are studied in the
Photographic Design II course support the three fundamental concepts of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program:
• Holistic learning – students discover ways in which art is related to all other subjects. They also learn that the strategies
they develop to analyze and solve problems are those that will be used throughout their lives.
• Intercultural awareness – through their study of art, students discover the rich history of the subject. They gain an
understanding and appreciation for the many cultures that have contributed to the body of knowledge which they study.
• Communication – students will be encouraged to be active learners who can communicate their knowledge to others. They
will practice technical, contextual, formal and conceptual ways to communicate the visual arts.
In addition, throughout this course, we explore ways and examine topics that provide opportunities for students to develop the traits
contained in the Learner Profile.
Methodology & Objectives: A number of methodologies are used in Photographic Design II. Students generally work individually
with interaction and feedback from their classmates through discussion activities and critique opportunities. They will receive direct
instruction and be encouraged to show independent investigation and exploration to personalize their own learning. Students will
read about art and artists, develop technical skills, analyze art work, experiment, participate in problem-solving projects, formulate
creative solutions, write and reflect on their work depending on the unit.
Requirements:
1. Investigation Workbook– Students will keep a sketchbook that will be used as a visual verbal journal. This will be used in
class for notes and examples of the theories of design and composition as well as periodic assignments outside of class
given by the teacher. These assignments will help reinforce work done in class and will also introduce new media. In
addition to assignments, students are encouraged to sketch everyday.
2. Studio projects, class assignments, classroom discussions, and activities – students will complete all work and
participate in class discussions and activities. You are expected to be present for class, participate in discussions and to
make good use of class time as well as work outside of class.
3. Organization – Students will organize all tests, handouts, and notes taken on reading assignments, lectures, films and
demonstrations within their Investigation Workbook
4. Work Environment – Be responsible for tools, supplies, and studio work area.
5. Photographer’s Contract – All students will abide by the Photographer’s Contract. Failure to do so will result in loss of
photographing and darkroom privileges at school.
Textbook – The textbooks for this class will be The Photographic Eye by Michael O’Brien and Norman Sibley, Davis Publications,
Inc., 1995 ($27.50) and A Short Course in Photography: An Introduction to Black-and-White Photographic Technique by
Barbar London and Jim Stone, Prentice Hall, 2003 ($42.88)
Textbooks will be kept at school, however student should not hesitate to take the book home to complete assignments or on days
prior to tests. The book will be returned in good condition at the end of the semester or fines will be assessed. Replacement cost:
$27.50 & $42.88.
Supply List – Each student will need a 35mm manual SLR camera for the course. Students will have access to a very limited
number of school 35mm SLR cameras, but are encouraged to acquired their own cameras. In addition, each student will need a
minimum of 30 sheets of 5x7 RC VC photographic paper and 5 rolls of 400 speed black & white film for the course.
Grading Criteria: A wide variety of assessments are used to gauge the success of Riverwood students. These assessments can be
formative or summative. At Riverwood International Charter School, assessment is viewed as a continuous process allowing
students, parents and teachers accurate information about student achievement. In this class, teachers utilize formative
assessments to determine student understanding. These assessments often occur throughout each unit. At the end of each unit,
summative assessments are utilized to gauge student understanding. A MYP assessment is also used to show how the student has
performed against the MYP assessment criteria for the unit.
Use of the MYP Criteria: Riverwood adheres to the Fulton County grading policy. Traditional grade reports are sent home every 6
weeks. As an International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program candidate school, RICS will use the program’s assessment criteria
to report student progress. The students will be assessed at least once per semester against each of the four criteria. Reports of
these scores will be sent at the end of each semester.
2. The total semester grade will be an average of the following parts:
Overal
l Grading
Grade Categor
% y Category Breakdown
50% PROJ Class Projects - All studio projects assigned per the 5 units of study and Quizzes
30% JOURN Journal Assignments – All Investigative Journal assignments and mini-labs
10% PART Participation – Folder checks, Homework, and Studio Clean-up
10% FINAL Final Exam
Fulton County uses the following grading scale: 90-100 = A 80-89 = B 70-79 = C 69-Below = F
ASSIGNMENT COMPLETION AND DUE DATES: Students will be given time to complete each studio assignment and will be given
advance notice of due dates for both homework and class work.
• Studio and Journal assignments not turned in on the due date will receive a 10% deduction each day the assignment is late.
Late work turned in 5 days or more after the assigned due date will receive a 50% deduction. Unfinished work will receive
only partial credit, 50% or less of the total points possible.
• Homework assignments not turned in on the due date will have a 10% deduction if submitted by the following class.
Beyond that point assignments will be accepted for 1 more class with a 50% deduction.
• Folders will only be accepted late one class period after the due date for a 50% deduction.
Parents will be notified by phone or email after 2 zeroes are recorded and/or when the student is in danger of failing. Please consult
the Student Handbook for the recovery policy.
Studio Time/Teacher Office Hours: The studio is open at 8am every morning and until 4:30pm most afternoons for students
needing extra time to work on assignments. The teacher is available at that time, but appointments are encouraged if the student
knows he/she will need the teacher’s help. You can also set up additional time in the afternoons by a pre-arranged appoint with at
least one day’s notice.
Recovery Policy: Fulton County’s recovery policy is designed so that students who have regular attendance and have completed all
assignments but are still unsuccessful in a course can have a chance to demonstrate mastery. Students can request recovery only if
they meet the preceding criteria. Recovery does not mean that a student can skip a test or fail to turn in a major assignment and
receive recovery as an alternative. The type of recovery assignments available to students is a matter of teacher discretion as long
as it directly relates to the course objects. Teachers will determine when and how students with extenuating circumstances may
improve their grades. (See page 4 of the Student Handbook.)
Photographic Design II is broken down into six units of study. Within each unit you can expect:
• VISUAL VERBAL JOURNALS: one to two assignments that reinforce the objectives of each unit. If the journal assignment
is not completed in class, it should be considered homework and completed on your own time.
• STUDIO PROJECT: cumulative art project for each unit of study where you will demonstrate the art techniques and
concepts taught for each unit. For Units 2 – 6 at least one roll of film will be shot, processed, and turned in with a contact
sheet and prints.
• TEST/QUIZ: with each unit of study, you will have a test and/or an art application test.
• STUDIO CLEAN-UP: Students will be assigned both Darkroom and Classroom clean-up. They will be held accountable for
organizing and cleaning and graded accordingly.
3. Unit 1: Photographic History and Contemporary Photography
Unit Question – How does photography affect my daily life?
Area of Interaction – Human Ingenuity
Assessment Criteria – Knowledge and understanding
Significant Concept – Students understand the visual arts in relation to history and cultures.
Students will discuss how photography is important in daily life and today’s world, how and why photography
and the role of photographers have changed over time. Students will analyze stylistic characteristics and
recognize the work of major 20th century and current photographers as well as discuss historical and social
issues reflected in and influenced by photographs, (e.g. child labor, The Great Depression).
Unit 2: Understanding and Using a 35mm Manual Camera
Unit Question – How does a 35mm SLR camera work?
Area of Interaction – Approaches to Learning
Assessment Criteria – Knowledge and Understanding
Significant Concept – Understands and applies media, techniques, and processes.
Students will constructs a working pinhole camera and test for light leaks, analyze the physics of the camera
obscura, how it evolved into a tool for photography. Students will analyze how parts of the human eye and
camera are similar, discuss the chemistry of light-sensitive materials and black and white developing.
Students will apply, and discuss rationale for, darkroom procedures in working with light sensitive materials
as well as demonstrate safe and proper use of photographic tools and processes.
Unit 3: Photographic Images – Exposure, Processing, Composition
Unit Question – How does the use of composition and contact printing techniques affect the quality and
meaning of photographs?
Area of Interaction – Community and Service
Photographic Assessment Criteria – Application
Design II Significant Concept – Understands and applies media, techniques, and processes
Units of Study & Students will use a 35mm camera and gray card to properly expose, develop and print black and white
Areas of photographs. Students will discuss the physics of how cameras work, the chemistry of light-sensitive
Interaction: materials and black and white developing.
Unit 4: Use of Light in Photographic Images
Unit Question – What is mood? And how do I create it by using/manipulating light?
Area of Interaction – Health and Education
Assessment Criteria – Reflection and Evaluation
Significant Concept – Understands and applies media, techniques, and processes
Students will produce and evaluate qualities of properly exposed black and white negative/ positives.
Students will create series of self-portraits emphasizing mood by manipulating lighting.
Unit 5: Portraiture
Unit Question – How is a snapshot of a person different from a portrait and what makes a portrait a work of
art?
Area of Interaction – Environments
Assessment Criteria – Personal Engagement
Significant Concept – Creates photographs reflecting a range of concepts, idea, and subject matter
Students will use symbolic representation in work and work to find individual voice.
Unit 6: Portfolio
Unit Question – What is a “body of work” or concentration?
Area of Interaction – Environments
Assessment Criteria – Reflection and Evaluation
Significant Concept – Plans and presents appropriate exhibition of own artwork.
The students will observe and prepare their artwork to be exhibited in the classroom and school community
