Course Syllabus
Photojournalism |
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| Semester & Location: |
Fall 2021 - DIS Copenhagen |
| Type & Credits: |
Elective Course - 3 credits |
| Major Disciplines: |
Communication, Journalism, Media Studies |
| Prerequisite(s): |
None |
| Faculty Member: |
Lærke Posselt, laerke.posselt@dis.dk |
| Program Coordinator: |
Sanne Rasmussen, sra@dis.dk |
| Time & Place: |
Tuesdays 8:30-11:25 Classroom: N7-C24 |
Course Description
Photographer Diane Arbus describes the camera as a license into people's lives. This class requires that you take full advantage of your Danish setting and immerse yourself in the lives of those around you. Working as a photojournalist is a challenging endeavor and yields growth in personal leadership. The class is centered around your production of a picture story with different assignments leading up to it. The focus is highly intercultural and anthropological in that you will be spending a significant portion of the course outside of the classroom independently interacting with and reporting on the life of a self-selected subject, in the attempt to capture the essence of this person in a picture story.
Combined with fieldwork, the course offers critical perspectives on cultural categories, stereotypes and prejudices through in-class analysis and discussion of the works of well-known photojournalists. The course concludes with a photo exhibition to demonstrate your ability to skillfully communicate with images in a reporting context.
Although there are no prerequisites for this class, it is important to note that this is a photojournalism class, not a photography class. The major focus of this course will be on applying photojournalistic theories to close work with a subject and on how to put together the five-picture story, not on techniques or learning how to use your camera.
You will be challenged, so bring your creativity, courage, and lots of curiosity.
Learning Objectives
Through practical assignments, this class provides you with hands-on-experiences in photojournalism. Lectures, field studies, guest lectures, student presentation and group work will help you develop the analytical basis and insight to reflect upon and assess the impact of photographs on our ideas of the world.
Faculty
Lærke Posselt. Freelance photographer working for Danish and International media, represented by VU Agency. Graduated as a Photojournalist in 2013 from the Danish School of Media and Journalism (DMJX). Recipient of numerous awards, including World Press Photo, Pictures of the Year international, PDN Photo Annual and the Danish Crown Prince Couple's Rising Star Award. With DIS since 2015.
Email: Lposselt@gmail.com
Phone: +45 22932466
Expectations of the Students:
Attendance at all class sessions is mandatory. Two unexcused absences will warrant a reduced letter grade. Three unexcused absences will result in failure.
In order to be eligible for a passing grade in the class, all work must be submitted.
The use of distracting devices (smartphones, laptops, etc.) is prohibited during class. This is your responsibility and I will not remind you. Failure to comply will adversely affect participation grades. Only when needed for specific in class activities, you should use these.
If you have difficulties with an assignment please consult your instructor before your deadline. This does not mean that you will get a pass, but that you will get advice on how to solve the issue.
NOTE: Students are expected to bring their own camera, preferably a DSLR.
Grade Components
Critique sessions in class 10%
Presentations 10%
Class attendance and participation 15%
First Photographic Challenge 15%
Second Photographic Challenge 15%
Final Project pictures and presentational text 20%
Written assignment for final project 15%
Student Evaluation
The primary criteria for strong grades are: Active and enthusiastic participation in classes; ability to read and discuss material in class; active participation during workshops; ability to situate your own work in the larger tradition of photojournalism and to reflect critically on your own work; completion of assignments by the deadlines. The technical and aesthetic mastery of the photos is regarded as less vital for the purpose of this course. Perfection has less priority compared to the learning process of trial and error. Your grades will be uploaded to the Grade Center on Canvas.
Assignments and Evaluations:
Presentation in class
You will be given one photographer that you are to research and talk about to the class.
• Do research.
• Provide a short biography of the artist.
• Use between 10-15 slides in your presentation including at least 10 images by the photographer.
• You can focus on a single project from this photographer (e.g. a book or exhibition etc.) or a more broader view on their work. You can analyze the work, tell us why you find it significant from your perspective and from a greater historical point of view.
• Engage your fellow classmates in a conversation about the work.
Critique
- Be prepared for your critique. Have your printed photos ready and place them on the walls when you arrive in class.
- Talk about the work and the meaning of it.
- Participate in your fellow classmates critiques. Ask them relevant questions about their work and give them your honest opinion and help them find their direction.
Participation
- Read the literature. Relate to it in class discussions
- Engage in class discussions.
- Be active and present in class.
- Engage during field studies.
Academic Regulations
Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on:
DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia - www.DISabroad.org
Course Summary:
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