Communication Arts and Technology Syllabus
Instructor: Mr. Michael Lynch Course Number: 137/753
Time Period: Course Title: Communication Arts & Technology
Room: 129
Course Description
This course is intended for students who have an interest in several phases of television production. Students will learn the principles, techniques, and procedures of creating a television show. Students will gain experience in television program development, planning, producing, editing and evaluating.
In addition, this course is a district vocational course and enrollment is open to district students. This course is offered at Bremen High School, and the district will provide transportation. Since this course requires additional skill time, the course length is two hours per day. Students will attain two credits by successfully completing this course.
This program has been articulated with South Suburban College. A student taking this course can earn three college credits toward a community college program if the student has maintained at least a “B” average for the year.
Expectations of the Students
After successfully completing this course, the student is expected to:
1. Write a script for a television production
2. Direct a television news, advertising, dramatic or entertainment production
3. Run several pieces of television equipment
Credits
2- regular (1 credit in English elective and 1 credit in Industrial Technology)
Grade Level
12
Textbooks
TV Production Today (Bielak) required
National Textbook Company, hard cover
Television Production Handbook (Zettl) required
Wadsworth Publishing Company, hardcover
Television Production Workbook (Zettl) required
Wadsworth Publishing Company, student purchased
Broadcast News Workbook (Wulfemeyer)
Course Outline
First Semester
· Variety and uses of camera, audio, lighting, editing and special effects equipment
Projects: Camcorder Project, Video Collage
· Growth of technology and television, viewing habits, and cable television
Projects: Television review show
· Audience analysis and communication process
Projects: Television advertisement/PSA
· Production team responsibilities
Projects: BDTV News and Entertainment
· Script writing, copyright laws, editing equipment
Projects: BDTV News and Entertainment
Second Semester
· Review of television production techniques and equipment
Projects: Narrative Film, BDTV News and Entertainment, and Film Festivals
Coursework
Basic knowledge of text
Readings – Textbooks will be needed in class and selections will be assigned a day before class discussions. Students are required to read each selection assigned, writing down any questions on the material or vocabulary words they do not understand.
Assignments – There will be various assignments and teaching methods used throughout the year. Each assignment will be outlined in class at the onset of the project.
Tests – Regularly scheduled quiz bowls and tests
A weekly one-hour news, sports, and entertainment show will be produced throughout the school year
Outside tapings – Students will be required to spend three hours each quarter (nine weeks) videotaping school-related events outside of class. One or more of the required hours will be assigned by the instructor. For each hour of outside taping not completed the student’s grade will drop one grade level.
Grading Scale
100%-90% plus 3 outside taping hours – A*
89% - 80%– B*
79% - 70% - C*
69% - 60% - D*
59% - 0% – E
*For each outside taping hour you are missing the grade drops one letter