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AP 2D ART & Design Hybrid Online

"I never teach my pupils, I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn.”

-Albert Einstein

DO you want to create a beautiful portfolio while earning weighted GPA ART Credit with an incredibly high chance of receiving college credit at the end?

  • No experience needed
  • No equipment needed
  • No prerequisites
  • No annoying bells everyday
  • No tests

then show up with an interest to learn and to create and you will love the process.

Image by Hunter van Rossum

Course Description

While the primary focus of the class will be digital photography, you have the option to demonstrate mastery in the principles of 2-D design through film photography, graphic design, and/or web design as well. At the end of this course you will have an amazing portfolio that can earn you college credit while also showing off your skills in digital media arts to potential clients or employers. Your images and what you focus on is up to you. The purpose of the class is to help you make your ideas stand out and look unbelievable.

Image by Josh Behrens

So what that means:

We are going to learn about the fundamental principles of design and figure out how to master those through digital imagery (most likely photography). These principles apply to all areas of design whether it be websites, fashion, interior decorating, advertising, apps, architecture, etc. so it goes well beyond just photography and this class. You will demonstrate your understanding of these, not by a Scantron, but by actually creating images built upon these principles. The 6 main principles we will focus on are:

  1. Balance
  2. Unity
  3. Rhythm
  4. Proportion
  5. Color Interaction
  6. Figure/ground relationship
Image by Kennedi Simons

The Portfolio

Understanding the portfolio requirements is key to this class since that is what drives the majority of the assignments and material. So we'll look at each section with:

  • the CollegeBoard definition
  • a translation of the CollegeBoard definition into normal language
  • a food metaphor (don't ask why but I hope it helps)
Images by Haley Teeples, Brenna Donovan, & Moses Turner

Quality (Selected Works)- 5 Images

CollegeBoard Definition: Quality refers to the understanding of artistic issues that should be apparent in the concept, composition/form, and execution of the works, whether they are simple or complex. The Quality section represents the student’s most successful works with respect to form and content.

What that means: 5 of your best images that convey a specific message, are intentionally composed with the principles of design in mind, and are flawless in terms of craftsmanship- exposure, sharpness, and color/contrast. So basically, would these make big beautiful prints that would capture someone's attention if they were hanging on a wall?

Food metaphor: This is your 5-star restaurant. You can't afford to eat there every time you go but when you want to celebrate a big occasion this is where you eat because you know everything will be great including the food, the service, the view, the ambience, etc.

Image by Klohe Hauber

Sustained Investigation (Concentration)- 15 images

CollegeBoard definition: This section offers students the opportunity to make and present works of art and design based on an in-depth investigation of materials, processes, and ideas done over time. Sustained investigation is guided by questions. It involves practice, experimentation, and revision using materials, processes, and ideas. The Sustained Investigation section is expected to demonstrate skillful synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas

What that means: Pick absolutely anything you are interested in and find a way to pursue that theme visually throughout the year. This can be a specific technique like long exposure or certain subject matter like portraiture as long as long as all of the images are guided by the same goal. What do you want to learn how to do or what do you want to show your viewers? This area should really push you to grow as a photographer and that progression should be evident between your first image and your last one.

Food metaphor: This is like eating at Sushi on Fire. You basically know what you are going to get each time you go. You go there because you like Asian style seafood and that is what they specialize in. Even so, each time you are there you see new rolls and different creations from you to choose from. You might not like the new stuff but at least you kind of know what to expect when you order it and you are tempted to take risks by trying something new or different each time.

Image by Kyle Hardisty

Course Overview

While you read about what this class is all about, look at what other HBHS students have produced with this opportunity. Some had prior experience before taking the class and some were beginners.

Who should take this class

This class is for you if you are interested in design and visual communication. The primary avenue for completion of this course will be through digital photography but there are many other options available. Does this sound like you...?

  • You like really jumping into a topic and creating amazing work by engaging in an authentic learning process with ideas, attempts, and revisions then this is the environment for you.
  • You like having the flexibility to work when and where you want while having a support system there to help you when you get stuck or need extra motivation.
  • You like getting away from the computer and/or the textbook and exploring the world around you.
  • You like the idea of college credit/weighted GPA/art credit without having to take any tests.

Requirements & Credit

This counts like any other class. The only difference is when and where you complete the work. No bells and no walls required!

You do not have to take another photography class before taking this but having some experience with cameras doesn't hurt.

It is an AP course so it includes weighted credit for your GPA.

It counts for your Visual Performing Arts (VPA) credit.

College credit can be earned by submitting the final portfolio to the CollegeBoard and passing. So far we have a 100% pass rate!

Image by James Hernandez

Structure

The structure of this course gives students a lot of freedom in how they decide to complete their coursework and improve as a photographer but it is very important that they stay disciplined and do not fall behind.

The class typically meets on Monday afternoons in room I8. The exact dates will be on the Canvas course calendar once the school year starts.

Class meetings will include the introduction and discussion of upcoming assignments and course principles as well as class critiques (see below). Students are expected to attend each class session in its entirety in order to stay on track.

All assignments are geared toward successfully completing a 20 image portfolio at the end of the year. Peer reviews and instructor feedback will be provided for weekly assignments.

Each quarter, students will submit a portfolio review of images created so far. Students can and should use images from the weekly assignments, provided they received positive scores and feedback on those images previously

Image by Sarah Cudahy

Optional Lab & Office Hours

  • Everyday at lunch
  • Other times available upon request

Image by Julia Thompson

Assignments & Grades

  1. Assignments- 25%
  2. Class Participation & Professionalism- 25%
  3. Portfolios- 50%

Image by Mitzi Williams

Critiques

Creating meaningful work is an ongoing process that requires continual refinement and improvement. Giving and receiving critiques is a major part of this class. It will happen in face to face settings and will also take place via Canvas discussions. Instructor feedback will also be available on a daily basis during lab time and office hours in order to get help on assignments while students are actively working on them. Students will be required to present their work to the class and engage in an evaluative discussion about each piece.

Image by Ethan Tweitmann

Required Equipment

  • No camera equipment is required to take this class.
  • The best camera is the one you have on you- smartphone, DSLR, GoPro, etc.
  • All necessary equipment is available for checkout or on-campus use. It is highly recommended though that students have access to a DSLR camera. The exact model and brand does not matter.
  • Adobe CC software is available to all students on campus by utilizing office hours. In addition, Adobe products may be downloaded for free on personal computers (not Chromebooks) through your school Gmail account- I just need to add you into the system.
  • Reliable internet access

Image by Joshua Estrada

Policies and Procedure

  • Be Respectful
  • Be On Time
  • Ask Questions

Read and agree to the Technology Usage Contract

Image by Tiana Troilo

Copyright/Plagiarism

You can't walk out of the grocery store with food without paying (legally, at least) and you can't take someone's image off this internet and use it without his/her permission (legally, at least).

All of the photos in this syllabus are from HBHS students. I asked for their permission and gave them photo credit.

Artistic integrity and current copyright law will be covered throughout the year in order to ensure all student work is original in concept and execution.

Image by Courtney Jones

Professionalism

All students are expected to be active participants online and in class throughout the duration of the course. It is essential that all students are aware of and display proper netiquette at all times in order to foster a professional learning environment.

Image by Cayley Hebert