Welcome to Portfolio!

*I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone and share my excitement for the arts and see what each of your goals are for the course!!!

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FALL SEMESTER 2022: August 15 – December 16

COURSE START DATE: Monday, August 15, 2022 @ 9:00am Rm. #7175

Instructor: Douglas Highland
Email: dhighlan@cuesta.edu
Phone: 805-546-3100 ext. 9755 (please use email for prompt reply)
Office Hours: Zoom & Email (remote for Fall - see syllabus for hours)

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 17 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 Lectures (via Zoom), Labs (in-person), 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.

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Adult-Level Course Content: As you pursue your education it should be noted that an academic environment is based on free and open inquiry and is essential to the well-being of a student’s education as an adult learner. Similar to many college level courses, we may examine potentially controversial subjects. It is expected that you may view artwork that will include frank consideration of what might be categorized as mature: provocative, emotional, controversial, violent, or sexual in nature. These are subject matters that artists have dealt with for millennia. Themes such as these are also found in the academic areas of human sexuality, religion, and politics. If you are a student who, for whatever reasons, may have strong personal reservations about participating in the free and open inquiry into such academic areas of discourse, you may want to meet with your instructor to preview course material to help you decide whether or not you will continue with the class. Otherwise, please be prepared to listen openly and contribute to class discussions respectfully in this college-level course.

 Diversity and Inclusion: Our classrooms are safe spaces for all voices and bodies. Diversity is a strength in the classroom, particularly in relationship to Art. Because Art is a language, our goals should be to communicate openly and honestly, and it is imperative that all participants feel comfortable to express our ideas freely. A commitment to diversity is an active experience and we are committed to fostering an inclusive space where students feel comfortable to challenge each other, support each other, and grow intellectually.

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..

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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 Hybrid Course Works

Pre-Course Email: Before the 1st day of classes 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.

*You Must Participate During Week 1 Or You May Be Dropped

For Fall 2022, this course will consist of weekly in-person Labs Mondays AND Wednesdays 9:00am-10:50am in Room #7175 on the SLO campus. Additional Lecture (DLEC) materials will be provided in Canvas delivered via weekly Modules.

• Mandatory Lab meetings will take place each week, Mondays and Wednesdays 9:00-10:50am. Additional Lecture (DLEC) online materials and associated activities delivered in Canvas (Cuesta’s learning management system) are to be worked on during  your own schedule and should be completed prior to your weekly scheduled meeting times. You may engage with the online materials on your own computer or a computer in the Cuesta libraries (both SLO and North County campuses). This course is not optimized for viewing on mobile devices. 
• Work for the course will be defined for you in the course outline that will be available on the 1st day of class.  There may be times when independent work will be scheduled and you will be expected to complete work on exercises and projects as the class dictates.
• Weekly Time Commitment - 8 to 10 Hours for success. If you have never taken a studio art course before, you should know 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 work, completing assignments, 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.
• The final critique is scheduled for Finals Week. Details about this event will be announced.

Course Overview

Art 293 - Portfolio introduces professional presentation techniques in Studio Art and Graphic Design. Topics include the selection, photographing, and mounting of artwork for the production of a physical and digital portfolio. Covers resume writing, artists’ statements, and letters of introduction. Examines career opportunities in various art-related fields and investigates four year programs and requirements. This course is geared toward the Studio Art or Graphic Design major near the completion of their studies at Cuesta College.

Student Learning Outcomes:
• Evaluate educational and vocational career opportunities in visual art.
• Determine appropriate artwork and supporting materials for designated audiences.
• Present a portfolio of artwork in both a digital and physical format.
• Demonstrate skills in preparing appropriate written presentation materials as an artist or designer.

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Materials - Textbook, Software, Computer, and Supplies:

Textbook (required): 

Art/Work - Everything You Need to Know (and Do) As You Pursue Your Art Career, Bhandari & Melber
ISBN-10: 1501146165 (recent price: $10.50-$18.00 - available @ Cuesta Bookstore or Amazon)

Software (required):

• Software - The class will require work with the current Adobe Creative Cloud versions of Bridge, Camera Raw, Photoshop, and Apple Keynote and/or Microsoft Powerpoint.

• Although not required, to complete work independently on your own computer I recommend you purchase a 6-month Adobe CC subscription semester license for students $39.99 at CollegeBuys.org(click this link)Links to an external site..

Guidelines for Computers:

• Computers are provided in our classroom, but to work independently, access to a modern computer (Mac preferred / or PC) with System RequirementsLinks to an external site. that can run the latest Adobe Creative Cloud software would be required. Feel free to message me if you are unsure whether your computer meets the Requirements (include manufacturer and model).
• 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 lacking computers and internet access.
-SLO: Library, 2nd floor, Bldg. 3200 and NCC: Campus Center, 2nd floor, Bldg. N1000
-Line of sight supervision only. Questions about labs or technology: support@my.cuesta.edu.

Supplies: (Suppliers - Cuesta Bookstore, Michaels, Best Buy, etc.)

• Storage Drive - You will be producing large quantities and versions of digital files and images. You must have an organized file system and a storage drive with sufficient space (250 GB - 1 TB) to operate successfully in the class. If your computer does not have sufficient space or you will be using a computer on Cuesta's campuses at any point, you must have a removable drive. See examples below and consult with me.
- [1-2 TB Hard Drive - spinner] EXAMPLE: WD - easystore 2TB External USB ($59.99)Links to an external site.Links to an external site.

-OR-
- [500 GB - 1 TB Hard Drive - solid state] EXAMPLE: WD - My Passport 500GB External USB Type-C Portable Solid State Drive ($129.99)Links to an external site.Links to an external site.
• One (1) 9” x 12” spiral bound artists sketchbookLinks to an external site. for ‘Notebook’.
• Glue Stick -or- Rubber Cement (No White Glue).
• Xacto (type) Knife and w/ breakable blades (suggested - OLFA 5003 L-1 18mm Heavy-Duty Utility KnifeLinks to an external site.).
• Metal Ruler 12”-or- 18” (cork back w/ inches & centimeters).
• Sharpie Pen (1 ultra fine & 1 fine -or- 1 combo).
• Portfolio case (Itoya Art Portfolio 8.5” x 11", 24pgs.Links to an external site.)
NOTE: A detailed list of these supplies and other suggested consumables will be provided on the course syllabus.

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Tips For Student Success

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

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 Canvas. Getting around in 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.

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COVID-19 Expectations for Community Health

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

Masks May Be Required—The main purpose of a mask is to protect those around you from the pre-symptomatic transmission of the novel coronavirus and other infections. For this course, you may be 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 if implemented. More information will be provided in the course syllabus and welcome letter.

Temperatures May Be Checked— There are several temperature scanning stations located on our campuses. It is strongly suggested that when arriving on campus you have your temperature checked before you enter any building. If your temperature is above 100.4°F, you may not enter.

Hands Must Be Sanitized—You will be expected to frequently use hand sanitizer provided.

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

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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*Using Canvas (these are some REALLY GOOD hints!):

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.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 - The Lecture (DLEC) portion of this class provides significant content! Having reliable access to the Internet is essential. You will watch several 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 hours.

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 Lecture (DLEC) 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.Links 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.Links to an external site.

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

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

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