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, 2006

MWF, 1 to 1:50 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 10-11 am, MWF 11-12 noon, Th 1:00 to 5:00 pm. Or by appointment.

C. Melinda Levin and Fred P. Watkins, Post, Pearson Education, 2003. It was also recommended that you keep your text from Com 242: 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 9/27;

PROJECT 2. Field news interview, paper script/edit. Due 10/18;

PROJECT 3. Action video edit, original video provided. Due 11/15;

PROJECT 4. Mini project such as news/documentary; short drama, music video, corporate/public service video, instructional unit or entertainment program. Due Last day of regular classes;



September 4 --- Labor Day Holiday
September ?? --- Television News Workshop on campus
September 13 --- Convocations
October 13 --- Middle of Term (no exam is scheduled)
October 20 --- Fall Break
November 27 --- Last Day to Drop a Class with WP/WF
November 22 to 26 --- Thanksgiving Holiday
December 7 --- Study Day
December 8 to 13 --- Semester Exams

Exam 1 -- September 27; Exam 2 -- October 18; Exam 3 -- November 15; Exam 4 -- Final Exam Period

Unit One -- Read Chapters 1,2,3 and Complete Project 1 by Unit Exam date

Unit Two -- Read Chapters 4,5,6 and Complete Project 2 by Unit Exam date

Unit Three -- Read Chapters 7,8,9,10 and Complete Project 3 by Unit Exam date

Unit Four -- Read Chapter 11,12,13 and Complete Project 4 before finals week begins

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. NEW RULE FOR FALL 2006: UNIVERSITY EQUIPMENT MAY NOT BE TAKEN BEYOND THE IMMEDIATE CONTIGUOUS CAMPUS BORDER OF UNA. THEREFORE, ADDITIONAL CAMPUS PROPERTY THAT DOES NOT TOUCH THE MAIN CAMPUS AREA, SUCH AS THE NEW POWELL SCHOOL COMPLEX OR THE WET LANDS AREA ON CLOVERDALE ROAD, ARE OFF-LIMITS FOR EQUIPMENT USE. VIOLATION OF THIS COURSE RULE WILL RESULT IN AN "F" FOR THE STUDENT OR STUDENTS INVOLVED.

University of North Alabama Policy regarding student disabilities is on separate web page.