COM: 315 PHOTOJOURNALISM - Course Outline

DEPARTMENT OF MASS COMMUNICATION

BENUE STATE UNIVERSITY MAKURDI

COM 315: PHOTOJOURNALISM

Course Lecturers: Mrs. Onyilo Agbenu: 07032644933

Mr. Thomas Kajo: 07031365183

Course Description

We are looking at the technical and aesthetic qualities of photograph and how these affect editorial decision concerning the use of picture in publications. Practical work in layout and design and other duties of a newspaper or magazine picture editor shall all be included.

Course Objective

At the completion of this course, the student is expected to

1.      Explain the concepts, and techniques of photography

2.      Outline the basic techniques in photography

3.      Explain layout and design in photojournalism, and

4.      Clearly underscores, photojournalism practice, law and ethics

GRADING SYSTEM

20% Group Assignment

10% Test. Test Date will be announced in class

10%. Practical

60% examination will take place at the end of the semester

COURSE CONTENT

1. INTRODUCTION: PHOTOGRAPHY AND ITS BASIC TECHNIQUES

A. Composition

B. Subject

C. Rule of third

D. Background and foreground

E. Focus

F. Lighting

G. Colour

 2. History of photography   

3.  Photography and photojournalism

a.  What is photojournalism?

b.  What makes a photojournalist different from a photographer?

c.  Objectives of photojournalist

d.  Functions of photo journalist

e.  Types of photojournalism

f.   Qualities of photojournalist

4.  Camera

a. What is a camera?

b.  Photo reporting

c.  Types of photographs

d. Digital photography

5. Picture Cropping and Editing

a. Reasons for editing

b. Picture cropping

c.Types of digital cameras

e. Basic camera operations

6. Documentary photography

a. Photojournalism and documentary photography

7. Medical photography

8. Photojournalism law and ethics

Reading Text

Chile DN & Onyilo M A (2015) Understanding Photojournalism. Makurdi.MTG

Recommended Text

1. Blackwood R. (1999) The Content of News Photos. New York: McMillan

2. Taft R (2004) Photography and the American Scene. New York: McMillan

3 .Rothstein A (1986) Documentary Photography. Boston Focal press.