Media Communications

Course Syllabus

Class Times:M-F, period 2

Location:Library

Instructor:Tess Wigginton

Email:

Media Communications is a course about communicating. You will write in this class – a lot. You will learn how to tell a story visually. You will sharpen your analytical skills, learning to look critically at how different newspapers and broadcasters cover the same story. You will learn how a film director tells his story without words. You will also examine the challenges to the profession of journalism and explore the ethical issues surrounding a range of different stories.

Success in this class

Learning is an active search for meaning, not a passive exercise in which information is downloaded into your head. To succeed, you must (1) attend class and participate, (2) complete your assignments on time, (3) contribute to class discussions, and (4) don’t let your publishing/production team down.

Course Objectives

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

operate a videotape camera

import raw footage to a computer for editing

manage a location shoot

use at least two different types of non-linear movie editing software packages

set up a studio shoot with proper lighting and sound

create original soundtracks in Apple GarageBand and transfer the tracks to a movie

frame a video shot properly

edit video for time, effect, and audience appeal

write scripts for news, film shorts, commercials, and opinion pieces

transfer scripts to the teleprompter and read them on-camera

complete a storyboard and project proposal

utilize various shots to tell a story most effectively

write and record a podcast

adhere to deadlines

gather & report news

watch the news objectively, discerning facts from opinion

“read” a film/video’s non-verbal cues

understand what is news

use a new vocabulary specific to television and film production

Methods

There will be numerous and frequent writing exercises, both in class and outside of class. Students will produce at least three independent video projects using video cameras and non-linear editing. Additionally, watching various television newscasts and/or films will be an ongoing requirement throughout the course. Students will develop a portfolio of video and print productions.

Text and Required Supplies

We will not use a textbook. I teach the course from several different sources, using handouts, photocopies, videotapes and DVDs (obtained legally, of course.)

You will need to bring to class every day:

a three-ring binder with paper for note-taking
pockets and dividers for the binder - there will be Lots of handouts
1 Gb USB Flash drive

Sources & Ethical Conduct

In all reporting in this class, you are expected to identify yourself and what you are doing honestly and accurately to the people who are your sources. You will not practice “ambush” journalism nor will you intimidate or harass a person to cooperate with your project. No one will be embarrassed by one of our productions. Ever.

The Radio and Television News Directors’ Association Code of Ethics will be distributed in class. You are expected to be familiar with the Code and use it as your creed during this class.

Deadlines

Deadlines are not negotiable. Assignments are to be handed in on time, with NO EXCEPTIONS. They are due at the beginning of class periods on the due date, unless specifically stated otherwise. Any assignment that is due while you are absent is due upon your return. I will not ask for assignments - it is your responsibility to provide them to me. You are responsible to make up any classwork missed because of absence. Such classwork is to be made up by the end of the week of the absence.

Off-Campus Activities

Attendance at various out-of-school events mightbe required at various times throughout the course. These will be announced and arranged as far ahead as possible. Every effort will be made to accommodate the needs of individual students; however, it is understood that this class, as it is an elective and for credit, takes priority over social activities.

Use of Media Equipment

Completion of your projects require you to use expensive technical equipment that belongs to Newark Catholic High School. You will be given thorough instructions as to proper use and operation of this equipment. Use the utmost care when operating the cameras, computers, etc. You will be held financially responsible for any damage or loss. Video cameras MAY be available for checkout to complete individual assignments; check with me for details.

Your Conduct in the Classroom

Students in Media Communications have special responsibilities beyond those of students in other classes. They regularly appear on tape in front of the whole school. This is a privilege, not a right, and it carries added responsibilities.

Be respectful of the teacher and each other. During lectures, be quiet and take notes. If you have a question, raise your hand and wait to be acknowledged before speaking. There is no excuse for rudeness.
Come to class prepared - always. This means bring your own writing implements, paper, and your binder. Every day.
Stay in your seat and don’t bother other students – keep your hands and feet to yourself.
Absolutely no vulgar language, gestures, references, jokes, thoughts, etc.
No put-downs of your fellow students. Respect the ideas and opinions of others. Mrs. Wigginton is a nice lady and expects her students to be nice.
Always bring something to do if we are in the middle of projects. You may be finished with your part of the project video before others, and disrupting their work or mine will not be tolerated.
Although freedom of speech and ideas are permitted and encouraged, remember that we are in an educational setting and ideas need to be “filtered” for such an environment. All projects must be completed using school appropriate shots, music, ideas, and other components.

What you can expect from me

Fairness, which does not mean the same thing for everyone.

Respect for your opinions and a forum in which to share them.

Consideration of every individual's learning needs.

An atmosphere that is fun, yet conducive to everyone's learning.

I may not have all the answers, but we will embrace searching for them together.

What you learn will be applicable to society and their future success.