Course Description
Cr. 3. A study of the ways in which ideas are expressed through techniques unique to the langaugae of radio, television, and film. The course focuses on the scenes, camera and lens movement, tempo, editing concepts, montate, 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

• All readings as listed in syllabus are on RESERVE EXPRESS, available through the home page for Helmke Library.
• Glossary of Media Terms

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

1. Visual analysis
   Each student group will analyze the visual structure of a commercial. This will entail making a storyboard that shows each individual shot and an essay describing each shot and the consequences of the composition of each shot and the transitions between shots. Group Project, Due November 14, 2001
2. Dramatic Analysis
   An essay that describes the dramatic structure of a 30 minute fiction television program. The description will include both Aristotelian and functional analyses. Group Project, Due: October 15, 2001.
3. On-line Reviews
   Two reviews (approximately 700 words) of specific media productions to be posted on the Electronic Media forum.
4. Final Examination Essay Click here to link to the full question.
   Each student will observe the dramatic structure, production techniques, semiotics codes, and any other relevant aspects of the episode of The Practice to be screened in class on November 26 and 28. The student will then produce an essay (5 pages minimum) entitled "Fact and Fiction in Television: The Illusion of Reality."
5. Group Presentation Click here for project guidelines.
   Each group will create a program schedule for a new cable television service. The presentation must include analyses of the potential audience, advertisers, and the existing competition.

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: You can improve your writing by getting one-on-one feedback from experience writers in Kettler G35, the Writing Center -- an excellent resource for all writers. Their motto is "Every Writer Needs a Reader." Bring your written assignment, due dates, questions, ideas, and draft (if you have one). The consultants will help you with brainstorming, developing, and organizing ideas, working on issues of meaning and style, and polishing and editing final drafts. Because it takes time to learn how to present your ideas clearly in writing (the Center is not a "fix-it" shop), you will benefit most by coming to the Writing Center regularly. Sign up for appointments ahead of time.

URL:http://users.ipfw.edu/tankel/syllabi/com251f01.htm
Revised: 17 August 2001