COMM 2029 Photo Journalism

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 100953

Coordinator Enrico Scotece Opens in new window

Description Students studying this subject examine the function of photojournalism in the process of newsgathering and production and examine the relationship between images and text and their communicative potential. The subject involves a variety of approaches to photojournalism using monochrome and colour photography and location lighting for social documentary for ultimate use in a range of published forms.

School Humanities & Comm Arts

Discipline Photography

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 2 10cp

Check your fees via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 2 subject

Equivalent Subjects LGYA 0636 - Photo Journalism

Restrictions

Successful completion of 80 credit points.

Assumed Knowledge

Students must have a sound understanding of photography principles, and experience in photography processes.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the communicative potential of the discrete photographic image
  2. Explain the legal and ethical issues involved in the use of images of people and property
  3. Demonstrate in folio format visual narrative forms as a sequence or series of images in a visual essay
  4. Recognize and isolate the necessary key visual elements of a narrative to construct a photo that communicates clearly
  5. Prepare photographic images in the context of photojournalism towards publication formatted as both screen and print folios
  6. Explain the newsroom structure and processes for negotiation with writers
  7. Apply proficiency in monochrome and colour photography, contemporary print and printing systems, basic studio, portable as well as available lighting and digital capture
  8. Adequately assess the risk involved in professional production projects.

Subject Content

The construction of meaning through single and sequential images.
The role of the image in telling the story, what makes a good news or feature picture.
The use of the photographic image - subjectivity of the photographer and editor.
Skills in analysis, composition and editing of photographic imagery.
Understanding the role of the photojournalist within an editorial team.
Understanding concepts of constructing and following a brief.
Legal issues (defamation, copyright, privacy) and ethical issues associated with documentary photographic imagery.
The function of research in story development.
The photojournalist as reporter, the feature & investigative story.
The DSLR camera lighting, monochrome and colour photography.
Exposure for and natural and artificial lighting conditions.
Digital capture to publication, file set up for use in print and on-line/screen publication. File sizes and compression.

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Type Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task
Quiz 20 Questions 20 N Individual
Applied Project 20 Images + Synopsis 30 N Individual
Applied Project 20 Images + Synopsis 30 N Individual
Reflection Equivalent 1,000 words 20 N Individual

Teaching Periods

Spring (2023)

Online

Online

Subject Contact Enrico Scotece Opens in new window

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Parramatta - Victoria Rd

On-site

Subject Contact Enrico Scotece Opens in new window

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Sydney City Campus - Term 1 (2024)

Sydney City

On-site

Subject Contact Ming Diao Opens in new window

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Spring (2024)

Online

Online

Subject Contact Enrico Scotece Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Parramatta - Victoria Rd

On-site

Subject Contact Enrico Scotece Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window