Welcome to Drama 212 Entertainment Lighting / CRN
I am so glad to see that you are interested in learning how to recognize and manipulate light for the purposes of advancing a narrative or illuminating a form in a creative way! My name is Richard Jackson, and I will be your instructor for the online version of Entertainment Lighting (Drama 212/ CRN ) this Spring. Although I am eager to jump into the exploration of the power of light to reveal objects, people, and motion in visual, visceral, and thought provoking ways, I should probably inform you of some important details prior to the start of the Spring online class. Please read this page very carefully! You will be able to gain access to this course on Tuesday January 19th , 2021. This class is a taught in an online asynchronous mode, meaning that you will not be required to meet during a specific day or time which allows you to fit the assignments in around your other classes, and life commitments.
Contact information
Email Address: rjackson@cuesta.edu
Phone Number: (805) 546-3914
Office Location/ Hours: Room 7319 by arrangement via Zoom.
Instructor Contact Expectations:
The best and fastest way to contact me is email. I will generally respond to your emails within 24 hours during weekdays only. During busy times of the semester, the response time may increase to 48 hours. On weekends, I will do my best to get back to you ASAP but I cannot guarantee an expeditious response.
Course Environment:
This online course will be using a Web-based Learning Management System Canvas as the method to disseminate information. Canvas provides the framework for the course including PowerPoint presentations, student data files, the tools to receive and send course materials, and a grade book. Using the communication tools, you can communicate using e-mail, and you can share materials and ideas with other course participants via the discussion forums and groups.
Class opens / Accessing Canvas:
Prior to the course opening date (January 19th), you will receive an email to your my.Cuesta.edu address providing you with a reminder that class will be starting and log in procedures for Canvas, the learning management system (LMS) used to deliver course content. You can access Canvas by logging into MyCuesta, then clicking on the Resources Tab, then clicking on Canvas in the Online Learning Channel, or by typing the Canvas address (https://cuesta.instructure.com/) into your browser address bar. Do not bookmark / favorite the canvas site after your login, or you will get an error message next time you try to log in. You must access the canvas log in directly. You can also download the Canvas app.
If you are not familiar with logging into canvas, please refer to the Canvas Quick Reference Guide.Links to an external site. Once logged into Canvas you will be directed on where to get started. Be sure to read all the direction on the course home page.
If you are having difficulty logging into Canvas and need assistance please email me or technical support at this email address: support@instructure.com
Online Learning:
If you have never taken an online class or this is your first experience with Canvas, please be patient with yourself. Online classes are not inherently easier, although they may be much more convenient for many students. You should expect to spend at least as much time, if not more on this course as you would on a course that meets face to face. Since we are meeting asynchronously, much of this time will be self-directed and there will be a lot of research, reading, viewing, and drafting. All coursework (discussions, assignments, quizzes) is submitted online. Please be prepared to spend 8 - 12 hours per week on coursework for this class
IS an ONLINE CLASS FOR YOU?
- First, go to the Cuesta College Canvas Tutorial (self paced)Links to an external site., there are many resources that were designed to help you understand the basis for an online class and the skills necessary for success. (If the tutorials do NOT describe you, then taking this class online is NOT for you and I strongly suggest that you drop the online class and enroll in a traditional classroom section.)
Regular Effective Contact policy:
Regular and Effective Instructor Contact will be met through our bi-weekly Zoom lectures; weekly lab session; threaded discussion forums; weekly announcements to students; timely and effective feedback on student assignments; email, phone or messaging to individuals; and virtual office hours.
Course Description
Explores introductory lighting design concepts and implementation of stage lighting. Topics
include control, instrumentation and basic electrical theory. Students will [virtually] hang, focus and
accessorize fixtures for a lighting plot.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Identify and communicate general workplace safety practices as established by the industry.
- Use and maintain lighting equipment without overloading system components or causing
damage.
- Choose and correctly use the appropriate equipment for a given task.
- Interpret and follow instructions outlined in lighting documents to hang, circuit, accessorize
and focus the lighting plot.
Text Book and Materials
Although there is no required textbook to purchase, the following materials are needed:
-
Access to a computer with specifications (Links to an external site.) capable of running Vectorworks software.
- Current browser (Firefox or Chrome are preferable)
- Internet Connection, preferably broadband for viewing online media
-
Download and install or have access to the following software titles:
Technical Support
Cuesta students are encouraged to direct all technical support inquiries to support@my.cuesta.edu. If you are having issues with Canvas, you should contact the Canvas Support Hotline at (877) 921-7680, or click on the help button on the Canvas Navigation to report a problem.
If you are having difficulty viewing the course or logging in, it may be because you are not using the correct url: https://cuesta.instructure.com/ or you are using your phone or using an unsupported browser.
Your learning environment is best accessed from a desktop or laptop computer, using Firefox or Chrome. This may solve your problem! Please review the browser requirements and minimum computer specificationsLinks to an external site. at:
Accommodations:
Students With Disabilities:
If you have a disability and would like to explore the resources available to you to successfully complete this course, please contact Disabled Student Program & Services (DSPS) as soon as possible so that you can receive important information and accommodations earlier in the semester. You may also discuss your need for accommodations with your instructor.
This course is designed using an accessible Learning Management System, and course materials have been created with ADA compliance in mind. If you have a disability and might need accommodations in this class such as extended time on exams or other resources. Please contact the instructor as soon as possible so that you can receive appropriate accommodations in a timely manner. DSPS can be reached in any of the following ways:
Due to Covid19 face to face meetings are not available, but you can contact DSPS to set up Zoom Conferences.
College & Course Policies:
Academic Honesty Policy:
Please note all students attending San Luis Obispo County Community College District at any district site and when representing Cuesta College in any off-campus activity, assume an obligation to conduct themselves in an acceptable manner compatible with the Student Code of conduct. Please review the Cuesta College Student Code of Conduct.
Drop / Withdrawal Policy
If you would like to add this class. You can register through the Cuesta College Web Site (Links to an external site)Links to an external site. .
If this class doesn't fit your needs or if things in your life have changed and you are no longer able to complete this course, you do have options. To find out if leaving a course is a good option, you should weigh the consequences (Links to an external site.) to see if its the right path for you. If you do decide that it is in your best interest to leave, check the procedures outlined on the Cuesta website (Links to an external site.). Dropping a course means you can get back all or some of your tuition and your college transcripts won't indicate that you attempted the course. If you decide to leave a course after the drop deadline, you will forfeit your tuition and receive either a "W" or an "F" depending on which deadline you meet. Below are the deadlines which you can also find on the student planning calendar (Links to an external site.):
- Before January 17th: Full refund, not noted on transcript.
- Before January 31st: Partial refund, not noted on transcript.
- After January 31st and before April 18th: Withdrawal from a course and a "W" will appear on your transcript.
- After April 18th: Receive an "F" on transcript.
If you miss more than 2 consecutive weeks worth of due dates, I reserve the right to drop or withdraw you from this course.
Waitlist Policy:
Please review Cuesta’s waitlist procedure and instructionsLinks to an external site.:
icons at the top right corner of the subsection.