Courses
Basic Photojournalism J4550/7550
Basic press photography in the introduction level course to photojournalism, available to non-majors. Basic camera and darkroom techniques are emphasized in the class. Students will photograph active situations, develop sensitivity to people, circumstances and events.
Prerequisite: Instructor’s consent.
Fundamentals of Photojournalism J4556/7556
A rigorous photojournalism skills course for advanced students preparing for careers in photojournalism. The class consists of weekly exercises in black and white and color photographic story telling and lectures that explore the philosophical, historical and ethical roots of the profession. J4556/7556 is the first step in a photojournalism major, and can be taken as early as the second semester of the freshman year for students in the early enrollment program.
Prerequisite: Instructor’s consent.
Advanced Techniques in Photojournalism J4558/7558
J4558/7558 picks up where J4556/7556 left off, building on advanced techniques and problem solving in photojournalism. The course stresses the use of available light and portable and studio electronic flash lighting techniques and balancing of light for color film. Students will become proficient in photographing strobed documentary, portraiture, fashion, food, architecture and sports situations.
Prerequisite: J4556/7556
Staff Photojournalism J4560/7560
A laboratory course exploring the photojournalist’s role in the news gathering process. Students enrolled in J4560/7560 work as staff photographers for the Columbia Missourian, the morning daily newspaper in Columbia, Mo., covering news, sports, features and food assignments. Photographers are also expected to originate single pictures and stories, and work on group projects, documenting an indepth story. Students work closely with editors, writers, and designers to learn the skills needed to thrive in newsrooms.
Prerequisite: J4558/7558.
Electronic Photojournalism J4566/7566
The electronic photojournalism course, or EPJ, was designed to grasp the growing world of digital photography. Students are taught web page design, audio and video capturing and editing, and advanced new media concepts and techniques.
Prerequisites: J4556/7556 and instructor’s consent.
Web site: http://www.missouri.edu/~epj/
Picture Story and Photographic Essay J4980/7980
The last and most intensive photojournalism course, the picture story and photographic essay class is a capstone course taken by upper level photojournalism majors prior to their graduation. The course is centered around the production of a photo story, a photo essay, and finally a extensive group project. Research, photography, design and layout are all stressed. Final portfolio must show journalistic strength and versatility in black and white, and color.
Prerequisite: J4560/7560
Visual Communication J4568/7568
Examination of the aesthetic and technological development of photography from its invention in 1839 to the present. Primary emphasis is on the evolution and impact of the picture press and the documentary tradition in America, although international developments are studied as well. Discussion focuses on the social and political ramifications of photography’s use in the news media.
Picture Desk Management J4670/7670
Survey of management of photographic journalism, newspaper design, and info graphics in newspapers; includes work on the picture desk of Columbia Missourian. Students will participate in managing, coordinating, and editing the work of staff photographers of the Missourian and Vox Magazine .
Prerequisite: J4558/7558 and instructor’s consent.
Photography in Society J8092
Discussion of the social and political dimensions of still photography in society, with emphasis on critical thinking and analysis in visual communication.