Photo 135: Introduction
to Photojournalism
Instructor: Sue Leith,
sleith@csus.edu Office
Hours Monday 1 -2pm MRP 2011
http://www.csus.edu/indiv/l/leiths/
The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with
the material techniques and approach of contemporary photojournalists in
newspapers, magazines and related publications. Editorial criteria, copyright
and ethics are emphasized. Images
may be created using digital or film cameras but must be digital for critiques
and submissions.
It is helpful, though not mandatory, to have some experience
with a Mac computer and Photoshop. Prerequisite - Photo 40.
BOOKS & Supplies
Required
Reading. Kobre, Kenneth: Photojournalism
The ProfessionalsÕ Approach
Focal
Press, 5th edition
ASSIGNMENTS
All
components of these assignments must be created from your own photographs. All photographs must be appropriate for editorial use by a
magazine or newspaper. Ethical, legal and community standards adhered to by the
mainstream press, as discussed in lectures and in the required text, should be
observed. There are no required number of rolls of film (or the digital
equivalent) however, students should expect to shoot 10 (or more) rolls in
order to create a successful portfolio.
Requirements
A:
One, 10 minute in-class presentation of a
current or past photojournalist.
B: Two class critiques.
C: Exam covering required
reading, lectures, guest speakers and videos.
D: Final Portfolio of 12, captioned, publication
quality images, including at least 5 of 6 required categories below.
CATEGORIES
1. Portrait 4.
News
2.
Feature 5.
Illustration
3. Sports 6.
Photo Essay (3-5 images)
STUDENT
EVALUATION/REQUIREMENTS
Regular attendance and participation in class, as well as prompt observance of deadlines
will be considered in grading. Missing more than three lectures will result in
the loss of one letter grade for the course.
Grading:
Grading
will be based on the following:
1. In-class presentation of past or current
photojournalist: 20%
2. Critiques (2): 10% each
3. Exam: 20%
4. Final portfolio: 30%
5.
Required on-time reading and class participation: 10%
(Occasional
surprise quizzes may be used to verify required reading)
Image Evaluation
These
factors will be considered in grading images submitted:
1.
Technical quality of image
2.
Success in
assignment execution including clarity, originality and appropriate for
category.
3.
Graphic and narrative qualities of images
4.
Emotional impact and/or intimacy with subject
5.
Captions
ADMINISTRATIVE
October 12 is the
last day to drop for a serious and compelling reason. This requires the permission of the instructor, Design
Chair, and the Dean of The College of Arts and Letters.
Incomplete grades are
discouraged since there is no space available in the darkroom or computer lab
for students not registered in class during a given semester. Incomplete grades
require a serious and compelling reason, as well as instructor and department
chair permission.
Makeup exams require
a serious and compelling reason.
Disability Accommodations If you require accommodation or assistance with assignments, tests,
attendance, etc. you need to provide disability documentation to SSWD, Lassen
Hall 1008, 916.278.6955. Please also notify the instructor by the
beginning of the 3rd week of the semester.
Reserve book room
For
help with your in-class presentations there are books available on a first come
first serve basis in the reserve book room.
Reserve
Book Room Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. Friday – 8 a.m. – 5
p.m.
Saturday
– 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday – 1 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Address: RBR, Library, 2000 State
University Drive East, Sacramento, CA 95819
Phone: 278.6876
E-mail: igomezlucero@csus.edu
Class/REading/Speaker
schedule
Sept.
5th Wed: Intro
Sept.
10th Mon: History, Chapter 15
Sept 12th Wed: Assignment, Chapter 1
Sept.
17th Mon: Portraits & Illustrations, Chapters 6 & 9 - Guest
speaker Kevin German
Sept. 19th Wed: Exercise: shoot a portrait on campus
Sept. 24thMon: Portrait Slide Show
Sept 26th Wed: CHANGE: No speaker today: Photojournalism & Photoshop: Bring 2 images to work on
Oct.
1st Mon: James Nachtwey, No reading due
Oct. 3rd Wed: CHANGE: News & Copyright, Chapters 2 & 3 and pages 296-297
Oct.
8th Mon: Turn in the name of the photojournalist for your
presentation
ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊCHANGE: Re-read Features, Chapter 5
Oct.
10th Wed: Editing, Chapter 10 - Guest speaker Sue Morrow
Oct.
15th Mon: Open lab and/or shooting day, No reading due
Oct.
17th Wed: Open lab and/or shooting day, No reading due
Oct.
22nd Mon: Critique, No reading due, 4 images from at least 2
categories
Oct.
24th Wed: Critique, No reading due, 4 images from at least 2
categories
Oct.
29th Mon: Stories/Issues, Chapters 4 & 8- Guest speaker Jose
Luis Villegas
Oct.
31st Wed: Halloween, Open lab and/or shooting day – good day
for news/features
Nov.
5th Mon: Student Presentations
Nov.
7th Wed: Student Presentations
Nov.
12th Mon: Campus closed, no class
Nov.
14th Wed: Ethics/Legal, Chapters 13 & 14 - Guest speaker Mark
Morris
Nov.
19th Mon: Student
Presentations
Nov.
21st Wed: Student Presentations
Nov.
26th Mon: Open lab and/or shooting day, No reading due
Nov.
28th Wed: Exam
Dec.
3rd Mon: Change: Guest speaker Paul Kitagaki no reading due
Dec.
5th Wed: Open lab and/or shooting day, No reading due
Dec.
10th Mon: Final Critique, No reading due: 4 new images
Dec.
12th Wed: Final Critique, No reading due: 4 new images
Dec.
14th:
Noon: Final Portfolio Due. 12 captioned, publication quality images including
at least 5 of 6 required categories. See handout for sizing and naming
requirements.
This schedule is
subject to alteration. Changes will be announced in class.