COM 251 Introduction to Electronic Media
Department of Communication
Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne

Spring 2004
T 4:30-7:15
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:

1. To recognize the communication techniques employed by media producers;
2. To become familiar with the lexicon of terms used to describe those techniques; and
3. To evaluate critically the aesthetics of media productions.

Readings

• Michael O'Shaughnessy and Jane Stadler. Media and society: An introduction, Second Edition (referred to in the course schedule as Media)
• Readings linked to Course Schedule Page (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)
.
• Glossary of Media Terms

Assignments
All assignment must be completed in order to achieve a passing grade in this course.

1. Quizzes
   Random quizzes through the semester
2. Media Journal
   Each student will keep a media journal during the semester. Students will keep track of their media interactions (films, television shows, etc.) with commentary based on class materials. Bring journals to class. Journals will be randomly collected during the semester. Journals will be graded based on the quality of the commentary, not the quantity of the entries. However, students in this class are required to engage with media as part of the learning process.
3. 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 (semiotic analysis). Therefore, the evaluation will be based on choices made, not specific production skills.
   
   Sample Storyboards:
   Indian Advertisement 1
   Indian Advertisement 2
   Cartoon
   Storyboards
   Interactive Storyboard Exercise
   Storyboard for The Go-Gos
   Group Project Due: April 20
   
   
4. Critical Essays
   Each student will complete two critical essays. The essays will be patterned on the model essays provided in the text.
   Essay #1: Semiotic analysis of a television commercial (see Appendix 1)
   Due: February 17
   Essay #2: Critical analysis of the visual style of the opening sequence from a film listed below. This essay should include appropriate references, bibliography and a shot list (see Appendix 2).
   Due: March 24
   
5. Final Examination Essay
   Provide an explanation of the The Prisoner using the various aesthetic and critical approaches offered by the class

Grading
Course assignments and examinations will be weighted as follows:

Campus Services
1. If you have or aquire a disability and would like to find out what special services may be available to you, contact Services for Students with Disabilities in WU 118 & 218 (481-6657, voice/TTY).
2. The IPFW Writing Center:
I encourage you to visit the IPFW Writing Center, Kettler G19, where writing consultants can help you understand assignments; brainstorm, develop and logically organize your ideas; learn strategies for wqrirting clearly; avoid plagiarism; and improve your documentation, editing, and proofreading skills. Bring your writing assignment for any class, questions, ideas, and a draft (if you have one). The service is free. Walk-ins arre welcome, but to ensure help when you need it, sign up for appointments on the board outside KT G19 or call 481-5740. Writing improvement happens over time, so visit regularly. Every writer needs a reader. Online at http://www.ipfw.edu/engl/wchome.htm .

URL:http://users.ipfw.edu/tankel/syllabi/Spring2004/com251s04.htm
Revised: 9 January 2004