Program Description:

Program Description:

The goal of this program is to prepare students for a career as a professional journalist or photojournalist. The program's carefully constructed curriculum is built upon four fundamental areas of study: journalism, photography and photojournalism, business and desktop publishing.

Program Outcomes:

The program provides students with the opportunity to:

• Acquire strong grounding in the art and craft of journalistic writing for publications including newspapers, magazines and specialized genres. Students receive instruction on the mechanics of writing and focus on identification and implementation of clear, organized and effective writing processes.
• Master the technical and creative aspects of photography and photojournalism. Students use 35 mm digital cameras to produce images for a variety of photographic markets and to accompany their written work. Students further explore visual communication and storytelling by creating multi-media projects.
• Develop desktop publishing skills using current computer technology and software. Students hone their ability to effectively combine text and graphics through creating documents including the alumni magazine. Contact and a student-inspired magazine Fusion.
• Comprehend essential elements of business practice such as identifying target markets, understanding negotiation and contracts, keeping accounting records, formulating marketing and sales strategies and managing finances.
  
  Throughout the program, students are also encouraged to build networks of industry contacts and to participate in events such as external writing and photography contests and Western's Light Sensitive (a one-week exhibition of photographic work open to the public).
• Experience real-world job requirements. All students participate in job shadows. They are also encouraged to strive for internship placements and to seek publication of their images and written work at newspapers, magazines or other relevant venues.,
• Compile a portfolio of their best written and photographic work. This capstone project gives students experience in building portfolios - a key component in the marketing and promotion of the work they will do throughout their careers. Portfolios are adjudicated by a panel of industry experts and displayed at a two-day public exhibition.

Admission Requirements:

Grade 12 graduation or mature student status (19 years of age) is the fundamental entrance requirement. Admissions are on a first come, first served basis. If a program is full, then students are placed on a wait list.

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Program Description:

The Advanced Visual Communications (AVC) program is designed to increase the students€™ employability by defining their market focus, expanding their creative skills, and developing their business and marketing strategies. Under the guidance of academic advisors, students will learn to enhance their technical control, personal style, and expression through assignments, lectures, critiques, and class discussions. Students will also participate in a group exhibition and a practical, and they will prepare a portfolio.

By completion of the course, students will have expanded their skill sets and honed their photography and/or writing and business direction(s). Students will have a marketing package (comprised of promotional material including a business card, a brochure, and an online portfolio), combined with a business plan that will provide direction for their market goals after graduation.

Students€™ professional quality portfolios, enhanced by their self-directed studies and paralleled by their business plans, will further assist them in advancing their careers. Courses include Digital Darkroom, Creative Problem Solving, Exposure to Expression, Contemporary Media Analysis, Self-Directed Studies, business and Financial Management, Building Your Own Brand in the form of design, print and web development through instruction in Adobe Illustrator, InDesign and Dreamweaver.

Admission Requirements:

Graduates of Western€™s Professional Photography or Written Image programs may apply for admission to AVC. External applicants from approved programs of similar academic standing must provide transcripts from their programs. Admission is based on a portfolio review and an interview (in person or over the phone) by the AVC Program Manager(s). Internal applicants must submit their portfolios by 12:30 p.m. on June 10, 2010. External applicants must submit their portfolios and transcripts by June 15, 2010. Late applications may be accepted if space is available.

Portfolio Requirements:

A minimum of 12 original pieces, from one or more of the following classifications, are required:

Photography of any genre. Written fiction or non-fiction, Digital images, Web, or multi-media presentations. Graphic design or self-promotional materials. Published materials. Two-dimensional work should not exceed 11x14 inches. Work larger than this size should be submitted as a CD/DVD, and must not exceed 5x7 inches and a file size of 1 MB, jpeg format. Applicants bear sole responsibility for shipment and return of all portfolio materials. Western is not responsible for loss or damage of portfolio materials. Application Status Applicants will be advised of their application status, in writing, by June 30, 2010. Late applications will be advised as soon as their credentials are reviewed.

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Admission Procedure:

Please complete and print the application form from the web site, then submit the completed form along with your tuition deposit of $500. We accept cash, cheques, money orders and/or bank drafts.
a copy of a government issued picture ID showing birth date
Grade 12 diploma or transcript (if less than 19 years of age)
This ensures enrollment in the program or holds a place on the wait list and enables the school to process any application for financial aid, if necessary.

Acceptance:

Based on the information provided, applicants who are accepted will receive an acceptance letter which will indicate the starting date. An enrollment contract will follow. This acceptance is subject to the results of an interview with the respective Program Manager. This interview may be conducted either by phone or in person.