Sample Syllabus
COMM 2300, Video and Media Editing
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 Examples:
•	Grammar of the Edit
•	The Technique of Film and Video Editing
•	Editing with Avid Media Composer MC 101 Training	

Course Description:
This course provides the student with an in-depth study of the history, techniques and technology of video and media editor.  Students will study the principles and practices of editing by analyzing examples from classic and contemporary film and video as they learn how to build and strengthen a story and engage an audience. Using the latest industry non-linear software tools, students will work on advanced editing exercises that provide opportunities to master the editing process. An overview of the editing process, techniques, in-depth procedures, and skills will be reviewed.  At the end of the course, the student will have learned the skills necessary to prepare for professional certification.

Learning Outcomes:
As a result of this course, the student will be able to:
•	Discuss the history of editing
•	Discuss how editing is approached for various genres
•	Articulate the principles of editing
•	Manage and organize an editing project, including input and output of media
•	Assemble a rough and final cut of a sequence
•	Refine video, audio, sound and music within a video sequence
•	Add effects and apply color correction and compression

Weights Used to Derive the Final Total Points Out of One Hundred:
1. Attendance and participation (10%)
2. Editing 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 of editing	Textbook reading	
2	History of editing	Essay	
3	Genres	Textbook reading, presentation	
4	Principles of editing	Textbook reading	
5	Principles of editing	Essay	
6	Exam
Organization and project management	Exam
Group Project	
7	Approaching a rough cut assembly	Textbook reading, assemble a short sequence	
8	The treatment and meaning of effects	Textbook reading, add effects to sequence	
9	How to achieve picture balance with color correction
Exam	Textbook reading, adjust color on sequence
Exam	
10	When and how to alter/add sound	Textbook reading	
11	Sound and dialog editing	Enhance dialog audio, add foley and sound effects	
12	How music is applied to enhance a theme.	Textbook reading, add sound track	
13	Final cut assembly	Create final cut of sequence	
14	Output and compression	Output, list creation, internet, DVD compression output	
15	Exam
Showcase	Exam
Student work exhibition/critique