Please review the syllabus below and complete the form above.

P H O T O J O U R N A L I S M     S Y L L A B U S


National Board Instructor: Benjamin Jaffe / Rm. 314N      
      

Website: www.benjaminjaffe.net
       

Email: bjaffe@ucls.uchicago.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This photojournalism course is presented in a multimedia context. Students will use dSLRs to create original image content. The course will be taught as a hands-on workshop. Instruction will progress from basic camera operation and the news “one shot” to more comprehensive visual storytelling that may incorporate audio, video or other multimedia components.

The course will be divided into several units: single image stories, camera and technique, photo essay production, presentation and the pro marketplace.  Students will be responsible for weekly assignments as well as two long-term projects.  We will address relevant topics in photojournalism such as news, copyright, ethics, and war photography.

Much of the courses content and supporting material will be designed for presentation on the class website.  Students are responsible for weekly readings, quizzes, tutorials, resource material and discussion presented on the site and for digitally transmitting the assignments.

Students are encouraged to use assignments for other courses as the basis for work in this course when appropriate and with the permission of the instructor (In particular the school newspaper and its corresponding assignments).

Course content will include:

History of Photojournalism
Comprehensive instruction in the use of the dSLR will create a technical basis for understanding photographic technique.
The essential elements of good visual storytelling
How to photograph the single-image news and feature assignment
Techniques for developing and structuring professional caliber long-form photo stories
How to edit, caption, keyword and organize large numbers of photos and audio
Intermediate/advanced use of post-production software including Adobe Photoshop and Aperture, and several online presentation tools such blogger and WordPress.
Tools and standards for building a professional portfolio and presenting visual work online.

Photo equipment requirements: A working DSLR similar to a Canon Ti4

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GRADING

Grades for the course will be broken down as follows:

Weekly assignments : 55 percent
Photo essay: 15 percent
Online Portfolio: 10 percent
Class participation (including online discussions, professionalism and attendance: 15 percent
Exams: 5 percent 

Time Distribution:

60% On Assignment & Studio time

15% Studio Projects

20% Conference - Small group and Individual

5% Interactive & Traditional Assessment