Sample Syllabus
COMM 2350, Motion Graphics for Media Communication
3 Credit Hours, 3 Contact Hours

Prerequisites:  COMM 1000 or 2100 or 2200
Course Materials:  None
Facilities Use:  Lecture Classroom

Instructor: 		Office hours: 	
Telephone:	 	Email: 

Text Example:  
Motion Design: Moving Graphics for Television, Music Video, Cinema, and Digital Interfaces
Adobe After Effects Classroom in a Book

Course Description:
This course teaches students the syntax of motion graphics so that they understand the how and why of incorporating effects in a video sequence. Students become familiar with industry standard tools in order to make video productions communicate more effectively, much like writers use parts of speech and punctuation to craft their messages.

Learning Outcomes:
As a result of this course, the student will be able to:
•	Identify the message they want to communicate through a motion effect.
•	Analyze motion graphics as one element in the language of video communication. 
•	Craft a motion graphic that improves a video message.
•	Perform a text, graphic, audio and video motion effect.
•	Output and compress a motion effect project.

Weights Used to Derive the Final Total Points Out of One Hundred:
1. Attendance and participation (10%)
2. Production assignments (40%)
3. Exams (50%)

From Point Grades to Letter Grades:

93-100	A	
90-92	A-	
87-89	B+	
83-86	B	
80-82	B-	
77-79	C+	
70-76	C	
67-69	D+	
60-66	D	
>60	F	
The instructor reserves the right to raise or lower final grades due to attendance, class participation, and other course requirements.

Academic Integrity:
Violation of academic integrity will be subject to the college’s disciplinary code as stated in the Student Handbook.

Attendance:
Class attendance is vital to student success because it provides opportunities to enhance learning by interacting with fellow classmates and instructors. With this goal in mind, the English Department created its attendance policy. When students register for a course which meets on a specific day(s) and time, they are consenting to be on time and present. Faculty members follow the policy in an effort to treat everyone equally. Remember that absences should be used only if absolutely necessary for bereavement, serious illness, court appearances, and other unavoidable circumstances. For a class that meets 3 times a week, you are allowed three, unexplained absences. (Note that two late arrivals=1 absence.) After 3 absences, your grade will be reduced. After 6 absences, an F will be assigned for the course.

Accommodations:
The Disability Services Office (DDS) provides support services and coordinates reasonable academic accommodations for students with documented disabilities under the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Students are responsible for identifying themselves to the DSS office and submitting appropriate documentation in advance of the requested accommodation. For more information, contact DSS: (401) 825-2164 in Warwick, (401) 333-7329 in Lincoln, (401) 455-6064 in Providence and (401) 851-1650 in Newport. 

Schedule

Week	Topic	Assignment	
1	History and use of motion graphics	Textbook reading	
2	Identifying a message	View motion effect samples	
2	Analyzing motion effects	Essay	
3	Developing effects to craft a message	Group project	
4	Developing effects to craft a message	Group project	
5	Exam	Exam	
6	Text motion	Add text to sequence	
7	Audio motion	Add audio to sequence	
8	Video	Add video to sequence	
9	Exam	Exam	
10	3D motion	Add 3D effect to sequence	
11	Advanced motion effects	30 second motion project	
12	Advanced motion effects	60 second motion project	
13	Output and Compression	Prepare files for output and compress for various platforms.	
14	Showcase	Student work exhibition and critique	
15	Exam	Exam