Course Title: Refine writing and editing techniques - Photography for Writers
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2012
Course Code: COMM5415
Course Title: Refine writing and editing techniques - Photography for Writers
School: 345T Media and Communication
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5181 - Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing
Course Contact : Brendan Lee
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4368 Brendan Lee
Course Contact Email:brendan.lee@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Teacher: Tania Jovanovic
Email: tania.jovanovic@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 85
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
At RMIT Refine Writing and Editing – Photography is delivered and assessed along with the following competencies.
CUVCOR04A - Originate concept for own work and conduct critical discourse
CUVCOR13A - Research and critically analyse history and theory to inform artistic practice
CUECOR01B - Manage own work and learning
CUSADM03A - Manage a project
CUVDES05A - Interpret and respond to a brief
CUSRAD02A - Conduct Research
Through the development of these competencies, you gain the skills needed to manage your work and learning while responding to a range of project briefs. You research the work of other writers and photographers and apply your findings to your own work through the development of a concept into a finished work.
Course Description
This unit covers the knowledge and skills required to work with text and digital photography. You learn about the photographic industry while using industry standard software to manipulate and enhance text and photographic images for a variety of purposes and in a range of contexts.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
VBP553 Refine writing and editing techniques - Photography for Writers |
Element: |
1. Inform work through experimentation with writing techniques and media |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 The potential for new approaches to writing based on the capabilities of techniques already used are evaluated |
Element: |
2. Develop and refine conceptual vision for writings |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 The criteria for selecting techniques are considered based on results of experimentation |
Element: |
3. Determine and organise resource requirements for work |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 The specific resource requirements which arise from the use of techniques and experimental approaches are assessed |
Element: |
4. Plan the writing |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 The writing task is planned to reflect the media, scope, structure and content of the work and to meet agreed timelines |
Element: |
5. Realise writings |
Performance Criteria: |
Writings are realised using techniques and media selected from research and experimentation to meet the conceptual vision |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, you will be able to take photographs and manipulate them in order to support a variety of written text.
Details of Learning Activities
In this course you learn through:
1. In-class activities:
• lectures
• field trips
• teacher directed group activities/projects
• peer teaching
• lab work
• group discussion
• class exercises to review discussions/lectures
• workshopping of students’ own projects
• analysis/critique of writings
2. Out-of-class activities:
• independent project based work
• writing and photographic assignments
• online and other research
• independent study
Teaching Schedule
| Week | Class Content | Assessment Tasks | Competency and Elements |
| 1 | Introduction Semesters 1&2 course content and assessment. Cameras & how they work. TURN YOUR FLASH OFF! Depth of field -examples The digital file. Raw file preference. Digital workflow & back up. Adobe Light room. Video Presentation – The Genius of Photography Part 1 Discussion. |
VBP553 - 3 CUVDES05A - 1 CUVCOR 13A - 1 CUVCOR04A - 1 CUSRAD02A -1/2 CUSADM03A - 1 CUECOR01B -1 |
|
| 2 | Adobe Light room explained using homework images. Import Modules Black and white conversion. Effects. Retouching. Exporting images for print & web. Resolution and dpi explained. Video Presentation – The Genius of Photography Part 2 Discussion |
VBP553 - 2 CUVDES05A - 1 CUVCOR 13A - 1 CUVCOR04A - 1 CUSRAD02A -1/2 CUSADM03A - 1 CUECOR01B -1 |
|
| 3 | A start on portraiture. Looking at some great available light portraits. Photographer subject relationship Histograms, Colour Correction and digital overload. Brief introduction to Light room effects. Video Presentation – The Genius of Photography Part 3 Discussion |
CUVDES05A – 1/2 CUVCOR 13A - 1 CUVCOR04A – 1/2 CUSRAD02A - 2 CUSADM03A - 2 CUECOR01B – 3 |
|
| 4 | Workshop and editing session. A more detailed look at colour correction and Light room effects. Looking at some great artificial light portraits and manipulated portraits. Video Presentation – The Genius of Photography Part 4 Discussion |
CUVDES05A – 1/2 CUVCOR 13A – 1/2 CUVCOR04A – 1/2 CUSRAD02A - 2 CUSADM03A - 2 CUECOR01B - 3 |
|
| 5 | Workshop and editing session. Use light room to make more experimentations and seek personal assistance with problems. COVERING AN EVENT. Enhancing your images with blur and movement. Slides show presentation. Guest speaker Video Presentation – The Genius of Photography Part 5 Discussion |
CUVCOR 13A -1/2 CUSADM03A – 2 CUECOR01B -3 |
|
| 6 | Workshopping and editing. Discussion of covering an event. LANDSCAPES Types and lighting. Exposing sunsets. Slide presentation. Guest speaker. Video Presentation – The Genius of Photography Part 6 Discussion |
CUVCOR 13A 1/2 CUSADM03A – 2 CUECOR01B – 3 VBP553 – 4/5 CUSRAD02A – 2/3 |
|
| 7 | NO CLASS | ||
| 8 | THE GRAPHIC ELEMENT USING COLOUR, SHAPE and REPETITION. Slide show presentation Quirky projects. Slides show presentation. La Chapelle and others Slide show presentation |
Due: Assessment item 2 |
CUVCOR13A 1/2 CUSADM03A – 2 CUECOR01B – 3 VBP553 – 4/5 CUSRAD02A – 2/3 |
| Mid Semester Break Thursday 5 April to Wednesday 11 April | |||
| 9 | Workshopping and editing. Still life Slides show presentation. A themed portfolio. Slides show presentation |
Due: Assessment item 3 |
VBP553 - 2 CUVDES05A - 2 CUVCOR 13A – 1/2 CUVCOR04A – 1/2 CUSRAD02A - 2 CUSADM03A – 3 CUECOR01B - 2- |
| 10 | Workshopping and editing. Guest speaker – a blogger. A how to create an interesting blog. Introduction to Documentary Robert Frank Sebastiao Salgado |
Due: Assessment item 4 |
VBP553 - 2 CUVDES05A - 2 CUVCOR 13A – 1/2 CUVCOR04A – 1/2 CUSRAD02A - 2 CUSADM03A – 3 CUECOR01B - 2 |
| 11 | Workshopping Discussion of next semesters major project. More documentary images. Slide show. Workshoppin |
VBP553 – 2/3/4 CUVDES05A - 1 CUVCOR 13A – 1/2 CUVCOR04A – 1/2 CUSRAD02A – 1/2 CUSADM03A – 1/2 CUECOR01B -2 |
|
| 12 | Video presentation Guest speaker Workshopping Some other interesting photographers – Luis Gonzalez Palma Discussion about major project |
Due: Assessment item 5 |
VBP553 - 2 CUVDES05A - 2 CUVCOR 13A – 1/2 CUVCOR04A – 1/2 CUSRAD02A - 2 CUSADM03A – 3 CUECOR01B - 2 |
| 13 | Video presentation Guest speaker Workshopping Some other interesting photographers – to be announced Discussion about major project |
Due: Assessment item 6 |
VBP553 - 2 CUVDES05A - 2 CUVCOR 13A – 1/2 CUVCOR04A – 1/2 CUSRAD02A - 2 CUSADM03A – 3 CUECOR01B - 2 |
| 14 | Workshopping Discussion about major project. |
VBP553 – 4/5 CUVCOR 13A - 2 CUVCOR04A – 3/4 CUSADM03A - 3 |
|
| 15 | Workshopping Discussion about major project. |
Due: Assessment item 7 |
VBP553 – 4/5 CUVCOR 13A - 2 CUVCOR04A – 3/4 CUSADM03A – 3/4 |
| 16 | Introduction to Blurb Book making software. Discussion about major project |
||
| 17 | Assessment Week - no classes | ||
| 1-16 | SEMESTER 2 In Semester 2, you will be working on a major project during class time. You will work at your own pace with the support of your teacher who will each week will provide individual mentorship and guide you through the process of creating a body of work. You will workshop your project regularly and through peer support and critique, work though the drafting process to publish a book of images and original text on a particular theme |
||
| 17 | Assessment Week - no classes |
Assessment item 1
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
There is no prescribed text for this course |
References
You are advised to look at the course Blackboard site for ongoing updated information. |
Other Resources
You require access to a camera, computer and to the internet for this course
Overview of Assessment
Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral presentations and through the completion of practical and written projects.
Assessment Tasks
Semester 1.
Assignment 1: Class Presentation (5%)
Choose a photographer or photographic genre you admire and produce a five-minute oral presentation and a powerpoint slide show to be given to the class.
Your slide show should contain images only, although you may include captions and image titles. You will hand in your research notes at the end.
Due 9th March.
Assignment 2: Portrait Portfolio (15%)
Create 6 portrait images using any or all of the techniques discussed and demonstrated in class.
These can include some of the images produced as homework. At least 3 images should demonstrate use of more than the basic light room adjustments and you should be looking at creating a different ’look’ or style for each image.
Three of your portraits should be accompanied with a 500-word profile of the subject.
Images need to be supplied for both print and web formats.
Due: March 30th
Assignment 3: Covering an Event (5%)
Choose 4-6 images of the event you have chosen to cover and a 500-word piece to accompany it. Can be fiction or non-fiction, take the form of an article a very short story or even a children’s book or poem.
Images need to be supplied for both print and web formats.
Due April 13th
Assignment 4: Landscape/Cityscape (5%)
Landscape/Cityscape image and a written piece to suit. Fiction or non-fiction. No less than 50 words, no more than 500. Can be a descriptive caption, an informative piece about the location, a poem, song lyric etc.
Images need to be supplied for both print and web formats.
Due April 20th
Assignment 5: Themed Presentation (5%)
Following on what we have looked at in class, present a series of 4-6 images that demonstrate a quirky or graphic theme.
Images need to be supplied for both print and web formats.
Due April 27th
Assignment 6 : Still Life Image (5%)
Using many of the ideas and lighting situations we have discussed, create a still life image using an object/s that represent something about you.
It can be cluttered or minimal, black and white or colour, but an object or objects must be the main subjects of the image.
Images need to be supplied for both print and web formats.
Due May 4th
Assignment 7: Blog Site (10% )
Create a blog site using any blogging software you choose. (You do not have to use your real name.)
Customise the blog so that it suits you or the person you are pretending to be.
Create a post for each assessment item. They can be listed in any order and should be renamed to sound more interesting.
This is an editorial exercise. Your ability to look at your own work and be self critical is a vital skill for next semesters project.
Consider all feedback you have been given during the semester, and if need be, re-do, re-shoot and re-write.
Submit your assignment via a link.
Due May 18
Semester 2
Assessment 1: Project proposal (15%)
Prepare a proposal outlining your project for Semester 2. In you proposal you should include:
Working title
Proposed subject area
Scope and aim of the publication
Proposed format and explanation for this
Proposed market for your book
Form of supporting text eg. fictional writing, expanded captions, poetry etc.
Due July 6, 2012
Assessment 2 : Editor’s report (15%)
For this assignment you will work with a partner in the class, providing feedback on each others’ projects with strategies for moving forward with the project. The feedback is submitted in the form of an editor’s report. (800 words)
Due August 24, 2012
Assessment 3: Feedback log book (10%)
During the semester, you will arrange a minimum of four one-on-one sessions with your teacher to discuss your project and to review action taken on previous feedback provided. You will take notes at these meetings, recording discussion and feedback given. Your notes should also include your intended actions based on these meetings. Oct 12, 2012
Assessment 4: Submission of your completed book (60%)
You have the choice of submitting your completed book as a hard copy or an electronic copy. Oct, 12, 2012
Grades used in this course are as follows:
Grades which apply to curriculum-based courses:
80 – 100% HD High Distinction
70 – 79% DI Distinction
60 – 69% CR Credit
50 – 59% PA Pass
Under 50% NN Fail
For further details on these assessment tasks and the grading system and criteria used, please refer to the course blackboard site.
Assessment Matrix
The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency. These are available through the course contact in Program administration.
Other Information
Submission of Assessment Tasks
You are required to submit all written assessment tasks in hard copy with a completed School of Media and Communication cover sheet. You are expected to keep a copy of all assignments submitted.
Late Submissions
If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by the due date, you will need to apply for an extension before that due date.
Please refer to the course blackboard site for information on late submissions and on applying for an extension.
Feedback
You will receive both spoken and written feedback on your work. Where appropriate, this feedback will also include suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.
Academic Integrity
Academic Integrity is about the honest presentation of your academic work. Presenting work that fails to acknowledge other people’s work within yours can compromise academic integrity. For further information on academic integrity and plagiarism, please refer to the following URL. http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=kkc202lwe1yv
Special Consideration Policy
Please refer to the following URL for information on applying for special consideration:
http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=qkssnx1c5r0y;STATUS=A;PAGE_AUTHOR=Andrea%20Syers;SECTION=1
Course Overview: Access Course Overview