Catalog Description

Prerequisite: Completion of PHOT 60A with grade of "C" or better; and completion with grade of "C" or better or concurrent enrollment in PHOT 75 or 78
Hours: 54 (18 lecture, 36 activity)
Description: Theory and practice of photography for publication in newspapers and online news outlets. Emphasis on ethics, communication with single images and photographic essays. Simulations of professional assignments including deadlines. Preparation of digital files for print and online use. Students must furnish digital storage media. (CSU)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Apply ethical standards within the field of photojournalism to images produced and critiqued.
  • CSLO #2: Create individual photographs, visual essays and cutlines for a variety of typical visual categories in photojournalism.
  • CSLO #3: Utilize photographic equipment and techniques commonly employed in photojournalism.

Effective Term

Fall 2018

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

54

Outside of Class Hours

54

Total Student Learning Hours

108

Course Objectives

Lecture Objectives:
1. discuss the distinguishing characteristics of photojournalism;
2. explain the attributes of "news";
3. identify visual examples illustrating typical visual categories in photojournalism;
4. discuss ethical issues surrounding point of view, lens selection, manipulation, and editing;
5. compare the ethical standards of news reporting in the early 20th century to today;
6. discuss the migration of news reporting from print to online outlets;
7. compare visual effects and potential use of various focal lengths of lenses;
8. use fill flash effectively;
9. review expected characteristics of various shooting situations including potential preparation and precautions;
10. discuss societal limitations on the photojournalist including legal and ethical constraints.
Activity Objectives:
11. assemble information identifying subject, location, activity and date of photographs;
12. compose and edit photographs for single image use and visual essay with cutlines;
13. utilize a file management system to import, organize and rank digital images;
14. prepare digital files for reproduction; and
15. create portfolio of images covering typical visual categories in photojournalism.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
      • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
        • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

          Articulation Information

          • CSU Transferable

          Methods of Evaluation

          • Classroom Discussions
            • Example: Students will discuss the legal and ethical constraints of the photojournalist. Students will be evaluated on participation, their ability to actively engage in the discussion and their understanding of these constraints.
          • Objective Examinations
            • Example: A multiple choice exam based upon projected images will be given covering the different visual categories in photojournalism. Standard grading.
          • Projects
            • Example: A final portfolio of 15-20 images covering each of the primary visual categories in photojournalism will be required. Evaluation will be based upon a rubric provided to students at the beginning of the semester. Components of this rubric will include the ability for the images to tell a story, aesthetics, proper fulfillment of visual categories, inclusion of cutlines and information, craftsmanship and presentation.
          • Reports
            • Example: Students will research an important figure in the history of photojournalism. A written report will be submitted including visual examples of the photographer’s work. The components of the grade and their weight will be provided to the students as part of a grading rubric.
          • Skill Demonstrations
            • Example: Based upon lectures, readings and in-class demonstrations, students will demonstrate the effective use of fill flash. Students will be evaluated on proper exposure and aesthetic interest of the resulting images based upon a weighted rubric provided to the students.

          Repeatable

          No

          Methods of Instruction

          • Activity
          • Lecture/Discussion
          • Distance Learning

          Activity:

          1. Instructor will demonstrate proper adjustment and sizing of digital images for reproduction. Students will then utilize the skills taught on a set of practice images to ensure that they can properly size and adjust photographs. Instructor will assist students by answering questions and doing individual demonstrations as necessary.

          Lecture:

          1. Instructor will lecture on ethics in photojournalism. Based upon the lecture and previously assigned readings, students will break up into small groups for discussion and role-playing exercises. Instructor will move about the room monitoring the discussions taking place. Instructor will then lead a large group discussion where students report out on the conclusions and concerns expressed during the small group discussions.

          Distance Learning

          1. Instructor will create a video or PowerPoint presentation with audio on writing captions for photographs. Instructor will also provide the appropriate chapter in the textbook or a link to OER on the subject for students to read. Student will seek any necessary clarifications through discussion boards or office hours. Student will then apply this knowledge to the creation of captions for their next photo assignment

          Typical Out of Class Assignments

          Reading Assignments

          1. Read the chapter on major categories within photojournalism and come prepared to class to identify those categories from images presented in class. 2. Read the National Press Photographers Association By-Laws which includes the Code of Ethics. Be prepared to give an assessment of the NPPA By-Laws with specifics drawn from the website during class discussion.

          Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

          1. Write cutlines from all photographs with identifying information of subject(s), activity, date, time and location. 2. Photograph a visual essay of at least five images. Propose a layout for print reproduction. Include proposed headline and cutline information.

          Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

          1. Create a portfolio of 15-20 images covering each of the primary visual categories in photojournalism.

          Required Materials

          • Photojournalism: The Professionals' Approach
            • Author: Kobre
            • Publisher: Focal Press
            • Publication Date: 2016
            • Text Edition: 7th
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Practical Photojournalism: A Professional Guide
            • Author: Keene
            • Publisher: Ammonite Press
            • Publication Date: 2016
            • Text Edition: 1st
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Phototruth Or Photofiction?: Ethics and Media Imagery in the Digital Age
            • Author: Wheeler
            • Publisher: Routledge
            • Publication Date: 2016
            • Text Edition: 1st
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Photography
            • Author: London, Stone & Upton
            • Publisher: Pearson
            • Publication Date: 2016
            • Text Edition: 12th
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:

          Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.

          Digital storage media