Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

This unit introduces students to the skills required to be an effective photojournalist: to identify and research a story, and capture it in vibrant and technically clean photographic form. The unit covers the aesthetic, technical, narrative, ethical and historical aspects of photojournalism. Students learn to produce compelling images that best represent human events and are encouraged to develop their interests in producing folio work and picture essays.The unit begins with the principles of photographic techniques, an introduction to different forms of photography, and the requirements of different publications.Students learn the skills of issues-based research and writing to drive their visual storytelling and understand the value of timeliness, objectivety and narrative. Students also learn how to use photo-editing software.

Objectives

On completion of the course students should be able to:

1. Produce aesthetically vibrant and technically clean photographs.
2. Demonstrate an ability to identify, research and write a story, conduct interviews, and produce appropriate photographs to reflect the story
3. Demonstrate the relationship between text and image in journalism and produce work that combines the two forms across a range of publications
4. Demonstrate and ability to report in a clear, concise and factual manner using both written and photographic elements
5. Collaborate constructively with fellow students in learning and production processes, including online forums
6. Identify and observe key ethical and legal obligations associated with photojournalism, and reflect critically on their own and others performance in this regard
7. Work independently to produce a photographic portfolio
8. Meet deadlines, and take images under pressure
9. Demonstrate an awareness of news and current issues, and develop contacts in the community and regions in which the student lives
10. Demonstrate a critical awareness of the capacities, limitations and socio-professional implications of photojournalism
11. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of editing software

Assessment

Minor project: 30%
Major project: 50%
Online critical assessment and in-class presentation: 20%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Louise North

Contact hours

One x 2 hr seminar/week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Journalism

Prerequisites

ATS1330 and ATS1331 or permission

Prohibitions

ATS3896