Class Syllabus

{COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES}

This advanced course in digital imaging will demonstrate the skill of photography in the context of traveling on safari in Kruger National Park in South Africa. Students will become proficient in digital photography techniques and concepts as it pertains to photographing wildlife, flora, the African landscape and it’s people. This course will be presented as an applied learning experience.

The course will consist of hands-on field instruction, discussions of the landscape in a historical/conceptual context, strengthening digital production/editing techniques and improving your image quality through mastery of craft and technique. Technically, students will learn the creative use of photographic techniques such as telephoto lens work, long exposure shots, high shutter speed photography, high–definition imaging, large format film work, among others. Lectures and course information will be given while on-site in the wilderness of South Africa. Every session, you will be expected to participate in the creation of work and the completion of assignment requirements. Concurrently, students will gain an understanding of the cultural, conceptual and creative opportunities of photography while studying abroad.

While photography should be fun, it takes time, skill, and planning to master the skills. Technical skills alone will not make you a good photographer. It also requires the student to be active in finding the next great shot or composition. This is a rare experience for students that could not be replicated in any way at Tarleton.

The culmination of this course is the final project presentation at the end of the semester. Students are required to produce a gallery exhibit and/or book design containing their work that will be displayed at a location TBA.

(LEARNING OBJECTIVES}

• • You will create a portfolio of images by shooting 200 plus images a day
• • You will become proficient in obtaining quality exposures in challenging conditions     such as low-light, night, and in fast motion.
• • You will become proficient with Adobe Creative Suite 5 software on the Mac.
• • You will learn how produce, print, and present your work professionally.
• • You will learn about the history of photography as it pertains the history of the observation and hunting of animals in South Africa.                    
• • Students will analyze how this applied learning experience enabled them to apply what they learned from their courses, both in major and core curriculum areas, and from their extracurricular experiences to the real world.
• • Students will evaluate how the applied learning experience expanded their views of academic, political, social, cultural, and/or economic environments and prepared them to contribute more meaningfully to a global society. 

{CLASS TIME}

On-site class time will involve:

•         a combination of lectures and discussions on pertinent issues

•         technical instruction and demonstrations

•         open vehicle game drives

•         night drives and bush walks with professional field guides

•         group assignments for special photographic projects

•         educational lectures from park staff

Class demonstration will involve

•         computer application demonstration

•         camera hardware demonstrations /equipment collection

•         large format printing

•         discussion of relevant historical, and practical travel information about Africa

{SUPPLIES}

1. A working digital camera: A digital SLR with removable lenses(300MM–500MM lens are optimal for viewing wildlife), manual settings, and shoots in an uncompressed digital format will give you the most versatility and you will be able to get better results easier. You may use a point and shoot, but you are expected to understand the limitations of what your camera can do. Please no phone cameras for everyday use.

2. Memorycards,you should expect to be able to store at least 200 photos a day

3. Extra Batteries, especially if you take L-ion batteries

4. Tripods, travel tripods can be purchased for under 100 dollars, and can be

100-200 dollars for professional versions. Monopods are especially useful in

the open roof jeeps.

5. Camera Bag–driving in the wilderness in Africa can get dusty, protect your

equipment. A backpack is preferable.

6. Lens and image sensor cleaning kit–seenumber5

– not required but recommended

 7. Binoculars

8. Lens Teleconverter–for that little extra magnification, useful in bird identification

9. Lens Filters–circular polarizing filter, UV protection filter

10.Camera Remote – for long exposure work such as night star trailing

One thing about photography you will learn quickly is that it is expensive. Find someone to borrow equipment from if you don’t want to buy. Buying used gear is always an excellent option!

{COURSE RULES}

1.) Blog: www.art-485.blogspot.com: All assignments and required source material will be posted online. Specific Xeroxed articles, tutorials and other online source material will be assigned and posted on the blog before the dates of the trip. You will post your own photos on the class Flickr page.

2.) Partipation: Students will be graded based off the quality and level of participation at all class events. During events in Africa such as game drives, guest lectures, and on-site demonstrations, students will be required to show active engagement with the opportunities presented. Students are expected to treat park professionals, as well as all staff, with respect. Due to the nature of the location and the rules of the park, the class must stick together at ALL times outside of the campgrounds. When doing any activity outside of camp, students must stay inside official park vehicles unless at a designated rest area.

3) Projects: There will be a major exhibition of the work made in class in a location to be determined. Students are expected to print and mount their photographs professionally (framed or dry mounted). Equipment for the presentation will be made available by the university, with the possible exception of paper and mounting board.

Students will also be creating books using the Booksmart software offered by the software company Blurb. Books will include the best photo works of the trip, as well as examples of the personal narratives that will be explored in the journal writing assignment. (see rule #4) The books will presented during International Week at Tarleton 2013.

4.) Journal Writing: Students will be required to keep a daily journal of their experiences while studying abroad. The journal is an opportunity for the student to reflect on their observations as a Tarleton Texan on another continent as diverse such as Africa. The journal may also be used to collect information on the various forms of flora and fauna encountered on the trip. Students will utilize an e-portfolio for their trip.

5.) Grading: Success in this class will be measure by 3 major factors: • PARTICIPATION– 25%- was the student present and engaged during class activities? • DAILY JOURNAL – 25% - did the student engage fully in the written portion of the class? FINAL PROJECT EXHIBIT/BOOK 50% - did the student complete the book and exhibit requirements?

7.) Decorum: You will represent yourselves, Tarleton State University, and the Texas A&M system, and the United States to the people of South Africa, as well as to the many people from different nationalities you will meet while taking this course.          You

will be expected to represent yourself to the highest possible standards. If your behavior does not keep with these standards you can be sent back to the United States at the discretion of your instructor and at your own expense. Any major behavioral issues may result in a failing grade for the course.

{ACADEMIC HONESTY}

Cheating, plagiarism (submitting another person’s materials or ideas as one’s own), or doing work for another person who will receive academic credit are all impermissible. Turning in work made before this class, or from other classes, is also a violation of academic honesty. Disciplinary action may be taken beyond the Department of Fine Arts. All work turned in for this class must have been made during this class!

{DISABILITY STATEMENT}

It is the policy of Tarleton State University to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (http://www.ada.gov/) and other applicable laws. If you are a student with a disability seeking accommodations for this course, please contact Trina Geye, Director of Student Disability Services, at 254.968.9400 or geye@tarleton.edu. Student Disability Services is located in Math 201. More information can be found at www.tarleton.edu/sds or in the University Catalog.