Course Outline of Record

Item	Value
Eff Term	Fall 2026
Curriculum Committee Approval Date	11/18/2025
Top Code	101100 - Cinematography
Units	3 Total Units (Lecture Units 1.5;  Lab/Other Units 1.5)
Hours	108 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 27; Lab Hours 81)
Total Outside of Class Hours	54
Total Student Learning Hours	162
Course Credit Status	Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee	No
Basic Skills	Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable	No
Open Entry/Open Exit	No
Grading Policy	Standard Letter (S),  Pass/No Pass (B)
Local General Education (GE)	Area 3 Arts and Humanities (GC)
California State University General Education Breadth (CSU GE-Breadth)	CSU C1 Arts (C1)

Course Description

This course will introduce students to the historical and technical fundamentals of the processes, principles, and tools of film-based, darkroom photography. This course also introduces the development of personal artistic expression and visual perception. Topics covered include the development of technical and aesthetic skills, picture-taking techniques, darkroom printing techniques, elements of design and principles of composition, photographic materials and auxiliary equipment, and historical and contemporary trends in photography from a fine arts perspective. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

1. Operate the manual controls on a 35mm camera and auxiliary equipment.
2. Use a variety of basic darkroom techniques.
3. Formulate criticisms of photographs utilizing photographic terminology and concepts.
4. Apply the elements and principals of design in a well-composed photograph.

Course Objectives

• Produce photographs that utilize photographic tools, materials, and processes including camera controls, image exposure, image processing, printing, and presentation.
• Employ exposure, dodging, burning-in, and cropping when printing an enlargement from a negative.
• Apply the elements of design and principles of composition in finished photographs.
• Create a portfolio of photographs demonstrating formal, conceptual, and technical development.
• Analyze photographic images utilizing relevant terminology and concepts.
• Examine historical and contemporary trends, language, and aesthetics in photography.
• Operate auxiliary equipment such as light meters, filters, tripods, and wide-angle and long lenses.
• Use photographic equipment and materials safely.

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Lecture Content

1. Introduction to the darkroom
   1. Making a photogram
2. Safe handling, maintenance, and appropriate use of photography equipment and materials
3. Anatomy of a camera and auxiliary equipment
4. Camera controls
   1. Operating the shutter
   2. Operating the aperture
   3. Loading and cleaning the camera
5. Elements of design and principles of composition
   1. Historical examples of effective composition
6. Film exposure and processing
   1. In-camera exposure
   2. Developing film
7. Printing techniques
   1. Dodging
   2. Burning-in
   3. Cropping
   4. Contrast filters
8. Film characteristics
9. Paper characteristics
10. Filter characteristics
    1. For black and white film
11. Concept development and project-based approaches to photography
12. Group and individual critiques of photography
    1. Critical vocabulary
13. Introduction to photographers and major photographic art movements
    1. Historical and contemporary trends in photography
    2. Historical and contemporary trends in aesthetics as it relates to photography

Lab Content

1. Camera controls, auxiliary equipment, and photographic tools
   1. Shutter
   2. Aperture
   3. Other manual camera controls
   4. Loading and cleaning of the camera
   5. Light meters
   6. Filters
   7. Tripod
   8. Wide angle and long lenses
   9. Other auxiliary equipment and tools
2. Wet-lab film development and darkroom printmaking
   1. In-camera exposure
   2. Developing film
   3. Contact printing
   4. Photogram
3. Materials and processes
   1. Film
   2. Paper
   3. Chemicals
4. Compositional techniques and principles 
   1. Elements of design 
   2. Principles of composition 
   3. Balance
   4. Rhythm
   5. Perspective
   6. Repetition
   7. Framing
5. Image exposure
   1. Dodging
   2. Burning in
   3. Cropping
   4. Contrast filters
6. Group and individual critiques

Method(s) of Instruction

• Lecture (02)
• Lab (04)

Instructional Techniques

-

Reading Assignments

Articles, handouts, and textbook readings.

Writing Assignments

Written assignments may include quizzes, essays, exams, or reports. Students will write a critical review after visiting a photography exhibition using appropriate photography terminology including interpretations of meaning, references to art movements, and aesthetics.

Out-of-class Assignments

Student will complete some photo shooting assignments outside of class. Students will visit a photography exhibition and write a critical review using appropriate photographic terminology including interpretations of meaning, references to art movements, and aesthetics.

Study Non-Contact Hours Recommended

54

Methods of Student Evaluation

• Midterm Exam
• Final Exam
• Short Quizzes
• Written Assignments
• Essay Examinations
• Objective Examinations
• Report
• Projects (Individual/Group)
• Problem Solving Exercises
• Oral Presentations
• Skills Demonstration

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Students will solve specific photo shooting assignments involving the principles of camera operation and around visual problems in the form of a successful print. Students will critique each other's work orally.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Written assignments may include quizzes, essays, exams, or reports. Students will write a critical review after visiting a photography exhibition using appropriate photographic terminology including interpretations of meaning, references to art movements, and aesthetics. Students will create a portfolio of photographic work demonstrating formal, conceptual, and technical development.

Resources Subscreen

• Textbook: Barbara London and Jim Stone. A Short Course in Photography: Film and Darkroom . Pearson (2018 (Classic)).
• Textbook: Barbara London and Jim Stone. Photography. Pearson (2025).

Eligible Discipline(s)

• Photography: Master’s degree in photography, fine arts, or art OR bachelor’s degree in any of the above AND master’s degree in art history or humanities OR the equivalent. Master's degree required.