Course Title: Photojournalism
Part A: Course Overview
Course Title: Photojournalism
Credit Points: 12.00
Terms
Course Code |
Campus |
Career |
School |
Learning Mode |
Teaching Period(s) |
COMM2640 |
City Campus |
Undergraduate |
345H Media and Communication |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 1 2017, Sem 2 2017, Sem 1 2018, Sem 2 2018, Sem 1 2019, Sem 2 2019, Sem 1 2020, Sem 2 2020, Sem 1 2021, Sem 2 2021, Sem 1 2022, Sem 2 2022, Sem 1 2023, Sem 2 2023, Sem 1 2024, Sem 2 2024 |
Course Coordinator: Gordon Farrer
Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 5022
Course Coordinator Email: gordon.farrer@rmit.edu.au
Course Coordinator Location: Building 9, Level 4
Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
None
Course Description
‘A picture is worth a thousand words’ (attributed to Frederick R. Barnard).
In this course you will explore journalistic storytelling, focusing on how images can be used to tell and enhance a news story. You will examine the role of news values, learn about the complementary relationship between word and image, discuss the historical and ethical aspects that have defined this journalistic field, and be introduced to the basic practical skills of photojournalism.
Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development
In this course you will develop the following program learning outcomes:
- Develop practical and technical skills to quickly adapt to current and future changes in the industry.
- Apply a body of theoretical and practical knowledge and specific skills in journalism in which to base your professional practice or future study
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Examine and discuss the role of photojournalists and the images they produce.
- Critically discuss and apply traditional news values, such as impact, timeliness, objectivity and human interest to the photojournalism images.
- Produce photographs that complement and add value to written news and feature stories.
- Identify and analyse ethical issues and decisions relevant to the activities of photojournalists.
Overview of Learning Activities
You will be actively engaged in learning that involves a range of activities such as studios, project work, lectures, tutorials, class discussion, individual and group activities.
Overview of Learning Resources
RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems.
A list of recommended learning resources will be provided by your lecturer, including books, journal articles and web resources. You will also be expected to seek further resources relevant to the focus of your own learning.
The University Library has extensive resources for Journalism students. The Library has produced a subject guide that includes quality online and print resources for your studies: http://rmit.libguides.com/journalism
The Library provides guides on academic referencing: http://www.rmit.edu.au/library/referencing and subject specialist help via your Liaison Librarian.
Overview of Assessment
You will be assessed on how well you meet the course learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes.
Assessment Tasks
Assessment 1: Photo of the Week (10%) Individual - Course Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 4
Assessment 2: Foundations of Photography (40%) Individual - Course Learning Outcome 3
Assessment 3: Stories of Melbourne (50%) Individual - Course Learning Outcomes 2, 3 and 4
Feeback will be given on all assessment tasks.
If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.
Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions.