Photo Journalism

BACHELOR OF ART IN JOURNALISM

JR 250

Breyer State University

Instructor:

Sherri Kvamme, BS, BA

Syllabus

COURSE OVERVIEW: Welcome to JR250 Photojournalism a Bachelor of Science level course in the curriculum for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Journalism. I love it and believe strongly in the old adage that a picture is worth a thousand words, though I might alter that to read a million words instead. I have always had a great passion and respect for photography and photographers. The works of Ansel Adams can keep me mesmerized for days. His photography exemplifies brilliance. However, there are thousands of excellent photographers and I hope you are a part of or will become a part of the fascinating world of photojournalism.

Photojournalism is an art of its own and deserves respect, commitment and work. Its importance is profound. It grows and expands in dimensions that continue to amaze. Just when the best is presented to the world, there is another click of the camera somewhere in the world and another star photojournalist is born. Interestingly, the best photographs come when you least expect them. Always keep your camera with you, so you are ready to capture the moment on film!

The Midterm and Final Examination will be an ongoing project throughout this ten week course. Take the assignments seriously and treat them in a professional manner. All of your course work should be treated in a professional manner. Professionalism and respect of the trade are major keys to success in Journalism. I hope that you are seeing the significance of the chosen text and how it intertwines. At the same time, I trust you are spending more of your time reading newspapers, quality magazines, listening to the news on the radio and watching documentaries and the news on television. Do those things with a critical eye, always asking and answering: A How would I have handled that same situation? Your studies at Breyer State University are quality and they are important. Remember what I have said: "Once a specific course is finished, it really is not finished! Don't turn your back on it! You might miss something!" And don't close your eyes to today and tomorrow. There is always something going on somewhere that needs learning, writing, needs reporting and needs reporting well. Work hard, write well and enjoy this course. Photojournalism is challenging, rewarding and a lot of fun! Be excited about it!

PRE-REQUISITE: The pre-requisite of Journalism 250 is your successful completion of JR110, JR150, JR180 and JR200 and JR220.

TIMEFRAME: This is a ten-week course and all requirements for the course must be completed by the end of the ten weeks. Your first day of class will be when you notify me via email that your books for this course have arrived. Please stay very aware of the schedule and vigilantly monitor yourself as any possibility of time extended beyond the ten weeks will be a rare exception. The Journalism Degree is 110 credit hours. With your successful completion of Photojournalism 250 you will be awarded six credit hours.

TEXTBOOKS: Your textbook for this course is

Book 1: Photojournalism: The Professional's Approach (Fourth Edition). Kenneth Kobre. ISBN # 0240804155.

Spend time reading whenever you can. Read newspapers, quality books, news magazines, watch documentaries and listen with a 'journalist's ear'. Read about as many subjects as you can, especially those that you know little about. Journalists need to know a lot about everything they possibly can and keep up on current happenings around the world, statewide and locally. Look at the pictures in newspapers, in quality magazines and on television with a more creative eye. Ask yourself questions about what you see. Would you have used that particular picture or taken that specific photograph from that angle? Would you have given it a different cutline and if so, what would you have done?

You may purchase new or used books at your local bookstore or online at:

Amazon.com at:
www.amazon.com

Borders Books at:
www.borders.com

Barnes and Noble at:
www.bn.com

Keep in mind that when you have completed the twelve courses, these books will be an addition to your personal library of reference material and retain ongoing value to you.

EXAMINATION: There are two examinations for Journalism 250 which will include a mid-term and a final examination. You are on special assignment for these two examinations. Do your best. Have fun with it. Be professional.

GRADING: The grading scale is as follows:

90-100%    = A
80-89%      = B
70-79%      = C
Below 70% = Fail

COMMUNICATIONS: I am available via email seven days a week and I check my email messages frequently. You will always hear from me within the same day. When you are ready to begin, I will also give you a telephone number which you will be more than welcome to use if e-mail messages do not answer your questions.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: In this course, we will be covering what every photojournalist should know including narrative picture stories, features, sports, news, politics, finding features, creative use of the strobe, shooting with color films, digital cameras and images, newsroom politics, picture editing, staying within the bounds of the law, ethics, controversial pictures and some history of photojournalism.

ASSIGNMENTS: For specific course assignments, please click on the link "Assignments". If you have any questions, please e-mail me. You will hear from me within the same day.

INFORMATION: If you have any questions regarding this program, you may contact us at adm@breyerstate.com.

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