Dept. of Mass Communication College of Liberal Arts University of Central Oklahoma MCOM 3243 CRN: 28892 Video Field Production Spring 2016 Syllabus T/TR 9:30 am 10:45 am Room: COM 119 Instructor: Mark Scott Office Phone: # 974-3846 Office: COM 148 A MCOM Office # 974-5303 MCOM Fax # 974-5125 Office Hours: Monday 11:00-12:00 pm and 3:00 4:00 pm Tuesday 12:30 2:00pm Thursday 12:30-2:00pm E-mail: mscott@uco.edu Prerequisite: Media Production MCOM 2443 CATALOG COURSE DESCRIPTION MCOM 3243 - Video Field Production Video Field Production is a study of various creative forms of storytelling concentrating on the production of feature stories. Students will incorporate the critical elements of videography, sound, editing, writing, directing, and producing to tell the most compelling stories possible across different media platforms. Prerequisite(s): ENG 1113, ENG 1213, MCOM 1113, MCOM 1133, and (MCOM 2033 or MCOM 2443). TEACHING METHOD The course is arranged in a series of lectures and projects designed to gradually increase in difficulty and demonstrate how theories learned in class translate into real world applications. This course will use lecture, demonstration, video examples, guest speakers, and after-project critiques to illustrate basic television field techniques that are the building blocks of good photography, editing, and effective story telling.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of the Television Field Production Course, the learner will be able to: 1. identify basic theories of video and television as a communication medium. 2. interpret appropriate language of key video elements. 3. demonstrate essential elements of video production by producing and assembling broadcast video projects. 4. employ basic principles of media aesthetics and visual literacy to producing high quality video projects. 5. identify differences between effective and non-effective broadcast news stories. 6. to create news feature stories for broadcast. TRANSFORMATIONAL LEARNING OBJECTIVES Discipline Knowledge the student will demonstrate essential elements of video production by creating and completing a variety of projects increasing in difficulty. Problem Solving (Research, Creative Activities) the student will be able to effectively create a broadcast feature stories using writing, audio, video, and editing skills. Service Learning, Civic Engagement the student will be required to create broadcast feature stories within their community Global and Cultural Competencies the student will be required create local broadcast feature stories from current national and international topics that effect their community. REQUIRED SUPPLIES: 1 SDHC card. CLASS PARTICIPATION: Class participation in this course is vital to student success in this course. Although you will be required to produce an abundance of work outside of class the in-class discussions and critiques will play a crucial roll in your understanding of important video production elements. Observation of broadcast news telecasts, as well as various media outlets will help enable effective in-class discussions. ATTENDANCE: Attendance in this course is expected. In-class discussions will help determine the level to which you understand the concepts of video production and effective storytelling. There will be a roll sheet to be signed during every class period. Students with more than six absences will fail the course. After three absences ten points will be deducted from your final point total for each class period missed. The only excused absences will be for school-sponsored activities, jury duty, short term military duty, death or serious illness in immediate family, or hospitalization that requires your absence from class; you must present official documentation for these absences either in advance or within one week of the absence in order for it to count as an excused absence.
VIDEO PROJECTS: #1: 50 points INTRODUCTORY PROJECT (Due Jan. 19) (6 %) Produce a 1:00 min. VOSOT #2: 100 points TELL A STORY WITHOUT SOUND (Due Sept. 4) (11 %) Shoot 4 minutes of raw footage that will later be edited into a 2 minute story. Sound will not be used as a story telling tool for this project. (Do not edit this footage) #3: 100 points NEWS FEATURE #1 (Due Feb. 4) (11 %) Produce a 1:30 min. news feature which includes matched action sequencing, motivated cutaways, at least one interview, a reporter track, and a script. #4: 100 points NEWS FEATURE #2 (Due Feb. 25) (11%) Produce a 1:30 min. news feature which includes matched action sequencing, motivated cutaways at least two interviews, one natural sound break, a reporter track, and a script #5: 100 points NEWS FEATURE #3 (Due March 24) (11 %) Produce a 1:30 min. hard news story which includes matched action sequencing at least 2 interviews, three natural sound breaks, a reporter voice track with cutaway audio utilized throughout the story, and a script. #6: 200 points NEWS FEATURE #4 (Due April 28) (22 %) Produce a 2:00 min. all natural sound news feature. This feature should not include a reporter track and should tell a story through natural sound and interviews. All stories are required to have matched action sequencing and other principles learned in class which are applicable to effective visual storytelling. All assignments turned in must be shot and edited by you. If it comes to my attention that you are turning in assignments produced by someone else, you will receive a failing grade for the course. All: See plagiarism and academic dishonesty statement. Computer generated transitions (dissolves, wipes, etc.) will only be allowed on Project #6. ALL LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE PENALIZED 50%. Semester course work ends April 29, 2016. No course work can be accepted after this date. EXAMINATIONS:
There will be2 written examinations. The first exam will be comprised of short answer and fill in the blank items. The second exam will consist of short answer, fill in the blank, and multiple choice items selected from the in-class lectures: 100 points each (=200 points) (22 %) The Final Exam is scheduled for Tuesday, May 3, 2016 at 9am. QUIZZES: 2 quizzes comprised of topics discussed in class or out-of-class media observation: 25 points each (=50 points) (6%) *No make up exams will be allowed unless PRIOR arrangements are made. GRADING: Project #1: 50 pts. Project #2 100 pts. Project #3 100 pts. Project #4 100 pts. Project #5 100 pts. Project #6 200 pts. 2 Exams 200 pts 2 Quizzes 50 pts. 900 (Total pts.) A -900-810, B-809-720, C-719-630, D-629-540, F-539 and below (90-100%) (80-89%) (70-79%) (60-69%) (0-59%) The grading scale: 90-100%: A The work is shot and edited using compelling video that tells an interesting story. The story should contain a clear beginning, middle, and end, as well as exhibiting creativity to tell the story effectively. It is free of jump cuts, flash frames, is color balanced correctly, uses motivated cutaways, matched action sequences, and is free from audio errors. 80-89%: B The work is adequate with a few minor errors, but lacks creativeness. Contains a clear beginning, middle, and end, but the video is not compelling and does not exercise video production elements discussed in class. 70-79%: C The work is average or slightly below average. Stories do not contain a clear beginning, middle, and end. Creativity and basic production elements are ignored, and it does not tell a compelling story effectively. 60-69%: D The work is below average and lacks basic elements of effective story telling. It does not contain a clear beginning, middle, and end and does not meet previously set deadlines. It contains major production errors and does not tell a story effectively. 59% and below: F The work is late and shows no elements of effective story telling. Basic broadcast production elements are ignored and major production errors exist
throughout the project. _ The final course points are subject to change as they will reflect the amount of classroom activities assigned during the semester. Therefore, the final grading scale will be determined by the total possible points throughout the semester. Consequently, a final grading scale near the end of the semester will be posted. Essentially 90% or better of the total points possible will constitute an A, 80% of total points will receive a B, 70% of the total points will receive a C, 60% of the total points will receive a D, and a point total of below 60 percent will receive an F. TELEVISION FIELD COURSE SCHEDULE: Week 1 Jan. 12-14 Introduction to the course. In-class activity. Assign Project #1 Discuss the importance of telling the visual story and learn to write from visuals. Show examples of visual story telling. Week 2 Jan. 19-21- Project #1 Due. View and critique Project #1. Begin discussion of how shots work together and photographing action under the photographer s control. Week 3 Jan. 26 28 -Discuss matched-action sequences and other techniques used by a single camera director. Begin discussion on the importance of editing. Show examples of stories without sound. - Finish discussion on editing basics. Show more examples of stories without sound. Week 4 Feb. 2-4 - Discuss field techniques of shooting television news. Project #2 is due. View and critique Project #2. Week 5 Feb. 9-11 Show examples of quality storytelling and practice VOSOT s. Week 6 Feb. 16-18 Finish discussion of field techniques of shooting television news. Show examples of news features. Discuss the basic elements of field lighting. Demonstrate three point lighting techniques in studio. Week 7 Feb. 23-25 Discuss the importance of audio. Show examples of different microphones and field audio techniques. Project #3 is due. View and critique Project #3.
Week 8 March 1-3 Begin discussing effective interviewing techniques. Finish discussion of interviewing techniques and begin discussion of television script formats. Week 9 March 8-10 Finish discussion of television script formats. Discuss natural sound breaks and their importance in television news Guest Speaker Lisa Monohan. KWTV Week 10 March 14-18 Week 11 SPRINGBREAK March 22-24 - Show examples of news features with natural sound breaks. -Project #4 is due. View and critique Project #4. Week 12 March 29-31 Discuss the roles of the assignment editor and producer. Discuss sports photography and reporting. Week 13 April 5-7 Project #5 is due. View and critique Project #5. Discuss law and ethics in broadcast journalism. Show examples of all natural sound news features. Week 14 April 12-14 Discuss examples of ethical situations in broadcast journalism. Discuss case studies of ethical broadcast situations. Week 15 April 19-21 Journalism ethics papers are due. Discuss elements of long format news features. - Thanksgiving Week 16 April 26-28 Review for final exam. Project #6 is due. View and critique Project #6. Week 17 May 3 Final Exam 9:00 am Department of Mass Communication Policies Spring 2016 College of Liberal Arts University of Central Oklahoma Departmental Phone: (405) 974-5303 Website: http://www.uco.edu/la/masscomm/ UCentral Student Media has an app! Go to itunes to download it for free! Follow the department Twitter account @UCO_MCOM Like the UCO - Department of Mass Communication Facebook Page!
MCOM Majors Email: The department, the college, and the university utilize the UCO email address assigned to each UCO student. Official information will be emailed through the UCO system. Students have the option of forwarding their UCO email to a personal email account if preferred. For information, go to http://www.uco.edu/technology/student/email/index.asp. If students do not check their UCO email, they risk missing vital information. If you do not use your UCO email account, please forward your UCO email to an email account you check frequently. Student Advisement MCOM has two Student Success Advisors for MCOM majors. Each student is responsible for seeking advisement information each semester in order to graduate in a timely manner. Ms. Heather Peck o Office: COM 103 A o Phone: 974-5108 o Email: hpeck3@uco.edu Mr. Gary Parsons o Office: COM 103 o Phone: 974-5108 o Email: gparsons2@uco.edu UCentral Student Media: http://www.uco.edu/la/masscomm/ucentral/index.asp UCentral is the student media network at the University of Central Oklahoma, featuring traditional media (television, radio, newspaper) and new media (web, netcasts, social networking) created by students majoring in professional media. UCentral is located within the Mass Communication Department on the campus of UCO. Spring Events Monday, January 11: First Day of Spring Classes! Monday, January 18: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day UCO Classes Dismissed Monday-Friday, March 14-18: Spring Break Wednesday, March 30: College of Liberal Arts Symposium (All classes pre-empted between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm.) Thursday, March 31-Friday, April 1: 2016 Transformative Learning Conference, Downtown OKC (Tentative) Saturday, April 23: MCOM Student Recognition Awards Ceremony (5:30pm-8:00pm) Monday-Friday, May 2-6: Finals Week Saturday, May 7: Graduation (Probable date for MCOM/CLA Graduation Ceremony) Expectation of Work Full-time college students are expected to spend approximately 40 hours each week in class attendance and study outside of class. According to Regents policy, for each hour in class a student is expected to spend two (2) to three (3) hours studying for the class (OSRHE II-2-34). For each three-credit hour course, the Regents expect students to study/prepare 6-9 hours per week. UCO Student Code of Conduct Students are responsible for all information in the Student Code of Conduct 2015-2016. This can be accessed on the Student Affairs Publications website at http://www.uco.edu/student-affairs/conduct/index.asp. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY AND PLAGIARISM: The UCO Student Code of Conduct describes Academic Dishonesty and outlines the steps for disciplinary action in the Guidelines for Alleged Academic Dishonesty. This information can be found in Section III, C, 3 & 4. Academic dishonesty: Includes but is not limited to the giving and taking of improper assistance in examinations and assignments;; not adhering to correct procedures for identification of sources in reports and essays and all creative endeavors;; intentional misrepresentation;; cheating;; plagiarism;; and unauthorized possession of examinations. The UCO Student Code of Conduct provides further details. Additionally, any work submitted as an assignment for one class may not be submitted for credit in another class, without prior permission of the professor. Any work so submitted will receive an automatic "0." Plagiarism: When a student submits any assignment for a course (written, oral, videotape, audiotape, photograph or Web Site), the student will submit entirely original work or will properly cite all sources utilized in the preparation of the assignment. Without proper citation, the student is guilty of plagiarism, which is not tolerated at UCO. As a student, you are responsible for understanding what constitutes plagiarism. You should talk to your professor to ensure that you can recognize and avoid all types of plagiarism. Plagiarism occurs in two primary ways: 1. Word-for-word copying, without acknowledgement, of the language or creative work of another person. Having another person complete all or part of your assignment is plagiarism and is clearly forbidden. But, in addition, the student should include NO written, video, audio, or photographic material from an existing source, no matter how brief, without acknowledging the source. When using the written words of an existing source in your assignment, either place the borrowed words in quotation marks or set the quotation aside as a block quotation. Additionally, you must include the citation for the material in your assignment. This applies to even the briefest of phrases if they are truly distinctive. 2. The unacknowledged paraphrasing of an author s ideas. The student should no more take credit for another person s thoughts than for another person s words. Any distinctive, original idea taken from another writer should be credited to its author. If you are not sure whether or not an author s idea is distinctive, you should assume that it is: no fault attaches to overacknowledgement, but under-acknowledgement is plagiarism. Most style manuals (e.g., Publication Manual of the American
Psychological Association) provide information concerning how to paraphrase and cite the ideas and writings of existing sources. Students may be dismissed from the university for plagiarism. University guidelines provide a range of disciplinary action dependent upon the severity of the offense including but not limited to: requiring a substitute assignment, awarding a reduced grade, awarding a failing grade for the assignment, awarding a failing grade for the course, or expelling the student from the university. Acknowledging that instances of plagiarism may range from minor to severe, the Department of Mass Communication allows the course professor to determine the severity and the disciplinary action for the first instance of plagiarism committed by a student in the professor s course. However, if that student commits plagiarism a second time in the course, departmental policy requires that the student receive both a failing grade ( F ) for the course and a referral to the UCO Student Conduct Officer. Students should make sure they understand professor expectations for sources and content to be cited. Turnitin.com Plagiarism Syllabus Statement: UCO subscribes to the Turnitin.com plagiarism prevention service. Students agree that by taking this course, all required assignments may be subject to submission for textual similarity review to Turnitin.com for the detection of plagiarism. All submitted assignments will be included as source documents in the Turnitin.com restricted access reference database for the purpose of detecting plagiarism of such assignments. Use of the Turnitin.com service is subject to the Terms and Conditions of Use posted on the Turnitin.com website. Turnitin.com is just one of various plagiarism prevention tools and methods which may be utilized by your faculty instructor during the terms of the semesters. In the UCO Student Handbook, there is a process for contesting any plagiarism allegations against you. ADA Statement Regarding Special Accommodations: The University of Central Oklahoma complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Students with disabilities who need special accommodations must contact Sharla Weathers, B.S., C.S.R. in Disability Support Services [sweathers2@uco.edu] in room 309 of the Nigh University Center, (405) 974-2549. It is the student s responsibility to contact the instructor as soon as possible after DSS has verified the need for accommodations to ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion. Transformative Learning: http://www.uco.edu/central/tl/ At the University of Central Oklahoma, we help students learn by providing transformative experiences so that they may become productive, creative, ethical and engaged citizens and leaders contributing to the intellectual, cultural, economic and social advancement of the communities they serve. Transformative learning is a holistic process that places students at the center of their own active and reflective learning experiences. All students at UCO will have transformative learning experiences in five core areas: leadership;; research, creative and scholarly activities;; service learning and civic engagement;; global and cultural competencies;; and health and wellness. Class Attendance: (Taken from the Faculty Handbook) The university expects students to regularly attend classes in which they are enrolled. Faculty members are expected to establish specific attendance policies governing their classes. Attendance policies must appear in the course syllabi. Faculty members may require appropriate documentation to verify absences. Students are responsible for work missed due to absences. It is the student s responsibility to initiate a request to make up class work or examinations missed. Individual policies must allow for a reasonable but not unlimited, number of excused absences, for legitimate reasons. Excused absences approved by faculty members should be consistently applied to all students. An excused absence means that an instructor may not penalize the student and must provide a reasonable and timely accommodation or opportunity to make up exams or other course requirements that have an impact on course grade. Excused students should be allowed the same opportunities as students who were present in class. Faculty members are obligated to honor the following circumstances as excused absences: a. travel considered part of the instructional program of the university and requiring absence from class (e.g. field trips, research presentations, etc.);; b. invited participation in activities directly and officially sponsored by and in the interest of the university (e.g. athletic teams, debate teams, dance company, etc.);; in cases of student athletes, refer to UCO Compliance Policy Manual for Athletics or contact the Faculty Athletic Representative;; c. jury duty;; d. military obligation (See Appendix K in Faculty Handbook.) e. serious illness, medical condition, pregnant and parenting students rights (as outlined in Title IX), accident, or injury;; and f. death or serious illness in immediate family Additional policies for this course are included in the Spring 2016 UCO Student Information Sheet and Syllabus Attachment that can be accessed at http://www.uco.edu/academic- affairs/files/aa- forms/studentinfosheet.pdf