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Photojournalism and Documentary Photography Programme (PDP)
The PDP focuses heavily on inculcating a critical awareness of socio-political issues, cultural contexts, and contemporary media practices and perspectives, as they appear within the broader South African landscape. The methodologies and perspectives employed throughout the course are specific and contextual, and would suite students with a keen interest in African affairs.
The course is split into three terms with a final graduation period. The first two terms are the most intensive, where students are expected to complete rigorous assignments set by trainers who are seasoned professionals within their areas of expertise. Classes are often interspersed with guest lectures and workshops, facilitated by highly qualified journalists, photographers and academics.
In the third term, students are placed in an internship position within various media houses in South Africa, giving them the opportunity to acquire hands-on experience. During the final graduation period students are given time to criticise the work they’ve produced over the course of the year, while at the same time finalising their portfolios. Ancillary skills such as Advanced Writing, and Business Skills are also taught during this period.
The PDP programme equips students with theoretical concepts and knowledge, while simultaneously emphasising hands-on experience. Johannesburg, being a vibrant political and cultural arena, provides the perfect backdrop to our experiential learning programme. This dynamic and interactive process sees students not only having to complete a various real-life assignments, but they also have the opportunity to participate in a multitude of public programmes and projects facilitated and run by the Market Photo Workshop. These projects will help students familiarise themselves with the South African environment, and will also provide opportunities for students to refine their documentary skills. Projects are run concurrently with classes throughout the year.
Many PDP graduates are currently employed in the South African media sector, and opportunities to meet alumni will arise throughout the year, in particular during the internship period. Entry to the programme requires a demonstrable prior knowledge of photography from at least an intermediate level.
The course is structured around four core modules:
Photojournalism and Documentary Photography
This subject focuses on developing knowledge of news, photojournalism and documentary photography. It looks at the history, context and purpose of photojournalism and documentary photography. It gives students practical experience in making meaningful photographic essays, while developing an understanding of the needs and expectations of international photographic agencies. The subject aims to develop an awareness of sound business methods in relation to photographic practice. It also engenders a heightened awareness of health and safety issues while travelling on photographic commissions. It explores strategies for cultural barriers and embargos, approaches for ethical, copyright, image rights, objectivity and subjectivity, public access and privacy issues faced by photojournalists and documentary photographers.
Visual Literacy
This subject develops students’ understanding of visual literacy – how to read and understand visuals. Seeing is not only a matter of looking and registering what is seen, but it is a complex process of making sense of what is seen, of interpreting the world. It has as much to do with insight, backgrounds, knowledge, identity, value systems and society. The subject explores a range of visual material in photography, advertising, printed press, art and media. Students are tested the way they see and the way they understand what they see. Through looking at current and historical work in photojournalism and documentary photography, and by visiting exhibitions and watching documentaries on photographers, students are tested on the way they see, and the way they understand what they see.
Media Practice
This subject develops students’ knowledge of the world of news and familiarise them with its basic concepts. They learn about what news is and what journalism involves. Students are taught the basic essentials for the writing and gathering of news and the skills of researching and interviewing, the processing of complex information. The subject is essentially practical and students are expected to produce real stories – on which they are given mentoring and feedback. They learn through experience, through group discussion and role-playing. It is a rich course that builds on the writing and life skills of every student.
Techniques
This subject focuses on the technical aspects of photography. It covers various technical areas that include: the pinhole principle, photograms, depth of field, form and texture, movement, digital imaging, web publishing, and image editing and enhancement. This subject also develops an advanced understanding of black and white/colour landscapes, flash, colour transparency and various other technical aspects.
Assessment
Students are assessed by both internal and external assessors, with grading dependant on their ability to demonstrate sound knowledge and ability to do the following:
- Produce a variety of photographs that respond to the briefs of core subjects, complementary subjects and workshops.
- Integrate research and the conceptual framing of issues, and their translation into images.
- Demonstrate an ability to think critically around projects.
- Act professionally at all times, both in consultation with outside bodies and in meeting deadlines.
- Understand the broader social, economic, political and natural systems that have an impact on the South African environment, and the extent to which this understanding is part of their work.
- Understand cultural and aesthetic diversity.
- Communicate ideas and express various techniques in an acute and incisive manner.
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