Course Syllabus
ART 170: Photography as an Art
Spring Quarter 2019, 5 Credits
Prerequisites: None
Section: 42, Tuesday and Thursday, 1:15 to 2:20 PM
Olympic Hall (OLY), Room 102
Starts 4/1/19 Ends 6/14/19
Instructor: David Sokal
Preferred Title: David
Office Hours (student appointments scheduled in advance): Tuesday and Thursday, 2:30 to 5:30 PM
Office Location: OLY 102, if not used by another class. Rainier Hall (RAH) 204A, if OLY 102 is in use.
Best way to contact me: David.Sokal@seattlecolleges.edu
or call: 206-934-5832, opt. 2 and leave a message. Message will be sent to the above email address.
Course Overview
Hybrid-Canvas+F2F - This online hybrid course has mandatory on-campus meetings every Tuesday and Thursday.
Course Contents:
- History of photography from a global perspective
- Art and design in photography
- Using a camera, tripod, lighting and other accessories
- Editing photographs in Photoshop
- Printing in the darkroom or using a digital inkjet printer
Knowledge, Skills Obtained:
- Broad understanding of the history and critical theory of photography.
- Apply basic design principles to photography.
- Operate an analog or digital small-format camera using manual controls.
- Edit, print and present an analog or digital photograph.
Course Objectives
- Describe …
… in broad terms the aesthetic and technological development of photography.
… the ongoing relationship between photography (drawing with light) and its predecessors (drawing, painting and printmaking).
… contemporary trends in photographic imaging.
… the evolving relationship between photography and all other means of visual communication given the rapid expansion of digital visualization technology (3-D animation, VR, modeling, etc.)
- Recognize and categorize photographic images by placing them within a time period and location using content and form as clues.
- Describe and evaluate a photographic practice based on the artist's stated objectives and ideas.
- Create a new photograph based on an original work from each of the three historical photographic periods studied: pre-modern, modern and post-modern.
- Recognize and describe Basic Elements of Design in a photography context.
- Identify the basic functions and operations of a small-format analog or digital camera.
- Identify problems and potential solutions in …
… various shooting situations.
… analog or digital editing.
… analog or digital printing.
… preparing images for presentation.
- Apply knowledge of problems/solutions to solve Visual Communication Problems* using photography.
- Verbally or in writing …
… identify basic design and content elements in visual material.
… describe contents familiar from prior learning.
… interpret meaning in visual material.
… critique the success of an image in solving a Visual Communication Problem.
- Meet the Learning Outcomes of South Seattle College applicable to this course (See South Seattle College Related Learning Outcomes)
* To solve a Visual Communication Problem means to clearly express concepts or emotions, stimulate interest, excite the eye, create a mood, etc. using visual elements in a two-dimensional design. In Commercial Photography, solving a Visual Communication Problem may entail promoting a company, product or service; or providing instruction or information.
Course Equipment, Software, Materials and Textbooks
Camera:
Required for Assignment Projects - Must have full manual control over focus and all exposure controls (aperture, shutter-speed, and film-speed). If using a smartphone camera, you may need to install an app to give you manual control. (NOTE: You will not be able to manually control aperture with a smartphone even with an app installed. If you must use a smartphone camera, an exception can be made to the requirement for manual control of aperture.) Preferred: a Digital Single Lens Reflex or mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses and full manual control. Good: a Point and Shoot camera with full manual control. Acceptable: a smartphone, ipod or tablet camera with maximum manual control possible. See this page for more detail - What You Will Need for Art 170 - Photography as an Art - under the heading, “Camera.”
Software:
Adobe Photoshop is available in our classroom and in the campus library computer lab. With internet access, you may use Adobe software from off-campus using South Seattle’s Citrix Server. Log in using your campus network credentials. Further instruction will be provided on the first day of class, or learn more here. Special student pricing is now available for all Adobe apps for $19.99 per month (minimum one year contract = $240). You can also buy older versions of Photoshop (must be CS6 or later) on eBay or similar websites. These are usually pre-owned, so buyer beware.
Materials:
- Paper at the bookstore for printing your work on the Canon Professional Printer. We will purchase as a group to save money. Estimated cost is $7 per person.
- Suggested: USB 8 GB (or larger) thumb drives.
Textbooks:
There is no textbook for this course. Written materials will be provided electronically as PDF or DOCX. For some assignments you may find excellent resources in the campus library. Through the library, your student ID will allow you access to excellent databases, including Artstor, which contains tens of thousands photographs.
Canvas Training:
Canvas does provide guidance if you are new to Canvas. Experienced users can access guides. South Seattle also provides eLearning support.
Class Meetings
This class is a hybrid course, meaning we have both in-classroom curriculum and online material. The Tuesday and Thursday in-classroom meeting is mandatory.
Tuesdays 1:15 to 2:20 PM
- Attendance will be taken and count towards your final grade.
- Lecture, discussion and activity related to the aesthetic and technological development of photography.
- Lecture, demonstration and activity related to applying basic design principles to photography.
- Critique of Project Assignment (see next section of this syllabus) submissions.
- Assignments introduced and explained in detail.
Thursdays 1:15 to 2:20 PM
- Attendance will be taken and count towards your final grade.
- Lecture, demonstration and activity related to Production and Post-Production.
- Lecture, demonstration and activity related to printing images and preparing them for display.
While some assigned activities and quizzes will be conducted in classroom meetings, classroom time is NOT for working on project assignments - please plan to include five to ten hours every week outside of in-classroom meetings for working on project assignments.
Late and Leaving Early Policy
To be considered Present (1 point) you must spend at least 45 minutes in class.
If you spend less than 45 minutes but more than 30 minutes you will be considered Late (.8 point).
If you spend less than 30 minutes you will be considered Absent (0 point).
School policy requires that you inform the instructor in advance of absence. If you know you will be Absent, please inform me at least one hour before class starts. Also, if possible, please inform me at least one hour before class starts if you will be late or have to leave early.
Project Assignments
You are expected to meet the requirements and strive to do your best work for all Project Assignments. Please plan to include five to ten hours every week outside of in-classroom meetings for working on your Project Assignments.
For completed assignments, please submit images in the following formats:
- Original Camera Files at your camera's highest resolution using Adobe RGB 1998 color profile. An original camera file includes information in the file about the model of your camera, the exposure of the photo, the date and time the photo was taken. If I don't see this information I will not know if this photo was taken by you and I will not accept it.
- If the assignment requires creating a Photoshop file, or if you adjust your original camera file in Photoshop, submit the original Photoshop (.psd) file, 8 X 10 inches, 200 ppi resolution.
- Prints should be made on the classroom Canon imagePROGRAF, Pro-1000 or comparable quality device.
- Always name your files with your first name and the title of the assignment. For example: Samantha, Project 1.jpg
For completed assignments, please submit text documents in Word format.
Canvas, Email, Communication
- Best method for getting help - ask the instructor or another student during class on Tuesday or Thursday.
- Email instructor, david.sokal@seattlecolleges.edu, or via Canvas email system (use the "Inbox" icon in the blue vertical bar on the left sign of the Canvas window.
- Global Canvas problem (all users affected) - staff will notify you.
- Canvas problem with our course - instructor will notify you.
- Individual problems with Canvas - contact eLearning Support.
- Problems with Citrix - Call Long Ngo, (206) 934-7931 right away. If no answer, leave a message with general outline of issue and then email him, Long.Ngo@seattlecolleges.edu, with full details (including screen shots, browser version, operating system, etc.).
- For Citrix and all network issues email the IT Help Desk, or call (206) 934-5844.
Course Format
In this course we will learn about history (aesthetic and technological development) and practical skills on parallel tracks. The course will be divided into four segments based on the four main historical periods: 1) Pre-Photographic, 2) Pre-Modern, 3) Modern and 4) Post-Modern Photographic. These periods will provide context for discussing technology, aesthetics and learning practical skills. In order to encourage learning about photography around the world, some assignments will encourage you to study photography in a continent where you've never been. Each historical period will include lecture/demo by instructor, in-class activity, a quiz that includes written essays and a Project Assignment.
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Pre-Photographic Period, before 1826 (weeks one and two)
History/Aesthetics - Early efforts at representational image-making may indicate a key distinction between humans and other animals - the ability to create visual maps of ourselves and our environs and to use these as a communication tool. Observations of natural phenomena that eventually lead to an understanding of optics and the building of early cameras (Camera Obscura) used as an aid in drawing and painting.
Production I - Basic camera functions: focusing, depth of field and controlling exposure. “Drawing with light,” a class activity creating ‘cave photographs’ with a flashlight as the drawing tool.
PROJECT 1 - Cave Study - Find ‘cave paintings’ in your world and photograph them. You decide what constitutes a ‘cave painting’ based on our study of the originals made millennia ago. Is it graffiti, advertising, street signage, public art, decorative crafts, garbage in the gutter … pick the contemporary form of cave painting you want to study and carefully document it with your camera and written notes.
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Pre-Modern Photographic Period, 1826 to 1900 (weeks three to five)
History/Aesthetics - The age of technological reproduction and the advent of the first photographic processes in the age of science and reason. The relationship between paper and photography. The rise of the middle-class creates a vast market for low-cost imaging. Nicéphore, Daguerre, Talbot and the search for a commercially viable photographic process.
Production II - Controlling contrast, value, color and other basic design elements in the shooting process by carefully arranging subjects and lighting to solve problems. Studio Basics 1, Artificial Light, a class activity shooting portraits of each other using studio lighting and Studio Basics 2, Natural Light, a class activity shooting portraits of each other using natural light.
PROJECT 2 - Pre-Modern Remix - Find a photographer from the pre-modern period that you like and research his/her life and work. Based on your photographer's work, create three original photographs that express your own ideas. Write a structured essay about your photographer.
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Modern Photographic Period, 1900 to 1960 (weeks six to eight)
History/Aesthetics - From the US and Europe, photography spreads across the globe becoming a part of everyday life from snap shots to advertising to art form. The upheavals of two World Wars and challenges to deeply rooted cultural norms and power structures is a ripe environment for photography to become a medium of communication and a fine art in its own right.
Post-Production I - Learning basic Photoshop editing tools.
PROJECT 3 - Modern Remix - Find a photographer from the modern period that you like and research his/her life and work. Based on your photographer's work, create three original photographs that express your own ideas. Write a structured essay about your photographer.
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Post-Modern Photographic Period, 1960 to the present (weeks nine and ten)
History/Aesthetics - Consumerism and popular culture expand as post-World War II recovery leads to unprecedented wealth in many parts of the world. Sleeping giants like the Soviet Union and China have awoken and nuclear war threatens annihilation of humanity. Photography is no longer seen as a hopeful answer to the questions of the times, but as a medium of the avant-garde leading to an unknownable future full of risk and potential.
Post-Production II - Editing in Photoshop to create a digital negative. Printing the negative in a traditional, photo-chemical process darkroom.
PROJECT 4 - Post-Modern Remix - Find a photographer from the modern period that you like and research his/her life and work. Based on your photographer's work, create three original photographs that express your own ideas. Write a structured essay about your photographer.
Tentative Schedule
|
Wk |
Date |
Topic |
Assignment |
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1 |
Tue. 4/2 |
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Thu. 4/4 |
Drawing with Light |
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2 |
Tue. 4/9 |
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Thu. 4/11 |
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3 |
Tue. 4/16 |
- Lecture: Pre-Modern Period Part 1 |
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Thu. 4/18 |
- Quiz: Pre-Modern, Part 2 |
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4 |
Tue. 4/23 |
- PROJ 1 - Cave Study, DUE TODAY, 1pm |
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Thu. 4/25 |
REVIEW 1st 4 WEEKS |
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5 |
Tue. 4/30 |
Studio Basics 2, Natural Light |
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Thu. 5/2 |
- Grp. Critique: PROJ 2 - Pre-Modern Remix |
- PROJ 2 - Pre-Modern Remix, DUE TODAY, 1pm |
|
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6 |
Tue. 5/7 |
Studio Basics 1, Artificial Light |
|
|
Thu. 5/9 |
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7 |
Tue. 5/14 |
REVIEW HISTORY OF PHOTOGRAPHY |
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Thu. 5/16 |
Catch Up and One-On-One assistance: Time to work on assignments in class. |
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|
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8 |
Tue. 5/21 |
- Group Critique: PROJ 3 - Modern Remix |
- PROJ 3 - Modern Remix, DUE TODAY, 1pm |
|
Thu. 5/23 |
Darkroom Basics + Photoshop |
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9 |
Tue. 5/28 |
Darkroom Basics + Photoshop (1st half of class to use darkroom) |
- Class Activity: Darkroom Basics + Photoshop |
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Thu. 5/30 |
Darkrooom Basics + Photoshop (2nd half of class to use darkroom) |
- Class Activity: Darkroom Basics + Photoshop |
|
|
10 |
Tue. 6/4 |
- Grp Critique: PROJ 4 - Post Modern Remix |
- PROJ 4 - Post-Modern Remix, DUE TODAY, 1pm |
|
Thu. 6/6 |
- Enhancing, Printing, Displaying and Reviewing Color Photography |
- Class Activity: Favorite Photo Enhanced, Printed, Displayed and Reviewed |
|
|
11 |
FINALS WEEK |
There are no Finals in this class. If you need to use the Automatic One-Week Extension (see more under "Grading" below) for Project 4, it is due on 6/11. NO ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER 6/14. |
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Grading
Assignments are graded by awarding points based on performance up to the maximum shown in the chart below (although the instructor may add extra credit points for exceptional work). Each Project Assignment has a rubric breaking down scoring into distinct criteria. Carefully read the rubric for each Project Assignment so you know what is expected for each Project. Also, when grading your Project, the instructor often includes comments in the rubric that explain why you did not receive full points. These will help you do better on future Projects.
DUE DATES for all Project Assignments, Quizzes and Participation/Class Activities are included in the assignment description. You can also see the Due Dates listed under the name of each assignment in the Canvas Assignments page or in the Modules page.
All four Project Assignments are due two weeks after the date they are assigned (see Tentative Schedule above).
AUTOMATIC ONE-WEEK EXTENSION: You have an automatic one week extension after the Due Date, BUT AUTOMATICALLY LOSE 5 POINTS for lateness.
ADDITIONAL ONE-WEEK EXTENSION: Anyone needing more time beyond the Automatic Extension may be granted an Additional One-Week Extension only if very unusual circumstances prevented you from completing the assignment. A request must be made in writing, sent by Canvas email. YOU WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE DEDUCTED 10 POINTS even if granted an additional extension.
FINAL GRADE FOR THE COURSE: 76.6% based on Project Assignments plus Quizzes and 23.4% based on Participation/Class Activities. Your instructor may adjust your final grade so it reflects your relative merit in the class as a whole, to reflect exceptional obstacles you worked hard to overcome, or based on an assessment of your creative talents as demonstrated consistently in your assignment products.
NOTE: Your grade as reported by Canvas is not exact and may require some adjusting for your final grade. During the course, it can be off by a wide margin depending on how up-to-date the instructor is in scoring your assignments, how up-to-date you are in submitting assignments, as well as other factors. The following is the official scoring chart for this course. It may be adjusted by the instructor at any time to reflect changes in course content. Please talk to your instructor if you have any questions:
| Project Assignments | Points |
| PROJECT 1 - Cave Study | 30 |
| PROJECT 2 - Pre-Modern Remix | 30 |
| PROJECT 3 - Modern Remix | 30 |
| PROJECT 4 - Post-Modern Remix | 30 |
| Project Assignments Subtotal: | 120 |
| Quizzes | |
| Camera Basics Quiz | 10 |
| Pre-Photography Quiz | 10 |
| Pre-Modern Quiz, Part 1 (10 pts) and Part 2 (10 pts) | 20 |
| The New York School Quiz | 20 |
| Quizzes Subtotal: | 60 |
| Total Assignments & Quizzes (76.6% of Grade) | 180 |
| Participation/Class Activities | |
| Drawing with Light | 10 |
| Studio Basics 1, Artificial Light | 10 |
| Studio Basics 2, Natural Light | 10 |
| Darkroom Basics + Photoshop | 15 |
| Roll Call Attendance | 10 |
| Total Participation (23.4% of Grade) | 55 |
| TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS | 235 |
| Extra Credit Assignments (to help boost your score if needed) | |
| Concept Photography | 15 |
| Library Research | 10 |
| Evaluate Your Instructor | 5 |
Extra Credit or Make Up Assignments can also be created by students and approved by the instructor either to make up for missed Class Activities or for the student to pursue an area of interest.
Your final grade as recorded on your transcript is in Grade Point Average (GPA). This chart shows how your point total (see columns "Points A" and "Points B") translates into a GPA (see columns "GPA A" and "GPA B"). When translating your total score in points to GPA, a very precise formula is used. Accordingly, to earn a 4.0 GPA you must have at least 233 points out of 235.
| Percent of Points | Points A | Points B | GPA A | GPA B | letter | |
| 100% | 90% | 235 | 212 | 4.000 | 3.500 | A |
| 89% | 80% | 211 | 188 | 3.400 | 2.500 | B |
| 79% | 70% | 187 | 165 | 2.400 | 1.500 | C |
| 69% | 60% | 164 | 141 | 1.400 | 1.000 | D |
| 59% | 0% | 140 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | F |
Success Notes
- Check Canvas regularly.
- Canvas works best with Chrome.
- When participating in interactions with other students, faculty and staff via the internet, ask questions clearly, read all the contents of an email or post carefully before you reply and always be polite.
- It is best to use your own photos, drawings, and other created images for your projects. However, it is usually OK to use others’ work for ‘reference material’ (as long as it isn’t replicated in your work) and for strictly education purposes (“Fair Use”). See Course Policies below for more information on plagiarism.
- Click one of these links for more support: Canvas training, eLearning, and tutoring.
- For general help using South Seattle College websites, email ssccweb@seattlecolleges.edu.
South Seattle College Related Learning Outcomes
Please visit southseattle.edu for complete information about Student Learning Outcomes. This course addresses these outcomes:
1.1 Communication -
Read and listen actively to learn and communicate.
1.2 Communication -
Speak and write effectively for academic and career purposes.
2.1 Computation -
Use arithmetic and other basic mathematical operations as required by program of
study.
2.2 Computation -
Apply quantitative skills for academic and career purposes.
3.1 Human Relations -
Use social skills to work in groups effectively.
3.2 Human Relations –
Have knowledge of the diverse cultures represented in our multicultural society.
4.1 Critical Thinking -
Think critically in evaluating information, solving problems, and making decisions.
5.1 Technology -
Select and use appropriate technological tools for academic and career tasks.
6.1 Personal Responsibility -
Uphold the highest standards of academic honesty and integrity.
6.2 Personal Responsibility -
Respect the rights of others in the classroom, online, and in all other school
activities.
6.3 Personal Responsibility -
Attend class regularly, complete assignments on time, and effectively participate in
classroom and online discussions, group work, and other class-related projects and
activities.
6.4 Personal Responsibility -
Abide by appropriate safety rules in laboratories, shops, and classrooms.
7.1 Information Literacy -
Independently access, evaluate, and select information from a variety of appropriate
sources.
7.2 Information Literacy -
Have knowledge about legal and ethical issues related to the use of information.
7.3 Information Literacy -
Use information effectively and ethically for a specific purpose.
Ethical Behavior
- Student Dishonesty: Please refer to the student handbook about student honesty and WAC 132F-121-120 for appropriate penalties.
- Late Policy: Each project has a due date. If you have a situation that will cause your work to be late (illness, family matter, medical emergency, etc.), email me before the due date if at all possible. See Course Policies below for more information.
Course Policies
Plagiarism, or academic dishonesty, is presenting someone else’s ideas or writing as your own. In your writing for this class, you are encouraged to refer to other people’s thoughts and writing — as long as you cite them. Many students do not have a clear understanding of what constitutes plagiarism, so feel free to ask questions about these matters at any time. Plagiarism includes:
- failing to cite sources of ideas
- failing to cite sources of paraphrased material
- failing to site sources of specific language and/or passages
- submitting someone else’s work as his or her own
- submitting his or her own work produced for another class
- submitting his or her own work that has been heavily edited and/or rewritten by another
If you have any doubt about how to cite or acknowledge another’s writing, please talk to me. It is always better to be safe than sorry. As a matter of policy, any student found to have plagiarized any piece of writing in this class will automatically receive 0 points without the possibility of make-up and an incident report will be filed with the Dean of Academic Programs. If a student plagiarizes more than once over the course of a quarter, he or she will receive a 0.0 grade for the course as a whole.
Late assignments will be turned in within a time period agreed upon between the student and instructor. All late assignments will automatically be deducted 10% of total points for that assignment.
Extra credit opportunities will be presented by the instructor either in the original course syllabus or as the situation arises. Such opportunities will be presented to all students in the course. Points given will not raise a student from an F to a higher grade but will apply to grades above F.
Participation is required in all class meetings, assignments, projects, quizzes, discussions and other activities, except those for extra credit. If a situation arises, such as illness, and you cannot attend class (or participate in an online discussion or other similar time-limited online group activity), please see your instructor for alternative options to receive credit. If you miss more than two classes (or other similar time-limited online group activity) with an acceptable excuse, please see the next paragraph, "Incomplete." If you miss any classes without an acceptable excuse, please see "Incomplete." If you cannot complete any assignment, quiz, project or similar activity during the timespan of the course, please see "Incomplete."
Incomplete indicates that the student performed at a passing level, completed most of the course requirements, and intends to make up the missing work. An Incomplete is given only at the discretion of the instructor when the student has attended regularly, done satisfactory work, and furnished satisfactory proof to the instructor that the work cannot be completed because of illness or other circumstances beyond the student's control. Coursework must be completed during the following quarter, excluding summer quarter. If the student fails to remove the "I" by completing the coursework in the specified time period, the "I" will remain on the transcript. The instructor must file a written statement of reasons for giving the Incomplete, listing a description of the work which the student will need to do to remove it, with the dean of the division in which the course is offered. If the student elects to repeat a course rather than make up the work, the "I" will remain on the transcript. The grade earned will compute in the GPA; after receiving an "I" in a course, a student may repeat that course only once.
NC — No Credit Indicates that the student did not fulfill the requirements for receiving an "S" grade, an "N" grade or a numerical grade in the course. A student in good standing may request an "NC" symbol from the instructor prior to the final examination, granted at the instructor's discretion. After an "NC" is issued, the course may be repeated no more than one (1) more time. An "NC" does not affect a student's GPA but may affect a student’s financial aid or visa status.
Course Withdrawal - If you decide to drop this course for any reason, and you do not wish your current grade to appear on your transcript, it is your responsibility to officially withdraw with the Registrar’s office by the dates listed in the South Seattle College catalog.
Notification is required if you will be absent from a class or late in submitting an assignment, quiz, test, project, etc. If you are experiencing problems with Canvas or any other SSC provided online service, contact the appropriate service provider and your instructor as soon as possible. If your instructor is experiencing issues that will delay or prevent his or her attendance, or providing scheduled contents or services online, s/he will announce this through Canvas and the regular SSC administrative process.
Special Needs
Students subject to provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act: If you are a student with a documented disability who will require accommodations in this course, please register with Disability Support Services in the Robert Smith Building, Room RS 12 (763-5137) for assistance in developing a plan to address your academic needs.
Student Resources
Tutor Center: offers free Study Skills tutoring. Students use these skills in order to learn well and get the grades they want. Topics include:
- Take Good Notes That Will Help You Study
- Understand What You Read
- Do Your Best on Tests
- Avoid Procrastinating
If you seriously aim to succeed in college, go to RSB 12 to request a one-to-one 45 minute tutoring session. If you have questions or would like more information, contact Marianna Asaturova, Manager of Tutoring Services at 206 934-6650 or email her at Marianna.asaturova@seattlecolleges.edu.
Writing Center: You can find additional writing help at South Seattle Writing Center in LIB 215. There, you will find FREE assistance to help you successfully complete your writing assignments for this course. In addition to writing workshops, you can also sign up to work with a tutor one-on-one to help you through all stages of the writing process--from understanding your assignment, to outlining, to the revision and refinement stages of paper writing process.
Northwest E-Tutoring Consortium: An online-only service. Their e-writing lab allows students to submit a draft of one’s paper to a tutor, ask for specific feedback, and receive a tutor’s response within 24-28 hours. Additional services such as live tutoring via chat and an e-questions discussion board are available for interested students as well.
Collaborative Learning and Instruction Center (CLIC): Also available for students enrolled in the Student Success Services program. Located in RSB 66, CLIC provides assistance in all subjects, including writing.
Computer Labs: There are computers at various locations on campus, including the Library and Writing Center. If you do not have a computer or printer of your own, arrange to use these public resources well before an assignment is due.
The Wall (Writing and Learning Lab): Similar to the Writing Center, but more focused on grammar and mechanics. This is a great place to meet students and create study groups. Located in RSB 16.
Academic Accommodations: SSC’s Disability Support Services serves students with a wide array of learning challenges and disabilities. If you are a student who has a physical or mental limitation for which you have documentation or have seen someone for treatment and if you feel you may need accommodations in order to be successful in college, please contact the Disability Support Service’s office at Robert Smith Building, room 12, or call (206) 934-5137, or (206) 934-6648. Email: Rose.Kolovrat@seattlecolleges.edu or Angela.Pak@seattlecolleges.edu. Any contacts and/or information will remain strictly confidential.
Religious Accommodations: Students are entitled to two days of excused absences per academic year for reasons of faith or conscience or for organized activities conducted by a religious organization. These absences will not affect your grade, but it is your responsibility to inform your instructor about the planned absence and to make arrangements to complete the course work for those days. You must request the excused absence two weeks’ prior to the date of the absence. If you wish to request an absence for reasons of faith or conscience, you may obtain a form and guidelines for completing the form from the division office in UNI.
Campus emergencies: If you want to know whether or not the campus has closed due to snow, ice, or any other reason, you can:
- Check the campus closure information page.
- Check Flash Alert and register your email for alerts.
- Call the school’s main number (206) 764-5300 for a recorded message
- Make sure you are subscribed for email and/or text alerts. Click on the "Register" button in the upper right to register.
Special Instructions
(e.g. lab safety policies, field trip information, etc. as appropriate) – lab classes must include
- Lab Safety instructions and requirements
- Indication that lab waiver form will need to be signed and submitted (note that these forms are in the Academic Programs Canvas shell)
Diversity and Safety
South Seattle Community College is one of the most diverse colleges in the Pacific Northwest. While this strength stems from the demographics of our campus population, we as a community believe our identity goes beyond that. We strive to create a welcoming learning community for all. We encourage multiple perspectives and the free exchange of unbiased and non-prejudicial ideas and experiences, which broaden our understanding of one another and the world around us. The expectation is that you will join us in this endeavor by contributing to an accessible, safe, and respectful classroom environment, free of discrimination and harassment. If you are offended, hurt or made to feel unsafe by something that either another student does or says, please let me know. In the same way, please let me know if you are offended, hurt, or made to feel unsafe by something I say or do. It is my intention to ensure this classroom is a safe place for all. Visit the diversity and inclusion and equal opportunity pages to learn more about the college’s efforts to create and foster an inclusive campus community.
Equal Opportunity Statement: South Seattle College is committed to the concept and practice of equal opportunity for all its students and does not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, color, age, national origin, religion, marital status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or disabled veteran status, political affiliation or belief, citizenship/status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States, or presence of any physical, sensory, or mental disability, except where a disability may impede performance at an acceptable level. In addition, reasonable accommodations will be made for known physical or mental limitations for all otherwise qualified persons with disabilities.
Title IX Statement: South Seattle College is committed to fostering a safe, productive learning environment. Title IX and our school policy (per WAC 132F-121-110) prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, which regards sexual misconduct — including harassment, domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. We understand that sexual violence can undermine students’ academic success and we encourage students who have experienced some form of sexual misconduct to talk to someone about their experience, so they can get the support they need. You can reach out to me, or any of the following you feel most comfortable with:
- Counselors, 206.934.6409, for appointments
- Sarah Bowman, Executive Assistant in the Office Vice President for Student Services, 206.934.6788, Sarah.Bowman@seattlecolleges.edu
- Kathy Vedvick, Director of HR & South’s Title IX coordinator, 206.934.6415, Kathy.Vedvick@seattlecolleges.edu
- Campus Security, 206.934.0911
ALL reports are handled with utmost care and sensitivity.
Mandatory Reporting: As an instructor, one of my responsibilities is to help create a safe learning environment on our campus, and I also have a mandatory reporting responsibility. It is my goal that you feel able to share information related to your life experiences in classroom discussions, in your written work, and in our one-on-one meetings. I will seek to keep information you share private to the greatest extent possible. However, I am required to share information regarding sexual misconduct or information about a crime that may have occurred on South’s campus with the Title IX Coordinator. ALL reports are handled with utmost care and sensitivity.
Please see Campus Information to learn more about campus policies, procedures and rights on these issues.
Emergency Preparedness
See South campus emergency preparedness.
Sign up for emergency alerts: Flash Alert or Rave Mobile Safety (click on Register button in upper right).
In case of an Earthquake: Duck, hold, and cover-don’t run.
In case of an active shooter: Run, hide, fight.
Complaint Process
When possible, students are encouraged to talk with their instructor about any concerns or problems they are encountering in class. Concerns can also be directed to:
- the relevant Associate Dean - Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences or Math & Sciences
- a counselor
- the Office of Equity, Inclusion & Diversity
Also, use these links for filing an official complaint procedure, or an official grade complaint procedure.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|