Alternative & Non Silver Processes
Statement of Purpose & Policy
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Art 30760 is an advanced class in photography.  Art 20743 is required before taking this class.

The Purpose of the Course:
In this class you will investigate an extensive range of light sensitive, non-silver, alternative, and post print manipulative processes. We will examine how these historical processes mesh with contemporary practices, concepts and ethics in the field of fine art photography. Additionally, we will discuss environmental issues relating to the use chemistry and materials related to this class.

Some of the processes you will learn about and work with are: Cyanotype, Van Dyke, Kallitype, Gum Bichromate and Platinum & Palladium. We will also discuss multi- process combinations, and toning options of these techniques. We will also cover pinhole photography/alternative cameras, traditional and digital negative, hand applied liquid emulsions on paper and alternative surfaces, Image transfer processes and hand applied color.

The objectives of this course are as follows:
(1)             To produce a body of work using these alternative and non-silver processes.
(2)            To have an understanding how these processes relate to contemporary photographic practices.
(3)            To learn to safely handle, mix, measure and use bulk chemistry.
           
To accomplish these goals demonstrations, lectures, readings, discussions, papers, and critiques may be used to instruct you in technical and aesthetic matters.  You are also encouraged to seek aid during the supervised lab period for any problems encountered concerning photography.

Text
There is no required text.  However, there are a number of really great books dealing with this field of endeavor. Many of the books provide not only formulas and sources for chemistry but also some very inspirational images in a variety of media.

Suggested Reading:
The Book of Alternative Photographic Processes by Christopher James, Delmar Publishing
Photography's Antiquarian Avant-Garde: The New Wave in Old Processes by Lyle Rexer,
         Harry Abrams Publisher
New Dimensions in Photo Imaging, Laura Blacklow, Focal Press
The Keepers of Light by William Crawford, Morgan Press
Alternative Photographic Processes by Kent Wade, Morgan Press
Pinhole Photography - Rediscovering of a Historic Technique by Eric Renner, Focal Press
A Photo Media Cookbook by Bea Nettles, Prairie Book Arts Center

Grades:
During the course of the semester your progress will be ascertained by various projects, tests and assignments.  There will be 3 Portfolios. You will receive a grade each time you turn in a portfolio so that you may assess your progress. Each portfolio grade will supercede the previous one. You will also receive grades for class participation and exams. The final portfolio is the most important grade. The final portfolio will contain 10-15 of your best works from the projects and outside work. As the semester proceeds, I will identify, through discussions and critiques of projects the criteria used to evaluate your photographs.

Evaluation for your Final Grade will be based on the following:
1) Your ability to deal visually with the world through photography and the evident growth in that ability.
2) Your ability to control the materials and processes of photography.
3) Your attendance and participation at all scheduled class functions.

A = Exceptional Work
B = Good Work
C =Satisfactory Work
D = Unsatisfactory Work
F = Failing

The Final Portfolio for the semester will count for 70% of the Final Grade.  Attendance and participation in class will account for 20% of the Final Grade. The Slide talk will account for 10% of the Final Grade.

Expectations

You are expected to shoot new pictures for this class.  No pictures shot previous to this semester are allowed without prior permission of the instructor. You are expected to try each of the processes outlined in the course work.  You are expected to attend all classes.

Course Policies:
Attendance -
The university attendance policy states that regular and punctual class attendance is essential and that no assigned work is excused because of absence, no matter what the cause. Class attendance is recorded. Missed demonstrations will not be repeated. Missed critiques will lower the final grade.

Late Work -
Unless otherwise stated, all Projects are due at the beginning of the class period during which it was scheduled to be turned in! This is very important so that we may proceed with class instead of having to wait on someone to complete a project, which they have already had ample time to finish. Budget your time carefully and you will have no trouble completing the assignments in this class.

Additional Important Information -
Due to the constraints of mass-education I give out the information which I feel will do the most good for the greatest number of you.  However, I am aware that some of you may have special interests which are not being addressed by the normal classroom information.  If this is so, then you must make me aware of these interests.  I can't read your mind, so I must rely upon you to come in and talk to me.  This is part of what I get paid for and certainly must be part of your reason for taking a class as opposed to learning photography out of a book - take advantage of this opportunity.  

Objectionable Material
For sound pedagogical reasons, there will be times in this course when it will be necessary to use course materials that some students may find objectionable. This could include classroom discussions and from time to time the showing of slides containing images of the unclothed human form.

Students with Disabilities
Texas Christian University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 regarding students with disabilities. No otherwise qualified individual shall be denied access to or participation in the services, programs and activities of TCU solely on the basis of a disability. The University shall provide reasonable accommodations for each eligible student who (a) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity, (b) has a record or history of such an impairment or (c) is regarded as having such an impairment.
Each eligible student is responsible for presenting relevant, verifiable, professional documentation and/or assessment reports to the Coordinator for Students with Disabilities. Information concerning a student’s disability is treated in a confidential manner in accordance with University policies as well as applicable federal and state laws. Documentation presented to the Coordinator shall be reviewed by appropriate University professional(s) to verify the existence of a disability. Further documentation may be required from the student to substantiate the claim of a disability or to assist the University in determining appropriate accommodations.
Eligible students seeking accommodations should contact the Coordinator as soon as possible in the academic term for which they are seeking accommodations. The Coordinator shall prepare letters to appropriate faculty members concerning specific, reasonable academic adjustments for the student. The student is responsible for delivering accommodations letters, conferring with faculty members and returning validation of the receipt of information to the Coordinator. The Coordinator shall consult with the student and with University faculty and staff to ensure delivery of appropriate support services and shall serve as liaison between the student and the faculty member as needed.
Students who wish to appeal a decision regarding appropriate accommodations shall file a written request for review with the Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.

Coordinator for Students with Disabilities
Center for Academic Services
TCU Box 297710
Texas Christian University
Fort Worth, Texas 76129
(817) 257-7486

Academic Conduct
An academic community requires the highest standards of honor and integrity in all of its participants if it is to fulfill its missions. In such a community faculty, students, and staff are expected to maintain high standards of academic conduct. The purpose of this policy is to make all aware of these expectations. Additionally, the policy outlines some, but not all, of the situations which can arise that violate these standards. Further, the policy sets forth a set of procedures, characterized by a "sense of fair play," which will be used when these standards are violated. In this spirit, definitions of academic misconduct are listed below. These are not meant to be exhaustive.

Academic misconduct is:

Any act that violates the spirit of the academic conduct policy is considered academic misconduct. Specific examples include, but are not limited to:
A. Cheating. Includes, but is not limited to:
1. Copying from another student's test paper, laboratory report, other report, or computer files and listings.
2. Using in any academic exercise or academic setting, material and/or devices not authorized by the person in charge of the test.
3. Collaborating with or seeking aid from another student during an academic exercise without the permission of the person in charge of the exercise.
4. Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in its entirety or in part, the contents of a test or other assignment unauthorized for release.
5. Substituting for another student, or permitting another student to substitute for oneself, in a manner that leads to misrepresentation of either or both students work.
B. Plagiarism. The appropriation, theft, purchase, or obtaining by any means another's work, and the unacknowledged submission or incorporation of that work as one's own offered for credit. Appropriation includes the quoting or paraphrasing of another's work without giving credit therefore.
C. Collusion. The unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing work offered for credit.
D. Abuse of resource materials. Mutilating, destroying, concealing, or stealing such materials.
E. Computer misuse. Unauthorized or illegal use of computer software or hardware through the TCU Computer Center or through any programs, terminals, or freestanding computers owned, leased, or operated by TCU or any of its academic units for the purpose of affecting the academic standing of a student.
F. Fabrication and falsification. Unauthorized alteration or invention of any information or citation in an academic exercise. Falsification involves altering information for use in any academic exercise. Fabrication involves inventing or counterfeiting information for use in any academic exercise.
G. Multiple submission. The submission by the same individual of substantial portions of the same academic work (including oral reports) for credit more than once in the same or another class without authorization.
H. Complicity in academic misconduct. Helping another to commit an act of academic misconduct.
I. Bearing false witness. Knowingly and falsely accusing another student of academic misconduct.
Sanctions. Sanctions will be imposed for acts of academic misconduct. Students may obtain a complete copy of the Academic Conduct Policy in the offices of all the academic deans, the Dean of Campus Life, the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, and the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs.

Netiquette
Communication Courtesy Code. All members of the class are expected to follow rules of common courtesy in all email messages, threaded discussions and chats. If I deem any of them to be inappropriate or offensive, I will forward the message to the Chair of the department and the online administrators and appropriate action will be taken, not excluding expulsion from the course.

TCU Campus Resources for Students
Many resources exist on the TCU campus that may be helpful to students: Mary Couts Burnet Library (257-7117); Center for Academic Services (257-7486, Sadler Hall. 11); the William L. Adams Writing Center (257-7221, Rickel Bldg. 244); Student Development Services (257-7855, Student Center Rm. 220); and University Ministries (257-7830, Student Center Rm. 111).

Email Notification
Only the official TCU student email address will be used for all course notification. It is your responsibility to check your TCU email on a regular basis.