JRL220: INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOJOURNALISM Fall 2017 Syllabus

Class (A) meets M/W: 10:00- 11:15 Martin Hall G1

Class (B) meets M/W: 11:30-12:45 Martin Hall G1
Professor Lois Raimondo Martin Hall 310
Office Hours: Monday 1:00-3:00 and Wednesday 1:00-3:00
[email protected]
JRL220 GA Minying Kong

WEEK 1
08/16 Wed: Introduction to class philosophy and course outline. Time Management. Camera loan and
required purchase kit. Shooting Assignments. Software training Photoshop and Photo Mechanic. Critical
Analysis Class Presentations. Participation. Attendance Policy.

Check out and bring cameras to next class next Monday 8/22:

1) Camera and fully charged battery

2) Two SD cards, each 8G or higher
3) Card reader if you are using personal Canon Camera

*You will be working Mon 8/21 with cameras in class and ingesting images to computers. If you do
not come to class with required kit, you will be marked absent for the day.

Homework Assignment:

Before coming to class Monday, watch the following video with attention to ISO, Shutter
Speed and Aperture: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/hands-
review/nikon-learn-and-explore-introduction-nikon-dslr

Read the following document to research and understand correct image exposure and the
relationship between ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed. We will be reviewing this in class
next week.
http://www.wikihow.com/Understand-Camera-Exposure (explanation of terms)

Download the online Nikon D40 camera manual- have it on hand to refer to throughout the
semester when technical problems arise in your shooting.
http://www.nikonusa.com/pdf/manuals/noprint/D40_noprint.pdf (NikonD40 Manual)

WEEK 2
08/21 Mon: Introduction to the Digital Camera. Come to class equipped with Nikon D40 kit (or
alternate SLR camera) including fully charged battery, 2x SD 8G card, and card reader ready to roll. Work
with cameras in class.

http://www.canonoutsideofauto.ca/play/ (camera simulator)

Homework Assignment handed out in class: TEST ROLL

08/23 Wed: TEST ROLL DUE START OF CLASS

Test Roll Due in Class. Bring SD card and card reader to class for upload.
Photo-mechanic software operations. Processing. Results.

Late submissions will be marked down a full letter grade. After 24 hours, point value will be 0.
WEEK 3

08/28 Mon: LECTURE: Aesthetics: Form and Content. Elements of Image-Making

SHOW: Dailies

08/30 Wed: Assignment #1: LIGHT - DUE start of class WED 09/06
Master Sample LIGHT Show

Homework Read caption-writing rules at both sites. Be prepared to write captions in class.
1. http://www.poynter.org/uncategorized/1753/hot-tips-for-writing-photo-captions/
2. http://web.ku.edu/~edit/captions.html

WEEK 4
09/04 Mon: No Class

09/06 Wed: Assignment #1 LIGHT DUE start of Class EDIT LAB

MASTER SHOW- LIGHT
Written evaluation must be completed and printed out before the start of class. Bring to class SD
card with all images, card reader, 8x11 clasp envelope with typed self-evaluation.

WEEK 5
09/11 Mon: LECTURE: Harvey Hip Hop Nation TX- KCahana

09/13 Wed: theirLIGHT SHOW - Critique

WEEK 6
09/18 Mon: Shooting Assignment #2 LANDSCAPE - DUE start of class Monday 9/25
Master SHOW - LANDSCAPE
Lecture: Landscapes and Cityscapes. Learning to see. Learning to look closely.

09/20 Wed: In-Class Groupwork: TBD - social media/squares of reference

WEEK 7
09/25 Mon Shooting Assignment #2 Landscape Due start of class EDIT LAB
09/27 Wed The Danger of a Single Story: Stories on Diversity

WEEK 8
10/02 Mon their LANDSCAPE REVIEW SHOW In-class Critique

10/04 Wed Introduction to Picture Story: Conception, Research, Content, Shape and Structure. What
makes a good story idea? Story proposal seeds. Where do they come from. Class discussion on same.
Local Sourcing from local sites.

HANDOUT: Story Proposal Spec Sheet

Dominion Post, Online SM sourcing, Local stories

Visual Narratives from your peers.

WEEK 9
10/09 Mon: First Draft typed Picture Story proposals DUE at start of class. Present two fleshed out
story subject/ideas following assignment specs. Present and Discuss. This is the first graded element of
your picture story. If approved, start shooting. If not, revise and submit WED for proposal credit.
10/11 Wed: Introduce picture story group work. Picture Stories from Other Places. Structure as
meaning. Different ways of getting there. Paired for In-Class Critique and Presentation of Assigned
Stories.

WEEK 10
10/16 Mon MPW GROUP PRESENTATIONS
10/18 Wed MPW GROUP PRESENTATIONS

WEEK 11
10/23 Mon: Shooting Assignment#3: Event/Interaction: Scene, Engagement, Detail Must be shot
on Aperture or Shutter Priority. Due start of class LAB Wed 11/01

10/25 Wed - Photo Story Projections. FIRST FIVE DUE for presentation. Second element for story
grade.

WEEK 12 Story Work

10/30 Mon Fractured Spaces Assignment Independent Work
11/01 Wed - EDIT LAB - #3 Event/Relationship DUE start of Class

WEEK 13
11/06 Mon - PICTURE STORY SECOND PROJECTIONS
11/08 Wed Guest Lecturer

WEEK 14 - Story Work continued

11/13 Mon - Editing Your Story. Visual Narrative form and flow.
11/15 Wed: OPEN LAB: WORD AND PHOTO WORK. All STORY image banks due in class for
edit and editor approval. Last chance to identify missing pieces.

WEEK 15 - FALL RECESS NO CLASSES

WEEK 16 11/27 & 11/29 FINAL STORY PROJECTS DUE:

Envelopes turned in start of class
PROJECTIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

WEEK 17 FINAL STORY PROJECTIONS

JRL220: INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOJOURNALISM FALL 2017

Syllabus

Welcome to JRL220 and the organic rush of Photojournalism. If you engage the process on all levels-
technical, intellectual and creative- you will be using your camera to not only document what you see out
there, but also to open windows for viewers/readers to see and perhaps understand some of what is
uniquely you.

Responsible and fair representation is critical when it comes to image- making since pictures dont lie.
To this end, the instructor will introduce students to cutting edge photojournalism work from around the
world- varied, diverse, and often conflicting- perspectives on reality. Global truth up close and
personal through the eye of the distant camera. In additional to photo websites, as major news events
occur, we will be accessing our targeted photojournalists raw material through their blog sites and twitter
accounts.
This course is designed to equip students with basic but considerable photographic and journalism skills.
Skill development will take place inside contextual exposure and study of evolving technologies and
expressions (including software, social media, exploration of merging media platforms and outlets). The
class will examine how core ethical values of the profession are being challenged eroded or enhanced- by
same evolving technologies and socio-cultural shifts in perception and persuasion. Even though you may
not have any photographic background, you will be expected to produce industry-standard quality work. At
the same time that you are acquiring technical skill, there will be ample opportunity throughout the
semester for creative risk-taking. Once you master the technique, you are limited only by your imagination.
This instructor welcomes vision that moves beyond the box. Photographic product is often strengthened,
and almost always more interesting, when driven by personal passion.

In this course, you will produce four single-issue assignments and one multiple-image project. Choose your
subject/s wisely. In each case, but especially the photo story/event project, the material must hold your
attention- and interest- over an extended period of time. The thought that goes into choosing your subject,
or setting, is as important as the image execution.

Class lectures, readings, assignments and class discussions are designed to lead you solidly along the path
to making good pictures. Attendance is critical to your success. Intensive weekly critiques and discussion
of photographic work will illuminate how and why some pictures- and stories- work better than others. You
will be expected to apply this knowledge-weekly incremental- to your subsequent assignment take.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Develop and demonstrate technical competence with basic camera operations, including solid
understanding of light, exposure, focus, and depth of field. Utilize these learned skills in undertaking five
photographic assignments designed to test and challenge that understanding.

Create an extended visual narrative using strong applications of technical craft and professional standards
to produce images with strong photographic aesthetics for effective communication. Support all
photographic work with extended caption blocks drawn from interview notes.

Conclude through the use of critical thinking practices (description, interpretation and evaluation) the
appropriateness of the resulting photographs considering the various technical, commercial and personal
objectives for effective creative expression and communication of ones personal vision.

Global/Diversity Course Component: Develop sensitivity to other through recognition of the ways in
which image translates across cultural, social, and experiential boundaries. Lectures and group exercises
dedicated to comparative study of multi-cultural viewpoints in social issue reporting. Begin to develop skill
to translate varied understanding through conscious gathering and organization of appropriate visual
elements in extended narrative pieces.

Attendance:
If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to contact a classmate, find out what you missed, and catch up.
Absences will count against your grade. All medical and family emergency absences should be reported to
instructor before the missed class. You may miss one class without penalty. Missing two classes could
impact your final grade. Three unexcused absences will reduce your final score a full letter grade.
Miss more than three classes and you likely will not pass the course.

Required Materials:

1) TWO digital data cards each 8G or higher.

2) Card reader to transfer images from data disc to computer
3) External Portable Hard Drive: Essential work/storage device for all photographers/videographers.
Lacie Rugged, Western Digital would be my brand of choice, but any 250 GIG or higher drive
will work for this course.
GRADING:

Individual Assignments (3): 15 points each: 1) Light, 2) Landscape and 3)

Event/Engagement (3 parts)
Photo Story (1): 30 points
In-class group work, presentations: 15 points
Attendance and Participation: 10 points

Final Grades:
90-100 A (- or + relative to these numbers)
80-89 _ B (- or + relative to these numbers)
70-79 _ C (- or + relative to these numbers)_
65-69 _ D
below 65 _ F

Each of five photo assignments will be given four category scores for a possible total of 100 points. Each
category can earn 25 points. The evaluation categories are: Content; Aesthetics; Technique; and
Captions/Accompanying written material. You will be provided with a detailed list of evaluative measures
for each of the four categories when assignments are given in class.

Note on Captions: Captions must be publishable with complete subject ID (first and last name, home town,
age) and no spelling or grammatical errors. Captions should be well written with detail and context to
demonstrate that the photographer completed the journalistic portion of the assignment. Whenever possible,
but only when pertinent and powerful, use direct quotes to let your primary subject represent her/his own
life.
***
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:
As journalists and communicators, your reputation for honesty and integrity is the basis of your credibility. In this
course, you will be held to the highest standard of ethical behavior. Violations of the Academic Integrity and
Responsible Conduct Policy will be handled by the instructor, the Student Code Administrator, and the Student
Conduct Board, as appropriate pursuant to WVU Board of Governors Policy 31. Please see the WVU Conduct Code
http://studentlife.wvu.edu/office_of_student_conduct/student_conduct_code Should you have any questions about
possibly improper research citations or references, or any other activity that may be interpreted as an attempt at
academic dishonesty, please contact me before the assignment is due to discuss the matter.

School of Journalism Policy on Plagiarism & Fabrication.

As future journalists and communicators, your reputation for honesty and integrity is the basis of your credibility. In
this course, you will be held to the highest standard of ethical behavior. If you are caught cheating, or engaging in
plagiarism or fabrication*, you could receive an F for the course, or an F for the assignment. You could also
receive an Unforgivable F on your academic transcript. The School of Journalism defines fabrication as the
invention of any fact, quote or source in a work of journalism.
Academic Integrity/Misconduct. Students caught violating this policy will be subject to the full authoritative action
by the West Virginia Academic Review Board and/or the WVU Code of Students Rights and
Responsibilities. Students found in violation could receive a F for the assignment, and F in the course, an
unforgivable F that always will remain on the student academic record and/or dismissal from the University.
Plagiarism. The University defines plagiarism in terms of proscribed acts. Students are expected to understand that
such practices constitute academic dishonesty regardless of motive. Those who deny deceitful intent, claim not to have
known that the act constituted plagiarism, or maintain that what they did was inadvertent are nevertheless subject to
penalties when plagiarism has been confirmed. Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, the following:
1. Submitting as ones own work the product of someone elses research, writing, artistic conception, theme, thesis,
dissertation, commercially prepared paper, musical piece or other written, visual, oral or electronic/computerized
material that has been copied in whole or in part from the work of others, whether such source is published or
unpublished.
2. Incorporating in ones submission, without appropriate acknowledgment and attribution, portions of the works of
others; that is, failing to use the conventional marks and symbols to acknowledge the use of verbatim and near-
verbatim passages of someone elses work or failing to name the source of words, pictures, graphs, etc., other than
ones own, that are incorporated into any work submitted as ones own.
Cheating. The University defines cheating and dishonest practices in connection with examinations, papers, and
projects as including, but not limited to:
1. Obtaining help form another student during examinations.
2. Knowingly giving help to another student during examinations, taking an examination or doing academic work for
another student, or providing ones own work for another student to copy and submit as his own.
3. The unauthorized use of notes, books, or other sources of information during examinations.
4. Obtaining without authorization an examination or any part thereof.
The School of Journalism includes fabrication of quotes as a form of cheating. Any student who presents work that
knowingly, and without instructor approval, fabricates quotes of sources can be found guilty of cheating.
SOJ Diversity Policy
The Perley Isaac Reed School of Journalism is actively committed to presenting diversity of viewpoints to a general
audience. It is vigorously engaged in seeking, nurturing and maintaining ties to a base of multicultural sources. In
public relations and advertising, the school equates excellence in campaigns to representing and communicating with
diverse clients and audiences. In news storytelling, excellence is equated with the ability to produce stories for and
about a wide range of communities and audiences.
Days of Special Concern
WVU recognizes the diversity of its students and the needs of those who wish to be absent from class to participate in
Days of Special Concern, which are listed on WVUs Web site. Students should notify their instructor by the end of the
second week of classes or prior to the first Day of Special Concern, whichever is earlier, regarding such absences. Your
professor will make reasonable accommodations for assignments that a student misses as a result of observing a Day of
Special Concern, providing the absence/s are discussed with the professor in advance.
Inclusivity Statement
West Virginia University is committed to social justice. I concur with that commitment and expect to maintain a
positive learning environment based upon open communication, mutual respect, and non-discrimination. Our university
does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, disability, veterans status, religion, sexual orientation, color or
national origin. WVU also is committed to providing students, faculty, staff and job applicants with a work and
educational environment free from all forms of sexual harassment. Therefore, sexual harassment, in any manner or
form, is expressly prohibited. Any suggestions as to how to further such a positive and open environment in this class
will be appreciated and given serious consideration. If you are a person with a disability and anticipate needing any
type of accommodation to participate in this class, please advise the instructor and make appropriate arrangements with
Disability Services at 304-293-6700.

LOANER EQUIPMENT REGULATIONS FROM EQUIPMENT MANAGER:

During the semester you will check out equipment to do your assignments. You are responsible to bring it
back in the condition you found it. You are financially responsible for any damage or loss of same
equipment. You will sign a liability agreement when you check out equipment which makes you
responsible for gear while in your possession. Do not leave equipment in your vehicle. Car content theft is
common and you will have to pay for the crime.

Plan ahead and check out equipment in advance of when you will be using it. Do not assume that batteries
will be charged and ready to go. You need to return equipment immediately after completing your
assignment. Equipment that is more than 7 days late will be considered lost or stolen, and you will be
charged the full amount of the replacement cost. If that amount has not been paid within a week of
notification, the fine will be turned over to student accounts.

We ask that you be sensitive to the needs of your classmates with whom you share loaner equipment.
Students who late-return equipment more than twice during the semester will lose the right to check out
additional equipment.

Equipment can be checked out from the equipment closet 30 hours per week hours listed on the
equipment closet door. All equipment will be checked out for two days and then returned. Equipment
checked out on Thursday is due on Monday and anything checked out on Friday is due on Tuesday.
Equipment should be returned packed the way it was checked out, and batteries should be fully charged.

All equipment must be returned to the equipment GA on or before the final project due date. If there are
circumstances that prevent you from returning the equipment by the deadlines you must contact one of the
equipment GAs immediately.
Office: G2