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PHOTO 150 - Cameras and Composition - Wendy Brill-Wynkoop

Course:Cameras and Composition
Professor:Wendy Brill-Wynkoop
Email:Wendy.Brill@canyons.edu
Format:
  • Online
Course Length:
  • 5 Week

Introduction

Photo of Wendy Brill-Wynkoop

I would like to introduce myself to you. I am Wendy Brill-Wynkoop (pronounced wine-coupe), Department Chair of Photography at College of the Canyons, and your instructor for this online course.  Welcome to a wonderful course that will not only introduce you to the fundamental technology, theory, techniques and applications of photography, but one that also touches on the history, artistic and aesthetic analysis of images.

Many students register for distance-learning courses believing that it will require less time.  Although the length of the course is only five weeks the same amount of material is covered as in the normal 16-week semester.  This is a very fast paced, intensive, 5-week course.  Each week of course material is equal to three weeks of material covered during a 16-week semester.  While you will spend fewer weeks in the classroom, the art of discovering information and the responsibility of scheduling learning into your busy lives, will be on your shoulders.  In reality, many distance-learning courses are more of a time commitment than a traditional lecture course, and I praise you for being up to the challenge.

The course is designed to teach two major learning outcomes: photographic composition and manual exposure control. Therefore, access to a manually adjustable digital SLR camera is necessary for successful completion of this course. A camera phone is not capable of manually adjustable exposure control. COC has DSLR cameras for check out. Students will need to complete an online learning module on how to use and care for the camera before it can be checked out. In order to maintain safety, students will have to arrange for pick-up of photography equipment during a scheduled time.

Course Description

Introduces the fundamental historical development, theory, technology, and basic applications of photography. Examines principles and analysis of artistic and aesthetic qualities of photographic images through group interaction and discussion. Provides demonstration, analysis of function, and technical experience with digital and film single lens reflex cameras. It is recommended students provide a digital SLR camera capable of manual exposure and adjustment. UC credit limitation: PHOTO-150 and PHOTO-160, credit for one course only.

What to Expect in this Course

The course will require approximately 10-12 hours of time per week and your daily presence on the class discussion board is required. You will have to have the time in your daily life to take photographs outside in broad daylight several times per week.

This course is divided into Learning Unit Modules.  Each Learning Unit Module is approximately one week in length.  Generally, for each Learning Unit Module you can expect to complete the following coursework:

  • Read two to three (2-3) chapters from your textbook
  • Review PowerPoint lectures online
  • Complete one Photo Assignment (taking photographs outside in daylight daily and several hours per week)
  • Participate in one (1) online critique and photo challenge
  • Take an online Unit Exam

 

You should be computer literate, with at least basic knowledge of Internet navigation and email procedures.  The college can only provide minimal technological support.

 

The course will be delivered through Canvas – click here for information about the learning management system at COC.

 

Email: Student E-mail - In order to comply with FERPA, correspondence with the college not coming from COC your student email account will be disregarded. I will be sending out announcements through the course site and you will miss important information if you forget to check your email. Certain e-mail providers will either block or forward emails automatically to a bulk mail folder. Please double check that course email communications are not in your spam folder.

Types of Assessments

Photographic Projects - more involved technical projects
Photo Challenges – fun and engaging discussions around a singular subject
Critiques
Exams weekly readings and technical photo principles
Gallery Visit (virtual)
Extra credit opportunities

Textbook Information

Stone, Jim; London, Barbara: Short Course in Photography
3rd Edition ISBN: 9780205998258
or
4th Edition ISBN: 9780134525815

Other Relevant Course Information

Adding the class: Students will be sent add codes in the order of the waitlist. Please check your email a few days BEFORE the class begins. Because this is a short-term class, one week is the equivalent to 20% of the course. The course moves too quickly for late adds.

As per education code, I am required to drop students for non-participation. Students who don’t complete the first week’s course work will be automatically dropped from the course.

At College of the Canyons, we do offer a section of this online course every 5 weeks. Please check the schedule of classes if you would like to register for a future section of PHOTO 150 Online.


Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

  • CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
  • CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 10/26/2021 Sub#: 991