ART/JMS 348: Pinhole to Cameraphone: Photography’s History and Practice
Roosevelt University: Summer 2020
Mike Ensdorf, Professor of Photography
Department of Communication
How to reach me
E-mail: mensdorf@roosevelt.edu
Office: AUD Room 620C
Phone: 312-341-6458
The absolute best way to reach me is by e-mail. I check it daily.
Course description:
An investigation of the history and practice of early, middle-period, and contemporary photography. We’ll look at slide examples and discuss the history of photography, then do hands-on work with pinhole cameras, large format cameras, digital cameras, and camera phones. No previous photographic experience or equipment is required. We’ll also visit exhibitions at galleries and/or museums in the city to view examples of work presented in the class. The goals of the course are to demystify the history of photographic practice, contextualize current digital practices in photography, and engage students in the history, art, and craft of various photographic techniques and practices.
Term: One-Week Summer Intensive, 2020
Dates and Time: Monday, July 6 through Friday, July 10, 9:00am – 5:00pm
Place: Photography Classroom and Lab, Room 509, Auditorium Bldg
Evaluation:
Students will discuss and create photographic work. Grading will be based on in-class assignments, participation, the production of photographic output, and reflection papers. The course is meant as an overview of the history of photographic practice. Students will not be expected to produce a “body” of work, but instead will be required to apply the concepts and techniques presented in the lecture portion of the class, to outdoor shooting assignments and in the chemical and digital labs.
- Assignments………………………………………….10% each (total of four creative assignments equaling 40%)
- Reflection papers…………………………………..2% each (total of five reflection papers equaling 10%)
- Attendance/Participation………………………25%
- Final Portfolio Project……………………………25%
Be prepared to work in class. You must have all materials and supplies ready. There is $60 lab fee to cover the cost of film, supplies, and chemicals.
Attendance: Mandatory. Due to the intensive nature of the course, lateness and any absence will affect your final grade. (One absence=C, two absences=F.)
Textbook: None. Handouts will be provided.
Academic integrity: For the Academic Integrity Policy on issues such as plagiarism, repurposing, cheating and other forms of academic dishonesty, please see the University’s policies page, which is available at: University Policies Webpage. Additional guidelines for avoiding plagiarism are available on this webpage: Academic Integrity Guide for Students.
Disability: If you have a condition or disability that requires reasonable accommodation, please alert Disability Services (in the Learning Commons) as soon as possible. In order to effectively use accommodations, they should be implemented prior to any assignments, quizzes or tests. In Chicago, Disability Services is located in the Learning Commons, AUD1050 (inside the Library), and the phone number is 312-341-3811. In Schaumburg, Disability Services is in room 517, and the phone number is 847-619-7978. You can also reach Disability Services by emailing academicsuccess@roosevelt.edu
Roosevelt University complies fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act. For more information on Disability Services at Roosevelt, visit this link: Disability Services Webpage.
Religious holidays: Please let your instructor know as soon as possible if you will miss class because you are observing a religious holiday. Roosevelt University policy requires written notification to the instructor within the first two weeks of the term. Any work you miss because of a religious holiday can be made up. You can see the full policy by visiting this link: University Policies Webpage
Student Code of Conduct: Students enrolled in the university are expected to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the university’s function as an educational institution. Please familiarize yourself with the Student Code of Conduct, the Student Handbook and related procedures which is available through this link: Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities Webpage
Title IX: Roosevelt University cares greatly about the health and well-being of our students, staff, faculty, and guests to our campuses. Federal law, specifically Title IX, and the University Sexual Misconduct Policy require that all employees are mandated reporters of incidents involving sexual or gender-based violence or harassment. More information on Title IX at Roosevelt and the complete Sexual Misconduct policy can be found by clicking on this link: Roosevelt Title IX Webpage
Disclosures made to faculty or staff about sexual or gender-based harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and/or stalking on or off campus must be forwarded to the Title IX Coordinator:
- Alice Jones – Title IX Coordinator (312) 341-2045
- Toyia Stewart – Deputy Coordinator (312) 341-6756
The above listed staff are Responsible Employees and therefore are mandated to report. The Title IX office will contact any student who discloses an incident regarding student rights, including the option to request an investigation, interim safety measures, and/or academic accommodations. In certain circumstances, the Title IX Coordinator may need to proceed with an investigation, even if none is requested, if there are safety risks to the student or campus community. Participation in the process is voluntary.
If you want a confidential place to disclose sexual assault, sexual harassment or intimate partner violence, there are confidential advisors on campus who are not mandated reporters. They are:
- LaDonna Long (312)244-0426 – Confidential Advisor (available via phone all hours);
- The Counseling Center (430 S. Michigan Avenue Room 470 Phone: 312-341-3548) staff are also NOT mandatory reporters and therefore NOT required to report a disclosure to the Title IX Office.
Withdrawal date: The final date for an official withdrawal from this class (meaning a “W” would appear on your transcript) is July 6, 2020. You should consult your academic advisor if you are considering withdrawing from a course. If you receive financial aid, also check with your financial aid counselor to assure that aid isn’t affected by withdrawing from a class.
Resources for Students
Academic Advising: Advisors help students review degree options and curriculum requirements for most undergraduate programs; assist undecided students in identifying career goals and academic major; and guide students experiencing academic difficulty or academic probation.
Help students interpret University policies and procedures
Chicago campus: room 1M10, Mezzanine, Wabash Building, (312) 341-4340.
Schaumburg campus: SCH 125; (847) 619-7930
Some students are advised within their college and/or in their individual programs. Graduate students work directly with their academic department.
Blackboard Support, Training and Quick Guides: The Blackboard course management system is supported by the RUOnline staff and by the Roosevelt University Help Desk.
Quick guides link: Blackboard Tutorials Website
Technology Help desk link: RU Technology Support Website
Campus Safety:
Auditorium Building: (312) 341-2020
Gage Building: (312) 341-3111
Schaumburg campus: (847) 619-8989
Computer labs: A list of open labs is located on this webpage: Computer Labs Webpage
Counseling Center: Individual counseling, as well as group and couples counseling.
Chicago campus: room 470 Auditorium Building, (312) 341-3548
Schaumburg campus: room 114, (312) 341-3548
Click here for the Counseling Center website
Financial Aid Services: Apply for financial aid, set up payment plans, and answer questions regarding your Roosevelt bill. Chicago campus:Mezzanine, Wabash Building, (866) 421-0935; FAO@roosevelt.eduSchaumburg campus: room 125, (866) 421-0935; FAO@roosevelt.edu
Food and Hygiene Pantry: If you or someone you know are in need of food or toiletries please visit the pantry located in WB318 and SCH 130 H. Students may access the pantry during the posted hours or by appointment. Appointment can be scheduled via email at HFI@roosevelt.edu. Additionally, if interested in volunteering or donating to the pantry, please e-mail HFI@roosevelt.edu.
Learning Commons: The Learning Commons offers tutoring in writing, math, and other subjects; peer mentors; and disability services.Visit our webpage for more information on hours, appointments, and available services: Learning Commons Website
Tutoring
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- Chicago campus: In-person peer tutoring in writing, math, and other subjects is available in the Learning Commons on the Chicago campus. Use the Navigate within the Roosevelt app to make an appointment. You can also visit by the Learning Commons, 10th Fl AUD, to make an appointment or drop-in for tutoring, Monday-Thursday (9am-6pm) and Friday (9am-3pm).
- Schaumburg Campus: Students on the Schaumburg campus have 24/7 access to online tutoring via Smarthinking on Blackboard. Students can visit SCH 517 to learn more about tutoring options and other academic support.
- Online and Evening/Weekends: The Learning Commons offers 24/7 online tutoring through Smarthinking, a third-party platform. You can find Smarthinking on the “Help” page in Blackboard.
- Peer Mentoring: Peer mentoring is available to all RU students. Peer Mentors provide social and academic support to fellow college students. Contact Kathleen Mullins for more information kmullins01@roosevelt.edu, or stop by the Learning Commons.
- Disability Services: The Learning Commons is also the home of Disability Services. If you have a disability it is in your interest to register with Disability Services. Using our services is private. We aim to teach you the skills you need to be a strong independent learner. Chicago campus: Auditorium Building 1050 (inside the Library) (312) 341-3818. Schaumburg campus: room 517, 847-619-7978. Email Adam Wouk awouk@roosevelt.edor Kathleen Mullins kmullins01@roosevelt.edu
Library: Find everything you need to know about the Auditorium Building library, the Schaumburg library and the Performing Arts library at this link: Roosevelt Library Website.
Registrar: Registration, drop/add, withdrawal, transcripts, credit evaluation, graduation.
Chicago campus: Mezzanine floor, Wabash Building, (312) 341-3535; registrar@roosevelt.edu
Schaumburg campus: room 125, (847) 619-7950; registrar@roosevelt.edu
Roosevelt App: Download the Roosevelt app, including Navigate, which allows students to view their class schedule; to schedule appointments with Advising, Learning Commons, Career Development, Multicultural Student Support Services, and Financial Aid Services; and to receive important push notifications about registration and other important campus events and news items. The app is available for download for iOS or Android.
RUWiFi: To access the university’s wireless network, either email helpdesk@roosevelt.eduor call (312) 341-4357.
Consider also including Resources for Students as a content area on your course Blackboard site.
RU’s Learning Goals:
The University’s three overall learning goals for undergraduate students are:
- Effective communication
- Knowledge of discipline-focused content
- Awareness of social justice and engagement in civic life
Goals and Learning Outcomes of the Pinhole to Cameraphone Class:
- Design, make, and present creative projects.
- To become proficient at the techniques of shooting & manipulating photographic imagery, using multiple camera technologies and formats.
- To think more ethically, as well as creatively about image enhancement and manipulation.
- To develop effective ways to talk about and critique work.
- To produce a digital photography portfolio showcasing the techniques and concepts generated in the course.
Class Structure:
- Lecture, slides, and handout readings related to the techniques and creative processes embedded in the history of photography.
- In-class demonstration and instruction of image making using multiple camera formats.
- In-class studio time, as well as outside shooting time, to allow for more individual assistance, and for the completion of assignments.
- Classroom critiques of assignments and final project.
Class organization
MONDAY
AM–The Beginnings of Photography, 1800-1850
- Slide lecture and discussion detailing the origins of photography, including historical events that helped shape the new medium.
PM–The Photogram: Making Sun Pictures
- Photography without a camera. Creating photograms in the darkroom. Introduction to chemical photography.
Assignment 1: During lunch, collect raw materials for afternoon darkroom work. Create and develop photograms.
Reading: The Nascent Medium
Reflection: One page paper due tomorrow morning describing your experience working in a chemical darkroom.
TUESDAY
AM–The Camera Obscura and Pinhole Photography
- Review work from first day’s lab session.
- Slide lecture and discussion of pinhole photography.
PM–Making Pictures with a Pinhole Camera
- Shooting outdoors in the city with pinhole cameras. Developing paper negatives and making contact prints.
Assignment 2: During class, shoot images with a pinhole camera using natural light. Develop and print images.
Reading: Pinhole Photography
Reflection: One page paper due tomorrow morning describing your experience making pinhole camera images.
WEDNESDAY
AM–Late 19th Century Large Format Photography
- Review prints from second lab session.
- Slide lecture and discussion on the professional uses of photography from 1850-1900. A look at representation and the photographic image.
- Gallery/museum excursion.
PM–Portraiture and Large Format Photography
- Shooting portraits with 4″ x 5″ large format camera using natural and artificial light. Making contact prints with large format negatives.
Assignment 3: With a large format camera, shoot portraits using natural light. Print pictures in the darkroom.
Reading: Portraiture in the 19th Century
Reflection: One page paper due tomorrow morning detailing your thoughts on making a portrait.
THURSDAY
AM–Popular Photography and the Rise of the Small Camera, 1900-1950
- Review previous day’s work.
- Slide lecture and discussion on the invention of the Kodak and photography’s move from a professional to a popular practice.
Assignment 4 : During lunch, shoot a photo essay in the city with your cameraphone.
Reading: Snapshot Photography: The Rise of Vernacular Photography
PM–Introduction to Digital Photography
- Slide lecture and discussion on the digital revolution in photography. The history of photomontage from 1900-1950.
- Using Photoshop for basic image manipulation. Editing images from shooting project.
Reading: Photography in the Digital Age
Reflection: One page paper due tomorrow morning describing the differences between chemical and digital photographic processes.
FRIDAY
AM–The Camera Phone and Beyond
- Complete and review shooting project.
- Lecture and discussion on the changing nature of photographic art and practice. The camera phone revolution.
- Uploading and displaying camera phone images.
PM–Final Critique
- Create Flickr accounts and upload projects.
- A review of the photographic output created during the workshop.
- A final one page paper (to be emailed to me) summing up your experiences during this week-long intensive course, including your strongest “take-aways” from the experience.
About your instructor
Mike Ensdorf, Associate Dean/Arts & Sciences, Professor of Photography/Journalism & Media Studies, Founder and Director/Gage Gallery at Roosevelt University. Master of Fine Arts, University of Illinois at Chicago.
Ensdorf helped develop the Journalism and Media Studies program at Roosevelt University in Chicago. In Roosevelt’s Department of Communication he teaches: Film and Digital Photography, Photobook History and Practice, and Pinhole to Cameraphone: Photography’s History and Practice. Ensdorf’s photographic work was included in the Iterations exhibition at the International Center of Photography in New York, and in the book of the same name published by MIT Press. His work was also included in the Photography after Photography exhibition, touring museums in Germany, Austria, Denmark, Switzerland, Finland, and finishing at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Philadelphia. His work is represented in the German and English editions of the book, Photography after Photography: Memory and Representation in the Digital Age, published by G+B Arts. Ensdorf’s work is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Contemporary Photography in Chicago. As founding director, Ensdorf has developed the Gage Gallery at Roosevelt University into “Chicago’s premier space for showcasing contemporary critical social photo-documentary work.” (Michael Weinstein, NewCity, Chicago.)