SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH AND MODERN LANGUAGES BC 201 Introduction to Radio/TV/Internet (Credit Hours: 3.00) FALL 2013 COURSE SYLLABUS Lecture M/W/F: 9:00 9:50 a.m. Room: Nance Hall 114 Instructor: Gil Harris Office: Nance Hall B112/B114 Office Hours: M/W/F: 8am-9am and 10am-11am T/R 11am-12n I may also be found at SC State s Radio Station WSSB 90.3 (Nance Hall Basement, Room 151 REQUIRED TEXTS: Phone: (803) 536-7109 Email: GHarris@SCSU.EDU Keith, Michael C. (2010) The Radio Station (8 th Edition). Focal Press RECOMMENDED READINGS Balk, A. (2005) The Rise of Radio, from Marconi to the Golden Age. McFarland & Company. Bianchi, W. (2008) Schools of the Air. McFarland & Company. Ditingo, V.M. (1995) The Remaking of Radio. Focal Press. Fisher, M. (2007) Something in the Air: Radio, Rock, and the Revolution That Shaped a Generation. Random House. Naughton,J. (2000) A Brief History of the Future: From Radio Days to Internet Years in a Lifetime. Overbrook Press. Smith, F.L. (2009) Perspectives on Radio and Television: An Introduction to Broadcasting in the United States HarperCollins Publishers COURSE DESCRIPTION A lecture-demonstration course designed to familiarize students with the principles, tools, and skills involved in radio broadcasting. Emphasis throughout is upon historical developments and the psychological aspects of broadcasting which determine practices and trends in the medium.
COURSE RATIONALE Mass media plays a major role in all of our lives and all of us consume some form of media daily. Many of us watch the news before leaving the house every day, listen to the radio on the way to school or work, use the Internet to search for information or even use our smartphones to obtain and search for news, weather, sports or other information. The students will be exposed to the various methods, forms and history of communications. In such a technologically based society, understanding the methods and impact of such forms of communications are highly vital. COURSE COMPETENCIES AND EXPECTED MEASURABLE OUTCOMES At the completion of BC 201, the following will be expected from all students: CORE VALUES AND COMPETENCIES Understand concepts and apply theories in the use and presentation of audio, video, still images and information. Demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity. ery Conduct research and evaluate information by methods appropriate to the communications professions in which they work. Write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve. EXPECTED MEASURABLE OUTCOMES Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the concepts and topics presented in class. Demonstrate ability to follow all University and other ethical guidelines as presented by the National Association of Broadcasters. Demonstrate the ability to present clear and constructive ideas. Present information within an assignment using accurate and credible information from a variety of sources and methods. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the writing style discussed in class. COURSE OUTLINE Some lessons may be extended when conditions warrant. And just as the news of the day can change at a moment s notice, some classes may be altered to allow class discussions and/or assignments that involve major breaking news events on a campus, local, state, national or global level. Week 1: Aug. 21-23 Introduction / Course Syllabus Review A Brief Historical Overview of Broadcasting Week 2: Aug. 26-30 Glossary of Broadcast terms
Week 3: Sept. 2-5 Chapter 1 State of the Fifth Estate Week 4: Sept. 9-13 Chapter 2 Station Management Week 5: Sept. 16-20 Chapter 3 Programming Week 6: Sept. 23-27 Chapter 4 Sales Week 7: Sept.30-October 4 Chapter 5 News Week 8: Oct 7-11 Record and Evaluation of PSA s/commercials Week 9: Oct. 14-18 Chapter 6 Research Week 10: Oct. 21-25 Chapter 7 Promotions Week 11: Oct. 28-Nov.1 Chapter 8 Traffic Billing Week 12: Nov. 4-Nov. 8 Chapter 9 Production Week 12: Nov. 11-15 Chapter 10 Engineering Week 13: Nov.18-22 Chapter 11 Consultants and Syndicators
METHODS OF ASSESSMENT In addition to the readings and assignments taken from the textbook, students will be asked to complete the following special assignments: Radio Station Analysis This paper is analysis of an existing radio station format. The station must be within the local markets (Columbia, Orangeburg, Charleston). In this assignment include: station call letters; dial position; music; announcing style; format clock; rotation; use of on-air personalities; promotional package; slogans; stop sets; etc. Analysis should detail how a station meets the needs of a target audience. For example if a station has a black appeal format; do the commercials aired on the station target that audience? Television Research The student will be required to submit a research paper. The length will be 600 to 900 words. All papers will be in either MLA or APA formats. No other format will be acceptable. Topic: The TV Industry (Advertising, Programming or Ratings). This will be a research paper, which means it is not about your personal opinions, views, bias, or a platform for a personal sounding board. Internet Analysis Students will listen to an Internet broadcast (News, Talk, Public Affairs). Sum up your report with an Analysis. Report on topic such as, what you like or dislike about the program? Who is the intended audience? Did the particular show appeal to the audience or not (elaborate on this point)? Will the Program appeal to the advertisers and whether the program is appropriate to the time slot? Job Shadow-Each student will have the opportunity to shadow an on-air announcer at WSSB- FM. Students will witness first hand the work environment and occupational skills in practice, the value of professional training and potential career options. Quizzes, Tests and Exams News Quizzes: It s important for every professional broadcaster to be aware of the issues and events that affect their lives and the lives of others. In order to emphasize this point, students will take announced and unannounced current news quizzes that will be based on a variety of topics, from politics and sports to the arts and medical news. Unit Tests: Students will take a unit test based on the contents covered in each medium. Although there may be a multiple choice section on the test, emphasis will be placed on critical thinking / short answer questions. Mid-Term Exam: This exam will consist of all material covered in the first half of the semester. Its format will be critical thinking/short answer only. Final Exam: The final exam will consist of all the material covered in the course. There will three parts to the exam: multiple choice, matching and short answer.
Special Assignment Rubric Assignment A/B C D F Radio Station Analysis Paper Analysis is focused, thorough, factually accurate and well written. It not only covers the information required, but also includes research from various sources, which are cited in the analysis and in a works cited page. Work was turned in on time. Analysis wavers in its focus. Some revisions are needed in regards to spelling, grammar and punctuation. Some effort was made towards a wellorganized thought given towards the topic. Student missed deadline by one day. Analysis has no focus and is poorly written, with factual inaccuracies throughout. A works cited page was not included. Student missed the deadline by more than one day. The student doesn t complete the assignment, is off task or topic in the Analysis and/or commits unethical violations (plagiarism, etc.). A work cited page is not included. Student does not turn in assignment. Television Research Paper Paper is focused, thorough, factually accurate and wellwritten. It not only covers the information required, but also includes research from various sources, which are cited in the analysis and in a works cited page. Paper wavers in its focus. Some revisions are needed in regards to spelling, grammar and punctuation. Some effort was made towards a wellorganized thought given towards the topic. Student missed deadline by one day. Analysis has no focus and is poorly written, with factual inaccuracies throughout. A works cited page was not included. Student missed the deadline by more than one day. The student doesn t complete the assignment, is off task or topic in the Analysis and/or commits unethical violations (plagiarism, etc.). A work cited page is not included. Student does not turn in assignment.
Internet Analysis Paper Analysis is focused, thorough, factually accurate and well written. It not only covers the information required, but also includes research from various sources, which are cited in the analysis and in a works cited page. Work was turned in on time. Analysis wavers in its focus. Some revisions are needed in regards to spelling, grammar and punctuation. Some effort was made towards a wellorganized thought given towards the topic. Student missed deadline by one day. Analysis has no focus and is poorly written, with factual inaccuracies throughout. A works cited page was not included. Student missed the deadline by more than one day. The student doesn t complete the assignment, is off task or topic in the Analysis and/or commits unethical violations (plagiarism, etc.). A work cited page is not included. Student does not turn in assignment. METHOD OF EVALUATION Grade Distribution Participation (Attendance, Class Discussions) 5% News Quizzes 10% Unit Tests 10% Assignments (Analysis Papers) 30% Mid-Term Exam 20% Final Exam 25% Total 100% Grading Scale 90-100 = A (Work is thorough, well-written and turned in on time) 80-89 = B (With the exception of a few minor errors, work is deemed acceptable. But it may be late by a day.) 70-79 = C (Needs work; only meets the minimum standards and expectations. Work is late by more than one day.) 60-69 = D (Work requires major overhaul in grammar, punctuation, spelling and accuracy.) 0-59 = F (Missed deadline, major factual errors, major errors, ethical problems and plagiarism are all apparent throughout the assignment.)
COURSE EXPECTATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS: 1. Students will attend class regularly and should arrive on time. Students will be allowed three excused absences. Those who have excessive absences must present their reasons for being absent. Otherwise, the student s final grade will drop five points for every unexcused absence after the limit. Leaving class early without the instructor s approval also counts as an absence. Also, students will not be allowed to make-up assignments or tests, except in the cases that the instructor and the student agree in advance (via phone, e-mail or discussion after class) that you have a valid reason for being absent from class. Examples of excused absences include personal or medical emergencies. An official written excuse from a physician, coach or university official must be presented to the instructor during class time in order for the absence to be counted as excused. Full-time or part-time jobs, failure to find a parking space on campus or working on assignments and projects for other courses are not valid excuses for missing class. 2. Students are expected to complete all assignments on time. Professional Broadcasters adhere to deadlines, and we ll do the same in this class. Unexcused late work will automatically receive a zero, and cannot be made up. Printer or computer failures at one of the university s computer labs or at home are not legitimate excuses. Be sure to use your time wisely and complete your assignments ahead of time, not at the last minute. Remember, in Broadcasting time is money, Professionals can t miss deadlines and no one holds the press for a late story. 3. All students will adhere by the university s academic honor code. Plagiarism - stealing another s work - and making up facts are major ethical violations in Broadcasting. Any student who commits academic dishonesty will be penalized with failure of the assignment or the course. The student will also be reported to the chair of the Department and/or the Dean of the College of Education, Social Sciences and Humanities, which may lead to further consequences. THREE STRIKES POLICY: Students who fail to cite sources in his or her work and/or include a works cited page will be given an automatic F. Students will have three chances per semester to rewrite a failed essay for a new grade. The instructor will then average the two scores for the assignment s final grade. After those three opportunities are used up, the assignment grade will stand as is.
4. Students will conduct themselves professionally. This is especially true when we re engaged in discussions about the topics covered during class. Please respect the opinions and arguments of your fellow classmates. Also, please set your cell phones on vibrate so that you don t interrupt the class. And if you are expecting an important phone call during class, please notify the instructor before class begins. The Office of Disabled Student Services (ODS) at South Carolina State University offers a variety of services for students with documented disabilities including but not limited to students with learning disabilities, those who are deaf or hard of hearing, those who are visual or mobility impaired, and/or those who are diagnosed with a psychiatric or medical disorder(s). South Carolina State University complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). According to Section 504 and ADA, a person with a disability is someone who has a disability that impairs a major life function, who has a history of having a disability, and or who is regarded as having a disability. The university requests that students notify the Office of Student Disability Services (located in the Counseling and Self-Development Center, adjacent to Brooks Health Center) of any special accommodation needs at least 30 working days prior to the first day of class. This notification will help to ensure the quality and timely procurement of equipment and services requested. Students are responsible for supplying the appropriate documentation to the Office of Student Disability Services prior to receiving classroom accommodations. Barring disclosure to classroom instructors for the purpose of enhancing the learning environment, confidentiality of the information received will be maintained.