| CODE | MCS2260 | |||||||||
| TITLE | Photojournalism | |||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course | |||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 5 | |||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | |||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Media and Communications | |||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | Photojournalists tell a story with images, describing an entire news event with a camera. This study-unit will imbue students with practical, critical, and theoretical skills essential for developing a photographic vision that helps them understand the needs and practices of journalism through the camera lens. Through lecturing by a practicing photojournalist and discussions, students will discover the history and extensive potential of photojournalism, as well as documentary photography. Students will need to go through a programme of assignments and personal projects, focusing on topics of individual interest. The study-unit encourages a deeper understanding of the ethical and theoretical contexts surrounding the medium. Study-Unit Aims: The study-unit ‘Photojournalism’ introduces students to photography as a means of documenting facts and telling stories. This study-unit aims to combine the practical instruction in the use of DSLR and/or mirrorless cameras, with the most industry-used editing digital software. It also looks at the conceptual and aesthetic aspects of the genre. The practice of photojournalism is explored, citing examples from world-class photojournalists. Different views of the contemporary industry of photojournalism explore how creative, reflective practice is contextualised in the contemporary field. Practical assignments enhance the student’s ability to understand and creatively use photographic image-making as a means of expression of ideas and transfer of information. The study-unit will seek to assist students to engage in the process of researching and conceptualising story ideas, while examining both the creative and technical components that constitute the fundamental building blocks of a photo essay—such as establishing shots, portraiture, detail imagery, and action photography. The study-unit also covers techniques for editing and assembling visual narratives into cohesive essays. Additionally, students will explore the historical evolution of photojournalism, critically analyse the work of prominent and influential photojournalists, and consider the current realities and professional opportunities within today’s media landscape. The study-unit offers a comprehensive exploration of the practice. Students will gain practical expertise in creative visual storytelling and the application of ethical and legal principles relevant to contemporary photojournalism. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Be aware of the historical impact and evolution of photojournalism; - Identify influential photojournalists and their contributions to the field; - Critically analyze and interpret the meaning behind both classic and contemporary images; - Develop visual literacy and communicate narratives through image sequences; - Approach diverse communities and subjects with respect, empathy, and journalistic integrity. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Apply technical camera skills and manual settings to capture decisive moments; - Utilize composition and lighting techniques to enhance storytelling; - Edit and crop images using recommended software; - Incorporate ethical standards and accurate captions in the work; - Plan, research, and produce a cohesive photo essay on a chosen subject. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - Good, J., and Lowe, P. (2019). Understanding Photojournalism. London: Bloomsbury. Supplementary Readings: - Reality. West Sussex: Wiley-Blackwell. - Newton, J. H. (2001). The Burden of Visual Truth: The Role of Photojournalism in Mediating Reality. New York: Routledge. - Wittwer, J, with Holom, J. (2016). Talking through Pictures: A Beginner’s Guide to Photojournalism. NB: Any texts which are not available at the Main library; will be ordered in due course. |
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| RULES/CONDITIONS | Before TAKING THIS UNIT YOU MUST TAKE MCS1030 AND TAKE MCS1090 | |||||||||
| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture, Practical and Fieldwork | |||||||||
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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