COMM 151: Basic Lighting for Still and Motion Imagery

Syllabus

Instructor: Dr. Richard Lamberski
127 Stouffer Hall
1175 Maple Street
Indiana, PA 15705
Phone: 724-357-3771
E-Mail: rjl@iup.edu
Website: http://www.coe.iup.edu/rjl

Office Hours: Please e-mail me via your IUP e-mail account or call for a mutually convenient teleconference time.

Course Description | Course Objectives | Texts and Materials | Required Technology Skills and Software | Technical Support | Participation Requirements | Grading | Student Evaluation | Course Schedule | Bibliography | Appendix-Student Outcomes Assessment Matrix

Course Description
Title: COMM 151: Basic Lighting for Still and Motion Imagery
Credits: 1
Prerequisites: None
Description: Examines the basic technical and design aspects of artificial and natural lighting in capturing still, animation and motion imagery. The course emphasizes mastery of terminology and simulation of lighting concepts and conditions through virtual software.

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Course Objectives
At the end of this course, the student should be able to

• Demonstrate an understanding of the basic terminology of lighting equipment and concepts.
• Compare and contrast the differences in film/television versus still imagery lighting.
• Virtually set up, correctly place, and operate lighting equipment for both field and studio application.
• Critique photographic, motion picture, and television lighting for appropriateness and effectiveness, including the sources and qualities of light used.

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Texts and Materials
Required

• Jackman, John. (2004). Lighting for digital video & television. San Francisco: CMP Media LLC. Available through the IUP CO-OP Store (724-357-2306 or http://iupstore.com/ ) or Amazon.com and other textbook suppliers.
• The Virtual Light Lab software, used to complete virtual lighting projects, will be provided via download through the learning management system course page. You will not need to purchase the software.

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Required Technology Skills and Software
Technology Skills
Students enrolled in this course should possess the following technology skills:

• The ability to access information via the Web
• The ability to use the learning management system and associated tools, including discussion/chat, quizzing, and assignment submission features
• The ability to download files and install software per provided procedural information
• The ability to use word processing software and specialized software and to save in desired formats per provided instructions
• The ability to use Internet communication tools, including e-mail and discussion boards
• The ability to demonstrate netiquette (appropriate online conduct)

Software
The following software is required in order to view course content and to participate in planned course activities. If you do not have this software currently loaded on your computer or are unsure, you can download the software for free by clicking on the following links:

Adobe Reader
Flash Player

Technical Support
To obtain technical support for computer issues related to this course, please contact Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s student helpdesk at 724-357-4000 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Eastern Time. You should be prepared to give specific details regarding your technical issue(s), including what you were doing before the error occurred and the exact text of any error messages received.
If you experience issues outside of the normal helpdesk hours, you can also submit your error via e-mail at it-support-center@iup.edu  or via electronic form available online at http://www.iup.edu/page.aspx?ekfrm=36009.

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Participation Requirements
Course Participation
While the course is entirely online and self-paced, course participation is expected per University policy. Student progress and participation will be tracked using time and date stamping and quiz completion. Students are encouraged to stay on track with the recommended course schedule, including readings, study guides, and quizzes. The two Virtual Light Lab simulation assignments should also be completed with their corresponding chapters.

Additional points that should be noted are as follows:

• Study Guides -- For each chapter, a PDF study guide has been created to assist you in studying the key points and information presented in the course. Please take advantage of these resources. Questions regarding the study guides can be posted to the course discussion boards so that everyone may take advantage of your questions and the instructor's feedback.
• Course Discussion -- Course discussion boards will provide you an opportunity to ask questions and increase your understanding of the concepts presented. Informal and assigned course discussions will be used as a means of communication throughout the course. You may post your questions and add input regarding course topics. You may post your questions on the discussion boards every week before noon on Wednesday. The instructor will review the questions and post answers by the following day (Thursday).
• Online Quizzes -- Ten online quizzes will be offered through the University learning management system. Quizzes are based on each chapter covered in the course. Quizzes will consist of a combination of multiple choice and true/false items covering terminology, definitions, and basic concepts from the assigned readings and/or online reference material. Your results for these quizzes will be immediately available to you.
• Virtual Light Lab Simulations -- Completion of two lighting simulations will be required throughout the semester. A detailed grading rubric accompanies each simulation to demonstrate the evaluation criteria. Due to the more complex nature of the second assignment, examples have been provided to demonstrate good and bad lighting techniques.
• Reflection Paper -- At the end of the semester, each student must view an Academy Award-winning film from the last 10 years and write a one-page analysis of the lighting techniques used in one scene. The student will be graded on his or her ability to use correct terminology and to demonstrate overall comprehension of the lighting concepts discussed in the course text. Please use in-text citations when referencing these concepts (simply put the textbook page number in parentheses).
• Bonus Assignments--Multiple opportunities for bonus points exist within the course. Bonus modules and quizzes are available within the online course content, as well as instructions for completing the bonus work. All modules and or quizzes available during the course of the semester are listed in the bonus section of the Course Schedule.

Each of the assignments and resources listed above are available in WebCT. Course materials can primarily be found in the following sections:

• Syllabus and Orientation -- This section contains information regarding the specific course.
• Announcements -- Contains important announcements regarding the course. The date will indicate when these announcements have been updated.
• Course Content and Related Materials -- This section includes the course materials for each of the weeks outlined in the Course Schedule section of this syllabus.
• Assignments -- This area contains space for you to upload assignments given in class.
• Tests/Quizzes -- This section contains all quizzes used in this course.
• Communication Tools -- Course e-mail, chat rooms, and discussion boards are located here.

Online Etiquette
Discussion, chat, and e-mail spaces within this course are for class purposes only, unless otherwise stated. Please remember to conduct yourself collegially and professionally. Unlike in the classroom setting, what you say in the online environment is documented and not easily erased or forgotten. The following guidelines:

• Avoid using ALL CAPS, sarcasm, and language that could come across as strong or offensive.
• Read all postings before posting your responses to discussion topics so as to not repeat information.
• Keep chat comments brief and to the point. If longer comments are necessary, use <more> and <end> to indicate lengthy messages and when you are finished.
• Focus on one topic at a time when chatting or posting to discussions.
• Remember that unlike in face-to-face learning environments what you say in discussions and chats is documented and available to be revisited. Choose your words and disucussion topics carefully.
• Course e-mail should only be used for messages pertaining to the course. Please refrain from sending forwards, jokes, etc. within course e-mail.

Students with Disabilities
If you are a student who has a documented disability and need special accommodations, the instructor will work with you to provide reasonable accommodation to ensure you a fair opportunity to perform in the class. Please advise the instructor in the first week of the semester regarding the disability and the desired accommodations.

Academic Integrity Policy
Indiana University of Pennsylvania expects a full commitment to academic integrity from each student. This syllabus represents a contract between you and the instructor of this course and that you agree to follow the rules and expectations set up therein. Academic integrity means:

• Providing or receiving unauthorized assistance in coursework, including papers, quizzes, and examinations.
• Using unauthorized materials and resources during quizzes and tests.
• Possessing course examination materials without the prior knowledge of the instructor.
• Plagiarizing which is the use of papers, dissertations, essays, reports, speeches and oral presentations, take-home examinations, computer projects, and other academic exercises or the passing off of ideas or facts beyond common knowledge without attribution to their originators.
• Engaging behaviors that are disruptive or threatening to others.
• Using computer technology in any way other than for the purposes intended for the course.

Please note that IUP faculty uses a variety of technologies to check the authenticity of student work. Violations of academic integrity will be handled per IUP’s Academic Integrity Policy and Procedures. Failure to comply with the policies and procedures may result in a decrease in grade, involuntary withdrawal from an academic program, suspension, expulsion, or rescission of a conferred degree. IUP’s full policy on academic integrity is available in the Undergraduate Catalog under Academic Policies or as a PDF online at http://www.iup.edu/WorkArea/downloadasset.aspx?id=49753.

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Student Evaluation
The following methods will be used to evaluate student achievement in this course:

Please note: The number, kind, or weighting of assignments may differ from the above listing based on instructional needs of the class or unexpected events that may arise during the semester. However, changes will only be made with the approval of a majority of the class.

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Grading
The following grading scale will be used:

A = 90.0-100
B = 80.0-89.9
C = 70.0-79.9
D = 60.0-69
F = Below 59.9

Incomplete Grades
I do not grant incomplete grades unless for extreme medical or personal emergencies. So, do not ask unless you have a valid emergency (for example, hospitalization or a death in the immediate family).

Withdrawal Grades
A withdrawal grade ('W') is awarded only if you have officially withdrawn from the class or University. Please note the deadline dates for course withdrawal. If notice is not received, a failing grade must be awarded given current University Policy.  

Disagreement with Awarded Grade
The likelihood of an unfair grade being awarded to you is remote. However, calculation errors are possible. You are always free to discuss any grade with me. In almost all cases, this is sufficient to resolve or clarify the problem. However, if we need to, we can first go to the Chairperson of the Department, and second to the Associate Dean of the College for their unbiased input. My commitment is to always make you feel you have been fairly graded. Should this initial informal appeal process not resolve or clarify the problem, you have an official grade appeal process described in several University documents available to you.

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Course Schedule
The following is the suggested outline for completing the course. While the course is self-paced, it is highly recommended to complete the course as outlined.

Prior to course	Online Content: Introduction to COMM 151 Assignments Due: Commitment to Course Policies, Software Download
Week 1	Online Content: Chapter 1 Assignments Due: Chapter 1 Quiz
Week 2	Online Content: Chapter 2 Assignments Due: Chapter 2 Quiz
Week 3	Online Content: Project 0 Assignments Due: Project 0
Week 4	Online Content: Chapter 4 Assignments Due: Chapter 4 Quiz
Week 5	Online Content: Chapter 5 Assignments Due: Chapter 5 Quiz
Week 6	Online Content: Chapter 6 Assignments Due: Chapter 6 Quiz
Week 7	Online Content: Chapter 7 Assignments Due: Chapter 7 Quiz
Week 8	Online Content: Project 1 Assignments Due: Project 1
Week 9	Online Content: Chapter 8 Assignments Due: Chapter 8 Quiz
Week 10	Online Content: Chapter 9 Assignments Due: Chapter 9 Quiz
Week 11	Online Content: Chapter 11 Assignments Due: Chapter 11 Quiz
Week 12	Online Content: Chapter 12 Assignments Due: Chapter 12 Quiz
Week 13	Online Content: Project 2 Assignments Due: Project 2
Week 14	Online Content: Project 3 Assignments Due: Project 3
Bonus	Online Content: Chapter 10 Assignments Due: Chapter 10 Quiz

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Bibliography
Ashford, R. (2007). 500 lighting hints, tricks, and techniques. East Sussex, England: Rotovision.

Birn, J. (2000). Lighting & rendering. Berkley, CA: New Riders Publishing.

Block, B. (2007). The visual story, second edition: Creating the visual structure of film, TV and digital media. Burlington, MA: Focal Press.

Box, H.C. (2003). Set lighting technician's handbook: Film lighting equipment, practice, and electrical distribution (3rd ed.). Woburn, MA: Focal Press.

Brown, B. (2007). Motion picture and video lighting (2nd ed.). Woburn, MA: Focal Press.

Child, J., & Galer, M. (2008). Photographic lighting: Essential skills (4th ed.). Burlington, MA: Focal Press.

Corbell, T. (2001). Basic studio lighting: The photographer's complete guide to professional techniques. New York: Amphoto Books.

Gloman, C., & LeTourneau, T. (2005). Placing shadows: Lighting techniques for video production (3rd. Ed.). Burlington, MA: Focal Press.

Haw, C.T. (2007). The studio photographer's lighting bible. East Sussex, England: Rotovision.

Hunter, F., Biver, S., & Fuqua, P. (2007). Light: science and magic: An introduction to photographic lighting. Burlington, MA: Focal Press.

Marr, D. (2004). Beginner's guide to photographic lighting: Techniques for success in the studio or on location. Buffalo, NY: Amherst Media Inc.

Neubart, J. (2006). Location lighting solutions: Expert professional techniques for artistic and commercial success. New York, NY: Amphoto Books

Shyles, L.C. (2007). The art of video production. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Zettl, H. (2007). Sight, sound, motion: Applied media aesthetics (5th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing

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Appendix—Student Outcomes Assessment Matrix

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