Food Writing and Photography

Courses

Course Plan

Whether you choose to complete the certificate completely online or as a hybrid, this program will create a solid foundation on which you can continue to build your brand and reputation as a food writer or photographer.

By completing four courses worth 12 total credits, you can obtain a Food Writing and Photography Graduate Certificate from the University of South Florida St. Petersburg. Students may take more than 12 credits to pursue their interests, but 12 are required for the completion of the certification. Of these 12 credits, six are earned in required courses, and six are earned by completing two electives of your choosing.

REQUIRED COURSES

Food Writing

Study the many styles of food writing from blogging to restaurant reviews, literary food writing to scientific study, and cultural commentary to memoir. This is your opportunity to sharpen your writing with the guidance of a professional food writer. (3 credits)

Food in Communication

Study the intersection of food and the media, specifically how food is portrayed on television, podcasts, the Internet or in movies. The medium studied will change from semester to semester. (3 credits)

TWO ELECTIVES

Social Media

Understand the evolving world of social media as it pertains to today’s media landscape. Master the basic skills that will allow you to promote your brand on multiple social platforms. (3 credits)

Photojournalism

Learn the best practices of photojournalism while creating a portfolio of food photographs through hands-on exercises. (3 credits)

Intro to Blogging

An online course in which students launch their own blog. The focus of the course is marketing, developing content and technical skills. (3 credits)

Food Photography

“Sizzling Images” is a hybrid online and face-to-face immersion course that takes place over five consecutive Saturdays or one week, Monday through Friday. On-location shoots and a focus on classic food photography and documentary shooting help hone skills for bloggers, stylists and novice and experienced photographers. Students learn about equipment, composition, lighting, propping and styling through hands-on exercises. (3 credits)

Multimedia Reporting

Learn to conceptualize and present stories for both traditional print and online platforms. Understand how visuals contribute to digital storytelling. Hands-on assignments to hone your skills. (3 credits)

Visual Communication Design and Theory

Study visual theory and how to create images in many forms to improve your online projects. (3 credits)

Web Publishing

Improve your blog or food-centered website by learning more about online publishing including code, third-party hosting and more. (3 credits)

Food and Travel Writing Study Abroad

A two-week immersion course focusing on writing about food and travel in a foreign setting. Students will visit markets, farms and artisan food, beer and wine producers while staying in Heidelberg, Germany; Strasbourg, France, and Paris. There will also be excursions into the Black Forest of Germany. (Up to 6 credits)

Special Topics in Journalism

Delve into entertainment and sports journalism, magazine writing or media on film with special emphasis on how they relate to food issues. (3 credits)