Photojournalism (PJ)
PJ 101 Influence of the Photograph 3 Hours
A study of the prevalence and impact of photographs that are disseminated throughout social media and traditional publications. Beyond analyzing the creation and structure of photographs, special emphasis and discussion will focus on how these images inform and persuade society. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code E-AH | AH
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; winter 2022; spring 2022; fall 2022
PJ 131 Fundamentals of Photography 3 Hours
Introduces students to the principles of photography, including exposure, composition, light, and moments, through demonstrations, field assignments, and class critiques. A DSLR, mirrorless camera, or high-quality, adjustable point-and-shoot camera is required (no cell phone cameras). Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code E-AH | AH
Course Fee: $90
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; summer 2020; fall 2020; winter 2021; spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; fall 2022
PJ 261 Mobile Media Storytelling 3 Hours
Online journalistic storytelling using photographs, words, audio, video, screen design, and data visualization. Weekly assignments explore the context of visual outlets, including social media and community engagement. Smartphone required. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code E-AH | AH
Course Fee: $60
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; spring 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; fall 2022
PJ 330 Short Form Documentary 3 Hours
Analysis and hands-on application of visual storytelling, editing techniques, and story structure, primarily used in the documentary video genre. Requires off-campus transportation, DSLR or mirrorless equipment with video capabilities, audio equipment, and an external hard drive.
Prerequisite(s): PJ 131 with a minimum grade of C
Course Fee: $125
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2020; fall 2021; fall 2022
PJ 331 Photojournalism 3 Hours
The practice of photojournalism as a means of storytelling through multiple-picture fieldwork projects in the community, caption writing, presentation, portfolio development, and ethical decision-making. Off-campus transportation, DSLR or mirrorless camera, and external hard drive required.
Prerequisite(s): PJ 131 with a minimum grade of C
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Photojournalism (750)
Course Fee: $60
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022
PJ 333 Lighting Technologies 3 Hours
Application of techniques using flash and video lighting in the studio and on location. Weekly assignments include portraits, features, and illustrations. Ethical implication of lighting techniques discussed. On-location lighting equipment, off-campus transportation, DSLR or mirrorless camera, and external hard drive required.
Prerequisite(s): (PJ 330 with a minimum grade of C or PJ 331 with a minimum grade of C)
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in News/Editorial Journalism (716) , Photojournalism (750) or Public Relations (763)
Course Fee: $60
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; spring 2021; spring 2022
PJ 336 Picture Editing 3 Hours
A study of the process of making informed and ethical decisions concerning the publication of still images and video. Topics include picture choice, traditional and online presentation design, and the role of the picture editor in media management.
Prerequisite(s): PJ 131 with a minimum grade of C and SOM 102 with a minimum grade of C
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in News/Editorial Journalism (716) , Journalism (736) or Photojournalism (750)
Course Fee: $125
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; spring 2021; fall 2022
PJ 390 Cultural History of Photography 3 Hours
Students will gain an understanding of the impact of the photographic image in different media, how photography has played a significant role in recording history since the 19th Century, and how the evolution of visual media has changed our perception of the world. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-LG
Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status
Course Fee: $90
Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2020; summer 2020; fall 2020; summer 2021; fall 2021; summer 2022; fall 2022
PJ 430 Advanced Short Form Documentary 3 Hours
An advanced, project-based application of documentary storytelling, editing, narrative structure, and journalistic ethics, with peer review and critique. Weekly assignments direct the student to understand a structured approach to the genre. Requires off-campus transportation, DSLR or mirrorless equipment with video capabilities, audio equipment, and an external hard drive.
Prerequisite(s): PJ 330 with a minimum grade of C and PJ 331 with a minimum grade of C
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Photojournalism (750)
Course Fee: $125
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022
PJ 431 Advanced Photojournalism 3 Hours
Application and development of advanced visual storytelling skills, including multiple-picture projects; covering news, features, sports, and portraits; writing; online presentation; interpersonal communication; and ethical decision-making. Off campus transportation, DSLR or mirrorless camera, and external hard drive required.
Prerequisite(s): PJ 330 with a minimum grade of C and PJ 331 with a minimum grade of C
Restriction(s): Students cannot enroll who are in Photojournalism (750)
Course Fee: $125
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022
PJ 436 Photojournalism Projects 3 Hours
Capstone for Photojournalism major. Emphasis on long-term projects based on critical thinking and journalistic ethical discussion. A student portfolio is presented to reflect mastery of skills. Guest lecturers from the visual industry enhance student learning. Requires off-campus transportation, DSLR or mirrorless equipment with video capabilities, audio equipment, and an external hard drive.
Prerequisite(s): PJ 430 with a minimum grade of C and PJ 431 with a minimum grade of C
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Photojournalism (750)
Course Fee: $60
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; spring 2021; spring 2022
PJ 439 Advanced Lighting and Contract Photography 3 Hours
Advanced lighting techniques applied to contract photography, as well as business practices related to a working studio. Final project includes a lighting portfolio and a business plan. Off-campus transportation, DSLR or mirrorless camera, and external hard drive required.
Prerequisite(s): PJ 333 with a minimum grade of C
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Photojournalism (750)
Course Fee: $60
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; spring 2022