The Mexican Navy ship Cuauhtémoc is surrounded by emergency responders after it collided with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York on Saturday, May 17. Dave Sanders/The New York Times/Redux

Lesson Plan: “Framing the World: Analyzing News Photography and Global Narratives”

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Two people were killed and more than a dozen were injured after a Mexican Navy training ship struck the bottom of the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday.

The ship, Cuauhtémoc, was carrying 277 people when it “lost power” and struck the bridge, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said. It was on a global goodwill tour and en route to Iceland at the time of the incident, officials said.

There was no visible damage to the bridge, which only temporarily closed. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the collision. CNN

Grade Level: Secondary (Grades 9–12) or Post-secondary
Subjects: Social Studies, Media Studies, Journalism, Ethics, Visual Arts

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

  • Critically analyze news photographs for content, composition, and context.
  • Understand the role of photojournalism in shaping public perception of global events.
  • Evaluate the ethical considerations involved in capturing and publishing news images.
  • Develop and articulate informed perspectives on current global issues.

Background for Educators

News photography is a powerful medium that conveys complex stories through visual imagery. Photographs can evoke emotions, influence public opinion, and bring attention to critical issues. However, they also raise questions about representation, bias, and ethics. This lesson encourages students to delve beyond the surface of compelling images to explore the narratives they construct and the realities they reflect.

Lesson Activities

1. Introduction to News Photography

  • Warm-Up Discussion:
    Pose the question: “What makes a news photograph impactful?” Encourage students to share thoughts on elements like emotion, composition, relevance, and storytelling.

  • Gallery Exploration:
    Direct students to the CNN “Photos of the Week” gallery. Ask them to select one photograph that resonates with them. Provide prompts:

  • What is happening in the photo?
  • What emotions does it evoke?
  • What questions does it raise?

  • Pair Share:
    Students pair up to discuss their chosen photographs, comparing interpretations and reactions.

  • Class Debrief:
    Facilitate a discussion on the diversity of images and stories presented. Highlight the global scope and the variety of issues depicted.

2. Deep Dive into Analysis

  • Photo Analysis Worksheet:
    Distribute a worksheet with the following sections for their selected photograph,📸 Photo Analysis Worksheet

  • Subject and Context: Identify the main subjects and the event/location.
  • Visual Elements: Analyze composition, lighting, color, and focus.
  • Emotional Impact: Describe the emotions conveyed and elicited.
  • Narrative and Message: Interpret the story or message of the image.
  • Bias and Perspective: Consider what is included or omitted and potential biases.
  • Ethical Considerations: Reflect on the ethics of capturing and publishing the image.

  • Group Discussion:
    In small groups, students share insights from their analyses, noting common themes or differing perspectives.

  • Introduction to Photojournalism Ethics:
    Present key principles from photojournalism ethics codes. Discuss scenarios where ethical dilemmas might arise in news photography.

3. Synthesis and Reflection

  • Comparative Analysis:
    Students select a second photograph from the gallery that contrasts their first choice in subject matter, tone, or region. They complete a brief comparative analysis focusing on:

  • Differences in storytelling and impact.
  • Varied use of visual elements.
  • Diverse cultural or political contexts.

Creative Expression:
Students create a caption or short narrative for one of their chosen photographs, aiming to effectively convey the story and emotion.

Class Gallery Walk:
Display students’ captions/narratives alongside the photographs (printed or projected). Allow students to read and reflect on each other’s interpretations.

Assessment

Students will be evaluated based on:

  • Completion and depth of the photo analysis worksheet.
  • Engagement in discussions and group activities.
  • Insightfulness and creativity in the caption/narrative exercise.
  • Demonstrated understanding of ethical considerations in photojournalism.

📸 Photo Analysis Worksheet

Student Name: __________________________
Photo Title or Description: __________________________
Photographer (if known): __________________________
Source (e.g., CNN Photo Gallery): __________________________

1. Subject and Context

  • Who or what is the main subject of the photo?

  • Where and when was the photo taken?

  • What event or situation does the photo depict?

  • What background information do you know or can you infer?

2. Visual Elements

  • Composition: Describe how the photo is arranged. What stands out? Where is your eye drawn?

  • Lighting: Is the photo bright, dark, or shadowy? How does lighting affect the mood?

  • Color: Are the colors vivid, muted, or black and white? What effect does this have?

  • Focus: What is in sharp focus? What is blurred? Why do you think the photographer made these choices?

3. Emotional Impact

  • What emotions do you see in the subjects?

  • What emotions does the photo evoke in you as a viewer?

  • How does the photo make you feel?

4. Narrative and Message

  • What story is the photograph telling?

  • What message or idea do you think the photographer wants to communicate?

  • What questions does the photo raise for you?

5. Bias and Perspective

  • What is included in the frame? What is left out?

  • Whose perspective is being shown?

  • Is there any visible bias or point of view? How might this affect interpretation?

6. Ethical Considerations

  • Do you think it was ethical to take and publish this photo? Why or why not?

  • Could this photo cause harm or discomfort to anyone involved?

  • How might the image influence public opinion or understanding of the event?

7. Personal Reflection

  • Why did you choose this photograph?

  • How does it connect to current global issues or your own experiences?

Additional Notes or Questions:

Instructions:
Answer each section thoughtfully, using evidence from the photograph and your own reasoning. Be prepared to discuss your analysis with classmates.

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