Photography – Mike Ensdorf, Roosevelt University

Art/JMS 325: Photography
Roosevelt University: Spring 2020

Mike Ensdorf, Professor of Photography
Journalism and Media Studies
Department of Communication

How to reach me

E-mail: mensdorf@roosevelt.edu
Office: AUD Room 620
Phone: 312-341-6458
Hours: Mon-Wed, 10-4

The absolute best way to reach me is by e-mail. I check it daily.

Course description

Introduction to black & white film-based photography covering basic camera and darkroom techniques. Students will shoot and develop black and white film, and make silver gelatin prints using traditional darkroom equipment.

Time: 2pm-4:30pm, Thursday
Place: Room 509, Aud Bldg.

Textbook: A Short Course in Photography, by London & Stone (Tenth Edition)

Grading:

Grades will be based on: assignments (25%), attendance and participation (25%), midterm project (25%), and the final project (25%)

A/A-
Conceptually and technically excellent work, perfect attendance, all assigments completed on-time, strong midterm and final projects.

B+/B/B-
Good, clean work, with only minor technical problems, no more than 1 class missed over the semester, all assignments completed on-time, good midterm and/or final projects.

C+/C/C-
All of the above, no more than 2 classes missed, most of the assignments completed on-time, a good midterm or final project.

D+/D/D-
Technically poor work, 3 classes missed, multiple missed assignments, incomplete final project.

Be prepared to work in class. Bring your camera and all supplies to every class.

Important Policies

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:

Charity Seaborn – Interim Title IX Coordinator (312) 341-2045, titleIX@roosevelt.edu,
or by using the TIX Report Form.

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)244-0577 – 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 March 27, 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

- 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.

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 Photography Class:

Design, conduct, and present original creative projects.
To become proficient at the techniques of shooting & developing black and white photographic film, and making prints from negatives in a chemical darkroom.
To think more ethically, as well as creatively about image enhancement and manipulation.
To create awareness of social justice and issue oriented photography.
To develop effective ways to talk about and critique work.
To produce a photography project combining the techniques and concepts generated in the course.

Course Organization

Week 1: Introduction and Orientation (Jan 23)

Assignment:

Reading:

Camera (Chapter 1) & Exposure (Chapter 4)

Week 2: Exposure & Film Developing Cycle (Jan 30)

Assignment: Study negatives.
Reading: Developing the Negative (Chapter 5)

Week 3: The Contact Sheet & Printing (Feb 6)

Assignment: Shoot 1 roll of film outdoors, paying close attention to lighting/exposure.
Reading: Printing (Chapter 6)

Week 4: Depth of Field & Shutter Speed (Feb 13)

Assignment: Shoot 1 roll of film. The first half should demonstrate depth of field, the second half, motion.
Reading: Lens (Chapter 2)

Week 5: Environmental Portraiture (Feb 20)

Assignment: Shoot 1 roll of portraits, of one person.
Reading:Seeing Like a Camera (Chapter 9), Film (Chapter 3)

Week 6: Printing for Midterm (Feb 27)

Week 7: Printing for Midterm (Mar 5)

Week 8: SPRING BREAK! (Mar 12)

Week 9: Midterm Critique & Museum Visit (Mar 19)

Week 10: The Photo Essay (Mar 26)

Assignment: Over the next week shoot a photo story of one subject. You must expose at least 2 rolls of film on your subject.

Week 11:Develop Final Project Film (Apr 2)

Week 12: Printing for Final Project (Apr 9)

Week 13: Printing for Final Project (Apr 16)

Week 14: Printing for Final Project (Apr 23)

Week 15: Editing your Portfolio (Apr 30)

Week 16: Final Critique (May 7)

Supply List

35 mm camera: The Department of Communication will provide cameras for use during the course.

Camera lens tissue and cleaner (or a clean cotton T-shirt): this is not the same as eyeglass cleaner. If you purchase a lens filter you can use a cotton T-shirt to clean the filter. The UV filter will also protect your lens; I highly recommend this $20 investment.

Negative sleeves to fit into a 3-ring binder: for 35mm, 5 frames across, 7 rows down.

3-ring binder for storing negatives and contact sheets.

A can of air or an ear syringe: can be purchased at a pharmacy.

Ilford Multigrade Deluxe RC black & white photo paper: pearl finish, 8″ x 10″, 25 sheets to start. DO NOT OPEN PHOTO PAPER IN LIGHT!

Ilford HP5 plus 35mm black & white film, 36 exposure, packs of ten rolls are less expensive.

Below is THE place that will have your supplies. They have a student discount. Just ask before you purchase & have your ID.

Central Camera 230 S. Wabash 427-5580

Paper and film costs decrease when purchased in larger amounts, i.e.. 10 rolls of film, a box of 100 sheets of paper. You may want to team up with a classmate and split the cost.

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.)