Photography-Intensive

Art/Jour/Med 325: Photography
Roosevelt University: One-week Intensive, Summer 2022

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

How to reach me

E-mail: mensdorf@roosevelt.edu
Office: 620 Auditorium Building
Phone: 312-341-6458

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

Course description

Introduction to black & white film photography covering basic camera and darkroom techniques. Students will photograph in the city every day, develop black and white film, and make prints using traditional darkroom equipment.

Term: One-Week Intensive, Summer 2022
Dates and Time: June 13 through June 17, 9:30am – 4:30pm
Place: Auditorium 509

Evaluation:

Assignments/Attendance/Participation…..50%
Final Project………………………………………….50%

*Be prepared to work in class. You must bring your camera and supplies everyday!

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

Bring camera and film to every meeting. We will be shooting during the day. Cameras will be supplied by the department.

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. To be effective, accommodations should be implemented prior to any assignments, quizzes, or tests. In Chicago, Disability Services is located in the Learning Commons, AUD1050 (inside the Library), the phone number is 312-341-3811, and the email address is learningcommons@roosevelt.edu.  In Schaumburg, Disability Services is in room 517A, the phone number is 847-619-7978 and the email address isccarpenter05@roosevelt.edu. Due to limited in-person office hours, we ask that you give us 2 business days to respond to all phone calls. We recommend reaching them via email to receive a quicker response.

They can offer both in-person and virtual appointments for our students to determine which academic accommodations are feasible and appropriate.

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 are available through this link: Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities Webpage

Title IX: Roosevelt University cares greatly about the health and wellbeing 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.

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.

Any person may report about sexual or gender-based harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and/or stalking on or off campus to the Title IX Coordinator titleix@roosevelt.edu. All faculty and staff are Responsible Employees and therefore are mandated to report all instances of sexual misconduct to the Office of Title IX Compliance. Disclosures made to faculty or staff must be forwarded to the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@roosevelt.edu.

If you want a confidential place to disclose sexual assault, sexual harassment or intimate partner violence, there are confidential advisors on campus.  These professionals are also NOT mandatory reporters and therefore NOT required to report a disclosure to the Title IX Office:

  • Regina Buccola, 312-244-0577, AUD 520B
    ConfidentialAdvisor@roosevelt.edu
  • Virtual care from anywhere: Timely Care for Lakers

Veterans Services:  Roosevelt recognizes the remarkable contributions made by members of our armed services and the challenges associated with transitioning into a civilian setting. Our student resources reflect this, with support from faculty and staff members who honor the needs of veteran services. If you are a Veteran or Active Service Member, please contact the Office of Veterans Services at ovs@roosevelt.edu.

Prohibiting Discrimination, Harassment, Bullying and Retaliation: Roosevelt University is committed to the preservation of the dignity and worth of all members of the University community. To ensure an environment for working and learning in which all individuals are treated with respect, discrimination and harassment are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. In addition, no person who makes a good faith report of discrimination and/or harassment shall be retaliated against in any way. Any person who has a good faith belief that they have experienced or witnessed a violation of Policy must report the incident to the Behavioral Assessment Team at bat@roosevelt.edu.

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; interpret University policies and procedures; and guide students experiencing academic difficulty or academic probation.

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. You can schedule an appointment with an academic advisor through the Navigate App: Navigate App for Appointments and Support Services

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
Schaumburg campus: (847) 619-8989

Computer labs: A list of open labs is located on this webpage: Computer Labs Webpage

Counseling: All current students can access licensed medical doctors and licensed therapists at Timely MD using computer, phone, or other mobile devices from anywhere in the United States. Timely MD.

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; Schaumburg campus: room 125, (866) 421-0935; FAS@roosevelt.edu

Food and Hygiene Pantry: If you or someone you know is 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. Appointments can be scheduled via email at HFI@roosevelt.edu. Additionally, if you’re 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 and virtual peer tutoring in writing, math, and other subjects is available in the Learning Commons on the Chicago campus. Use Navigate within the Roosevelt app to make an appointment.  If you are in need of tutoring, please email learningcommons@roosevelt.edu for assistance.
    • Schaumburg Campus: Students on both the Chicago and Schaumburg campuses have 24/7 access to online tutoring via Smarthinking on Blackboard.
  • Peer Mentoring: Peer mentoring is available to all RU students. Peer Mentors provide social and academic support to fellow college students. For the Chicago Campus, please contact Erin Blajszczak at eblajszczak@roosevelt.edu. For the Schaumburg Campus, please contact Rina Carpenter at ccarpenter05@roosevelt.edu.
  • 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 the Learning Commons. Using our services is private. We aim to teach you the skills you need to be a strong, independent learner, while offering accommodations both in and out of the classroom where necessary.
    • Chicago campus: Auditorium Building 1050 (inside the Library), (312) 341-3811.
    • Schaumburg campus: room 517A, 847-619-7978.
    • Via email: learningcommons@roosevelt.edu (Chicago) or ccarpenter05@roosevelt.edu (Schaumberg)

Laker Grant (Student Emergency Fund): The Laker Grant Fund provides limited financial assistance to currently enrolled Roosevelt University students who need help with immediate, essential expenses because of temporary hardship related to an unforeseen situation. The fund is designated to offset a short-term financial need and is not intended to replace or supplement financial aid. Funds are awarded as a grant, and unlike a loan do not need to be repaid. Funds may count as income and may be subject to federal and/or state taxes. To read more about and to apply for this emergency fund: Laker Grant Fund Application

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.

Name, Pronoun, Gender Change: Roosevelt University will honor a student’s request to select a preferred name and/or gender other than their legal name or gender. This is policy aligns with the University’s commitment to inclusivity on campus. The University reserves the right to reject inappropriate requests such as offensive or derogatory language. You may request a change by filling out this form: Update Personal Information

Registrar: We are available to answer questions about registration, drop/add, withdrawal, transcripts, credit evaluation, or graduation.

Chicago campus: Mezzanine floor, Wabash Building, (312) 341-3535; registrar@roosevelt.edu
Schaumburg campus: room 125, (847) 619-7950; registrar@roosevelt.edu

Roosevelt Mobile App: Download the Roosevelt mobile app, which allows students to view their class schedules; 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.

Study Buddies: Students who participate in study groups tend to develop a deeper understanding of instructional material, and they learn how to think critically and creatively about academic concepts. All Roosevelt students have access to “Study Buddies” through Navigate. Study Buddies is only available through the mobile app, so you must download the Navigate Student app via the RU app, to your mobile device.

Wi-Fi Access: If you are visiting campus for the first time in a while, please note that the process for accessing Wi-Fi on campus has changed to ensure better security. The process will differ based on the device you are using. Please visit the Tech Support knowledge base and review the article outlining the process for your particular device.

If you forget how to access Wi-Fi, you can always go to roosevelt.edu/wifi for a reminder. Please note that if you are using an Android device, you may want to download the SecureW2 JoinNow app while on your home Wi-Fi, prior to coming to campus, in order to expedite the process. New students must claim their NetID and set a new password before trying to connect to Wi-Fi at Roosevelt. Instructions are available at: roosevelt.edu/netid.

Student Support Services STEM: Through RU’s SSS STEM program students have access to various academic and engagement activities, such as one-on-one academic advising, peer mentoring and tutoring, career and financial workshops, and cultural enrichment opportunities. To learn more about this program, please contact The RU SSS STEM Office.

Withdrawal Date: The final date for an official withdrawal from this class (meaning a “W” would appear on your transcript) is 06/13/22. In order to withdraw after the official withdrawal date, you must petition for a late withdraw with Office of the Registrar. Petitions are granted only for non-academic reasons after the deadline.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. The complete withdrawal policy is here: https://www.roosevelt.edu/current-students/academics/register-classes.

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 Class:

  • To develop knowledge of discipline-focused content.
  • To create awareness of social justice and issue oriented photography.
  • To learn effective shooting techniques.
  • To develop effective ways to communicate/talk about and critique work.
  • Student demonstrates the ability to apply:  1.) knowledge of tools and technologies of communication fields; 2.) theories and concepts in presentation of images and visual information.

Class Structure:

  • Slide lectures related to the technique, theory, history, and creative process of shooting, developing, and printing for traditional black and white photography.
  • Critiques of shooting assignments and projects.

Class organization

***MONDAY (JUNE 13)***

Introduction and Orientation

Class policies and procedures
Lab policies and procedures
Supplies & equipment needed
Basic camera technique & exposure

Shooting Assignment–The Journey/Vantage Point

—Shoot one roll of film walking around the loop. Choose a beginning and ending point before you start shooting. Take pictures changing your vantage point/point of view as you walk from point A to point B.

Film Developing Cycle

–Mixing chemistry, loading film, processing film, cutting & care of negatives.

The Contact Sheet and Printing

–How to make and read a contact sheet. How to print a black & white photograph.

Assignment: Study contact sheets. Select three pictures to enlarge.

***TUESDAY (JUNE 14)***

Depth of Field and Shutter Speed

–Using the aperture and shutter for full creative control.

Creative Printing Techniques

–Dodging and burning in the darkroom.

Assignment: Shoot 1 roll of film in a four block radius around the Auditorium building. The first half should demonstrate depth of field, the second half, motion.

***WEDNESDAY (JUNE 15)***

The Formal and Informal Portrait

Assignment: Shoot 1 roll of portraits of 5 separate individuals in the city.

Museum Visit

Portrait Assignment Printing

Critique

***THURSDAY (JUNE 16)***

The Urban Landscape

–Photographing the city.

Assignment: Shoot 1 roll of film at the end of class and one roll, and one in the morning before class.

Urban Landscape Assignment Printing

***FRIDAY (JUNE 17)***

Urban Landscape Assignment Developing and Printing

Final Critique

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.)