Chabot College
January, 1994
Removed Fall 2006
Course Outline for Mass Communications 71
BEGINNING PHOTOJOURNALISM
(See also Photography 71)
Catalog Description:
71 - Beginning Photojournalism
2 units
Photojournalism as a medium of mass communications. Application of basic technical and visual
skills in the making of successful reportage photographs. Consideration of the work of major 20th
century photojournalists. Strongly recommended: Photography 50 or Mass Communications 14 with
emphasis in photography (completed with grade "C" or higher). (May not receive credit if Photography
71 has been completed.) 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab.
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
1. have an understanding and working knowledge of the 35 mm camera and in-camera light meter;
2. be able to process 35 mm negatives and make sharp, publishable black and with silver prints;
3. scan 35 mm negatives and process them in the Macintosh computer for fully paginated
publication layout;
4. using appropriate lenses and lighting, be able to conceive and execute clear, dramatic visual
images suitable for publication;
5. demonstrate ability to execute typical journalistic assignments such as spot news feature, profile,
sports, setup\studio illustration and photo essay;
6. demonstrate knowledge and appreciation for the development of photojournalism in the 20th
century and the medium's most celebrated practitioners.
Course Content:
1. The 35 mm camera
a. Aperture, shutter speed and equivalent exposure
b. Film speed and image characteristics
c. Panning, stop action, blurring to show motion
d. Depth of field and selective focus for creative controls
e. Light meters and exposure calculation
f. Lenses, their effects and appropriate use
g. Mastering the electronic flash
2. Basic processing procedures
a. Negative processing\push processing, digital scanning and software manipulation for fully
paginated images
b. Silver print processing, including exposure and contrast control, processing scanned prints
digitally
3. Seeing photographically
a. Understanding the camera\film system's response to light
b. Understanding fundamentals of composition, visual design and cropping for final image
c. Understanding the technical and visual circumstances of typical photojournalistic situations
4. History of 20th century photojournalism
a. Early pioneers, their equipment and their work
b. Major photojournalists of the 20th century
c. Social impact of photojournalism as communication medium
Chabot College
Course Outline for Mass Communications 71, Page 2
January 1994
Methods of Presentation:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Lecture and audio-visual materials
In-class demonstration
Visiting professionals
Field trips
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1. Written examinations and quizzes, including final exam
2. Graded evaluation of photo assignments completed on deadline
3. In-class participation
Textbook(s) (Typical):
Photojournalism, Kenneth Kobre, Focal Press
A Short Course in Photography, Barbara London, Harper Collins
Software: Digital Darkroom, Adobe Photoshop
Special Student Materials:
35 mm camera: one that accepts interchangeable lenses preferred
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Rev. 1/10/94