University of North Alabama

College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Communication and Theatre


Course Syllabus

Communication 430: Credit Hours: Course Description: Placement: Class Schedule: Faculty: Textbook: Objectives: Teaching Methods: Student Grades: Productions: Important Dates: Testing Dates: Reading Assignments: Project Comments:

Advanced RTF Production 3 semester hours (COM 430) Theories and practice of the production of programs and films in the telecommunications industry. A final product suitable to the focus of the course will be required. Prerequisites: COM 240, 316. (COM 460) A continuation of Radio-Television-Film 430. Prerequisite: COM 430. Fall, 2004 Tuesday, 12:30 to 3:15 pm A. Edward Foote, Ph.D. Associate Professor Room 108 Office: (256) 765-4489 E-mail: aefoote@una.edu FAX: (256) 765-4839 Office Hours: MWF 9-10 am, MWF 11-12 noon, M 2-4 pm F 12-1 pm Tu 11:30 to 12:30 pm. Or by appointment. Herbert Zettl, Television Production Handbook 8th edition           Wadsworth, 2003. The student is expected to complete the following objectives: 1. To learn the differences and similarities between news package, field, and studio production. 2. To perfect techniques of single camera shooting using the cinematography approach for post-production editing and multi camera shooting for live productions in television, video and digital film. 3. To become proficient with basic industry digital editing equipment. 4. To refine understanding of production and editing processes. 5. To demonstrate as part of a production team expertise in all aspects of audio and video editing for either news, documentary, corporate, instructional, or entertainment television or digital film applications. Assigned readings, lectures, media learning packages produced by software distributors, laboratory practice, individual and group practice outside class, guest speakers, and assigned projects under the management of the instructor. The following are methods by which the course objectives will be evaluated: In 430, grading will assign 50% to four class exams and 50% to four regular projects. When this professor teaches 460, 100% of grade comes from projects with final project being given the most grading consideration. A=90-100, B=80-89, C=70-79, D=60-69, F=<60 Grading Considerations: Professional success in broadcasting, cable and digital film depends upon knowledge, skill (gained through practice) and attitude. Projects and grades are intended to evaluate student's achievements in all three areas. Individual expectations may vary according to the student's rank, courses, and opportunity for professional experience. Late projects are reduced one letter grade for each 24 hour submission delay. Attendance: Required by University policy. After four weeks of absences your grade will be become an "F" as announced in University literature. Grade may be lowered for excessive absences over three. Because of the importance of being on-time and meeting deadlines, tardiness will be noted on the roll and may affect the grade. PROJECT 1. In-camera edit, "Nature" with nat sound. Due 9/14; PROJECT 2. Field news interview, paper script/edit. Due 10/5; PROJECT 3. Action video edit, original video provided. Due 11/2; PROJECT 4. Mini project such as news/documentary; short drama, music video, corporate/public service video, instructional unit or entertainment program. Due 11/30; September 6 --- Labor Day Holiday October 8 --- Middle of Term (no test scheduled) October 12 --- Last Day of automatic W Period October 15 --- Fall Break November 6 --- Television News Workshop on Campus November 19 Last Day to Drop a Class with WP/WF November 24 to 28 --- Thanksgiving Holiday December 2 --- Study Day December 3 to 9 --- Semester Exams Exam 1 -- September 28; Exam 2 -- October 19; Exam 3 -- November 16; Exam 4 -- Final Exam Period Unit One -- Read Chapters 7,8,3,4 Complete Project 1 Unit Two -- Read Chapters 5,6,12 Complete Project 2 Unit Three -- Read Chapters 11,13,14 Complete Project 3 Unit Four -- Read Chapter 17,18,19 Complete Project 4 Projects will be approved by the professor if others outside the class are involved in any way in the planning, performance or production. Students are expected (after consulting with the Professor) to spend time outside of class working on project assignments. In 430, weekends and week nights are not usually available, except in emergency circumstances and near the end of the semester.

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