Syllabus
Queens College
Art / Photography & Imaging
PHOTO 375
Photography Special Project
Spring 2026
Instructor: Matt Greco
Office: Klapper 106
Hours: By Appt
Email: matthew.greco@qc.cuny.edu
Course Website: professorgreco.com
Course Description:
Photography Special Project is designed to provide students with the opportunity to engage in an independent, semester-long creative investigation of their own choosing. At the outset of the course, students develop a project proposal that articulates both the conceptual framework and the logistical plan for their work. This proposal serves as a roadmap for the semester, guiding their production and helping them refine their artistic vision. Throughout the term, students meet with me periodically for progress reviews, during which they receive constructive feedback, technical advice, and conceptual guidance. By the end of the semester, students are expected to produce a final portfolio consisting of 15-20 images. A selection of these images is presented during final critique, allowing students to engage in critical dialogue with their peers and to articulate their creative process. Special Project is designed for students seeking a more intensive experience in photography and imaging. It emphasizes the development of both technical proficiency and conceptual sophistication, while also cultivating professional habits such as self-motivation, time management, and accountability. Through this structure, students gain the confidence and independence necessary to sustain a personal creative practice beyond the classroom.
Course Objectives:
By the close of this course, successful students will have completed their proposed projects, written assignments, and assembled a final portfolio for submission, culminating in a presentation of their work during the final critique. Throughout the semester, students will expand their visual and conceptual vocabulary, developing fluency in the terminology essential for both creating and critically analyzing photography. This language will enable them to participate thoughtfully and effectively in critiques of their own images as well as those of their peers. Students will also demonstrate the capacity for creative thinking and independent problem-solving—skills essential for initiating, developing, and realizing self-directed projects. The successful student will exhibit strong self-management by establishing a semester-long work plan and adhering to it with consistency and discipline. In addition, they will show evidence of self-reflection and the ability to evaluate their own progress critically. Ultimately, students will emerge from the course with greater confidence in their creative process, a refined understanding of photographic practice, and the professional habits required for sustained independent work.
Course Requirements:
Students are expected to complete all assignments on time and to the highest of their ability. Regular engagement and communication are integral to success in this course; therefore, students must meet with the instructor at least twice per month and are responsible for initiating these meetings. Punctuality is essential, arriving late will be treated with the same seriousness as an absence. While a brief grace period may be allowed to accommodate the realities of the MTA, students are expected not to take advantage of this. To fulfill the course requirements successfully, students must submit a comprehensive final project proposal, a museum journal containing three reflective entries, and a final portfolio consisting of 15-20 finished images. Additionally, each student will present a selection of their work during the final critique and provide a link to a cloud-based folder containing roughly 600 unedited images that document their process throughout the semester.
Reasonable Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Students requiring a disability accommodation, or need technical assistance with accessible course materials, should contact: qc.spsv@qc.cuny.edu. Students are allowed to register with the department anytime while attending Queens College, but it is recommended that they do it as soon as possible so they can be accommodated properly. https://www.qc.cuny.edu/sp/
CUNY Policy On Academic Integrity
Only your own photos, artwork, and/or writing are permitted for use in projects. The unauthorized use of images and compositions that are not your own is considered plagiarism. Academic Dishonesty is prohibited in The City University of New York and is punishable by penalties, including failing grades, suspension, and expulsion as provided at https://www.cuny.edu/about/administration/offices/legal-affairs/policies-procedures/academicintegrity-policy/
Statement on Student Wellness
As a student, you may experience a range of challenges that can interfere with learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, substance use, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may diminish your academic performance and/or reduce your ability to participate in daily activities. QC services are available free of charge. You can learn more about confidential mental health services available on campus at https://www.qc.cuny.edu/cs/
Use of Student Work
All programs in New York State undergo periodic reviews by accreditation agencies. For these purposes, samples of student work are occasionally made available to those professionals conducting the review. Anonymity is assured under these circumstances. If you do not wish to have your work made available for these purposes, please let the professor know before the start of the second class. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
Course Evaluations
During the final four weeks of the semester, you will be asked to complete an evaluation for this course by filling out an online questionnaire. Please remember to participate in these course evaluations. Your comments are highly valued, and these evaluations are an important service to fellow students and to the institution since your responses will be pooled with those of other students and made available online. Please also note that all responses are completely anonymous; no identifying information is retained once the evaluation has been submitted.
Course Website:
Please check our course webpage for updates to the syllabus or schedule, links to information and resources, and a student gallery page where I showcase student work.
Grades:
Project Proposal – 30%
Museum Journal – 20%
Final Portfolio – 50%
Project Proposal – 30%
Students will write a 1–2-page, double-spaced project proposal consisting of two distinct paragraphs: one addressing the logistical components of the project and the other articulating its conceptual framework. The purpose of this assignment is to reflect the expectations of the professional art world, where the ability to write clearly and persuasively about one’s work is essential. Nearly all professional opportunities for artists – such as exhibitions, residencies, grants, and public art commissions – require some form of written proposal or statement. Individuals and organizations offering financial or institutional support must be assured that an artist comprehends the full scope of their project – logistically, financially, and conceptually – and possesses the ability to execute it successfully.
Trip Journal – 20%
Students are required to attend three creative or cultural events and compose a written response of approximately one paragraph for each experience. While visiting gallery or museum exhibitions is the most direct option, a wide range of events may fulfill this requirement, including dance performances, poetry readings, open mic nights, or other artistic happenings. The intent of this assignment is to encourage engagement with diverse forms of creative expression and to foster thoughtful reflection on how these experiences inform and inspire one’s own artistic practice.
Final Portfolio – 50%
Students will produce a final portfolio consisting of 15-20 images developed in alignment with their approved project proposal. All final images must be properly named, edited, and formatted for print. A selected subset of these works will be presented during the final critique. Attention to print quality is essential; students should anticipate print proofing to achieve best results. Over the course of the semester, students are expected to generate roughly 600 images. While only a portion will be included in the final portfolio, all remaining images must be retained and made accessible for review at the end of the term. An email with a link to a cloud-based folder containing both the final portfolio and the complete body of work is required.
Grade Scale
A: Exceptional work; demonstrates strong mastery and insight
B: Satisfactory; meets all requirements competently
C: Meets minimal expectations; lacks depth or polish
D: Barely passing; major concerns with quality and understanding
F: Failing; work does not meet course standards
Printing:
Students will submit their files to the Klapper Imaging Lab (KP108) for printing. Printing costs are covered through the course’s Materials and Technology (M&T) fee. All print files must be submitted to the lab correctly for production. Students are expected to handle their prints with care, ensuring they remain clean and undamaged for final critique. As Special Project students, you have extended access to the Klapper Imaging Lab, including advanced printing services and specialized equipment not typically available to other students. You are strongly encouraged to visit the lab early in the semester to familiarize yourself with its facilities, explore the range of professional printing options, and learn about the advanced equipment available for your use.
Equipment:
You will need to procure whatever equipment your final proposal requires. The Klapper Imaging Lab has a robust selection of equipment for loan, be sure to visit the lab to inquire. Check all equipment to ensure good operation, especially jump drives and portable hard drives. Lost images, corrupted disks, etc. are not acceptable excuses for missed assignments. BACK UP EVERYTHING OFTEN.
Meetings:
Students are required to attend the first class session, during which we will review the syllabus, course structure, and expectations, as well as the final class session to participate in the final critique. Beyond these two scheduled meetings, students are expected to meet with me twice per month to discuss progress and receive feedback. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate the scheduling of these meetings. While I will check in with you from time to time and make every effort to be available and accommodating, maintaining consistent communication and seeking guidance proactively are essential to your success in this course.
Recommended Reading:
- The Essence of Photography: Seeing & Creativity by Bruce Barnbaum
- Classic Essays on Photography by Alan Trachtenberg (edited)
- Photography: A 21st Century Practice by Mark Chen; Chelsea Shannon
Schedule (subject to change):
Week 1:
course outline, review syllabus, required equipment, recommended reading.
Week 2:
Send 1st draft of project proposal.
Week 3:
Schedule first meeting with me to go over your proposal for approval to continue.
Weeks 4-14:
Schedule bi-monthly meetings with me to go over progress and give feedback, advice and guidance.
Week 15:
LAST DAY OF CLASS
Final Crit
Each student will show a selection of their final portfolio images – final portfolio of 15-20 images due, proposal due, journal due, 600 images due.
End of Semester
All work due 5.22 – 9am
___________________________________________________________________