Art 249A Welcome Letter_Spring 2021

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Welcome to Art 249A DE Digital Photography (33867)

COURSE START DATE: Tuesday, January 19, 2021

SPRING SEMESTER 2021: January 19 – May 21

BOTH THE LECTURE AND LABORATORY PORTION OF THIS CLASS WILL BE FULLY ONLINE. 

Instructor: Douglas Highland
Email: dhighlan@cuesta.edu
Office Hours: Zoom & Email (remote for Spring - see syllabus for hours)

  • Please read all the way to the bottom. (this is not an active link - scroll down)
  • To get started with your class in your Canvas see the area below titled - *Using Canvas (this is not an active link - scroll down)

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Meet Your Instructor:  My name is Douglas Highland. I am an active fine art and commercial photographer living in San Luis Obispo CA and have been instructing in the Fine Arts for the past____ years (well let’s just say a lot). I am currently the Chair of the Fine Arts Division and Head of the Photography Department at Cuesta College where I have been instructing for the past 15 years. I live in San Luis Obispo with my wife, daughter, and one cat - hidie. You can often find me on location photographing for fun as well as commercial clients. You might also see me out and about on one of several different bicycles or motorcycles.

My goal is to provide all students with an inclusive, accessible, meaningful, and equitable learning environment. I want you to know that myself and the college as a whole are here for you, and we are committed to providing you with a welcoming and positive learning experience here at Cuesta College. Our overall goal is your success both now and in the future.

Instructor Contact Expectations and Policies: The best and fastest way to contact me is email, with the preferred method through Canvas Inbox. I will generally respond within 24 hours to emails received 8am-4pm during scheduled weekdays, M-F.  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. 

Regular and Effective Instructor Contact will be met through weekly content delivery via Canvas Modules, weekly announcements to students, instructor initiated threaded discussion forums, timely and effective feedback on student assignments, email / messaging to individuals, and virtual office hours.

Accommodations: 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. You should also contact DSPS (Disabled Student Programs & Services)Links to an external site.Links to an external site. at 805-546-3148.

College & Course Policies: Academic Honesty Policy - In addition to my course policies on the syllabus, 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 conductLinks to an external site.Links to an external site..

Add / Drop Policy - In addition to my course policies on the syllabus, please review these Cuesta policies.
Add PolicyLinks to an external site.Links to an external site.
Drop PolicyLinks to an external site.Links to an external site.

Waitlist Policy - Please review Cuesta’s waitlist procedure and instructionsLinks to an external site.Links to an external site..

 

About This Course - Hey...There’s A Lot of Information Here!

For your first read through, skim the Underlined Topic Headers to get acquainted with the range of information, then return and study the details.

How This Course Works

This introductory course is taught completely online via Cuesta College’s distance education (DE) program. The great thing about a DE course is that you can do the work and participate online according to your schedule*—provided that you meet the weekly assignment deadlines. So, if you are a morning person, great! If you are a night owl, that’s great too!

Pre-Course Email: Before the 1st day of classes on January 19, 2021, you will receive an important email with instructions on how and when to access the course in Canvas. The email will be sent to your my.Cuesta.edu address. Please confirm that you know how to log into your Cuesta email account. Look for the email ro be delivered by Monday morning, January 18th at 8am at the latest.

•You Must Participate During Week 1 Or You May Be Dropped
By Sunday, January 24, 2021, you must actively demonstrate your participation in the class by doing the following:
1. Complete Module 1: Orientation
2. Update your Canvas profile/notifications and submit a screenshot
3. Contribute a favorite photo that you made during the past year to our online discussion
Don’t worry, this is suppose to be fun, right? You will receive detailed instructions for each of these tasks in the orientation module. Please note that if you do not complete these requirements by Sunday, January 24, 2021, you may be dropped from the course.
•Computer skills are required. You should have a working knowledge of a computer, its operating system and devices. You need to know how to connect to the internet and use it for research through a browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari), use email, download and save files, post images online. Demonstrations, tutorials, the textbook and the software help menu are also available to learn imaging software and complete your assignments.
•A digital camera with manual exposure control settings and Adobe Lightroom Classic installed on your computer during the first week of the semester is a requirement for this course.
•Weekly Time Commitment - 8 to 10 Hours for success. If you have never taken a studio art course before, you should know they differ from lecture courses. For a three-unit semester-hour studio art course (which this is), you would be pursuing lab work for approx. 4 hours each week, plus 2 hours each week of lecture. Additionally, you would spend 2–4 hours each week creating photographs, online study, posting to discussions, etc. Your time requirement may vary based on your individual experience with cameras and computers.
•A syllabus and course outline will be available in our Canvas course beginning the first day of class.
•Details about the Final Exam Time will be announced near the end of the term.

Course Overview - Art 249A Digital Photography I 

This course introduces the processes, principles, and tools of digital photography. Topics include the development of technical and aesthetic skills, the elements of design and composition, camera technology, and materials and equipment, all within a historical and contemporary context.

Course Content / Channels for Learning:
•Creating Photographs—effective image capture with your digital camera & understanding camera settings and exposure.
•Managing Photographs—using Adobe Lightroom Classic to import and process photographs (image editing, file sizing, scaling, cropping, tonal and color correction, and output). Understanding of saving, uploading, scaling, resolution and file size.
Sharing Photographs—for Art 249DE this will be online in a variety of venues. Note: in a studio course this would include physical as well as online locations for sharing.
Aesthetics of Photography—foundational concepts involving composition techniques, and the elements and principles of design in art.
Examples of Photography—using the works of historic and contemporary photographers to reinforce course content.

Student Learning Outcomes:
•Implement photographic technical skill sets including camera controls, image exposure/capture, image manipulation, processing, image output, printing, and the handling and maintenance of equipment and materials in finished photographic works.
•Demonstrate the use of formal and conceptual qualities in finished photographic works.
•Present a portfolio of photographic works that implements photographic technical skill sets and displays a synthesis of formal and conceptual qualities.
•Examine, evaluate, analyze, and describe historical and contemporary photographic works in regards to trends, language, aesthetics, and contemporary culture and media through the use of relevant terminology and concepts.

Materials (textbook, camera, software/computers, optional items)

1. Textbook (required - by the first week of the semester):

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic Classroom in a Book (2020 release), Rafael Concepcion, ISBN: 978-0-13-662379-3

Note 1: You may purchase the print version which also allows access to online content or the e-book (digital only) version. The Cuesta Bookstore has stock in the text and will 'price match'Links to an external site.

Note 2: The Amazon e-book (digital only) version is only a Kindle version. Other sellers e-books allow several possible digital viewing options.

2. Camera:

By the first week of the semester you will need a digital camera with a minimum of 8 megapixel resolution & manual adjustment capability. This means that your camera should have manual exposure control of shutter, aperture and ISO. You will also need at least one 16gb or larger memory card and preferably a second battery for your camera.

A Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) or mirrorless camera (such as a Micro 4/3) is strongly recommended. Point-and-shoot cameras are not recommended for this class as they typically lack manual controls. You must have a physical or PDF of the user manual for your specific camera. You can search online for a '.pdf' copy - try your camera manufacturers homepage.

The Canon EOS Rebel (T6i, T7i, T8i) and the Nikon D (3300, 3400) are very popular beginning cameras. These DSLR's are also good used purchases. The 18-55 mm kit lens typically found with these cameras is a versatile and popular lens choice.

Please see below for web links to inform your decisions:
(Best camera gear and cameras in 2020Links to an external site.) (Best DSLR cameras in 2020Links to an external site.) (Best mirrorless cameras in 2020Links to an external site.)

New Camera Purchases: The Photoshop (downtown SLO), Sammy's Camera, Adorama, Best Buy, Cost Co, Amazon.

Used Camera Purchases: The Photoshop (downtown SLO), KEH.com, Craigslist.

Note: The Cuesta photography program has several Canon DSLR cameras that are available for checkout by students. If you are interested in checking one out, please send e-mail me. Plan ahead, as the number of cameras is limited and they are used by many students. Extensions will not be granted because there are no cameras to check-out.

3. Software / Computers:

•Software - By the first week of the semester purchase and install the current Lightroom Classic - "LrC" application.                                           NOTE: NO OTHER VERSION OF LIGHTROOM WILL FUNCTION FOR THE CLASS!

Although it contains more applications, the best deal is to purchase a 6-month Adobe CC subscription semester license for students $39.99 at CollegeBuys.org(click this link)Links to an external site.

•Access to a modern computer (Mac prefered / or PC) with that can run the latest Adobe Creative Cloud software and has at least 32gb of open storage - this can be internal or external.
NOTE: Lightroom Classic does not operate on netbooks, tablets, or phones.

•Computer Guidelines for Adobe Lightroom & Other Adobe Applications: System RequirementsLinks to an external site.

•Feel free to message me if you are unsure whether your computer meets the System Requirements (include manufacturer, model, and hard drive/ ram information).

•Internet Connection - If you can stream online videos from Canvas,YouTube, and Vimeo uninterrupted, you should be OK.

NOTE: Cuesta Computer Labs (Mac and PC with required Software) will be open M-F, 8am-5pm for students.
SLO: Library, 2nd floor, Bldg. 3200 and NCC: Campus Center, 2nd floor, Bldg. N1000
*Line of sight supervision only. Masks Required. Questions about labs or technology: support@my.cuesta.edu.

4. Optional Items:

UV Protective Lens Filter (most important) $7.50 - Specific mm diameter for your lens. (Example on AmazonLinks to an external site.)

•Lens Hood (somewhat important) $10 - Specific to the model of your lens. (Example on AmazonLinks to an external site.)

•Tripod (somewhat important) $25-$68 - A tripod may be helpful for some assignments. (Example on Amazon - 1Links to an external site.) (Example on Amazon - 2Links to an external site.)

•Card Reader (possibly very important) $9-$18 - Specific to your card (SD/CF) and computer (USB 3.0 / USB-C / Thunderbolt).(Examples on AmazonLinks to an external site.). *If your computer does not have a card slot to read the card used by your camera, you will benefit from a card reader that will work with your camera's card (typically either SD–Secure Digital OR CF–Compact Flash). Tethering your camera to your computer with a cable to copy files is much slower.

•Flash Drive / Hard Drive (possibly very important) $20-$120. If your computer is lacking the required 32gb of open storage or you are needing to use the schools computers, you will need an external drive. Check your computers connections for either USB 3.0 or Type-C/Thunderbolt. 128GB - 1TB is suggested.
- For economy, you may use a USB 3.0 “flash drive” - SanDisk 128GB Ultra USB 3.0Links to an external site.  =good choice (Examples on AmazonLinks to an external site.) OR USB Type-C/Thunderbolt 'flash drive' - SanDisk 128GB Ultra USB Type-C Links to an external site.= good choice (Examples on AmazonLinks to an external site.).
- For greater capacity and speed, consider an external USB 3.0 hard drive (Examples on AmazonLinks to an external site.) OR USB Type-C/Thunderbolt hard drive (Examples on AmazonLinks to an external site.).

Tips For Student Success

You Must Read Class Announcements - I send out class announcements through Canvas. Be sure that you configure notifications for how you will receive Canvas Announcements. Options include having the announcements sent to an email address and/or as an SMS text message (suggested). How do I set my Canvas notification preferences as a student?Links to an external site.

Be Patient, Especially When Starting Your First Hybrid Course - If this is your first online learning experience, expect to invest extra time to orient yourself to the course design and tools. Getting around Canvas may seem awkward at first, but after a bit you’ll feel like a pro. Be sure to look at the Canvas tutorials linked in this guide.

Celebrate Mistakes -Making mistakes sooner will start the real learning. We learn much less from our successes than we do from our failures. So, when you feel uncomfortable because you want to avoid making a mistake, just keep moving forward and know that you are learning.

Everyone Has Exactly 168 Hours Each Week / Schedule Several Days Each Week For This Class- For some students, it can be challenging finding a sustainable balance between academic, social, work, and personal pursuits. A challenge of a hybrid class is that the online portions are interrupted by day-to-day obligations and challenges. You will be far more successful if you block out regular study and work sessions over each week.

Begin Your Work Early - You are strongly encouraged to start your work on assignments as soon as possible. Remember the sooner you start, the sooner you can make mistakes and start learning! This also allows time for problems and unforeseen challenges to come up. Start early so that you can recover prior to a deadline.

Advocate For Yourself, Ask For Help - You are encouraged to be proactive in your communication with me. Waiting until shortly before a deadline to notify me or ask for help is not a path to success. Please remember that you should not expect an immediate reply to your messages, but I do strive to reply within one school day.

*Using Canvas

Pre-Course Email / Accessing Your Canvas Course For The First Time - Prior to the start of class, 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. Be sure that you know how to log into your my.Cuesta.edu account so that you do not miss this message. If you are not familiar with logging into canvas, please refer to the Canvas Quick Reference Guide.Links to an external site.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.

Step 1. To get to the host site: Go to the Cuesta College home page (www.cuesta.edu) and click on “Canvas” (upper left corner of the page)

Step 2. Log in: Enter your Canvas username and password (same as for MyCuesta).

Step 3. User Dashboard (left hand side): Click on the link for ART 'OUR CLASS - ex. 244'; this will take you to the course home page. Download the syllabus and familiarize yourself with the course.

Internet Access = Getting To Class - Significant portions of this course are conducted online. So, having reliable access to the Internet is essential. You will watch many online videos for this course. If you can watch YouTube without growing impatient with your connection speed, then your Internet access is fast enough.

Use Cuesta Computers For Free - If you do not have a computer or internet access at home, you may use the computers in Cuesta’s libraries on the SLO and North County campuses. Links: locations and hoursLinks to an external site..

This Course Is Not Optimized For Mobile Devices - While it is possible to access Canvas and the course content via a cell phone, this course is not optimized for mobile devices. You will be more successful if you routinely engage via a laptop or desktop computer.

Distance / Hybrid Education - is very different from a fully classroom-based education in that you set your own schedule for some of the online portions of the course. Remember, however, that you are still obligated to complete and submit your work by the weekly deadlines. Staying motivated and organized are very important. Set yourself up for success by looking at the Online Student Readiness TutorialsLinks to an external site..

Getting Started With Canvas LMS - Cuesta uses Canvas as its learning management system (LMS). If you have not worked with Canvas before, you can get a head start before the beginning of the semester:

Cuesta College Canvas Tutorial (self paced)Links to an external site.Links to an external site.

Cuesta Canvas Student Orientation VideosLinks to an external site.Links to an external site.

Canvas Guide: Getting Started As A StudentLinks to an external site.Links to an external site.

Canvas Computer SpecificationsLinks to an external site.Links to an external site.

Setting Notifications In CanvasLinks to an external site.Links to an external site.

Cuesta Technical Help With Canvas - 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 an unsupported browser or your phone. Try using Firefox or Chrome on a desktop or laptop computer, this may solve your problem!  Please review the browser requirements and minimum computer specificationsLinks to an external site.Links to an external site..

Canvas Support Hotline - (877) 921-7680
Additional Phone - (805) 546-3100 ext. 2802 during the hours of 7:30a-9:00p, Mon.-Thu. and 7:30a-4:00p Fri.
Email - support@cuesta.edu (describe the problem and include your name, class, section number/CRN,  and instructor’s name)

Your Class as an Online Community - While you will not be seated next to your classmates for much of this course, you will be interacting with them weekly online. Your contributions are as important as those of your peers and it is OK to express perspectives that may differ as these add to the diversity and vibrancy of experiences. “Netiquette” (Internet + etiquette) - maintaining civility, respect, and courtesy is required at all times and is expected. Any form of antagonistic behavior (flaming, trolling, etc.) will result in disciplinary action.

Please review this brief presentation for insights on the Core Rules of NetiquetteLinks to an external site.Links to an external site..

Each Week Start On The Canvas Course Home Page - It is strongly suggested that you start each week on the homepage for the course where announcements appear at the top. Next, visit the Modules tab to see the current week’s Module. There is much more to a hybrid online course than assignments, please do not immediately skip to 'assignments' when viewing your course.

Use The Canvas Calendar and To Do List - Calendar shows all of the assignments for your classes through a link on the left side navigation panel. Note that the color of items corresponds to the color of the overlay on the Dashboard. Click on the gear icon for changes. The To Do List is located on the right side of your Dashboard and is also helpful in keeping track of your upcoming assignments.

COVID-19 Expectations for Campus & Community Health

https://www.cuesta.edu/covid-19.htmlLinks to an external site.

Masks Are Required—The main purpose of a mask is to protect those around you from the pre-symptomatic transmission of the novel coronavirus. You are required to wear a mask that fully covers your nose and mouth at all times while on campus. The mask must be made of a material recognized for its ability to provide adequate filtration of your breath. Masks with exhaust valves that port unfiltered breath are not acceptable. Bandannas and other open-edged apparel will not be accepted as a mask. Face shields may be worn over your mask, but not as a substitute for a mask. There will be no exceptions to this requirement.

Temperatures Will Be Checked—Temperatures will be scanned before you enter a building. If your temperature is above 100.4°F, you may not enter.

Hands Must Be Sanitized—You will be expected to frequently use any hand sanitizer provided when entering campus buildings.

Social Distancing—You are asked to practice social distancing to the greatest extent possible.

Sanitizing Your Work Area—At the end of any on-campus work, you are expected to sanitize your work area with any provided supplies. This includes wiping the surfaces on which you worked and the equipment you used.

New Expectations—These requirements may be added to or amended during the semester in response to changes in the pandemic and/or local conditions.

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