Universidad Casa Grande
Photojournalism PER 265 Sec 1
Class Meeting: September 1, 2014 to December 18, 2014
07h00 to 8h45 Mondays and Wednesdays
Edif. Blanco Sala #
Professor: Michael
Barrientos
Office Hours: Friday, 7h00 to 9h00 (Please schedule an appointment)
Communication
Course Description
“There isn’t much to learn about
photography. Everything that you need to know, you can learn from the
instructions on the box. The rest is practice.” – Elliot Erwitt
Photojournalism is
reporting with pictures. We will learn the power of photography and how to
most effectively communicate with images. Students will photograph with
purpose: to inform, educate, enlighten by capturing the day-to-day life of the
world we cover, while recognizing the strength of storytelling with a combination
of words and photos.
Students will study
photojournalism techniques and how to navigate through the world of today’s
news media. Students will be qualified to apply their photojournalist
vision by practice through class assigned fieldwork, mastery of technical
skills, and an understanding of photographers and the history of
photojournalism.
Objective
Upon completion of this course, you will have a deeper
knowledge of the basics of photojournalism practices and will have a technical
foundation to build upon in journalism. You will be able to identify
contemporary issues of photojournalism; understand journalistic ethical
standards; have fluency in the criteria for effective visual communication;
have a foundation for editing; and know the photographers and institutions that
have built the foundation of modern photojournalism.
Faculty Expectations
Faculty and students actively contribute to one another's
learning through critical dialogue, and integrative and collaborative learning.
In order to take full advantage of the experience, students are expected to
manage and direct their academic progress with support and guidance from
faculty.
In order to cultivate and strengthen your photojournalist
skills, you are expected to:
· Complete
assigned work
· Keep
up with assignments and readings,
· Ask
for clarification on material or course expectations,
· Analyze
assigned readings and offer thoughtful interpretations,
If for any reason you are unable to participate on a weekly
basis throughout the course please contact me and/or your academic advisor
immediately.
Strict Enforcement of Academic Honesty Policy
Ethical practice and honesty are the foundation of
journalism. All class writings produced in class must meet the academic
standards of Casa Grande. Photography
assignments must be produced honestly and ethically. Deadlines are vital and work must be turned in on time. Late work will not be accepted. You must understand the
academic honesty policy in the student handbook and you must know what academic
honesty means in the academic world. Submitting something for publication has
copyright implications for both you and the university. Take time to review the
information regarding plagiarism and academic honesty.
There is a zero tolerance policy for academic dishonesty.
This means that on the first violation, you will receive a warning from me. If there
is a second violation, you will be officially reported to the Dirección
Académica, and receive an “F” in the course. It is your responsibility to know
what plagiarism is and how to recognize it. Please refer to https://www.indiana.edu/~istd/ for an explanation.
Standards
The core of what you learn in this course will come from
class meetings, class critiques, and photography assignment fieldwork, along with
reading and writing. Your active
participation is essential to your success. Beyond the academic rigors of the class, photojournalism offers
a marketable skill in the media world and a lifelong way to appreciate the world through producing
photographic images.
Grades
This course will be evaluated using a variety of methods as
detailed below.
Attendance
Students are expected to be on time for class.
- Anyone
more than 15 minutes late for class will be noted as tardy. Three tardies equal an absence.
- Students
with 30% or more absences automatically fail the class.
Please note that an absence does not excuse you from work
covered in class and homework. It
is your responsibility to get any assignments, notes, or missed subject
matter from your fellow students.
Class Participation and Quizzes (20%)
Students are expected to actively participate in class with
meaningful contributions to discussions, debates, and case studies. Everyone’s
opinion is valid. Photography quality is often subjective, and all critiques
and feedback should be constructive. Personal attacks will not be tolerated.
Quiz 1 (10%)
Quiz 2 (10%)
Class participation will be measured by:
- Proper
execution of assignments
- Contributions
to discussions and case studies.
- Quizzes. There will be unannounced quizzes
based on class discussions to test knowledge of subject matter.
Assignments & Final (50%)
Photography fieldwork is the core of the learning
experience. All work must be produced specifically for this class and turned in on time. Late work will
not be accepted and you will receive a zero for the assignment.
1.) News (General and Spot) (5%) - Due Sep. 17
2.) Feature (5%)
3.)
4.) Sports Action and Sports Feature (5%) - Due Oct. 15
5.) Street Photography and Documentary (5%)
6.) Multiple Picture Package: (5%) Due NOV. 5
7.)
8.) Final Exam (10%) DEC. 3
- Final Project (30% of total grade) DUE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24.
Criteria for Grading Assignments
- Follows directions and demonstrates clear understanding of the assignment.
- Application of lighting, composition, technique, and capturing a storytelling moment.
- Production of photographs suitable for publication.
- Compliance
with ethical journalistic standards.
- Full
caption information for every photograph.
Submitting Photo Assignments
Each student will be required to start a flickr.com account
and join the Casa Grande Fotografia Flickr group. Request to joint the group, and you will be added. Submit your
photographs to the group upon completion. It is also advised that you bring a
printout of the photograph in case of technical errors submitting.
Archive all images from your shoots for class editing
session.
Students are also required to start a blog for class to
submit all of their assignments to measure their progress. You have freedom to
design your blog as you like. I
will monitor your posts. It is also a way to submit your portfolio and
projects. Blogger.com or wordpress.com are recommended.
- Final Portfolio (30% of total grade) DUE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24.
Suggested Text: Photojournalism: The Professionals' Approach: Kenneth Kobre (2008) (not required)
Camera: Access to a camera is necessary for this class. A DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera with manual setting capabilities is recommended, however mirrorless cameras may also be used. (Please consult professor for detailed questions about equipment).
Camera: Access to a camera is necessary for this class. A DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera with manual setting capabilities is recommended, however mirrorless cameras may also be used. (Please consult professor for detailed questions about equipment).
Additional Resources: All of the web resources presented in class will be posted on my blog, which you are encouraged to explore: http://fotografclass.blogspot.com and the class blog http://casagrandefoto.blogspot.com
***THIS SYLLABUS
IS SUBJECT TO CHANGES***
CLASS OUTLINE
Week 1 Syllabus
Review. Introduction to Photojournalism. Types of Photography.
Week 2 History of the Photojournalism and The Camera. Spot News vs. General News.
Week 3 Feature
Photography documenting daily life
Week 4 Portraiture
Week 5 Picture
Stories and Photo Essays – the photo narrative and communicating with multiple
pictures.
Week 6 Sports Photography: Action and Reaction and the Sports Feature.
Week 7 Issue Photography.
Week 8 Street Photography. Light
and Composition and the Photojournalistic Style.
Week 9 Photo Editing and Page Design.
Week 10
Week 11 Photographer Papers and Presentations Due.
Week 12 Multimedia and Visual Journalism. Digital Darkroom: Editing Programs, Photoshop and Digital Manipulation.
Week 13 Final
Projects /Presentations. Careers
in Photojournalism.
Week 14 Final
Exams