Corcoran Photojournalism (CPJ)

CPJ 2091. Photojournalism Studio Sequencing and Narrative Strategies. 3 Credits.

Techniques, practices, and ethics of photojournalism. Strategies for researching, photographing, editing, and interpreting stories and sequences; advancing technical skills; history and contemporary practices of visual journalism Prerequisites: CSA 1501 or CSA 1502 or CPH 1091. Recommended background: prior completion of CSA 2090 or SMPA 2113.

CPJ 3090. Photojournalism Studio Visual Reportage. 3 Credits.

Similarities and differences in photojournalism in newspapers, magazines, television, the internet, and other media, including still and moving images, writing and editing needs in a variety of assignments, journalistic ethics, and communication laws. Prerequisites: One of the following: CSA 2090, CPJ 2090, or CPJ 2091.

CPJ 3091. Photojournalism Studio Multimedia Storytelling. 3 Credits.

Comparison of modes of practice, journalistic ethics, and communication laws with a focus on multimedia approaches to storytelling. Prerequisites: One of the following: CSA 2090, CPJ 2090, or CPJ 2091. Recommended background: Prior completion of CPJ 3090.

CPJ 3300. Speed of Sound. 3 Credits.

Great audio is a key component to compelling multimedia and video. Over the course of this class, audio reporting, collection, and postproduction techniques are explored and put into practice as a means to sharpen skills and advance understanding of the role and power of audio in visual journalism. Prerequisites: CPH 3050 and CPJ 2090 or CPJ 2091, or CPH 2090 and CPH 2091.

CPJ 4050. Picture Editing. 3 Credits.

CPJ 4085. Photojournalism Directed Study. 1-3 Credits.

Directed research and study in photojournalism to be approved and supervised by a faculty member. Students must research, propose, and have their plan approved by the faculty supervisor and Director of Undergraduate Studies prior to registration. Restricted to students in the fine art photography, fine art, and photojournalism programs.

CPJ 4090. Photojournalism Thesis I. 3 Credits.

In the final year of the Photojournalism curriculum, the emphasis is on developing individual strengths and style in the context of a sophisticated understanding of how photographic media shape and reflect public opinion. Students define, propose, research and initiate a longterm project that culminates in the Spring semester Senior Thesis exhibit. Intensive one-on-one and group critiques are integrated into the course as the students explore various approaches to their chosen subject matter. Prerequisites: CPJ 3091 and permission of the department.

CPJ 4091. Photojournalism Thesis II. 3 Credits.

This course continues the objectives of CPJ 4090 and focuses on the completion of the students' thesis work, which results in an exhibition at the Corcoran Gallery. Portfolio development and critique prepares students for the onset of their careers. Prerequisites: CPJ 4090 Photojournalism Thesis I and permission of the department.

CPJ 4098. Photojournalism Internship. 3 Credits.

For students pursuing an internship directly relevant to their major themes and goals. Permission of the Director of Undergraduate Studies for photojournalism is required prior to enrollment. Restricted to students in the fine art and photojournalism programs. Recommended background: prior completion of CPJ 2091. Credit cannot be earned for this course and CSA 4098, FA 4199.

CPJ 4170. Professional Practices for Photojournalism. 3 Credits.

Business basics across visual media platforms. Case studies on archiving, copyright, licensing, professional ethics, contracts and releases through case studies, visiting professionals. Students develop business and career plans, and web presence. Restricted to photojournalism majors. Prerequisites: CPJ 3091.

CPJ 4340. Project-Driven Website Design. 3 Credits.

Technical and conceptual introduction to web design; visual design; fundamentals of website structure and navigation; accessibility and usability; writing HTML and CSS; content management systems; the web as a platform for both client-driven and self-published work. Prerequisites: CDM 1200 or CDM 2220 or CFN 1000.

CPJ 6010. New Media Photojournalism Image and Impact. 3 Credits.

Traditional and nontraditional uses of photographic imagery in the media. Finding the elements within an image, sequence or mode of publication that are most effective in communicating a concept or representing human experience. Restricted to students in the MA in new media photojournalism program or with the permission of the instructor.

CPJ 6020. Topics in Photo Editing Studio Seminar. 3 Credits.

The function of editing in photojournalism as catalyst for public discourse through intentional audience engagement. Topics vary by semester. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. Consult the Schedule of Classes for more details. Restricted to students in the MA in new media photojournalism program or other graduate students with portfolio review and permission of the Director of Graduate Studies. Prerequisite: CPJ 6010.

CPJ 6050. Advanced Multimedia Lab I. 3 Credits.

Technical production skills to support the development of complex new media photojournalism projects. Audio and video collection and post-production, integration of still images, and web-based project production. Restricted to students in the MA in new media photojournalism program or with the permission of the instructor.

CPJ 6060. Advanced Multimedia Lab II: Editing and Production. 3 Credits.

Continued development of technical production skills to support the development of complex new media photojournalism projects. Audio and video collection and post-production, integration of still images, and web-based project production. Restricted to students in the MA in new media photojournalism program or with the permission of the instructor.

CPJ 6100. Research, Reporting, and Writing: Contemporary Journalism Practice. 3 Credits.

Students go beyond the basics in story coverage exploring effective research techniques, interview techniques, and writing for breaking news as well as short and long term projects. Through lectures, writing assignments, intensive workshops as well as individual and team assignments, students develop and begin to hone the skills of effective story coverage for web and print publications. This course works closely with the Photojournalism Story and Narrative and Advanced New Media Lab courses. A critical reading of contemporary media is emphasized throughout the course.

CPJ 6110. Story and Narrative in Photojournalism. 3 Credits.

At the heart of photojournalism is the human condition and the day-day-lives of those around us. Through this course students analize effective visual story telling with still images. Students develop an understanding of what makes a strong photo story and how to pursue compelling images. A series of student-generated projects is completed through the course of the semester.

CPJ 6225. Making Meaning Through the Photography Book. 3 Credits.

An advanced course that engages with the traditions and current practices of the photographic book to examine and explore narrative strategies useful to contemporary artists/photographers. Students structure their own photographic books. Prerequisites: CPJ6110 or permission of instructor.

CPJ 6260. Professional Practices for Photojournalism. 3 Credits.

Business basics across visual media platforms. Case studies on archiving, copyright, licensing, professional ethics, contracts and releases through case studies, visiting professionals. Students develop business and career plans, and web presence. Restricted to students in the MA in new media photojournalism program or with the permission of the instructor or director of graduate studies. Recommended background: Completion of the first year of the program.

CPJ 6300. Speed of Sound. 3 Credits.

Great audio is a key component to compelling multimedia and video. Over the course of this class, audio reporting, collection, and postproduction techniques are explored and put into practice as a means to sharpen skills and advance understanding of the role and power of audio in visual journalism. Prerequisite: CPJ 6050.

CPJ 6400. Fine Printing Technique. 3 Credits.

Students refine approaches to editing and digital printing of photographs; develop an efficient workflow; and integrate advanced digital techniques and approaches to serve the content of the image and the intentions of the image-maker. Restricted to graduate students. Prerequisites: CPJ 6110. Recommended background: prior completion of new media photojournalism first-year curriculum.

CPJ 6450. Pre-Digital Alternative Process. 3 Credits.

Investigation of alternative photographic processes such as albumen, salted paper, gum bichromate, platinum/ palladium, and mordançage, leading to a fully realized portfolio, book, or other independent project. Prerequisites: One of the following: CPH 1091, CSA 1501, or FA 1501. Recommended background: prior completion of CPH 2090 or CSA 2090. Same As: CSA 3510, CSA 6510.

CPJ 6500. New Media Photojournalism Capstone Production Workshop. 3 Credits.

Workshop for research, pre-production, and production of a multimedia capstone project for the new media photojournalism program. Required of and restricted to anyone who is working on NMPJ capstone requirements and completion of the degree. Restricted to students in the MA in the new media photojournalism program. Prerequisites: CPJ 6010, CPJ 6050, CPJ 6060, CPJ 6100, and CPJ 6110. Corequisites: CPJ 6550.

CPJ 6501. New Media Photojournalism Capstone Post-Production Workshop. 3 Credits.

Multimedia post-production course designed to support completing capstone video and photo reporting projects, public and community engagement presentations and exhibits, and publication. Restricted to students in the MA in the new media photojournalism program. Prerequisites: CPJ 6500 and CPJ 6550.

CPJ 6540. Project-Driven Website Design. 3 Credits.

Technical and conceptual introduction to web design as part of the visual storytelling and publication. Explores visual design; fundamentals of website structure and navigation; accessibility and usability; writing HTML and CSS; and content management systems. Deadlines align with spring capstone. Recommended background: Intended for students working with a large body of work for capstone or thesis visual projects. Credit cannot be earned for this course and CPJ 4340.

CPJ 6550. New Media Photojournalism Capstone Research and Reporting. 3 Credits.

The essential elements of effective and ethical longer-form reporting and writing in both print and online media are addressed using case studies, reporting and writing assignments, and in-class exercises. Restricted to students in the MA in new media photojournalism program. Prerequisites: CPJ 6010, CPJ 6050, CPJ 6060, CPJ 6100, and CPJ 6110. Corequisites: CPJ 6500.

CPJ 6560. NMPJ Capstone Travel Project Production. 3-6 Credits.

Structured support of capstone production involving extensive travel outside of the Washington, DC, region. For detailed information concerning eligibility, approval, course structure, requirements, and costs consult the NMPJ program advisor. Restricted to students in the MA in new media photojournalism program. Prerequisites: CPJ 6010, CPJ 6050, CPJ 6060, CPJ 6100, and CPJ 6110; and CPJ 6020 or CPJ 6225; and CPJ 6550 or equivalent (permission of the program advisor is required).

CPJ 6570. Nuancing the Story: Advanced Video Post-Production. 3 Credits.

Examination and practical application of video post-production practices and techniques such as story design, motion graphics and visual effects. Students apply and master skills to edit editing existing projects and prepare a professional demo reel of work. Restricted to students in the MA in new media photojournalism program or with the permission of the program director or the instructor. Prerequisites: CPJ 6010, CPJ 6020, CPJ 6050, CPJ 6060, CPJ 6100, CPJ 6110, CPJ 6500, and CPJ 6550.

CPJ 6600. Web Essay: Effective Storytelling with Audio and Images. 3 Credits.

This class teaches photographers to build essays with still photography images and audio files. Over the course of the semester students propose, research, edit and produce a series of audio/stills essays for web publication. Skills in developing and executing photo stories are addressed as are effective audio gathering and editing. Audio gear and laptops required. Restricted to students with advanced level with still photography skills; advanced knowledge of Adobe Premiere or Final Cut required of graduate students. Prerequisites: CPH 2090 and CPJ 2090 or permission of department for BFA and BA students; CPJ 6110 and CPJ 6050 or portfolio review and permission of department for graduate students. Recommended background: Advanced abilities in still photography and/or photojournalism. (Same as CPJ 4600)

CPJ 6640. Advanced Studio and Location Lighting. 3 Credits.

Multimedia and photo project-based course in which students apply advanced lighting techniques to studio, location photo, and video work. Students learn traditional approaches and then work toward new looks and solutions. Restricted to students in the MA in new media photojournalism program or with the approval of the director of graduate studies. Prerequisites: CPJ 6110, CPJ 6050, and CPJ 6060; and CPJ 6020 or CPJ 6225 (demonstrated preparedness through portfolio review by the program director or instructor may replace the prerequisite course requirement).

CPJ 6800. Independent Study: Photojournalism. 3 Credits.

This option is appropriate for degree students who want access to independent faculty supervision, lab areas, and supplies for independent projects, and do not need or desire extensive course instruction.

CPJ 6900. Internship: MA Photojournalism. 3 Credits.

For degree students only. Internships can help students develop marketable skills, establish professional contacts, and explore different career options.