Outline

Overview

This practical unit assumes students have little or no understanding of photo image making. It aims to give students an understanding of how photography functions as a contemporary visual medium, including its connection to modernism and architecture. Students will gain knowledge of the principles and practise of camera operations, the production of high quality black and white prints. This module covers the use of a 35mm DSLR camera, image composition, use of lighting, image capture and correction, and printing. Practical work includes completion of set class projects, gallery visits, class discussions and the production of a portfolio. *Students should have access to a 35mm DSLR camera.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Architecture
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	DESA2629
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Koji Ryui, koji.ryui@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Attendance	Attendance and class participation Students are required to meet the minimum 90% attendance to pass this unit.	0%	Multiple weeks	Duration of class
Outcomes assessed:
Creative assessment / demonstration	Embodied spaces Assignment	35%	STUVAC Due date: 04 Jun 2025 at 23:59	Five A3 images pdf submitted via Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Studio journal Journal	40%	STUVAC Due date: 06 Jun 2025 at 23:59	A4 Process Journal pdf via Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Creative assessment / demonstration	In-class demonstration Progress of in-class tasks and research #earlyfeedbacktask	0%	Week 03 Due date: 13 Mar 2025 at 19:00	2hrs
Outcomes assessed:
Creative assessment / demonstration	Exploring the frame Assignment	25%	Week 06 Due date: 02 Apr 2025 at 23:59	Four A4 images pdf submitted via Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Journal (formative) Journal	0%	Week 06 Due date: 04 Apr 2025 at 23:59	Process entries from week 1-5
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = AI allowed ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Attendance: Students should be present and engaged in their learning during classes. Late arrival/early departure will be deemed as an absence. Students who do not meet the minimum 90% threshold, who have approved special consideration may be offered the opportunity to sit an alternative assessment to pass this unit.

Exploring the frame: Produce a series of photographic prints exploring the frame, using light and shadow in black and
white. Your final works should demonstrate an engagement with the techniques and processes of digital photography in both technical and artistic ways.
Embodied spaces: Produce a series of colour photographic prints investigating a space, dwelling, building or site in colour. Further developing skills gained in assignment 1, your final works should demonstrate a keen engagement with the techniques and processes of digital photography.
Process journal: Your studio journal should include - visual research and relevant technical records, Artist research, required readings and gallery reviews, engagement in class discussions, evidence of regular reflection on research and its relevance to your work practice. Camera exercises 1 and 2.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Work of outstanding quality, demonstrating mastery of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows significant innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or exceptional skill.
Distinction	75 - 84	Work of excellent quality, demonstrating a sound grasp of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or superior skill.
Credit	65 - 74	Work of good quality, demonstrating more than satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed, or work of excellent quality for a majority of the learning outcomes assessed.
Pass	50 - 64	Work demonstrating satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

-5% per day

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to Architectural Photography: Orientation	Studio (3 hr)
Week 02	Assignment 1 discussion, Overview DSLR digital camera controls, Camera exercise	Studio (3 hr)
Week 03	Overview of DSLR camera controls & revision. Bracketing technique and combining the aperture & shutter speed, Digital contact sheet.	Studio (3 hr)
Week 04	Review of Work in Progress for Assignment 1 / Adobe tutorials	Studio (3 hr)
Week 05	Work in Progress- for Assignment 1/ Adobe tutorial	Studio (3 hr)
Week 06	Present final images for Assignment 1	Studio (3 hr)
Week 07	Lecture on Assignment 2, WB control and colour, Slow timed exposures 2 sec, 4 sec, 6 secs (ghosting effect). Tripod technique.	Studio (3 hr)
Week 08	Studio Lighting demo. Metering and short camera exercise for journal / working on Assignment 2 proposal/ work on slow timed exposures with your camera, optical filter effects	Studio (3 hr)
Week 09	Image Overlay, Image layering and editing applications. Multiple exposure technique and application	Studio (3 hr)
Week 10	In class feedback on Assignment 2 proposal.	Studio (3 hr)
Week 11	Discussion on how a photography series is constructed, editing, working on Assignment 2 WIP.	Studio (3 hr)
Week 12	A3 image layout and portfolio requirements for assessment. Photoshop settings on how to make a A3 contact sheet showing the Assignment 2 sequence of 5 images	Studio (3 hr)
Week 14 (STUVAC)	Presentation: ASSIGNMENT 2	Studio (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Students should note that participation to all classes is essential. Please arrive on time and participate in the full class session. Please refer to Canvas for any updates, handouts and weekly schedule.

Contact Hours: 3 hours per week
Independent Study: In addition to 3 contact hours per week, students are expected to spend 6 -12 hours per week on independent study for this unit.
Absence: If you are absent from a class it is important that you do the work missed in class in your own time and submit the work for assessment at the specified time.

Suggested students to bring:
A DSLR, Mirrorless or Digital Single Reflex camera with manual operations (lends options: 50mm standard primary lens or equivalent, or zoom lens) & a small notebook and pen for writing short session notes.

Optional if available:
tripod for all assignment work, a circular polariser filter for outdoor photography, laptop with Adobe Photoshop 2021+ Bridge software

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

To be advised via Canvas

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. critically engage with ideas in the field of contemporary visual communication in relation to historical, social and theoretical context of Photography. To be open to new ideas, methods, ways of thinking. To explore critical inquiry through a historic, philosophical, social, political or cultural framework
LO2. develop a critical awareness of the complex relationship between aesthetics and the lived environment
LO3. use a range of secondary and primary research sources to develop your thinking an ideas for practical work and integrate them into photographic practice and written documentation. To make effective use of oral, visual and other forms of communication to critique, negotiate, create and communicate understanding
LO4. explore a variety of photographic techniques in order to determine what will best serve the realization of the proposed artwork
LO5. think and work independently, while contributing to group situations and plan, and achieve goals. To acknowledge personal responsibility for value judgments and behavior. To be able to relate and interact and work with others.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

We value students feedback and the unit is updated on ongoing basis in consultation with the teaching team.

Additional information

No class in week 13, final presentations in week 14 to minimise assessment clashes.

The unit may be adjusted for each session. Please refer to information and materials provided on Canvas for any changes and updates.

Additional costs

Students are asked to prepare your own A4 Journal and DSLR, Mirrorless or Digital Single Reflex camera. There may be additional costs for outputting digital prints and proof sheets. Please top up your unikey account before printing: https://sydney.edu.au/students/sydpay.html

Work, health and safety

*Studnets are required to wear appropriate footwear to enter labs and workshops

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

AWSS2023: Architectural Photography

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal evening] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links