ClassInfo

DC 274 Image, Optics and Cinematic Motion

Patrick Wimp

Summer II 2014-2015
Class number: 40972
Section number: 501L
W 6:00PM - 8:00PM
CDM 00801 Loop Campus

Summary

Summary of the course

Cinematography is the scientifically grounded discipline of making lighting and camera
choices in order to record moving images. This course deals with the basic mathematics,
physics, and photochemistry that underlies cinematography and that motivate camera
design and construction. While we have adopted motion images into our daily lives,
most people are unaware of the complexities involved in its creation and distribution- the language of motion so to speak.

As opposed to photography where the story is one still image, cinematography must deal
with objects in motion and the consequential time based considerations of shutter speed
vs. frame rate, image resolution, camera motion, motion perception of the viewer and the display of the image(s) on large screens.

A student who masters the foundations of cinematography through a mixture of lectures,
readings, exercises, and labs will be able to evaluate understand how motion based
recording choices affect perception of moving images they see everyday.

Course Objectives:

- To control the depiction of three-dimensional space on a 2D surface through the
use of optics
- To understand the nature of light and film/video latitude
- To control exposure
- To determine a visual look and achieve it through photochemical and/or digital
means
- To understand how the relationship of resolution, frame rate, shutter speed and
camera movement influence the viewer



Texts

Blain Brown: Cinematography

Hand-outs as supplied by instructor


Grading

Participation 10%
Reading quizzes 10%
Assignments & in-class Labs 30%
Midterm 20%
Final Exam 30%

Grading Scale
93-100: A 90-92: A- 87-89: B+ 83-86: B 80- 82: B- 77-79: C + 73-76: C 70-72: C - 67-69: D + 60-66: D

All grading is final (assignments may not be resubmitted for new grades). All
assignments are due the date they are assigned. Late assignments will be penalized 10% per week late. If an assignment is more than two weeks late, it is worth a maximum of 50% of its original point value. If you anticipate you will miss class, the assignment must be submitted the day it is due, unless the absence for the class is excused (documented illness, death in the family, etc.).


Course Policies

Attendance
Classes will consist of lecture, screenings, discussion, and creative exercises. Attendance is mandatory. An absence is defined as not showing up for class, or showing up after class has started. Any absences will result in a reduction of the attendance/participation grade. Two absences result in the reduction of the final grade by one letter. Three absences result in an automatic F for the course.

Assignments and Exercises
Assignments and exercises must be completed by the due date as indicated in the syllabus. Late work will not be accepted without prior consent of the instructor.

Examinations
Students who do not take exams during the regularly scheduled time will receive a failing grade for the exam unless they have contacted the instructor in advance to arrange for a make-up exam. Make-up exams will be administered by the College according to its make-up exam schedule.

Email
Email is the primary means of communication between faculty and students enrolled in this course outside of class time. Students should be sure their email listed under "demographic information" at http://campusconnect.depaul.edu is correct. All emails to the instructor must contain a heading specific to the subject discussed in the email.

Plagiarism
Plagiarism on assignments or cheating on exams are serious offenses and earn the student a failing grade for the class. Please read the Academic Integrity Policy (AIP) at: http://studentaffairs.depaul.edu/handbook/code16.html.

Course Lectures/Reading Assignments
The assigned readings offer an opportunity for independent learning that supplements the lectures. Lectures will introduce material not available in the readings, and the readings will explore concepts not mentioned in class. The exam will cover both lecture and reading materials as specified by the instructor.

Content Changes
Depending on time factors, the assignments projected for the term may require alteration or rescheduling. You will be notified of all changes. As the semester progresses, some items may change at the instructors discretion, but the overall workload will not. Make sure you pace yourself accordingly.


School policies:

Changes to Syllabus

This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.

Online Course Evaluations

Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation. Students complete the evaluation online in CampusConnect.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

This course will be subject to the university's academic integrity policy. More information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/ If you have any questions be sure to consult with your professor.

All students are expected to abide by the University's Academic Integrity Policy which prohibits cheating and other misconduct in student coursework. Publicly sharing or posting online any prior or current materials from this course (including exam questions or answers), is considered to be providing unauthorized assistance prohibited by the policy. Both students who share/post and students who access or use such materials are considered to be cheating under the Policy and will be subject to sanctions for violations of Academic Integrity.

Academic Policies

All students are required to manage their class schedules each term in accordance with the deadlines for enrolling and withdrawing as indicated in the University Academic Calendar. Information on enrollment, withdrawal, grading and incompletes can be found at http://www.cdm.depaul.edu/Current%20Students/Pages/PoliciesandProcedures.aspx.

Students with Disabilities

Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.
To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at:
Lewis Center 1420, 25 East Jackson Blvd.
Phone number: (312)362-8002
Fax: (312)362-6544
TTY: (773)325.7296