ATS3896 - Photojournalism - 2017

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, objectivity and narrative. Students also learn how to use photo-editing software.

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

    Note: Level 3 students are required to demonstrate a greater sophistication of technical skill and critical argument and scholarship.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

Ms Elizabeth Hart

Twelve credit points of second-year Arts units.

ATS2896