JMS 282-01: Introduction to Photojournalism
Roosevelt University: Fall 2020
Mike Ensdorf, Professor of Photography
Journalism and Media Studies
Department of Communication
How to reach me
E-mail: mensdorf@roosevelt.edu
Office: Virtual via Zoom (email for appointment and I’ll respond with a Zoom invite.)
Phone: 312-341-6458
Hours: Tues and Thur, 11-1
The absolute best way to reach me is by e-mail. I check it daily. You can expect a one-day turnaround time in answering email.
Course description
Focus on building skills needed in producing images for today’s media and in using technology for visual storytelling. Basic photographic techniques, including camera operation, composition, and photo reproduction techniques for print or computer-mediated applications. Emphasis on using the camera as a reporting tool. Basic use of digital imaging and editing software; ethical issues in photojournalism. Students will use cameraphones and will submit work online.
Time: 2pm-4:30pm, Wednesdays
Delivery Mode: REMOTE via ZOOM
Remote courses are web-based and run on Blackboard and Zoom. A remote course has both synchronous and asynchronous features. Synchronous learning is online or distance education that happens in real time, such as chat rooms and Zoom conferences. The synchronous activities in this class will always take place during the scheduled course time and day to insure there are no course schedule conflicts. Asynchronous learning occurs through online channels without real-time interaction, such as discussion boards, readings, viewing videos, doing assignments and email. There may not be full-class Zoom meetings every scheduled date. To be sure of when Zoom meetings occur, you must check the syllabus. Zoom conferences may be recorded for later viewing.
Textbook: None
Grading:
Grades will be based on: assignments (25%), attendance and participation (25%), midterm project (25%), and the final project (25%)
A/A-
Conceptually and technically excellent work, near-perfect attendance, all assignments completed on-time, strong midterm and final projects.
B+/B/B-
Good, clean work, with only minor technical problems, no more than 2 classes missed over the semester, all assignments completed on-time, good midterm and/or final projects.
C+/C/C-
All of the above, no more than 3 classes missed, most of the assignments completed on-time, a good midterm or final project.
D+/D/D-
Technically poor work, more than 3 classes missed, multiple missed assignments, incomplete final project.
Policies
Face masks are required in all classrooms, during all face to face classes. Anyone refusing to wear a face mask will be asked to leave the classroom.
Academic integrity: For the Academic Integrity Policy on issues such as plagiarism, repurposing, cheating and other forms of academic dishonesty, please see the University’s policies page, which is available at: University Policies Webpage. Additional guidelines for avoiding plagiarism are available on this webpage: Academic Integrity Guide for Students.
Disability: If you have a condition or disability that requires reasonable accommodation, please alert Disability Services (in the Learning Commons) as soon as possible. In order to effectively use accommodations, they should be implemented prior to any assignments, quizzes or tests. In Chicago, Disability Services is located in the Learning Commons, AUD1050 (inside the Library), and the phone number is 312-341-3811. In Schaumburg, Disability Services is in room 517, and the phone number is 847-619-7978. You can also reach Disability Services by emailing academicsuccess@roosevelt.edu. Due to limited in-person office hours, we ask that you give us 2 business daysto respond to all phone calls. We recommend reaching us via email to receive a quicker response.
We will have limited in-person appointments available for our students for the Fall 2020 semester. However, we will meet with students via Zoom or a phone call to determine which academic accommodations you are eligible for.
Roosevelt University complies fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act. For more information on Disability Services at Roosevelt, visit this link: Disability Services Webpage.
Religious holidays: Please let your instructor know as soon as possible if you will miss class because you are observing a religious holiday. Roosevelt University policy requires written notification to the instructor within the first two weeks of the term. Any work you miss because of a religious holiday can be made up. You can see the full policy by visiting this link: University Policies Webpage
Student Code of Conduct: Students enrolled in the university are expected to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the university’s function as an educational institution. Please familiarize yourself with the Student Code of Conduct, the Student Handbook and related procedures which is available through this link: Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities Webpage
Title IX: Roosevelt University cares greatly about the health and well-being of our students, staff, faculty, and guests to our campuses. Federal law, specifically Title IX, and the University Sexual Misconduct Policy require that all employees are mandated reporters of incidents involving sexual or gender-based violence or harassment. More information on Title IX at Roosevelt and the complete Sexual Misconduct policy can be found by clicking on this link: Roosevelt Title IX Webpage
Disclosures made to faculty or staff about sexual or gender-based harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and/or stalking on or off campus must be forwarded to the Title IX Coordinator:
- Michael Pfeifer – Interim Title IX Coordinator mpfeifer@roosevelt.edu
312-341-2045
- Charity Seaborn – Deputy Coordinator cseaborn@roosevelt.edu
312-341-2198
The above listed staff are Responsible Employees and therefore are mandated to report. The Title IX office will contact any student who discloses an incident regarding student rights, including the option to request an investigation, interim safety measures, and/or academic accommodations. In certain circumstances, the Title IX Coordinator may need to proceed with an investigation, even if none is requested, if there are safety risks to the student or campus community. Participation in the process is voluntary.
If you want a confidential place to disclose sexual assault, sexual harassment or intimate partner violence, there are confidential advisors on campus who are not mandated reporters. They are:
- Jacqueline Butzen *Confidential Advisorjbutzen@roosevelt.edu 312-341-2002 (available via phone all hours)
- The Counseling Center (https://www.roosevelt.edu/counseling 312-341-3548
- 430 S. Michigan Avenue Room 470 Phone: 312-341-3548) staff are also NOT mandatory reporters and therefore NOT required to report a disclosure to the Title IX Office.
Withdrawal date: The final date for an official withdrawal from this class (meaning a “W” would appear on your transcript) is November 5, 2020. Course & Term Deadlines You should consult your academic advisor if you are considering withdrawing from a course. If you receive financial aid, also check with your financial aid counselor to assure that aid isn’t affected by withdrawing from a class.
Resources for Students
Academic Advising: Advisors help students review degree options and curriculum requirements for most undergraduate programs; assist undecided students in identifying career goals and academic major; and guide students experiencing academic difficulty or academic probation.
Help students interpret University policies and procedures
Chicago campus: room 1M10, Mezzanine, Wabash Building, (312) 341-4340.
Schaumburg campus: SCH 125; (847) 619-7930
Some students are advised within their college and/or in their individual programs. Graduate students work directly with their academic department.
Blackboard Support, Training and Quick Guides: The Blackboard course management system is supported by the RUOnline staff and by the Roosevelt University Help Desk.
Quick guides link: Blackboard Tutorials Website
Technology Help desk link: RU Technology Support Website
Campus Safety:
Auditorium Building: (312) 341-2020
Schaumburg campus: (847) 619-8989
Computer labs: A list of open labs is located on this webpage: Computer Labs Webpage
Counseling Center: Individual counseling, as well as group and couples counseling.
Chicago campus: room 470 Auditorium Building, (312) 341-3548
Schaumburg campus: room 114, (312) 341-3548
Click here for the Counseling Center website
Financial Aid Services: Apply for financial aid, set up payment plans, and answer questions regarding your Roosevelt bill. Chicago campus: Mezzanine, Wabash Building, (866) 421-0935; FAS@roosevelt.edu Schaumburg campus: room 125, (866) 421-0935; FAS@roosevelt.edu
Food and Hygiene Pantry: If you or someone you know are in need of food or toiletries please visit the pantry located in WB318 and SCH 130 H. Students may access the pantry during the posted hours or by appointment. Appointment can be scheduled via email at HFI@roosevelt.edu. Additionally, if interested in volunteering or donating to the pantry, please e-mail HFI@roosevelt.edu.
Learning Commons: The Learning Commons offers tutoring in writing, math, and other subjects; peer mentors; and disability services. Please keep in mind that there will be limited in person appointments for Fall 2020. Visit our webpage for more information on hours, appointments, and available services: Learning Commons Website
Tutoring:
- Chicago campus: In-person peer tutoring in writing, math, and other subjects is available in the Learning Commons on the Chicago campus. Use the Navigate within the Roosevelt app to make an appointment. If you are in need of tutoring assistance, please email learningcommons@roosevelt.edu for assistance.
- Schaumburg Campus: Students on both the Chicago and Schaumburg campuses have 24/7 access to online tutoring via Smarthinking on Blackboard.
- Peer Mentoring: Peer mentoring is available to all RU students. Peer Mentors provide social and academic support to fellow college students. Contact Kathleen Mullins for more information kmullins01@roosevelt.edu, or stop by the Learning Commons. Please note, Peer Mentoring Services will be offered virtually for the Fall 2020 semester.
- Disability Services: The Learning Commons is also the home of Disability Services. If you have a disability it is in your interest to register with Disability Services. Using our services is private. We aim to teach you the skills you need to be a strong independent learner. Chicago campus: Auditorium Building 1050 (inside the Library) (312) 341-3818. Schaumburg campus: room 517, 847-619-7978.Emailacademicsuccess@roosevelt.edu or Kathleen Mullins kmullins01@roosevelt.edu
Library: Find everything you need to know about the Auditorium Building library, the Schaumburg library and the Performing Arts library at this link: Roosevelt Library Website.
Registrar: Registration, drop/add, withdrawal, transcripts, credit evaluation, graduation.
Chicago campus: Mezzanine floor, Wabash Building, (312) 341-3535; registrar@roosevelt.edu
Schaumburg campus: room 125, (847) 619-7950; registrar@roosevelt.edu
Roosevelt App: Download the Roosevelt app, including Navigate, which allows students to view their class schedule; to schedule appointments with Advising, Learning Commons, Career Development, Multicultural Student Support Services, and Financial Aid Services; and to receive important push notifications about registration and other important campus events and news items. The app is available for download for iOS or Android.
RUWiFi: To access the university’s wireless network, either email helpdesk@roosevelt.edu or call (312) 341-4357.
RU’s Learning Goals:
The University’s three overall learning goals for undergraduate students are:
- Effective communication
- Knowledge of discipline-focused content
- Awareness of social justice and engagement in civic life
Goals and Learning Outcomes of the Class:
- Design, conduct, and present original creative projects.
- To think more ethically, as well as creatively about making photographs.
- To create awareness of social justice and issue oriented photography.
- To develop effective ways to talk about and critique work.
- To produce a photography project combining the techniques and concepts generated in the course.
Course Organization (SEE BLACKBOARD FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION INCLUDING ZOOM INFO, ASSIGNMENTS AND LINKS)
Week 1: (Sep 2) What is Photojournalism? ZOOM
Assignment One: COMPOSITION & LIGHTING
Shoot pictures of any subject using the four compositional and lighting techniques discussed in class.
Due Tuesday, Sept. 8. (One day before next week’s class.)
The compositional techniques are:
–Rule of Thirds
–Leading Lines
–Frame within a Frame
–Symmetry
Week 2: (Sep 9) Class Critique ZOOM
- Group critique on Zoom. One half of the class at 2pm, and the other at 3pm.
Week 3: (Sep 16) Photographing People ZOOM
- Traditional, environmental, and street portraiture.
Assignment Two: Shoot portraits using the various techniques discussed in class. Send me your 5 best image by email, one from each of these categories:
–FaceTime Portrait
–Street Portrait
–Environmental Portrait
–Candid Portrait
–Group Portrait
ALL SUBJECTS MUST BE IDENTIFIED BY NAME AND LOCATION.
Due Tuesday, Sept. 22. (One day before next week’s class.)
Week 4: (Sep 23) Class Critique ZOOM
- Group critique on Zoom. One half of the class at 2pm, and the other half at 3pm.
Assignment: Review Greg Constantine links located in Blackboard, Week 4, Weekly Lessons.
Week 5: (Sep 30) Guest Speaker: Greg Constantine ZOOM
Week 6: (Oct 7) Feature Photography/The Photo Essay MIDTERM PROJECT ZOOM
- Choosing a subject.
- Midterm project discussion.
Assignment: Begin midterm project. See Assignments section on Blackboard.
DUE MONDAY, OCT. 19. TWO DAYS BEFORE OUR MIDTERM PROJECT CRITIQUE ON OCT. 21.)
Week 7: (Oct 14) Class Critique ZOOM
- Group critique on Zoom. One half of the class at 2pm, and the other half at 3pm.
Week 8: (Oct 21) Midterm Project Critique Zoom
Assignment: Review Vanessa Charlot links located in Blackboard, Week 8, Weekly Lessons.
Week 9: (Oct 28) Guest Speaker: Vanessa Charlot ZOOM
Week 10: (Nov 4) Documentary Photojournalism FINAL PROJECT ZOOM
- Documentary photojournalism/Long-form journalism discussion.
- Final project discussion. See Assignments section on Blackboard.
- ***Final project due MONDAY, DECEMBER 14.***
Week 11: (Nov 11) Class Critique ZOOM
- Group critique on Zoom. One half of the class at 2pm, and the other half at 3pm.
Assignment: Review Nancy Stone links located in Blackboard, Week 11, Weekly Lessons.
Week 12: (Nov 18) Guest Speaker: Nancy Stone ZOOM
Week 13: (Nov 25) THANKSGIVING BREAK NO CLASS!
Week 14: (Dec 2) Class Critique ZOOM
- Group critique on Zoom. One half of the class at 2pm, and the other half at 3pm.
Week 15: (Dec 9) Class Critique ZOOM
- Group critique on Zoom. One half of the class at 2pm, and the other half at 3pm.
Week 16: (Dec 16) FINAL PROJECT CLASS CRITIQUE ZOOM
- Full group critique on Zoom.
About your instructor
Mike Ensdorf, Associate Dean/Arts & Sciences, Professor of Photography/Journalism & Media Studies, Founder and Director/Gage Gallery at Roosevelt University. Master of Fine Arts, University of Illinois at Chicago.
Ensdorf helped develop the Journalism and Media Studies program at Roosevelt University in Chicago. In Roosevelt’s Department of Communication he teaches: Film and Digital Photography, Photobook History and Practice, and Pinhole to Cameraphone: Photography’s History and Practice. Ensdorf’s photographic work was included in the Iterations exhibition at the International Center of Photography in New York, and in the book of the same name published by MIT Press. His work was also included in the Photography after Photography exhibition, touring museums in Germany, Austria, Denmark, Switzerland, Finland, and finishing at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Philadelphia. His work is represented in the German and English editions of the book, Photography after Photography: Memory and Representation in the Digital Age, published by G+B Arts. Ensdorf’s work is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Contemporary Photography in Chicago. As founding director, Ensdorf has developed the Gage Gallery at Roosevelt University into “Chicago’s premier space for showcasing contemporary critical social photo-documentary work.” (Michael Weinstein, NewCity, Chicago.)