VAPH110 Digital Photography Fundamentals (formerly VAFA110)
Department of Arts and Communication: Photography
- I. Course Number and Title
- VAPH110 Digital Photography Fundamentals (formerly VAFA110)
- II. Number of Credits
- 3 credits
- III. Number of Instructional Minutes
- 4050
- IV. Prerequisites
- None
- Corequisites
- None
- V. Other Pertinent Information
-
Students must have access to a Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera in order to complete coursework. Students without access to cameras can borrow cameras from the equipment area in photo. Access is granted for a limited time and is first come, first served.
This course meets the General Education requirement for Arts/Humanities.
- VI. Catalog Course Description
- Students are introduced to digital-based photographic imagery. The course examines the potential inherent in the methods, techniques, and applications of digital photography as a means of personal expression. Students produce a portfolio of images for presentation.
- VII. Required Course Content and Direction
-
-
Course Learning Goals
Students will:
- gain and demonstrate competency in the use of a digital camera for taking photos (including image capture, as well as compositional concerns);
- employ the basic software/tools used in the manipulation and control of digital imagery (resizing, cropping, editing tools, color control, layers, etc.);
- develop an appreciation of the historical development of photography and the role (and development) of digital based imagery;
- develop their creative, expressive, and aesthetic skills through the production of photographic imagery, including a final project/portfolio [Arts/Humanities]; and
- apply the vocabulary of the arts as they develop rhetorical skills regarding their own work and that of others in the class.
-
Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities
The course provides students with a basic working knowledge of the materials and techniques used to produce digitally-generated photographic imagery. The course begins with the discussion of the materials and terminology of digital photography, including camera, hardware, and software concerns. A progression of topics follow, including basic to more advanced camera operation, image capture, image manipulation/editing, image file saving and storage concerns, and the presentation of images. In addition to the required technical information, this course introduces the history of digital photography and explores photographs as a vehicle of visual communication and as a means of personal creative expression. -
Assessment Methods for Course Learning Goals
Students are introduced to digital-based photographic imagery. The course examines the potential inherent in the methods, techniques, and applications of digital photography as a means of personal expression. Students produce a portfolio of images for presentation. Projects are assessed through critiques, oral presentations, and discussions. -
Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Student:
- Digital camera (minimum of 5-6 megapixels)
- Computer workstation (with Internet/web connection)
- Image editing software
- Instructor selected textbook and/or other supplementary text-based materials (including CD-ROMs, websites, etc., at the discretion of the instructor)
- Supplementary digitally-projected/presented images
- See course syllabus
-
Review/Approval Date - 12/04; Revised 3/2010; Revised 4/2012; New Core 8/2015;Revised 5/20