PHOT 0090J - Photojournalism Field Workshop

Catalog Description

Advisory: Completion of PHOT 60A or 78 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 13 (7 lecture, 6 activity) per .5 unit
Description: Practical experience covering specific event(s). Visual styles, locations, methods, and processes of photojournalism explored. Topics include camera and lens use, composition, equipment, metering and lighting, working methods of photojournalists and the unique aspects of the event or region being studied. (CSU)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

• CSLO #1: Assess the legal and ethical issues surrounding photojournalism.
• CSLO #2: Utilize photographic equipment and techniques commonly employed in photojournalism.
• CSLO #3: Generate cutlines from information gathered regarding the subject, location and activities within photographs captured.
• CSLO #4: Create a portfolio of both individual and sequential images applying the fundamental of photographic composition that visually tell a story in the photojournalistic/publication genre.

Effective Term

Fall 2025

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

13-78

Outside of Class Hours

17-102

Total Student Learning Hours

30-180

Course Objectives

Lecture Objectives:
1. define the photojournalist's role in news gathering;
2. identify visual examples illustrating hard news, sports, human interest, etc.;
3. review expected characteristics of various shooting situations including preparation and precautions;
4. apply fundamentals of photographic composition with a photojournalistic focus;
Activity Objectives:
5. assemble information identifying subject, location, activity and date of photographs;
6. select appropriate equipment and methods such as flash to enhance photographs;
7. create visual report surrounding the events, people or location through proper exposure, ISO selection and focus; and
8. select photographs to visually tell a story in the photojournalistic/publication genre by choosing sequential and single images in a portfolio of photographs.

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: Classroom peer critiques (discussions) are an integral part of deepening student understanding of how others react to their images and to gain insight into how they can improve their work. Students are evaluated on participation, their ability to actively engage in the discussion and to provide and receive valuable feedback from their peers.
• Projects
  • Example: A portfolio of photographs presented as a digital slide show will be evaluated for photographic technique, composition, and visual storytelling.
• Reports
  • Example: Students will write a report that includes names of individuals photographed, captions for the images included in their portfolio as well as their reflections on the event or location photographed. Evaluation will be based on the level of detail, accuracy and self-reflection.

Repeatable

No

Methods of Instruction

• Activity
• Lecture/Discussion

Activity:

1. While in the field instructor will work closely with students answering questions, assisting with problem solving, and providing feedback on the images they are capturing. Students will be actively photographing the event, interviewing participants, gathering names for captions and applying the information provided during lecture and readings required outside of class time.

Lecture:

1. Instructor will prepare students for field studies by lecturing on the region to be photographed, preparations for the experience and application of relevant photographic techniques to the area being explored. Instructor will prepare handouts and provide web resources for further study outside of class that will round out the information on photography and the region. Students will take notes, ask clarifying questions and respond to instructor questions.

Typical Out of Class Assignments

Reading Assignments

1. Read the handouts and web resources describing the event or region and note its "expected" features. From your reading and notations, generate a potential shot list. 2. Read the chapter in the text (or handout) on fill-flash and come prepared to utilize it while photographing.

Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

1. Photograph a long shot, mid-shot and detail of a single scene. Properly label and include these in the final portfolio.

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

Prepare a final portfolio of 15-20 photojournalistic images that tells the story visually of the event or region recorded during the field session.

Required Materials

• Photojournalism: The Professionals' Approach 7th Edition
  • Author: Kobre
  • Publisher: Focal Press
  • Publication Date: 2016
  • Text Edition: 7th
  • Classic Textbook?:
  • OER Link:
  • OER:
• Understanding Photojournalism
  • Author: Good and Lowe
  • Publisher: Routledge
  • Publication Date: 2019
  • Text Edition: 1st
  • Classic Textbook?: Yes
  • 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:
• Multimedia Storytelling for Digital Communicators in a Multiplatform World
  • Author: Seth Gitner
  • Publisher: Routledge
  • Publication Date: July, 2022
  • Text Edition: 2nd
  • Classic Textbook?: Yes
  • OER Link:
  • OER:

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