St. Ambrose University Department of

COMM 224 RADIO/TV PRODUCTION

Don Schneider: 333-6223 TV-11: 333-6222
SchneiderDonaldL@sau.edu www.sau.edu/tv11

Recommended (not required) Texts:
Moern Radio Production, 6th Edition
Hausman/Benoit, 2004 - Wadsworth

TV Production Handbook, 8th Edition
Zettl, 2003 - Wadsworth

Objectives: A student in COMM 224 will know the terms, methods and trends in radio & television production and will develop skills needed to perform basic production tasks. A student also will develop communication skills, a sense of teamwork and responsibility, and will obtain a broader base of knowledge for critical thinking and evaluation of radio and television.

PLANNED OUTLINE AND READING ASSIGNME:
1.         Introduction / Terms / Facilities
2.         Job Positions / Career Opportunities / Our Market
3.        Audio Sources / Sounds / Microphones
4.         Audio Sources / Other Hardware
5.         Audio: Putting It All Together / Compatibility
6.        Audio Control / Techniques / Voice
7.       Audio projects / Music / Sources / Legalities
8.         Audio and Television / MTS / SAP / Surround
9.         NTSC / DTV / PAL / SECAM / Distribution
10.       Camera Operation and Techniques
11.       Lenses
12.      Lighting
13.       Sequencing Shots / Transitions / Scripting
14.       Video Switcher / Technical Direction
15.       Videotape Formats / Non-Tape Formats / Film
16.       Linear/Non-Linear Editing
17.       Video Projects
18.       Design / Graphics / Sets
19.       Talent / Production Staff / Producing
20.       Directing
21.       Legal Concerns

Students with disabilities who believe that they may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities at 333-6275 as soon as possible to better ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.

GRADING
Final grades will be determined by the total number of points accumulated during the semester. Points can be had by giving correct answers on tests, by satisfactory performance on group and individual projects and assignments, and by working on other radio and television projects outside class. Also, class attendance and participation will be factored into the final grade.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Radio/Television Production Class projects may require considerable time outside of regular class time.

TESTS
There will be three or four regular tests throughout the semester plus a final test. These tests are usually short answer.

ATTENDANCE
Class attendance is important and is expected. (See "Grading.")

ASSIGNMENTS
Each student will be required to write radio and television scripts for :30 Commercials/PSAs and work with an assigned crew on at least three specific production projects (both in studio and on location.)

BASIC PHILOSOPHY
We learn best by DOING so we hope to get our hands on the equipment early and often this semester. You can get involved in our broadcast radio station (KALA) and our television operation (TV-11) sooner by helping on other projects outside of class time. Feel free to volunteer to help and/or hang around after class.

Please have a professional attitude and respect the equipment (which can be VERY EXPENSIVE.)

If there are any questions or problems, please talk to us ...

                        Don Schneider                      333-6223
                        David Baker                          333-6219
                        Jon Anderson                        333-6221
                        Matt Carroll                           333-6443
                        Ken Colwell                            333-6220
                        Alan Sivell                              333-6224