SPCH 3321 Television Production       FALL 2004

Professor: Barbara Burke           Office: 105B HFA         Office phone: 589-6243

Office Hours:   9:00-10:00 am.  Tues. & Thurs. 9:30-10:30 Wed.    and by appt.                     

Email: BURKEBR@morris.umn.edu             Web page: www.morris.umn.edu/~burkebr

 

General information:

The goal of this class is to help you gain an understanding of the processes that go into constructing and understanding a televised message.  Since the course will focus on how you and others can communicate through the medium, use of equipment is not an end in itself.  Using hardware, while sometimes a complex job, is only a step in the chain of events that produces a quality program or conveys meaning.  The objectives of the course are:

1)  to help you develop a comprehensive understanding of television equipment and its operation in order to use that equipment as tools for communication;

2)  to help you articulate a greater understanding of the reciprocal nature of media and culture;

3)  to further your skills in critical thinking, by providing an assortment of theories and arguments, and the opportunity to apply them to specific and concrete examples and observations.

 

Required text and materials:

**No textbook to purchase!  We will be using an assortment of readings, found at the library e- reserve, and materials distributed in class or sent by university email.

**Several study guides and worksheets will be available on the instructor’s web page.

 

Class activities:

·        Readings:  Assignments are listed on the schedule.  Readings must be completed before the scheduled class.

·        Discussion:  You are expected to participate in class discussion regarding assigned readings, and will also be expected to be an active participant in project planning meetings, and project reviews.

·        Scholarly journal article critiques:  You will be given topic suggestions.  Using scholarly research tools, you will locate relevant articles, and write summary/ reviews.

·        Journal writing:  Your personal journal will contain the assigned reviews, worksheets, evaluation forms, planning sheets, research project drafts, and observation notes.

·        Final report:  This will be an end-of-term review and self- analysis of your learning in the course.

·        Quizzes:  These are used to evaluate mechanical proficiency, and reading knowledge.

·        Projects:  This activity will include cooperative (group) projects.   Some work on this activity will be done during class, and some will involve out-of-class planning (homework).   Written directions for each project will be forthcoming.

·        Participation:  Attendance is mandatory.  Punctuality is necessary.  Participation is vital.  If you miss a class involving a project for your production group, you will NOT be allowed to make up that activity.  If you do miss a class, it is your responsibility to get notes from one of your classmates.

Brief description of assignments:

PAPERS:

This class will be much more than “just” TV production activities, and fun with equipment.  Written assignments are “worth” a large portion of your course grade. Writing will be one of the ways you can communicate understanding of course concepts, and applications of relevant arguments to various theories about media and society.  Because this class has no exams, the written assignments are your opportunity to individually state ideas and demonstrate knowledge. 

 

SCHOLARLY JOURNAL ARTICLE CRITIQUES:

Twice during the term, you will be required to do library research to find, read, and describe scholarly articles that explain, expand, or refute the concepts in the course readings.  Each essay will be the review and interpretation of a single research article.  Article topic selection, and journal hunting will be discussed in class.  For a guide, consult the Style manual for Communication majors (from SPCH 2101).

 

PERSONAL JOURNAL: 

This will be a written, on-going conversation you have about the key ideas of the course.  Some aspects of your journal will be very personalized.  In your journal you write notes about your understandings of the assigned readings, and questions you have. Several parts of the journal will be written responses to assigned questions (given by email to your UMM accounts.)  Additionally, you will use your journal to work out creative problems related to studio or field work, and to comment on group activities.  Finally, you will put notes related to your own theories about the mass media in the journal.

 

The journals are collected twice in the term.  However, many students unfamiliar with journal writing prefer to submit portions of their work for early review, or would like to have conferences to discuss on-going writing activities.  A sample journal is on the instructor’s web page (other years students had different readings—but it will give an idea).  By all means, if you are unsure about the writing, come talk to the instructor BEFORE deadlines.

 

Your journal should be typed.  SAVE copies of your work, frequently.  The old excuse that the “computer ate my paper” will not be a problem if you have backups, rough drafts and notes.   The deadlines are set so that the instructor will have time to read and grade work promptly.  Late work will be a headache for all of us, and may be penalized a one-half letter grade for each day late.

 

FINAL REPORT:

This is a self-evaluation and review work.  This will be a chance for you to integrate and explain how the parts of the semester fit together, in your understanding.  The final report will also be an opportunity for you to state and defend your own theory about mass media and culture. The final report will be due in the last week of the term. 


TELEVISION PRODUCTION PROJECTS:

 

 

STUDIO PROJECT:  In the studio you will (each) create a TALK SHOW.  Script, plan, stage, costume, produce, and direct a segment of a talk show.  (The show may be "late night," or "discussion variety," or “public affairs-style”).

 

Studio project grades will be assigned to the program DIRECTOR.  There will be teamwork involved, but since the director constructs the plan and makes final decisions concerning the completed project, he/she will be the one graded.  In order to give every member of the class time to direct, as a class we will complete each exercise a multiple number of times.  For a given task, with a 12 member production group, that will mean we complete the same exercise 12 times, with students rotating equipment operating positions so that members of the group will each be able to direct.

 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Involve at least 2 cameras, use of switcher, 1 microphone, 1 “host” person, 1 guest.  Use of at least 3 edits.   Write 30 seconds of scripted material for talent to recite (memorized, or from prepared cards.)  Write additional “guided” character material for “guest” participants to use.  (Suggested minimum program time  ~ 5 minutes).  For the project to be considered complete, you must also turn in the associated written materials:  a floor plan, script, and storyboard.

 

 

MIXED PROJECT:  This project will involve a combination of elements that give a “sense of reality.”  We will discuss themes and topics within the class.  In a production group you will select and stage video shoots outside the studio and record accompanying narration or explanation in the studio on scheduled taping days.

 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:  All the above paperwork, plus completed planning forms and release forms for video performers.  Use at least 3 performers,  make ~ 5 minutes of edited location footage inserted into a studio production

 

FIELD PROJECT:  A news feature is usually a longer, less time-sensitive TV news story.  It expands, explains or explores some unique detail, activity or person in the community.  In a production team, you will select the topic, complete a site survey and relevant paperwork to shoot video off-campus, write interview questions and narrative, shoot primary and background footage, edit footage, and make copies of the project for all group members.

 

MINIMNUM REQUIREMENTS:  Relevant written materials and planned pre-production and post-production meetings with the instructor.  Use at least 4 camera movements, live, on-location sound, proper lighting, clear script, coherent purpose, 6 edits, use of titles.


Assignment Grading:

 

Two journal article critiques                                          20%     100 points + 100 points

Two journal collections                                                 20%     100 points + 100 points

Final report                                                                   5%                  50 points

 

Studio Project: talk show                                              10%                 100 points

Mixed project: reality show                                           15%                 150 points

Field project: news feature                                            15%                 150 points

 

Five “Random” quizzes                                                 10%                100 points

Attendance/participation                                               5%                  50 points

 

 

The course is based on 500 points total.   All assignments MUST be completed to receive credit in the course (regardless of other point totals).   At the end of the semester, your total points will be tabulated, and a final grade assigned based on the following percentages:

 

93-100% = A                         90 – 92% = A-                       87 – 89% = B+      83 – 86%= B

80 – 82% = B-              77 – 79% = C+ 73 – 76% = C                         70 – 72% = C-

                                67 - 69 %= D+       60 – 66% = D                         0 – 59% = F

70% = Satisfactory (S) credit on S/N basis

 

University Grading Standards:  

According to your UMM Student Life Handbook, letter grades mean the following:  A=achievement that is outstanding relative to the level necessary to meet course requirements.  B =achievement that is significantly above the level necessary to meet course requirements.  C =achievement that meets the course requirements in every respect.  D = achievement that is worthy of credit even though it fails to meet fully the course requirements.  S = achievement that is satisfactory, which is equivalent to a C- or better.  F (or N) =represents failure (or no credit) and signifies that the work was either (1) completed but at a level of achievement that is not worthy of credit or (2) was not completed and there was no agreement between the instructor and the student that the student would be awarded an I.   I  (Incomplete) = assigned at the discretion of the instructor when, due to extraordinary circumstances, e.g., hospitalization, a student is prevented from completing the work of the course on time.  Requires a written agreement between instructor and student.

 

Discrimination and Harassment:

Every student will be expected to treat one another with respect and to create an atmosphere where learning is fostered and not hindered.  Discrimination and harassment of others based on their race, age, gender, sexual preferences, religions, opinions, and beliefs will not be tolerated. 

 

Academic Integrity: 

Each student is expected to complete his/her own assignments and exams.  Any student caught cheating or plagiarizing will receive an automatic zero for the assignment and that behavior many constitute grounds for awarding a grade of F or N for the entire course.  Ignorance of what constitutes plagiarism is not an excuse.

 

Students with Special Needs/ Disabilities: 

Students with disabilities will need to contact the University’s Disability Services Office.  All disabilities will be accommodated.

 

SPCH 3321 Assignments

Library E- Reserve password:  ******

Aug 31, Sep.2

Wilson, S.  & Wilson, S.R.  (2001).  Chapter 12: Television from soaps to satellites. In Mass Media, Mass Culture: An introduction (pp. 306-339).  Boston: McGraw-Hill.

 

Burrows,  T.D., Gross, L.S., Foust, J.C.  & Wood, D.N.  (2001).  Chapter. 1: Introduction to video production.  In Video production: disciplines and techniques (pp. 1-20).  Boston: McGraw-Hill.

 

Hausman, C and Palombo, P. J. (1993).  Chapter 2.:  The Studio and crew.  In  Modern Video Production: Tools, techniques, applications (pp. 13-31).  New York: Harper-Collins.

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Sept 7, 9    Meet in TV Studio A

Zettl, H. (1998). Chapter. 4: Looking through the viewfinder.  In  Video Basics 2 (pp. 62-87).  Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.

 

Bielak, M .(1997).  Chapter 5: Verbalizing the Message. In  TV Production Today (3rd ed.).  (pp. 135-168).  Chicago: National Textbook Company.

 

Handout on 3 E’s (Lewis)

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Sept. 14,   Meet in TV Studio A            ( No class Sept. 16)

 Gamson, J.  (Fall 1995). Do ask, do tell: Freak talk on TV.  American Prospect.

 

Granfield, M. (2002). Devil worshippers, Beavis and Butt-head, Howard Stern, Joey Buttafuoco, Rapists, Cross-dressers, Pedophiles, Wife-beaters, the Bobbittts, Serial Killers, Cannibals: Who Invited them into your home? (pp. 12-17).   In Denis Mercier (Ed.). Mass Media Issues (7th ed.).  Dubuque: Kendall/Hunt.  Reprinted from Family Circle Magazine  (1994, February 22).

 

EQUIPMENT QUIZ

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Sept 21, 23   Meet in TV Studio A

The arrival of the shouting heads: The argument culture in TV’s talk shows drives out thoughtful debate. (2001, Nov/ Dec.). [Electronic version] Columbia Journalism Review , 40, 122-124. 

 

Douglas, S. (1993, Dec.) The stupefaction of America. [Electronic version]. The Progressive, 57, 21.

 

JOURNAL #1 DUE

Sept 28, 30

TAPE TALK SHOW

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Oct. 5, 7    (Library visit this week)

Straubhaar, J. .& LaRose, R.  ( 2003). Chapter 2: Media Theory. (pp. 33-59.). In Media Now .  Belmont, CA: Thomson—Wadsworth.

 

Folkerts, J. & Lacy, S. (2004).  Chapter15: Mass Communication research (pp. 399-428).  In the Media in your life ( 3rd ed.). Boston: Pearson—Allyn & Bacon.

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Oct. 12, 14

Baran, S.J. (2002).  Chapter. 1: Mass Communication, Culture, and Mass media.  In Introduction to Mass Communication (2nd ed.). (pp. 3-35). Boston: McGraw-Hill.

 

Scheuer, J. (1999). Video games: Television and reality. (pp. 91-119). In The sound bite society

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Oct. 21   Meet in Digital Media Studio     (Fall Break, no class Tuesday Oct. 19)

ARTICLE CRITIQUE #1 DUE

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Oct. 26, 28

Casting directors and talent agents bewail Reality TV (,2004, June 18)  [Electronic version] BackStage  

 

TV writers voice mixed feelings about Reality TV (,2004, June 25)  [Electronic version] BackStage

 

Actors & reality TV: Is it exploitation or career chance?  (,2004, July 2)  [Electronic version] BackStage

 

Americans getting a reality overdose? ( 2004, March 24) [Electronic version] PR Newswire.

 

Kilroy, I.  (2004, May 5)  New low in reality television [Electronic version] The Irish Times.

 

Palmer, K. S. (2003, March 17).  Young adults learn from reality TV [Electronic version] USA TODAY, 11A.

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Nov. 2, 4    Meet in TV Studio A

TAPE “REALITY” SHOW

 

Nov.  9.    (No class Nov. 11)

Compesi, R. J. (2003). Chapter. 2: Preproduction  and production planning. (pp. 21-56).   In Video Field Production & Editing.(6th ed.). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

 

Shook, F.  (1989).   Chapter. 1: Telling the visual story. (pp. 1-23)..  In Television Field Production & Reporting. New York: Longman.

 

ARTICLE CRITIQUE #2 DUE    (Nov. 9)

 

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Nov. 16,  18   Meet in Digital Media Studio

 

Wilber, R. & Miller, R. (2003). Chapter 9: Reporting and writing for broadcast. (pp. 183-205). In Modern media writing.  Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Thomson.

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Nov. 23

JOURNAL #2 DUE

 

 

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Nov. 30, Dec. 2

Vivian, J. (1999). Chapter. 19: Ethics & the Mass Media. (pp. 489-506). In The Media of Mass Communication (5th ed.).  Boston: Allyn & Bacon

 

Dec. 7, 9—Editing

 

Dec. 14  SHOW NEWS PACKAGES to the public