Southern Utah University

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Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Art 1050: Introduction to Photography

ART 1050-36I

Course: ART 1050-36I
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: ARTD
CRN: 30476

Course Description

The study of art, design, and communication principles as applied and practiced in photography, a dominant visual medium in society. By primarily focusing on visual literacy, students will gain insight into the operations of photographs in our culture. Ideas are exercised through learning basic camera operations and assignments focused on techniques, as well as exploring different genres in the medium. A digital camera with an adjustable shutter and aperture is required. Sections will be offered and specified for non-art majors and art majors/minors. (Fall, Spring) [Graded (Standard Letter)]

Registration Restriction(s): Intensive English Program majors may not enroll

General Education Course: Fine Arts

Required Texts

  • A Digital SLR or Mirrorless Camera (DSLR kits are available for check-out at the SUU Library)
  • Any Camera accessories you require, from tripods to memory cards
  • A notebook and a pen or pencil

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Perform basic camera operations and exposure calculations 
  2. Apply an analytical eye for framing and composition 
  3. Assess and critique images based on aesthetics, content, and technical quality 
  4. Use professional vocabulary when analyzing photographic ideas and forms 
  5. Critique photography both verbally and through competently written short essays 
  6. Search out and compose images using a heightened creative process of seeing and observation

As a core General Education course, this class allows students to develop skills aligned with several SUU Essential Learning Outcomes, including 2.0 Communication, 3.0 Creative Thinking, and 4.0 Critical Thinking (see SUU ELO Definitions).

Additionally, in alignment with USHE Policy R470, General Education courses should incorporate Essential Learning Outcomes from the General Education Breadth Areas for the Arts (2.1). Upon successful completion of the General Education Arts requirement, students will be able to:

  • 2.1.1 Understand – Explain the creative artistic process as an iterative and recursive practice that culminates in an expression of human experience and emotion through a chosen medium.
  • 2.1.2 Appreciate – Apply artistic concepts and theoretical traditions to engage with, analyze, and better understand creative works.
  • 2.1.3 Connect – Examine the relationship between art and society, articulating how the arts function as historical and cultural phenomena.

This course is designed to support these outcomes, ensuring students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical engagement with artistic creation.

Course Requirements

Course Assessment Table

Course AssessmentsCourse Outcomes
Quizzes1, 2, 4
Discussions Boards2, 4, 6
Peer Reviews2,4
Assignments1-6
Final Project1-6

Assignment Outline

You will have 7 quizzes in this course. Each quiz will consist of 10 multiple-choice questions. There is no time limit, and you will have two attempts to complete each quiz. Quizzes must be submitted no later than the assigned due date. You may use your textbook or notes to complete the quiz.

You will have 8 Discussion Board participation activities in this course. Each Discussion Board will have its own criteria and questions. Submit an initial post(s) responding to the prompt before 11:59 pm on the designated due date within the discussion boards, and post your reflections on at least two other classmates' posts before 11:59 pm on the designated response due date. You will not be able to see others' postings until you have posted something of your own. 6 points each

You will have 6 Peer Review activities in this course. Virtual Critique = Peer Reviews to be completed via Canvas. We will use the general comment or media comment to provide feedback on photographic imagery. Student peer reviews will be considered complete when students have commented at least once on the page and filled out the rubric (if provided)  for the assignment for each assigned peer. 5 points each

You will have 4 photographic assignments: camera functions, quality of light, composition, and landscape; each will focus on specific criteria and skills learned in this course. Assignments must be submitted no later than the assigned due date. 20 points each 

Final Project

You will have 1 culminating project in this course that consists of a small body of work - 8 images uploaded to Canvas. This Final Project must be submitted no later than the assigned due date. 50 points each 

Grade Scheme

The following grading standards will be used in this class:

GradeRange
A100 % to 94.0%
A-< 94.0 % to 90.0%
B+< 90.0 % to 87.0%
B< 87.0 % to 84.0%
B-< 84.0 % to 80.0%
C+< 80.0 % to 77.0%
C< 77.0 % to 74.0%
C-< 74.0 % to 70.0%
D+< 70.0 % to 67.0%
D< 67.0 % to 64.0%
D-< 64.0 % to 61.0%
F< 61.0 % to 0.0%

Course Outline

Course Outline (14 Weeks)

Week 1–2: Getting Started

  • Pages:

    • Start Here!

    • Getting Started: Overview

    • Can't Play Video – Help

    • Welcome

    • Discussion Board Participation and Expectations

    • Photography Now Lecture_Videos

    • Getting Started: Summary

  • Assignments & Activities:

    • Photo Response: Photography Now — Aug 29 (5 pts)

    • Discussion: Photography Now — Sep 3 (6 pts)

    • Quiz #1: Syllabus — Sep 3 (10 pts)

Week 2–3: History of Photography

  • Pages:

    • History of Photography: Overview

    • History of Photography Lecture_Videos

    • History of Photography: Summary

  • Resources:

    • History_of_Photography_Notes.pdf

  • Assignments & Activities:

    • Photo Response: History of Photography — Sep 5 (5 pts)

    • Discussion: History of Photography — Sep 8 (6 pts)

    • Quiz #2: History of Photography — Sep 8 (10 pts)

Week 3–5: Camera Functions

  • Pages:

    • Camera Functions: Overview

    • Lecture01_Videos

    • Lecture02_Videos

    • Basic Settings_Videos

    • Shutter Speed_Videos

    • DOF_Videos

    • Camera Functions: Summary

  • Resources:

    • Camera_Function_Notes.pdf

    • Prep for Help Session.pdf

  • Assignments & Activities:

    • Photo Response: Camera Functions 1 — Sep 10 (5 pts)

    • Discussion: Camera Functions – Part 1 — Sep 12 (6 pts)

    • Photo Response: Camera Functions 2 — Sep 15 (5 pts)

    • Quiz #3: Camera Functions — Sep 17 (10 pts)

    • Discussion: Practice – Shutter Speed — Sep 19 (6 pts)

    • Discussion: Practice – Depth of Field — Sep 22 (6 pts)

    • Assignment: Camera Functions — Sep 29 (20 pts)

    • Peer Review: Camera Functions — Oct 1 (5 pts)

Week 5: The Critique

  • Pages:

    • The Critique: Overview

    • Evaluating Art

    • Self-Reflection Reading

    • Self-Reflection Instructions

    • The Critique: Summary

  • Assignments & Activities:

    • Quiz #4: Evaluating Art — Sep 26 (10 pts)

Week 6–7: Quality of Light

  • Pages:

    • Quality of Light: Overview

    • Lecture_Videos

    • Quality of Light: Summary

  • Resources:

    • Quality_of_Light_Notes.pdf

  • Assignments & Activities:

    • Discussion: Quality of Light — Oct 6 (6 pts)

    • Quiz #5: Quality of Light — Oct 8 (10 pts)

    • Assignment: Quality of Light — Oct 10 (20 pts)

    • Peer Review: Quality of Light — Oct 15 (5 pts)

Week 7–8: Composition

  • Pages:

    • Composition: Overview

    • Lecture_Videos

    • Composition: Summary

  • Resources:

    • Composition_Notes.pdf

  • Assignments & Activities:

    • Photo Response: Composition — Oct 17 (5 pts)

    • Discussion: Practice – Composition — Oct 20 (6 pts)

    • Quiz #6: Composition — Oct 22 (10 pts)

    • Assignment: Composition — Oct 24 (20 pts)

    • Peer Review: Composition — Oct 27 (5 pts)

Week 9–10: Landscape

  • Pages:

    • Landscape: Overview

    • Lecture_Videos

    • Landscape: Summary

  • Resources:

    • Landscape_Lecture_Notes.pdf

  • Assignments & Activities:

    • Photo Response: Landscape — Oct 31 (5 pts)

    • Discussion: Landscape — Nov 3 (6 pts)

    • Quiz #7: Landscape — Nov 5 (10 pts)

    • Assignment: Landscape — Nov 10 (20 pts)

    • Peer Review: Landscape — Nov 12 (5 pts)

Week 11–14: Final Project

  • Pages:

    • Final Project: Overview

    • Lecture_Videos

    • Progress Check #1 Information

    • Final Project: Summary

  • Assignments & Activities:

    • Progress Check — Nov 19 (6 pts)

    • Peer Review: Progress Check — Nov 21 (5 pts)

    • Final Project — Dec 5 (50 pts)

    • Peer Review: Final Project — Dec 7 (5 pts)

Ongoing: Extra Credit

  • Pages:

    • Extra Credit: Overview

    • Extra Credit: Summary

  • Assignments:

    • Virtual Museum Exhibition Response #1 — (0 pts, optional)

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Everything due for an assignment is listed on each individual assignment sheet, along with the due date. It is the student’s responsibility to keep track of what is due and when it is due. 

No late work will be accepted.

All work submitted for credit must be new work made THIS semester for this class and must be made personally by the student. The student is fully responsible for the technical and aesthetic quality of all the work submitted for credit in this class.

Camera Kits:

DSLR kits are available for checkout at the Circulation Desk on the first floor of the SUU Library. However, it is the student’s responsibility to begin their assignment early to ensure access to the necessary equipment. Availability is limited, and students who wait until the last minute may be placed on a waitlist, preventing them from completing their work on time. No assignment extensions will be granted due to being placed on a waitlist. Planning ahead will help avoid delays and ensure the successful completion of the assignment.

AI Usage Policy:

For this course, no AI platform or software may be used to create, edit, or submit photographs. This includes, but is not limited to, AI tools for image generation, enhancement, or manipulation. Students must rely on their own skills and knowledge to produce and present their photographic work.

However, AI tools for writing and research, such as language models for generating text, can be utilized for written assignments, project descriptions, and other non-visual tasks. Examples include using AI to draft essays, artist statements, or project proposals, provided the work is properly cited and meets academic integrity standards.

Note-Taking Policy:
Students are responsible for all materials covered in class, and note-taking is highly encouraged. The professor is not responsible for re-teaching missed or neglected material (see attendance policy) but will review the student’s notes with the student to clarify misconceptions.

Instructor's Response Time & Feedback

Online classes present unique challenges when it comes to interaction. I will respond to messages within the timeframe outlined in the course. Feedback is a key part of the learning process, so please review the comments I provide on your assignments within the expected timeframe. To find feedback, look at this tutorial How do I view assignment comments from my Instructor? If, at any point during the semester, you are experiencing technical camera issues, please get in touch with me immediately to set up a Zoom meeting.

It is my goal to:

  • Respond to student messages within 1 business day
  • Provide grades and feedback within 2 - 3 days from the due date

Attendance Policy

Attendance:

Success in this course depends on active participation and engagement throughout. Students are required to complete all assignments by the due date and actively participate in class discussions.

Additionally, students are expected to:

  • Log on at least three times a week – on different days to complete weekly assignments, assessments, discussions, and/or other weekly deliverables as directed by the professor and outlined in the syllabus;
  • Participate in the weekly threaded discussions; this means that, in addition to posting a response to the thread topic presented, students are expected to respond to each other with comments or questions.

If you find that you cannot meet the class' minimum discussion requirements due to such a circumstance, please contact your instructor as soon as possible. 

Course Fees

Program and Course Fees

Additional Course Information and Resources

Statement of Risk

You may need to travel for photography in this course; you are responsible for your safety and equipment. Take necessary precautions when traveling. 

SUU Campus Resources and Services

SUU has several resources and services available to support you during your time here; please review this list of SUU Campus Resources and Services (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. and the Student Handbook (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. For more information on Canvas and other technologies, and their statements on Accessibility and Privacy statements please review our Vendor Resources  (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. page.

Financial Security Statement

Finances are an integral part of maintaining your well-being. If you are struggling financially or wish to know more about budgeting, please visit the Financial Wellness Center in room 201C in the Sharwan Smith Center, contact Ashleigh Zimmerman at (435) 865-8436, or text the Financial Wellness line at 435-708-1952.  

Canvas Information

Canvas is where course content, grades, and communication will reside for this course.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.