PELLISSIPPI STATE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE 
MASTER SYLLABUS

PHOTOJOURNALISM
 PHO 2400

Class Hours: 3.0

 

Credit Hours: 3.0

 

Laboratory Hours: 0.0

 

Revised:  Fall 06

 

 NOTE:  This course is not designed for transfer credit.

 

Catalog Course Description:

 

 

 

A study of the methods and techniques of photojournalism as found in contemporary publications such as newspapers, magazines, and corporate publications.  Topics include spot news, events, sports, features, environmental portraiture, photo essays, and professional practices. 

Entry Level Standards:

 

 

 

Proficiency with the 35mm camera, and portable electronic flash.  Proficiency in black & white processing and printing 

Prerequisites:

 

 

 

PHO 1000 and 1100

Corequisites:

 

 

 

PHO 2060 and MDT 2100

Textbook(s) and Other Course Materials:

 

 

Photojournalism: Content and Technique," Greg Lewis. Wm. C. Brown Publishers
 Equipment/Materials:
 35mm single lens reflex camera with light meter, adjustable aperture and shutter speeds, wide angle, normal and telephoto lenses. 
 20-30 rolls of color negative, color transparency, and Black & White film.  Black & White and color enlarging paper, mat board, and mounting tissue.

I. Week/Unit/Topic Basis:

 

 

 

Week 

Topic

 

1

What is Good Photojournalism?  Lab Policies.

 

2

Covering Spot News and Events.

 

3

Environmental Portraiture and Personality Features.

 

4

Critique. Field Trip, visit to a Newspaper.

 

5

Simulation: Covering a Press Conference.

 

6

Writing Cutlines.  Critique. 

 

7

Sports Photography.

 

8

MIDTERM.

 

9

Field Trip, Covering a Sporting Event.

 

10

Feature Photography.

 

11

Planning and Shooting the Photo Essay.

 

12

Layout and Design of the Photo Essay.

 

13

Shooting in Difficult Situations. 

 

14

Publication Requirements.

 

15

Professional Practices and Ethics.

Final projects. Critique.

II. Course Objectives*:

 

 

 

A.

Demonstrate proficiency with the 35mm camera system as used in photojournalism.  II. 

 

B.

Understand techniques for photographing in difficult situations. II

 

C.

Understand techniques for photographing spot news, events, features, environmental portraiture, and sports.  II.  IV.

 

D.

Apply the criteria for writing cutlines for publications. V.

 

E.

Understand techniques for planning, photographing, and designing the photo essay.  I.

 

F.

Explain the professional practices relating to photojournalism and their use for specific publication V.

 

G.

Recognize the materials used for photojournalism and their use for specific types of publications.  IV

 

H.

Create a portfolio of professional quality photojournalistic photographs. I. III. VI.

*Roman numerals after course objectives reference goals of the Photography program.

III. Instructional Processes*: 

 

 

Students will:

 

 

 

 

1.

Acquire specific photography-related knowledge and skills through classroom lectures and demonstrations. Communication Outcome, Personal Development Outcome

 

2.

Participate in discussion of significant photojournalism and photojournalists.  Personal Development Outcome

 

3.

Simulate news event. Active Learning Strategy and Problem Solving and Decision Making Outcome

 

4.

Attend Field Trip to newspaper. Transitional Strategy

 

5.

Attend Field Trip to apply photojournalistic techniques in the field. Problem Solving and Decision Making Outcome

 

6.

Create a portfolio where technique, artistry and subject communicate the photographers observation to the viewer. Problem Solving and Decision Making Outcome, Transitional Strategy

 

7.

Participate in classroom critiques and discussion of student work. Active Learning Strategy

*Strategies and outcomes listed after instructional processes reference Pellissippi State’s goals for strengthening general education knowledge and skills, connecting coursework to experiences beyond the classroom, and encouraging students to take active and responsible roles in the educational process.

IV. Expectations for Student Performance*: 

 

 

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

 

1.

Use a 35mm camera system.  A

 

2.

Select appropriate equipment, materials, and techniques for a variety of subjects, situations, and publications.  D.B. C. E. G.

 

3.

Write cutlines for assignments. D.

 

4.

Specify pricing, usage, and the necessary releases for photojournalism. F.

 

5.

Present a portfolio of typical photojournalistic assignments. A. B. C. D. E. G. H. 

*Letters after performance expectations reference the course objectives listed above.

V. Evaluation:

 

 

 

A. Testing Procedures:  30% of grade

 

The instructor will provide specific information via the syllabus supplement no later than the first week of class.

 

B. Laboratory Expectations: 

 

N/A

 

C. Field Work:  70% of grade

 

The instructor will provide specific information via the syllabus supplement no later than the first week of class.

 

D. Other Evaluation Methods:

 

Late assignments will lose 10% for each class session they are late.

VI. Policies:

 

 

 

A. Attendance Policy:

 

Pellissippi State Technical Community College expects students to attend all scheduled instructional activities.  As a minimum, students in all courses must be present for at least 75 percent of their scheduled class and laboratory meetings in order to receive credit for the course (Pellissippi State Catalog).  Individual departments/programs/disciplines, with the approval of the vice president of Academic and Student Affairs, may have requirements that are more stringent. 
PHO Class Attendance Policy:
Students must attend 85% percent of the scheduled class meetings to get credit for the course. 

 

B. Academic and Classroom Misconduct:

 

Academic misconduct committed either directly or indirectly by an individual or group is subject to disciplinary action. Prohibited activities include but are not limited to the following practices: Cheating, including but not limited to unauthorized assistance from material, people, or devices when taking a test, quiz, or examination; writing papers or reports; solving problems; or completing academic assignments. In addition to other possible disciplinary sanctions that may be imposed as a result of academic misconduct, the instructor has the authority to assign either (1) an F or zero for the assignment or (2) an F for the course.

 

C. Accommodations for disabilities:

 

If you need accommodations because of a disability, if you have emergency medical information to share, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please inform the instructor immediately. Please see the instructor privately after class or in his/her office. Students must present a current accommodation plan from a staff member in Services for Students with Disabilities (SSWD) in order to receive accommodations in this course. Services for Students with Disabilities may be contacted by going to Goins 127 or 131 or by phone: 694-6751(Voice/TTY) or 539-7153.