Course Offerings (all) - Journalism - College of Journalism and Communications

Course Offerings

JOU 1100 - Introduction to Journalism

Catalog description:

This course offers an overview of journalism in its many forms. A series of professional journalists will introduce you to the news and information business. The course also offers preparation for a career in journalism.

Credits:

Prerequisites: None

Student goals for the course:

Students who finish JOU 1110 should have a broad understanding of the business of journalism and have heard a number of speakers discuss different aspects of the business.

Assignments:

Two multiple-choice exams
One or two short papers

Semesters this course is offered: Fall, Spring

JOU 3101 - Reporting

Catalog description:

Instruction and practice in reporting and writing basic news stories. Emphasis on style, clarity, accuracy and responsibility in handling news.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: MMC 2100, ability to type 30 words a minute.

Student goals for the course:

Students who successfully complete Reporting will be able to gather newsworthy material and write an interesting news or news feature story that complies with the rules of spelling, punctuation, grammar and AP style within a limited amount of time.

Assignments:

Students attend two lectures a week. They also attend one three-hour lab where they will write an average of two assignments—one in-lab story and one outside story—each week. Three tests and numerous current events and AP style quizzes also are part of the grade.

Semesters this course is offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

JOU 3110 - Applied Fact Finding

Catalog description:

Instruction and practice in researching and solving complex news problems. Emphasis on enterprise, documentation and use of multiple sources, using standard reference works and public records.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: MMC 2100

Student goals for the course:

Students who finish JOU 3110 should be able to:

Locate standard reference materials, public records, and Internet resources.
Develop and implement a Freedom of Information Act request.
Interpret and analyze information as it relates to news and magazine research.
Apply basic statistical databases (such as Excel) and techniques to analyze numerical data.
Understand the practical applications of public document research.

Assignments:

Midterm exam
Final exam
Comprehensive project employing public document research
Various assignments applying search techniques

Semesters this course is offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

JOU 3411 - Design

Catalog description:

Credits:

Prerequisites: None

Student goals for the course:

Students who finish JOU 3411 should be able to:

Use flatbed and other types of image scanners
Understand image file formats and resolution
Have working knowledge of Quark Xpress or its equivalent
Be able to produce near professional level resumes, business cards, posters, etc.
Be able to produce publishable quality brochures and newsletters
Understand basic theories of design terminology
Understand and implement basic theories of picture usage
Understand and implement basic typographic norms

Assignments:

Resume
Business card
CD or Zip cover
Poster
Brochure
To be announced final group project
Midterm
Final

Semesters this course is offered: Fall, Spring

JOU 3601 - Photographic Journalism

Catalog description:

Study and practice of photography as a major component of print journalism. Emphasis on basic color picture-taking; electronic scanning; selection and use of photographs; ethical, historical, legal and stylistic aspects. Cameras and some supplies provided.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: 3JM standing or above in this college or permission of instructor. No previous experience in photography is required.

Student goals for the course:

Know basic 35mm cameras functions and related terms
Understand basic elements of composition
Know what makes a good photograph
Understand journalistic integrity and ethics
Understand standard newspaper/magazine assignments
Know how to scan film and basic PhotoShop operations
Understand historical and current trends in photojournalism

Assignments:

You will complete seven graded photo assignments, a picture-story project worth three assignments, and take three written tests. Photographs will be taken on your own time outside of class. There is no darkroom work. You bring developed negatives to lab for PhotoShop processing of your assignments. Color laser prints are made.

Semesters this course is offered: Fall, Spring

JOU 4004 - History of Journalism

Catalog description:

Origin, development and potentiality of print and broadcast media. Analysis will be made of the evolution of standards, policies, methods and controls.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: None.

Student goals for the course:

To develop an understanding and appreciation of the role of the journalist in history.

Assignments:

Vary by semester, but including examinations and research papers.

Semesters this course is offered: Fall, Spring

JOU 4121 - Journalism Research

Catalog description:

Introduction to the methods of research commonly used by newspapers and magazines and typical types of studies -- readership/circulation, typography/makeup, readability/accuracy. Emphasis is on evaluating research, including how studies are conducted, their validity and reliability, and the appropriate use of statistics.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: None.

Student goals for the course:

To give students, primarily those who intend to become writers and editors, an understanding of how the management-based newspaper/magazine research process works, its potential usefulness as well as its limitations.
To develop a basic understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of traditional research methods – surveys, content analysis, focus groups – as well as newer techniques like on-line data collection.
To make students better interpreters of statistics and data by giving them hands-on experience with statistical procedures.

Assignments:

Class survey project, including shared interviews and data analysis.
Individual reports on the survey
Final examination over readings

Semesters this course is offered: Fall

JOU 4181 - Public Affairs Reporting

Catalog description:

Instruction and practice in basic public affairs reporting, with emphasis on responsible coverage of courts, schools, and city and county government.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: JOU 3101 Reporting, JOU 3110 Fact Finding

Student goals for the course:

To understand the significance of local court and government activities to individual readers and to the broader community
To be able to identify and background news topics using live sources as well as traditional and on-line public records
To be able to report on those topics fairly, accurately, substantially and readably on deadline
To adhere to high standards of style, spelling and grammar
To understand relevant legal and ethical issues
To incorporate diverse sources and points of view into coverage

Assignments:

The majority of the assignments are live coverage of local public affairs activities, including civil and criminal trials, elections, the school board and city and county commissions. There are midterm and final exams.

Semesters this course is offered: Fall, Spring

JOU 4201 - Newspaper Editing

Catalog description:

Fundamental instruction and practice in essentials of news editing. Included are copy-reading, headline writing, makeup, technology and typography.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: JOU 3101

Semesters this course is offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

JOU 4202 - Advanced Editing

Catalog description:

Career newspaper editing; emphasis on creativity in editing, layout and design, color, decision making, news selection and judgment, technology and production, and publication trends.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: JOU 4201 with at least a C.

Semesters this course is offered: Spring

JOU 4301 - Literary Journalism

Catalog description:

Study and practice in literary journalism. Students may select a specialty and may work in writing or in writing and photography together.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: JOU 3101

Student goals for the course:

To understand the concept of literary journalism and to study the best practitioners of this style – Tom Wolfe, Hunter Thompson, Joan Didion, Gay Talese, Gloria Emerson, Norman Mailer and others.

Assignments:

Varies by semester, but usually involves a research paper, class reports and some feature articles employing literary journalism techniques.

Semesters this course is offered: Fall, Spring

JOU 4302 - Public Opinion and Editorial Analysis

Catalog description:

Study of the opinion sections of American newspapers, specifically the editorial and op-ed pages. Practice in persuasive writing and editorial board functions.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: Senior standing

Student goals for the course:

To broaden understanding of newspapers' editorial page functions and responsibilities.
To foster a critical, but positive, attitude toward newspapers' influence on public opinion and the influence of public opinion on newspapers.
To sharpen persuasive writing skills.

Assignments:

Three editorials, an op-ed column, a letter to the editor and an editorial cartoon.
Three editorial board reports as a group project
Two exams

Semesters this course is offered: Fall

JOU 4308 - Magazine & Feature Writing

Catalog description:

Preparation of features and articles for publication in newspapers and magazines coordinated with study of magazine editing problems. Supervised marketing of pieces produced in the course.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: JOU 3101 Reporting or permission of instructor

Student goals for the course:

To understand characteristics of feature stories: the differences between features and other genres, i.e. what makes a story a feature
To understand different kinds of features (i.e. profile, trend, slice-of-life, etc.)
To identify differences in target audiences—and to understand how to tailor ideas to that audience
To use a variety of research techniques while gathering information—live sources, documents, web-based sources
To use a variety of interviewing techniques to draw out useful and colorful information
To integrate various non-fiction storytelling techniques into feature stories (anecdotes, colorful quotes, description, etc.)
To be able to soundly structure a feature story using those elements and by tying them together with a clear and compelling focus
To be able to write tightly, clearly and colorfully
To be able to identify the best markets for each story
To be able to write query letters that sell story ideas
To publish stories in newspaper, magazines or Web sites

Assignments:

Assignments vary by instructor. Heavy emphasis on writing throughout the semester. Stories of varying lengths will cover variety of topics and genres, including profiles and trend stories for local and national publications. Text, readings and exams determined by instructor.

Semesters this course is offered: Fall, Spring

JOU 4311 - Advanced Magazine Writing

Catalog description:

An advanced writing course in which students create article ideas, research and write magazine-length nonfiction articles and submit them for publication.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: JOU 4308 with a B or instructor’s approval

Student goals for the course:

To identify differences in target audiences—and to develop compelling and original story ideas for specific market
To use a variety of advanced research and interviewing techniques while gathering information
To develop advanced writing and rewriting skills
To develop advanced and alternative structural techniques and approaches to stories
To develop a personal voice and style
To explore different genres of creative non-fiction writing
To write query letters and publish stories in newspaper, magazines or Web sites

Assignments:

Assignments are in-depth writing assignments that vary in length and subject matter. Majority of assignments are writing and rewriting assignments. Focus is on depth of reporting and narrative storytelling techniques with targeted subjects and publications.

Semesters this course is offered:

JOU 4313C - Sports Reporting

Catalog description:

Instruction and practice in reporting sports with special emphasis on game coverage and interviewing techniques. Includes features, sidebars, advances and press conference coverage. Opportunities for publication of stories.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: JOU 3101

Semesters this course is offered:

JOU 4341 - Reporting and Writing for Online Media

Catalog description:

Practice reporting longer stories specifically for presentation on the Web. Topics covered include in-depth interviews, modular story structure, linking strategies, use of online communities to find sources, verification and selection of reliable sources. Students report and write three original online projects.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: JOU 3101 Reporting

Student goals for the course:

Plan an online reporting project.
Find and evaluate online sources (both data and people).
Make contact with new sources via the Web and e-mail.
Prepare for and conduct in-person and telephone interviews with unfamiliar people.
Collect supporting hard data from Web sites for use in journalism.
Analyze and criticize your own writing.
Construct multi-linear stories that put the reader in control.
Consider a real audience and write to capture the audience’s attention quickly.
Write effective links and effective online headlines.
Write briefly in chunks of about 300 words, keeping each chunk to one idea or event, and making chunks inter-related but not redundant.
Practice good “Netiquette” so as not to offend or alienate potential online sources.
Implement works of online journalism in functional form on the Web in collaboration with other students in the course (and also solo).

Assignments:

Students complete three major reporting/writing projects in the semester. Each project requires completion of several sub-assignments.
At least one of the projects requires a cooperative team effort.
All three projects are self-published online.
All three projects require students to use the Web as a research tool and verify the accuracy of sources.

Semesters this course is offered: Fall

JOU 4421 - Advanced Design

Catalog description:

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: JOU 3211 Design

Recommended courses: JOU 4445C, Applied Magazines; MMC 3260, Internet Communication

Student goals for the course:

Students who finish JOU 4421 Advanced Design, should be able to:

Produce a portfolio of professional level newspaper and magazine pages
Be able to produce professional level news, sports, features and illustration pages
Have working knowledge of page design for newspapers and magazines
Have basic knowledge of Photoshop software as an illustration tool
Have basic knowledge in the use of graphic devices such as sidebars and fact boxes
Have working knowledge of color theory
Have working knowledge of production norms
Have advanced skills in typography for publication use
Have working knowledge of contemporary picture editing practices and norms
Have working knowledge of interrelationships between news, design and photo desks at publications
Understand the role of publication design management

Assignments:

Picture page
News page
Sports front
Publication report
Illustration
Magazine
Final portfolio

Semesters this course is offered: Fall

JOU 4445C - Applied Magazines (Orange & Blue class)

Catalog description:

A course designed to give students experience in editing and publishing a magazine. This class is a workshop-style class that produces the campus magazine, Orange & Blue. Each student is assigned one or more roles in order to produce the magazine.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: JOU 4201, JOU 4308

Student goals for the course:

To publish a high-quality magazine that meets professional standards of excellence
To assume one or more roles on the magazine staff and perform all duties of that role, whether it’s editorial, art or business
To learn how to develop original and compelling story ideas focused toward a specific audience
To learn to work in teams and develop goals in the publication’s best interests
To develop skills in deadline-adherence, conflict-solving and decision-making
To develop and improve writing, editing and design skills in a practical, workshop-style atmosphere
To produce high-quality work that can be published in the magazine

Assignments:

Assignments vary depending on your job assignments, but all students contribute to generate story ideas, writing and making strategic decisions about the magazine. Specifically, writers have a heavy writing load of stories with varying lengths. Editors both write and work with writers on improving copy. Designers work with graphics and art concepts. And the business team works on such issues and circulation and advertising. Each job assignment is made individually by the instructor at the beginning—and throughout—the semester.

Semesters this course is offered: Fall, Spring

JOU 4510 - Magazine Management and Publication

Catalog description:

To provide knowledge and training in magazine writing, editing, design, production and administration for magazine sequence majors. Course will stress organization, concept, audience, budget, printing, advertising, circulation and promotion of magazines.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: JOU 4201, JOU 4211, JOU 4308

Student goals for the course:

To learn about a magazine’s internal and external structure—how it functions within each department, between departments and with its readers and clients
To learn effective writing, art and marketing techniques for creating magazine covers
To learn how to effectively coach and critique writers and designers
To learn basic principles of the business aspects of publishing, including advertising, circulation, printing, and marketing
To develop a magazine prototype using the ideas and concepts from this class
To learn about the current industry climate and issues, and be able to apply these skills in your future jobs in journalism and the magazine industry

Assignments:

Major group project that incorporates writing, design, critical analysis and creative thinking
Two critical papers
Two exams

Semesters this course is offered: Fall, Spring

JOU 4603 - Specialized Journalistic Photography

Catalog description:

Journalistic still photography emphasizing technical proficiency. Specialized techniques and equipment stressed. Emphasis on color portraiture, studio products, lighting, flash and related skills. Assignments prepared using digital scanning. Students furnish some 35mm equipment and most supplies.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: JOU 3601 with at least a C or permission of the instructor. This course in intended primarily for photo majors but is an elective for magazine majors. Ideally, it should be taken before the advanced photo classes, JOU 4604 and JOU 4605.

Student goals for the course:

Understand and implement basic lighting for studio work
Complete an introduction to food, product shots
Complete portable lighting shots done "on location"
Implement other advanced techniques of lighting
Understand firm control of exposure
Implement firm control of flash units

Assignments:

Unlike the catalog description, most assignments will actually be shot on slide film. Weekly work is critiqued in class; some assignments involve partnering up with others in class. Students are expected to supply most of their own equipment, including a flash unit. UF cameras are not supplied.

Semesters this course is offered: Spring

JOU 4604 - Advanced Photographic Journalism I

Catalog description:

Primary concern will be portfolio-quality single story-telling pictures and multiple picture packages, including picture stories. Computer page layout will be introduced. Deadline pressure emphasized; overview of picture editor duties; trends; social implications; portfolio preparation. Assignments involve computer programs. Students furnish supplies, most 35mm camera equipment and flash.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: JOU 3601 with at least a C and permission of the instructor. Ideally, ART 1201, and especially JOU4603 have also been taken. This course is available only to photojournalism majors.

Student goals for the course:

Understand how two, three photos work together in print
Know how to cover meetings and events for newspaper
Know how to develop picture-story ideas
Understand and implement basic picture-page guidelines
Know how to use QuarkXpress for page layout
Understand an introduction to advanced PhotoShop illustration
Develop an advanced portfolio and be qualified for an internship
Understand and use a professional Nikon or Canon digital camera

Assignments:

The workload is roughly twice that of the JOU 3601 course; in general two photo assignments are done a week. All are shot outside of class and most must be prepared before class meets. A small five-station computer lab is available almost around the clock. Several events in the community are covered, and portfolio-like assignments are discussed: news, sports, features plus a picture story. A professional portfolio is submitted at the end of the semester. The course is taught with the expectation that all enrolled students plan to pursue a career starting with newspaper photojournalism.

Semesters this course is offered: Fall

JOU 4605 - Advanced Photojournalism II

Catalog description:

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: JOU 4604 Advanced Photojournalism I, JOU 4943 Photographic Practicum, JOU 4603 Specialized Journalistic Photo, JOU 3601 Photographic Journalism

Student goals for the course:

Have a basic understanding of digital photojournalism
Can shoot and tone at a professional level
Make professional quality digital prints
Build professional level, versatile portfolios in print and electronic form
Understand narrative and documentary essay styles
Complete well-researched oral and written story proposals
Write professional level captions
Photograph, edit and present professional quality picture stories/essays

Assignments:

Picture story 1
Picture story 2
Portfolio
In addition, a digital camera assignment is sometimes assigned.

Semesters this course is offered: Spring

JOU 4700 - Problems and Ethics of Journalism in Society

Catalog description:

Reading, analysis and planning in current and projected issues in journalism, both in their professional and societal aspects.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: Senior standing

Semesters this course is offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

JOU 4905 - Independent Study

Catalog description:

Students and the instructor concerned will choose a problem or project which will give the student actual experience in his or her major field.

Credits: 1 to 3

Prerequisites: At least 10 hours of journalism in the upper division and approval of the department.

Semesters this course is offered:

JOU 4930 - Special Topics in Journalism

Catalog description:

Variable content, providing opportunity for study in academic areas of journalism such as the Literature of Journalism, and other fields within the province of the college.

Credits: 1 to 3

Prerequisites: Senior standing in journalism and permission of instructor.

Semesters this course is offered:

JOU 4940 - Journalism Internship

Catalog description:

Student and instructor will select an appropriate work area related to the field of journalism for on-the-job training. Student will work a minimum of ten hours on the job for every hour of credit to be received. Progress reports and summary required.

Credits: 1 to 3

Prerequisites: Minimum 2.7 GPA and have completed specialized courses in journalism appropriate to the internship. Must have advanced approval from department to receive credit. May be repeated with change of content up to a maximum of 4 credits.

Semesters this course is offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

JOU 4943 - Photographic Journalism Practicum

Catalog description:

Immersion in daily newspaper photo operations with particular attention to interacting with staff photographers through week-long visits to newspapers. Papers visited require permission of photojournalism coordinator. Student is responsible for personal expenses and must furnish appropriate equipment.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: JOU 3601 with at least a C and permission of the instructor. This course in available only to photojournalism majors.

Student goals for the course:

Understand through observation, how photographers at newspapers work
Understand by practice (optional, depends on visited newspaper), the rigors of a real assignment
Complete a written evaluation report of the one-week observation

Assignments:

This course does not meet; it operates like independent study. Students find a newspaper or magazine that will let them observe photo operations for 5 days (total of 40 hours). Through ride- alongs with news photographers, students see the working world. Sometimes students are allowed to shoot assignments. A two-page paper detailing the week’s activities is required following the visit. If five days in a row cannot be arranged, students may spread out the days during the semester. The photo editor at the sponsoring newspaper provides an evaluation of the student’s interest and efforts at learning.

Semesters this course is offered: Fall, Spring

JOU 4946 - Applied Journalism

Catalog description:

A senior course bringing together the work of the preceding news courses into actual experience and newsroom training in the preparation and handling of news copy, pictures and syndicated materials.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: JOU 4104 and JOU 4201

Semesters this course is offered: Fall, Spring

MMC 2100 - Writing for Mass Communication

Catalog description:

A pre-professional course designed to provide fundamental instruction and practice in writing as a basis for upper division courses in advertising, journalism and public relations. Stresses the basic similarities in writing for all mass media.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: Completed all freshman English requirements. (Six hours of credit, typically ENC 1101 and 1102 or exempting these requirements through AP exam scores). Type a minimum of 20 words per minute. Have a strong command of written English.

Student goals for the course:

Operate the college's computer system for word processing and printing.
Write virtually error-free copy.
Use copyediting symbols.
Use AP style.
Use your own computers to send e-mail to your lab instructor, access information on the course Web site, download PDF files, and work on assignments requiring Internet use.
Take notes during interviews to serve as the basis of writing assignments.
Conduct interviews to collect information for articles.
Prepare writing assignments in timed situations.
Write news stories.
Write feature stories.
Write news releases.
Write advertising copy.
Be aware of a variety of careers in media writing.

Assignments:

Writing 14 assignments -- news stories, feature stories, news releases and advertising copy. Some writing assignments are completed in a timed setting and some require out-of-class preparation.
Quizzes and two exams

Semesters this course is offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

MMC 2265 - Technology, Change and Communications

Catalog description:

Explore the interaction between society and communication technologies. The Internet, alphabets, paper, the printing press, photography and the telegraph have all changed not only the ways in which humans communicate but also cultures, governments, economies, art and religion. Study the invention and adoption of earlier technologies to understand the way today’s communications media are affecting us and our future.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: None.

Student goals for the course:

Explain how new communication technologies:

Affect the societies and cultures that use them.
Influence daily life.
Are influenced and shaped by a society or culture.
Develop in relation to a society’s needs and interests.
Effect uses of existing communication media.

Predict and evaluate the possible consequences of:

New technologies for information storage.
New media for transmitting information farther and faster.

Assignments:

Students complete two projects and present them individually in class.
Two tests are given.
Frequent quizzes ensure that students have read assigned materials.

Semesters this course is offered: Spring

MMC 3260 - Communications on the Internet

Catalog description:

History, development and current state of online communications from teletext to the World Wide Web. Focuses on how online services relate to mass media in the past, present and future. Analyzes content methods, audiences and income sources. Students create online projects related to mass communication.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

Semesters this course is offered: Fall, Spring

MMC 4200 - Law of Mass Communication

Catalog description:

Understanding the law which guarantees and protects the privileges and defines the responsibilities of the mass media. Includes problems of constitutional law, libel, privacy and governmental regulations.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: Senior standing.

Semesters this course is offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

MMC 4302 - World Communication Systems

Catalog description:

Theoretical bases of world mass media systems, international channels of communications, analysis of press and broadcasting systems by regional and national categories.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: None.

Student goals for the course:

Present central issues and arguments relating to world communication systems.
Identify the most important players in contemporary world communication, both individual and institutional.
Relate major strains in the history of international communication to the central issues and arguments.
Identify major developments in communication technology that have had an impact on world communication systems.

Assignments:

Students will read two textbooks and a fistful of articles, take two tests, and prepare several of brief reports for the edification of class participants. The reports may deal with coverage of major world communication issues or events, or web resources, or other world communication topics. Or they may cover guest speakers, field trips, or other events or materials.

Semesters this course is offered: Spring

MMC 4341L - Advanced Online Media Production

Catalog description:

Learn how to produce photo essays, audio and interactive graphics (including Flash) for online sites; use programming for interactivity (e.g. forms and back-end databases); experiment with best practices for Web site navigation and information design. Students produce an online portfolio as their final project.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: JOU 3260 Communications on the Internet with a grade of C or better

Student goals for the course:

Gain familiarity with the best uses and professional practices for delivering non-textual material (audio, video, animation, graphics and photos) on the Web.
Plan the design, navigation and structure for a Web site with 15 or more separate pages.
Maintain, edit and revise a Web site over a four-month period.
Use standards-compliant HTML and CSS.
Optimize photos and other images in accordance with current professional practice.
Edit and deploy sound and animated graphics online in accordance with current professional practice.
Use color and typography in online design skillfully and in accordance with current professional practice.
Plan and design a front-end interface for a database-driven Web site in accordance with current professional practice.
Develop your critical thinking skills so you are able to make intelligent decisions about the use of non-textual material in online media production.
Determine the best media for conveying particular kinds of information.
Consider the requirements of the users, including their interest and skill level.
Budget time needed for production so you can meet deadlines.
Integrate various media into a coherent, appealing package.

Assignments:

Students work on one individual portfolio throughout the entire semester. The portfolio consists of multiple Web pages and accounts for the major portion of the final grade.
Students complete weekly assignments that are added to their portfolio.
Weekly quizzes assess the students’ understanding of concepts and best practices.

Semesters this course is offered: Spring

PGY 3610 - Survey of Photojournalism

Catalog description:

Course not open to photojournalism majors. Introduction to still photography; selection and use of photographs in the print media; legal, historical, stylistic, ethical and technical aspects. Picture-taking minimal compared to JOU 3601. Color assignments are digitally scanned. Cameras provided (shared).

Credits: 2

Prerequisites: Junior standing or above.

Student goals for the course:

By the end of the course, students should:

Know basic 35mm cameras functions
Understand basic elements of composition
Know what makes a good photograph
Understand journalistic integrity and ethics
Complete four standard newspaper assignments
Scan film and know basic PhotoShop operations
Understand photojournalism’s importance to publications.

Assignments:

Assignments are shot roughly every two-three weeks. Lab time is used for PhotoShop processing, laser printing and class discussion. There is no darkroom work. The workload is about half of JOU3601. The course generally meets once a week for a three-hour block during spring and fall.

Semesters this course is offered: Fall, Spring, Summer