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Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2026

Digital Content Photography (Face-to-Face)

COMM 3090-01

Course: COMM 3090-01
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2026
Department: Communication
CRN: 31458

Course Description

Photography for publication in print and on-line media using digital technology. News, advertising, public relations, feature, sports, lifestyle, photo essay and documentary applications.

Required Texts

REQUIRED TEXT: Kobre, Kenneth (2017) Photojournalism the Professional's Approach. 7th Edition FOCAL Press, ISBN-13: 978-1138101364. Be sure to get this required text. We will be using it starting the first week.

REQUIRED ON-LINE GROUP: You will be required to have a gmail account to submit information to the class google drive. You will be posting photos to this site throughout the semester. You must make sure you have consistent and reliable access to a computer and the Internet.

Learning Outcomes

ESSENTIAL LEARNING OUTCOMES

KNOWLEDGE OF HUMAN CULTURES AND THE PHYSICAL AND NATURAL WORLD

Knowledge: Students demonstrate knowledge of human cultures and the physical and natural world through study in the fine arts, humanities, social and behavioral sciences, life and physical sciences.

COURSE SPECIFIC APPLICATION – Understanding how the media and specifically photojournalism help shape ideas, cultures, and describe the physical and natural world.

INTELLECTUAL AND PRACTICAL SKILLS

Communication: Students develop and express ideas and will be able to do so in a variety of ways, namely in writing, by speaking, visually, kinesthetically, through design or aurally.

COURSE SPECIFIC APPLICATION: Students express ideas through photography and associated written material.

Creative Thinking: Students combine or synthesize existing ideas, images, or expertise in original ways, as well as think, react, and work in an imaginative way.

COURSE SPECIFIC APPLICATION: Students observe and investigate news related content and determine the best way to present the information in photographic form.

Critical Thinking: Students demonstrate disciplined processes of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.

COURSE SPECIFIC APPLICATION: Students analyze a possible news or feature news situation and determine the most effective photographic structure to present the information.

Information Literacy: Students identify, locate, evaluate, attribute and share information effectively and ethically.

COURSE SPECIFIC APPLICATION: Students research information sources and determine validity and accuracy while documenting the situation for further information dissemination though photography

Inquiry & Analysis: Inquiry: Students systematically explore issues, objects or works through the collection and analysis of evidence that results in informed conclusions or judgments.

Analysis: Students break complex topics or issues into parts to gain a better understanding of them

COURSE SPECIFIC APPLICATION: Students systematically inquire and analyze news situations and determine best manner to portray the information in visual form.

Problem solving: Students design, evaluate, and implement strategies to answer open-ended questions or achieve a desired goal.

COURSE SPECIFIC APPLICATION: Students apply problem solving strategies to news coverage. Practice and research skills in camera usage and news coverage.

PERSONAL  &  SOCIAL  RESPONSIBILITY  

Ethical Reasoning: Students describe and analyze positions on ethical issues, apply reasoning about right and wrong human conduct, demonstrate ethical decision-making skills, and demonstrate an evolving ethical self-identity.

COURSE SPECIFIC APPLICATION: Students apply ethical reasoning to news coverage including but not limited to. the ethical concepts of photo-manipulation, compassion for victims and news sources, sensitivity to truth and fairness, ability to discern “fake news,” and overall being an autonomous ethical journalist.

4. INTEGRATIVE  LEARNING  

Integrative learning: Students make connections among ideas and experiences and can synthesize and transfer their learning to new, complex situations within and beyond the campus

COURSE SPECIFIC APPLICATION: Students extend lessons and uses of photojournalism to all aspects of life including their future challenges and opportunities.

Course Requirements

Student Assignments (Homework):

Required Reading Assignments: Textbook and recommended reading list.

Required Writing Assignments: Responses to textbook chapters. Written critiques of pertinent examples from photojournalism history. Text to accompany a photo essay. Midterm and Final exams.

Required Photography Assignments: Most of the photographic assignments are experienced outside of the  classroom and off campus. Students must provide their own digital camera with at least 5 mp.

REQUIRED CANVAS ASSIGNMENTS: Students will read each chapter and provide a summary of the content through a written paper submitted on CANVAS. Photo assignments will be submitted on CANVAS and on the class google drive.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS and GRADING: (details will be provided and assignments and details are subject to change only with advance notice)

ALL PHOTOS IN THE CLASS MUST HAVE HUMANS/PEOPLE IN THEM UNLESS APPROVED IN ADVANCE BY THE INSTRUCTOR (a possible special assignment… rarely approved). MANY OF YOU HAVE GREAT SKILLS IN FINE ART, LANDSCAPE, WILDLIFE AND ABSTRACT PHOTOGRAPHY. THIS CLASS EMPHASIZES WORKING WITH PEOPLE IN SPONTANEOUS NEWS SITUATIONS AND IN SITUATIONS WHERE PEOPLE MAY NOT WANT YOU THERE. STUDENTS MUST LEARN TO BE ASSERTIVE AND IMMERSE THEMSELVES IN A NEWS SITUATION.

CUTLINES are required for EVERY photo.

News and Feature photos must be shot no earlier than two weeks before they are due. The date must be included in the cutline.

All photos must be shot this semester. By you…

Examinations, Grading Policy

The midterm will be an in-class written test worth 50 points. The final exam will be a short answer/essay test worth 50 points. Study the reading assignments and the class notes to prepare for the tests. Study guides will be distributed shortly before each test. It is the students' responsibility to obtain the study guide if they were not in attendance when it is distributed.

Grades will be based on a 100% scale.

Essential Learning Objectives and Related Schedule and Activities
Photo AssignmentsPoints AwardedTotal Possible
Google AccountP/F – 10 by first Friday or no points10
Self Portrait1 P/F  1010
Technical Challenge2 shots x 0, 7, 1020
Elements Shots7 shots x 0, 7, 1070
Feature Portrait1 worth 0, 7, 1010
Indoor Sports1 worth 0, 7, 10  (Mid-term deadline)10
Outdoor Sports1 worth 0, 7, 10   (End of term deadline)10
10 News and Feature Photos. Should have strong news values or strong compositional elements WITH human interest.10 P/F each 10100
Photo Story and Written Portion5 photos worth  0, 7, 1050
Multi-Media Assignment (can be team)3030
Chapter Summaries18 x 10 pts each180
Portfolio  (5) on website5 photos x  0,14, 20 each100
Tests/Written Assignments
History Report and Presentation10 + 1020
Midterm Exam5050
Final Exam5050
Total720
Percentage and Grade
90% = As
80% = Bs
70% = Cs
60% = Ds
Below 60% = F

Course Outline

COURSE SCHEDULE - Communication 3090

Note chapter summaries that are out of sequential order.

Week/DateActivityAssignment DueNotes
Week 1 - W 9/2Introduction, Syllabus, Google drive instructions Appropriate content = Censorship? Go over Foundation Concepts - Syllabus Self-portrait assigned – tips. Writing cutlinesConfirm email address for google drive, Get on Google drive In Class News Quiz (not graded)
Week 1 - F 9/4News Quiz, google Instructions, Free Speech, First Amendment-5 Freedoms, Creativity, What do photojournalists do? Writing cutlines, Types of Cameras, Specification sheetsSelf Portrait due Chap 1 SummaryComplete Google access with self-portrait posted by today.
Week 2 - M 9/7Labor Day
Week 2 - W 9/9Shutter and Aperture, Depth of Field, Applications to creativityFirst Campus PhotoFirst “sample” of campus news photo due
Week 2 - F 9/11Compositional ElementsChap 2 Summary Technical Challenge Photos2 photos due on google drive. Focus and Motion pics. The google drive should have 3 photos now.
Week 3 - M 9/14What is News? Values, Spot, Hard, Feature News. General News. Four levels of photographic quality CompositionDonald video
Week 3 - W 9/16Low light situations, How elements apply to Features, Covering Issues, Shooting. Portrait Shooting, Portraits in news, Discuss photo story assignment, Technical and Aesthetic Aspects, Features, Steps to a great photo. How to shoot portraitsChap 3 Summary
Week 3 - F 9/18Work on 7 elements photos. No class today.7 Elements Photos List of 10 possible photo story ideas Chap 4 SummaryYour google drive should have 10 photos now. EVERY photo after this point must have an ID’d person.
Week 4 - M 9/21What do online photographers do? “Light” as truth, Light Characteristics, Diffusion, StrobeNews or Feature Photo #1 Chap 5 Summary
Week 4 - W 9/23More lightingLighting Demo in TV studio
Week 4 - F 9/25Portrait shooting (lighting)Chap 9 Summary **
Week 5 - M 9/28More portrait shooting – practice with phonesNews or Feature Photo #2
Week 5 - W 9/30Photo Story Intro – select a social cause to documentChap 6 Summary
Week 5 - F 10/2Photo EditingFeature Portrait Chap 7 Summary
Week 6 - M 10/5Camera Bag, Action Shots Writing for Photo Stories Pulitzer Photos Shooting your photo storyChap 8 SummaryView Josh Smith video
Week 6 - W 10/7Photo Editing, selection, layout, design, Photo stories,News or Feature Photo #3 Bring url of a sample of a photo story you found Chap 10 Summary
Week 6 - F 10/9Action Shots,Chap 11 Summary
Week 7 - M 10/12Application to real world, Introduce Multi-Media, Real world Illustration applied to JournalismNews or Feature Photo #4 – Chap 12 Summary Throw darts to select assigned location
Week 7 - W 10/14Intro to Photojournalism History
Week 7 - F 10/16Personal website development, Intro to Multi-media projects, VideoIndoor Sports Photo Chap 17 History Summary**
Week 8 - M 10/19Fall Break
Week 8 - W 10/21Mid-term Review, TBANews or Feature Photo #5 – Assigned Location Chap 14 Summary ** Chap 13 Summary
Week 8 - F 10/23Mid-term Exam on CANVASTest on CANVAS
Week 9 - M 10/26Multi-media projectsNews or Feature Photo #6
Week 9 - W 10/28Better shooting Multi-media projects, Multi-media projects
Week 9 - F 10/30Ethics – general intro
Week 10 - M 11/2Ethics— media specificNews or Feature Photo #7 – Spring Break theme Chap 15 Summary
Week 10 - W 11/4Ethics, SPJ, NPPA
Week 10 - F 11/6Law – general intro, Review 1st Amendment
Week 11 - M 11/9Law— Libel, children, news coverage FCC, Copyright, InternetNews or Feature Photo #8
Week 11 - W 11/11Law - continued
Week 11 - F 11/13Law—privacy, access, apply to news coverageChap 16 Summary
Week 12 - M 11/16History of PhotojournalismNews or Feature Photo #9
Week 12 - W 11/18Social Impact of Photojournalism, Jacob Riis and Lewis HineView Hine and Lewis videos in class
Week 12 - F 11/20Dangerous Nature of JournalismOutdoor sports photo due Chap 18 Summary
11/23-27Thanksgiving Break
Week 13 - M 11/30History PresentationsNews or Feature Photo #10 Zoom presentations
Week 13 - W 12/2History PresentationsZoom presentations
Week 13 - F 12/4Photo Story PresentationsIn class (must be posted on CANVAS before class)
Week 14 - M 12/7Photo Story PresentationIn class (must be posted on CANVAS before class)
Week 14 - W 12/9Multi-Media PresentationsIn class (must be posted on CANVAS before class) Written Final on CANVAS
Week 14 - F 12/11Turning Pro ApplicationPortfolio on website link must be posted to CANVASPortfolio on your website of 5 best shots. Final Exam prep
R 12/17Final Exam – Final exam opens on Monday morning, Due on ThursdayFinal Exam due at the end of the scheduled final exam schedule – Thursday, Dec. 17 9:50 a.m. – 10:50 on CANVAS.
Foundation ConceptsPhilosophyNewsTechnology and image ControlCreativity and CompositionAesthetics and EmotionWeekly Relevant Assignment
Learning OutcomesKnow the history of free speech, First Amendment, Ethics, Law, Policy. Know how law and policy is practiced todayConcept of news, practicing news coverage. Demonstrate the ability to capture “news” in a photograph.Understand tech. aspects of camera, shoot successful photos, approp. use of photo software, social photo website,   multi-media usesDevelop skills in visual composition. Demonstrate ability to effectively utilize creativity and composition in photographs.Create emotional, impactful and purposeful photos. Demonstrate the ability to capture emotion and aesthetics in photographs.Measurements: Written assignments, photographs, mastery of social photo website, oral presentation of history,
Week 1Intro – Ship prism Truth, Mill, Locke, Milton, Zenger,  1689, Madison, Washington, Jefferson, CensorshipNews Quiz, Writing cutlines, Ship prismEarly images, Lascaux, Camera specs, Types of cameras, Get FLICKR account,Begin with seeing yourself--create Self-PortraitEmotional portrayal in self portraitNews Quiz Bring camera to class-discuss specs., FLICKR account, Post self- portrait
Week 2News has unique place in free speechDefinition of News,  Values, Spot, Hard, FeatureShutter and Aperture, Motion, Depth of FieldCreativityOn-line Reading – Jones, motion and focus photos
Week 3Free Speech con’tNews Quiz, Begin “Journal” assignmentsISO, Low light situations,View NG Galleries, 7 Compositional ElementsView National Geographic Galleries“Journal” Assignment Response to NG Galleries, 7 elements photos
Week 4Portraits in NewsLenses,Steps to a great photoTechnical and Aesthetic AspectsNews or Feature Photo # 1 Posted on Flickr.
Week 5“Light” as inspiration and truth“Light” as openness and transparency in newsDrawing with light4 characteristics of light, 3 levels of diffusion,Short - most pleasing key light.Feature portrait, News and Feature Photo #2
Week 6Learning to write like a journalist, sportsFlash photography, actionCovering emotional issue-healthNPPA on-line health reading, News & F Photo 3
Week 7Photo layout, selection and editingPulitzer PhotosWrite response to a Pulitzer photo, News & F Photo 4
Week 8SummarySummarySummarySummarySummaryMidterm Exam, First sports photo, News & F Photo 5
Week 9Remembering fallen  JournalistsIllustrationIllustrationRemembering fallen JournalistsNews & F Photo 6
Week 10Which technologies are have more free speech rights?Multi-media journalistsVideo and audio uses in news coverageAudio and motion’s impact and emotion?News & F Photo 7
Week 11Ethics – Utilitarian,  Absolutist, NPPA, SPJ, staging,Allowable use of digital manipulationEthics and sensitive issuesNews & F Photo 8
Week 12Law – Access, Privacy, Libel, children, copyright, FCC, InternetNews aspects of lawUnderstand emotional aspects of news coverageNews & F Photo 9
Week 13Photography History,Journalism History, the “Camera Reporter”Computer History and relationship with journalismVisual communication historySocial impact of photos – Johnson, Hines, Riis,News & F Photo 10
Week 14Application and SummaryApplication – Working in JournalismApplication – Preparing professional portfolioApplicationApplicationSecond Sports photo, Final Exam – short essay. Portfolio of 5 best shots
Assignments related to Foundation ConceptsBring camera to class- discuss specs.- 2 News Quizzes, - Write and present a history of photojournalism report. -On-location photo opportunities- 2 motion and focus photos, - 2 Sports photos, - 10 news and feature photos - “Journal” photo- Self-portrait, - View and respond to NG galleries, - feature portrait, - 7 elements photos-Write response to a Pulitzer photo

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Late assignments are handled on an individual, case-by-case basis.

Attendance Policy

Attendance is only documented through quizzes and short written assignments that are only accepted in class. Quizzes can only be taken at a different time than the scheduled class time if the instructor is contacted IN ADVANCE. There will be some special guests and field trips that will also be beneficial to students.

Course Fees

There are no specific course fees. Standard program fees apply. 

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.