Senior

Seminar in Photography and Media Arts (PMA 401) Edward Stapel Phone: 887-7444 Email: edward.stapel@chestercollege.edu Office: PMAD Center Offices Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 1:00 2:30 and by appointment My blog: edwardstapel.blogspot.com In this advanced-level course students will explore contemporary ideas about photography and media while continuing to develop their personal artistic visions. The goal of this course is for students to become visually literate image-makers, able to critique and write about photography and other media-related arts. REQUIRED TEXTBOOK: Photography: A Critical Introduction 4th edition, edited by Liz Wells RECOMMENDED TEXTS: A dictionary (if you dont already have one) Dictionary.com (or similar website) bookmarked on your computer A Short Guide to Writing About Art by Sylvan Barnet ASSIGNMENTS: In addition to weekly readings, students will complete the following assignments that are designed to foster the development of critical thinking with regard to the historical traditions and contemporary practices in photography. 1. Presentation on an artist of your choice (10-15 images). This presentation should include formal and analytical analysis (think: denoted and connoted meanings). 2. Lead Class Discussion. Each student will lead a class discussion based on that weeks reading assignment (either a chapter from the textbook or a provided supplemental reading). 3. Analysis of Personal Iconography research paper. This research paper should reflect a culmination of analytical techniques that have been discussed throughout the semester, allowimg each student to analyze his/her own work. CLASSROOM POLICIES: Our class time is designed to provide each student a reasonable educational environment, and as such, we must respect one another both in and out of the classroom. Your preparation for class assignments and discussions forms one part of this, but your behavior forms the other. Please do not arrive late or leave early or use digital media in a distracting fashion. You may use a laptop, or other device, to take notes or to look up issues that arise in class discussions. Use of laptops, music players, and other devices (including texting) will not be permitted during demonstrations,

presentations, or critiques (except for note-taking). You are not to participate in social media while in class unless such usage is part of a class discussion or presentation. Ignoring these guidelines may result in disciplinary action. ATTENDANCE: If you miss more than 3 classes, your final grade will be dropped one letter grade. If you miss more than 5 classes, you will fail this class. If you come to class 15 minutes late, you will be considered absent. If you ignore the guidelines regarding electronic devices outlined above you will be considered absent. There are no excused absences. Attendance is mandatory. If you have a conflict with a scheduled quiz or due date it is your responsibility to make arrangements with me to turn in your work at another time. Assignments must be turned in on time. Late assignments will be marked down one letter grade for each class they are late. Since class discussion is a pertinent part of this class, class participation is mandatory and will be taken into consideration for grading. GRADING CRITERIA: Attendance and Participation 25% Presentation 25% Lead Class Discussion 25% Personal Iconographic Study 25%