Syllabus
COMM 2200, Field Production
3 Credit Hours, 3 Contact Hours

Prerequisites:  			COMM 1000 and COMM 2100
Facilities Use:  			Computer Lab and Television Studio
Student’s Course Materials:	Secure Digital Media Card 16GB or larger
					DVD for Burning Projects
					High-Capacity USB Drive for Storing Work (1 GB Preferred)
					Walkman-type Headset for Editing (Mini-plug)

Instructor:							Office hours:
Telephone:							Email:

Text Example:  Video Field Production and Editing, 7th ed., Ronald J. Compesi, Allyn and Bacon, 2007.

Course Description:
This course builds on basic video production principles learned in COMM 1000 and COMM 2100 and incorporates field production techniques.  Students will use both analog and digital technology.  Lectures, screenings, and hands-on labs provide an in-depth understanding of video production and related business topics.  Also included are technical aspects of scripting, lighting, camera operation, continuity, post-production editing, logistics, and preparing a production budget.

Learning Outcomes:
As a result of this course, a student will be able to:
1.	 Identify the various job descriptions of personnel involved in a video production
2.	Use proper terminology during shoots and post production
3.	Analyze video and television production programming content and technique
4.	Use the production sequence in a field video production and during post production
5.	Write, present, and defend field production proposal, storyboard, and script
6.	Collaborate towards a common goal with the production team
7.	Operate portable cameras, audio and lighting equipment in the field
8.	Conduct and direct an on-camera field interview
9.	Produce a finished field video

Requirements:
This class consists of a series of lectures, demonstrations, and labs instructing students on the process of completing four production assignments.  Every student is responsible for submitting written treatments for three assignments.  ALL SUBMITTED WRITTEN WORK MUST BE TYPED.   Portions of the final assignment are produced outside of class and during assigned lab periods at the end of the semester.  You will work in small production units, and production duties are rotated for each.

Grading:
You will also be evaluated on promptness and attendance, meeting deadlines, demonstrating initiative, leadership and/or teamwork, following instructions, etc. Points are given for demonstrating acceptable school and workplace behavior, completing assignments/projects, participating in group/class activities, and demonstrating other areas stated above. Points are deducted for unacceptable behavior, absences, etc. Extra points may be added for superior participation or demonstration of specific competencies, etc. 

NO LATE PAPERS OR PROJECTS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR ANY REASON.  All assigned work will be collected on the due date at the beginning of class unless otherwise noted. This means that if you forget your paper, you cannot hand it in later in the day. If you are sick and do not attend class, you cannot hand in the paper later. Any work that is not handed in on time will be recorded as a zero.

Following are point values:
Three tests @5% each -		 15%
Writing Assignment -		   5%
Production Assignment 1 -	 10%
Production Assignment 2 - 	 30%
Production Assignment 3 -	 40%

Attendance:
In the real world of work, you must meet deadlines. If you don’t, you simply lose your job.  Deadlines are critically important in the field you have chosen to study: communications. Without deadlines, radio and TV programs would never get broadcast, and newspapers wouldn’t get printed on time. Therefore, if you will be missing class for any reason, notify your instructor before class.  Because you will be working in teams, members of your production team will be counting on your attendance and contribution to each production/assignment.

English Department Attendance Policy 
“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.”

Other Important Information:
1.	All assignments (except for storyboards) must be typed, neat, double-spaced and turned in on time or they will not be accepted. All assignments are due at the beginning of class unless otherwise specified.
2.	There is to be no eating, drinking or smoking in the TV Studio or computer lab at any time. Failure to comply with this rule will result in the student’s final mark being lowered for one full letter grade for each offense.
3.	All materials used in the edit rooms (or TV Studio) must be removed or returned to their original state. No one will leave the studio until it is clean.
4.	Any deliberate misuse of the equipment will result in immediate failure of the course. You are responsible to any damage caused to the equipment.
5.	Students will use computers and state of the art software in post production to edit video projects. You may schedule time for editing outside of class to complete projects.  A scanner is also available for scanning photos or graphics needed for student productions.   Contact the instructor to schedule post production time.
6.	Come to class prepared!  Bring all necessary notes, tapes and equipment.  You may have a camcorder that is not compatible with our equipment.  This means we need to copy your material from your original tape and camcorder and accessories.  Be sure to bring all your camera cables for dubbing purposes. 

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. 

Week	Ch.	Topic	
1	1 	Introduction  / Overview of Field Production/ Screen Professional Work /  Pre-Production and Planning / Assignment 1, VIDEO POSTCARD
	
2	4	 Video a Medium of Communication / Production 1 meeting
	
3	5	 Writing  Assignment /   Non-linear editing tutorial / Capture & Edit 1st project
	
4	6	Assignment 1, VIDEO POSTCARD – post production, due at the end of class
	
5	7	Test #1/ Screen Project 1 & Previous Student Work/Interview Production & pre-interviews
	
6	9	Field Lighting / shoot Interview Assignment /Written Assignment due
	
7	10	Edit tutorial / Capture & Edit 2nd project (Interview Assignment)
	
8	12	  Continue Editing Interview Assignment, due at the end of class
	
9	8	Present, Screen & critique Project 2/ Audio/ Project 3, Magazine Feature Assignment / Audio
	
10	3	Test#2/pre-production meeting/screen professional magazine segments
	
11	13	Project Proposals Due for presentation w/storyboard / script writing
	
12		Production 
	
13		Production / Post Production
	
14		Post Production / project due at the end of class
	
15		Test #3 / Screen & Critique Final Projects 

Weekly Schedule