DSGN 2656 - Design + Photography 1
Summer 2026 Syllabus, Section A01, CRN 30974,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Joy Christiansen Erb
Professional Qualifications:
MFA, Texas Woman’s University
BFA, Miami University
Professor and Chair
Email: jchristiansenerb@ysu.edu
Office: Bliss Hall Rm. 4001A
Office Phone: 330.941.1397
Additional Contact Methods:
Questions for the Instructor thread in the Blackboard classroom
Preferred Contact Method: Email
Communication Expectations:
I will be present in the classroom throughout the school week. I will occasionally be present on the weekends as well. I will endeavor to respond to questions posted to the Questions for the Instructor thread in the Blackboard classroom, or via email within 24-hours during the week and within 48-hours on the weekends.
How to Refer to me:
Joy or Professor Christiansen Erb
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Course Description
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| No required books. |
There are technical handouts included in each module for students to read.
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Week of | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/11 | Handouts available in blackboard: •Diagrams of aperture and shutter speed effects •Sample images demonstrating the results of different settings •Step-by-step instructions for shooting in manual mode | Project 1 (Part 1): Introduction to Project 1: Creating the Perfect Exposure (Part 1) - Full Manual Mode / Discussion Post - Module 1 / Turn in Project 1 (Part 1) | Review Syllabus, Supply List and Introduction Video, Complete the “Student Introduction” under the “Getting Started” section. Complete the Journal Entry listed in Module 1. Discussion Post 1 – Due Wed. at 11:59pm Discussion Reply Post 2 – Due Sun. at 11:59 pm Project 1 (Part 1) – Due Sun. at 11:59pm |
| 5/18 | Handouts available in blackboard: • A guide on evaluating tonal range using the histogram • How to assess image quality for exposure, noise, and sharpness • Short notes on when minor exposure corrections are appropriate in editing software • Tips on preparing image files for submission (JPEG vs. RAW, resolution, naming conventions) | Project 1 (Part 2): Continue working on Project 1 (Part 2) - Refining Exposure and Image Quality - Reshoot and Workflow / Discussion Post - Module 2 / Turn in Project 1 (Part 2) | Discussion Post 2 – Due Wed. at 11:59pm Project 1 (Part 2) – Due Sun. at 11:59pm |
| 5/25 | Handouts available in blackboard: • Step-by-step workflow guide: “From Import to Export” • Explanation of Lightroom’s global tools (Exposure, White, Black, Highlights, Shadows, Cropping, and Spot Removal) | Project 1 (Part 3): Finish Project 1 (Part 3) / Discussion Post - Module 3 / Turn in Project 1 (Part 3) | Discussion Post 3 – Due Wed. at 11:59pm Discussion Reply Post 3 – Due Sun. at 11:59 pm Project 1 (Part 3) – Due Sun. at 11:59pm |
| 6/1 | Handouts available in blackboard: • Design principles (contrast, unity, movement, balance, etc.). • Elements of Design (line, shape, form, repetition, etc.). | Project 2 (Part 1): Introduction to Project 2: Foundations of Composition & Design in Photograph (Part 1) / Discussion Post - Module 4 / Turn in Project 2 (Part 1) | Discussion Post 4 – Due Wed. at 11:59pm Discussion Reply Post 4 – Due Sun. at 11:59 pm Project 2 (Part 1) – Due Sun. at 11:59pm |
| 6/8 | No Readings | Project 2 (Part 2): Finish Project 2 (Part 2) / Discussion Post / Turn in Project 2 (Part 2) | Discussion Post 5 – Due Wed. at 11:59pm Discussion Reply Post 5 – Due Sun. at 11:59 pm Project 3 (Part 1) – Due Sun. at 11:59pm |
| 6/15 | Handouts available in blackboard: • Sample creative brief • Creative Brief worksheet • Guides on framing for ads and leaving space for text (negative space strategies) | Project 3 (Part 1): Introduction to Project 3 – Photography for a Graphic Design Advertisement (Part 1) / Discussion Post / Turn in Project 3 (Part 1) | Discussion Post 6 – Due Wed. at 11:59pm Discussion Reply Post 6 – Due Sun. at 11:59 pm Project 3 (Part 1) – Due Sun. at 11:59pm |
| 6/22 | Handouts available in blackboard: • Export guidelines for print (300 dpi, color profile) & web (72 dpi) | Project 3 (Part 2): Finish Project 3 (Part 2) / Discussion Post / Turn in Project 3 (Part 2) | Discussion Post 7 – Due Wed. at 11:59pm Discussion Reply Post 7 – Due Sun. at 11:59 pm Project 3 (Part 2) – Due Sun. at 11:59pm |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.