COM 251 Introduction to Electronic Media
Department of Communication
Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne
Fall 2005
MW 4:30-5:45
Neff 141
Course Description
Cr. 3. A study of the ways in which ideas are expressed through techniques unique
to the language of radio, television, and film. The course focuses on the scenes,
camera and lens movement, tempo, editing concepts, montage, sound, perspective,
fades, seques, and other special effects prerequisite to effective communication
through electronic media.
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Course Objectives
At the conclusion of the course, students will be able:
- To recognize the communication techniques employed by media producers;
- To become familiar with the lexicon of terms used to describe those techniques; and
- To evaluate critically the aesthetics of media productions.
Successful completion of COM 251 fulfills 3 credits in IPFW General Education Area IV.
Due to required courses in the COMM and COMI majors, students with these majors do not use COM 251 for General Education credit
Readings
- Aristotle, Poetics
- V. Clark, J. Baker, & E. Lewis. Key Concepts & Skills for Media Sudies
- Readings linked to Course Schedule Page (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)
-
Glossary of Media Terms
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Assignments
All assignment must be completed in order to achieve a passing grade in this course.
- My Media World Website Project
Link to
Web resources from ITS.
- Creative Project
Each student group will create a
public service announcement for a non-profit organization in Fort Wayne.
This will entail a storyboard that shows each individual shot and the
acompanying soundtrack or a digital video rough
cut of the spot. The project will also include a rationale for the
production choices in terms of the intended meanings. Therefore, the evaluation will be based on choices made, not the demonstration of specific
production skills.
Sample Storyboards:
Indian Advertisement 1
Indian Advertisement 2
Cartoon
Index of Storyboards for Judicial Elections
Comics and Cinema
Group Project Due Nov 28
- Critical Essays
Each student will complete three critical essays.
Essay #1: Dramatic analysis of 30 minute television series episode, in which the student will identify and describe the dramatic structure according to Aristotelian dramatic principles as adapted for film and video.
Due October 3
Essay #2: Semiotic analysis of a television commercial in which the student will identify the
literal and and semiotic meanings. In particular, students need to assess the
multiple layers of signification evident in the text.
Due Oct 31
Essay #3: Critical analysis of the visual style of an extended sequence from a theatrical
film. The essay will describe the production
techniques in evidence and relate those techniques to the narrative structure of the film. This essay should include appropriate references, bibliography (if necessary) and a shot list
.
Due Dec 7
- Final Examination Essay
Grading
Course assignments and examinations
will be weighted as follows:
| |
| My Media World | 150 points |
| Creative Project (Group) |
150 points |
| Critical Essay #1 | 200 points |
| Critical Essay #2 | 200 points |
| Critical Essay #3 | 200 points |
| Final Examination | 100 points |
| Total | 1000 points |
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The final grade will be based on the following scale:
| Points | Grade |
| 1000-890 points | A |
| 889-790 points | B |
| 789-700 points | C |
| 699-600 points | D |
| 599 points-below | F |
Course Policies
1. You are expected to attend class.
2. All assignments must be turned in. Failure to turn in an assigment will
result in a grade of F for the course.
3. No late assignments will be accepted. Due dates are stated in the
syllabus.
4. No handwritten assignments will be accepted.
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Campus Services
- In making the transition from novice to experienced college student,
the Center for Academic Support
and Advancement (CASA)
an make the critical difference.
CASA offers study-skills assistance, free tutoring, supplemental instruction,
and free computer-technology courses (STEPs). The center is also the advising
unit for students studying English as a Second Language.
-
Services for
Students with Disabilities (SSD) coordinates IPFW’s programming for
people with disabilities, as required by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Persons with qualifying
disability conditions per these regulations are eligible for specialized
academic support services and other assistance through SSD.
-
For questions about how the University experience will enhance your life and potential career,
please contact Academic Counseling and Career
Services.
- For help with writing, please contact
the Writing Center.
In free one-on-one conferences, knowledgeable writing consultants will talk
with you about your writing for any class, wherever you are in the writing process
— understanding assignments, brainstorming and planning, revising, and polishing
final drafts. Consultants help you focus, organize, develop and analyze your
thoughts, revise, and work on issues of editing and style. (Consultants will
not edit or proofread for you but will help you learn how to edit and proofread
your own papers.)
Click here for
COM 251 Class Schedule
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Return to
Tankel Current Course Page
URL:http://users.ipfw.edu/tankel/Syllabi/Summer 2005/COM 251/com251summer05.htm
Revised: 31 May 2005