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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "JRN 199-1"
COURSE NAME: "Introduction to Photojournalism: On Location in Rome"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring Semester 2012
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Muir Giulia
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: M 9:15-12:05
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This class is designed for beginning and intermediate photojournalism students. The course will involve exploring Rome and the surrounding countryside, concentrating on photojournalistic photography techniques including the “documentary” method and the dynamics of composition through the use of colour and natural light. A variety of subjects will be covered, including a brief history of photojournalism, how to shoot a photographic essay and prepare a portfolio, ethics in photojournalism, along with individual and group image critiques and field trips. Students will gain an understanding of the basic concepts of photography and photojournalism; how cameras and lenses work; image composition; lighting conditions and techniques; shooting on location; techniques for working as a photographer; editing and producing photographs; and building a portfolio of images.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

This is a course in basic photojournalism on location. There will be both classroom sessions and classes off campus, held on location in Rome and the surrounding area, as well as visits to photographic exhibitions. Class sessions will cover learning use of a camera, lights, composition, colour, documentary and candid photographic techniques, photographic software such as Adobe Photoshop, and critiques. Classes on location include practical fieldwork where students will apply what they have learned in the classroom, shooting individually and as a group on specific assignments and topics including people, portraits, photographic essays, travel, fashion, architecture, food, landscape, nature, and other subjects. 

PRE-REQUISITE: Students must provide their own 35mm TTL (through the lens) digital cameras with a 28-80mm zoom lens or equivalent. Camera needs to include the ability to function on Manual or Shutter/Aperture Priority. A small tripod is recommended. No cell phone cameras or PDA cameras are allowed

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the end of the course students will have an awareness of the methods and techniques of practicing photojournalism on location, including techniques of the camera/lens/lighting, documentary and candid photography, image editing, photographic production. Students will also produce a portfolio of roughly 20 images.
TEXTBOOK:
NONE
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
Photography Barbara London, John Upton Prentice Hall 0205720803  

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
Get the Picture: A Personal History of Photojournalism John G. MorrisUniversity Of Chicago Press 9780226539140  
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Mid-term quiz 15%
Final Exam 20%
Class participation 10%
Photographic assignments & final project 55%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
Assessment Guidelines for assigning main letter grades: A, B, C,D, and F.

A= 94-100; A- = 90-93; B+ = 87-89; B = 83-86; B- = 80-82; C+ = 77-79; C = 73-76; C-= 70-72; D+=67-69; D = 63-66; D-= 60-62; F= 0-59.



A/A- = Excellent command of the photographic language, image structure sophisticated, project organization is high, software application is advanced.

B+ = Very good command of the photographic language showing very few errors, image structure is advanced.

B = Good command of the photographic language, competent use of image structure, evidence of development and complexity, work will generally be above average.

B- = Satisfactory command of the photographic language, image structure will be simple, medium number of errors.

C+ = Some evidence of ability to control the photographic language, image structure is simple, frequent but not serious errors.

C/C- = Some evidence of the ability to control the photographic language, high frequency of errors.

D = Little evidence of the ability to control or apply the photographic language, failure to execute a photographic project, frequent errors.

F = No evidence of the ability to apply the photographic language and failure to make a photographic project.


-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Attendance is required.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE

Week One: Introduction to Photojournalism; getting to know the camera; field work.
Week Two:
Language of photography; the photo essay (final project explained); field work.
Week Three: Ethics in Photojournalism; digital editing; photographic software (Photoshop); field work.
Week Four:
The portrait (candid, environmental, self-portrait); controlling light (e.g. natural light, artificial light); field work.
Week Five: News photography: social, general, spot news; field work.
Week Six: Lighting session; field work.
Week Seven: Feature photographs: a visual break from routine news; field work.
Week Eight: Mid-term Exam and Assignment.
Week Nine: Social and Documentary photography; field work.
Week Ten: Discovering Rome assignment.
Week Eleven:
On the job: Guest speaker. Field work.
Week Twelve: Photojournalism and the environment. Field work.
Week Thirteen: Photojournalism: A look ahead; Open Lab: Opportunity to work on final projects and personal exhibit.
Week Fourteen: Final Exam.