Photojournalism: Media in Focus

Explore the world of the photojournalist and discover the power of photography in capturing and explaining the socio-cultural, historic, and political events that shape our world. Through guest lectures by expert faculty, photo shoots, and visits to advocacy, policy, media organizations, and photo galleries, the course seeks to develop the basic skills of photojournalism and photographic technique while encouraging students to probe social issues and significant events. Students will visit places such as National Geographic, U.S. News & World Report, the Washington Post, the National Zoo, and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Students are required to provide their own digital cameras; laptops are also suggested.

View the Photojournalism Photo Gallery.

Instructor Bio: Karen Kasmauski

Karen Kasmauski has worked as a contributing photographer for National Geographic since 1984. A highly sought photojournalist, teacher, and guest lecturer, Ms. Kasmauski has produced 24 major stories for National Geographic Magazine. Her exploration of topics concerning global health and global change have included the global effects of radiation, a portrayal of Japanese women, Japan's economic role in Asia, the human genome, and stories on population. Her coverage of America';s obesity epidemic was the featured August 2004 cover story for National Geographic Magazine. Among her distinguished awards, Ms. Kasmauski received a Pulitzer Prize nomination for her book Impact: On the Frontline of Global Health. Her photo exhibit based on the book opened at the Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia and is now on permanent display at the Center for Disease Control. She is prominently featured in the book Women Photographers at National Geographic and her works have been exhibited at the Smithsonian, National Geographic, and the Newseums in New York City and Washington, DC.