JCU Logo
JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "JRN/COM 199"
COURSE NAME: "Introduction to Photojournalism: On Location in Rome"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2014
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Rosamaria Mancini
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: TTH 4:30 PM 6:30 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS:
COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This class is designed for beginning photojournalism students. The course will involve exploring Rome and the surrounding countryside, concentrating on photojournalistic techniques including the “documentary” method. A variety of subjects will be covered, including a brief history of photography - we will study the work of good photographers -  how to shoot a photographic essay, ethics in photojournalism, along with individual and group image critiques and field trips. 
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. The 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, travel, fashion, architecture, food, landscape, nature, etc. The classroom sessions will include lectures on history of photography, composition and design, the basics of Photoshop, ethics, and photojournalism today in the digital age. 

Taking photographs, and improving your picture-taking skills, are an integral part of this course. This means you'll need a camera. A 35mm digital adjustable camera is ideal. Phone cameras won't work. A pen drive with at least 2 gigs of space is ideal. 
LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1.          Increase students’ sophistication for making and viewing photojournalistic images

2.          Learn the basics of Photoshop

3.          Increase sensitivity to ethics of making visual images

4.          Develop creativity, critical thinking and problem solving skills

5.          Produce an online portfolio of photojournalistic images on Pinterest

 
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
PHOTOGRAPHYBarbara London and John UptonPrentice Hall0205933807     
Criticizing PhotographsTerry BarrettMcGraw Hill0073526533     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Final Pinterest Project 30 percent
Attendance/Class Participation  20 percent
Research Paper 10 percent
Photographic Assignments/Exams 40 percent

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Attendance is a must. Students are to come to class on time with materials and equipment needed for each day. They are expected to participate in class actively and with imagination and creativity. They should also feel free to ask questions. If absent for any reason, the student is responsible for obtaining notes on information that was covered during the time missed.  

 
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 in the digital age; getting to know the camera; field work.

Week Two: Language of photography; Pinterest project; field work.

Week Three: History of Photojournalism

Week Four: Ethics in Photojournalism; digital editing; photographic software (Photoshop); field work.

Week Five: News photography: social, general, spot news; field work.

Week Six: News photography continued; field work.

Week Seven: Travel photography; field work

Week Eight: Feature photographs; field work.

Week Nine: The portrait (candid, environmental, self-portrait); field work.

Week Ten: Discovering Rome assignment.

Week Eleven:  Open Lab: individual field work.

Week Twelve: Nature photography; field work.

Week Thirteen: Photojournalism: A look ahead; Open Lab: Opportunity to work on final projects.

Week Fourteen: Final Exam.