Course Description and Purpose:

The course provides the design, theory and development of production skills and techniques in a variety of audiovisual materials, including photography.  Students are required to participate in labs dealing with the operation and utilization of production equipment and the actual production of materials.  Mastery of OS Macintosh computer is required as is some applications.

Course Objectives:  The student will be able to:

1.     Select appropriate forms of media for presenting a particular communications objective.

2.     Identify characteristics of various forms of media and be aware of their limitations.

3.     Demonstrate successful management skills to complete simultaneous projects on deadline.

4.     Demonstrate successful composition and production of a photographic image in continuous tone black and white.

5.     Demonstrate successful composition and production of a digitally produced color photograph.

6.     Plan, develop, and produce a multi-media presentation for speaker support.

7.     Demonstrate a high degree of skill in the planning and production of elements of a self-contained multi-media presentation.

Textbooks (required):

Altman, R. B. (2002).  Microsoft PowerPoint for Windows & Macintosh.  Berkeley, CA:  Peachpit Press.

Langford, M. (1999).  Starting photography (Third Edition).  Boston:  Focal Press.

Class Materials (required):

Package of production supplies for Com 125 -- purchased the third session of class, cost $50.00.  (Cost may be charged to student accounts.)  Replacement items can be purchased in the SLA Office ONLY with a department purchase card.

Use of a 35mm camera and electronic flash are necessary to complete the photography assignments.  Begin to make arrangements for use now.

Resource Materials:  See list of library and departmental journals for related publications.

Class Directory:  Created for each student allowing extra storage space on the computer other than the Home Directory.

Lab Hours:  Labs open at nights beginning the 3^rd Monday of the semester:

                8:30 a.m. - 12:00 Midnight, Monday-Thursday

                8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Friday

                2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Saturday   •   2:00 p.m. - 12:00 Midnight, Sunday

Special class meetings during the day, and evening classes, have priority use of the labs.  NOTE ROOM SCHEDULE.  PRIOR TO THE OPENING OF THE LABS AT NIGHT, STUDENTS ARE RESTRICTED TO DAY USE.

Safety Notice:

The second floor of the Steinman Center, including the TV control room and radio station, are equipped with HALON fire extinguishers - special equipment to fight fires and keep electronic equipment damage to a minimum.

HALON extinguishers use a gas that can be harmful to humans after prolonged exposure.  If a fire occurs point and release the special extinguishers as normal in fighting a fire.  However, during the course of fire fighting, when one's voice is affected enough to sound like "Donald Duck," leave the fire areas before the gas becomes disabling.  The effect on the voice is temporary and not harmful.

Course Policies:

      Attendance: It is expected that all students attend every class and be on time.  Absences severely handicap the learning process because you are unable to acquire knowledge through firsthand discussions and demonstrations.  Being late for class interrupts the momentum of the class and distracts other students.  Class material will not be reviewed for those absent.

      A STUDENT MAY MISS TWO CLASS SESSIONS WITHOUT PENALTY.  HOWEVER, ON EACH SUCCESSIVE ABSENCE, A GRADE REDUCTION WILL BE MADE FROM THE COURSE FINAL GRADE.   Work or tests missed as a result of an absence will only be made up by PRIOR arrangements with the instructor.  Unless allowed to be made up, a grade of 0 will be given.

      Absences beyond two will be permitted only for students participating in intercollegiate athletics.  Tests/quizzes must be taken in advance of the absence.  No extension will be given for work due.  It is possible that on certain days (or regarding certain projects) an absence may not be acceptable.  Excessive absences for athletics may cause the instructor to not permit further absences. 

    In any case, once two absences have occurred, the only permissible absence, without penalty, is for athletics, severe illness with a doctor's excuse, or a death in the immediate family.

    Makeup Work:  Work or tests missed as a result of absence will only be made up by prior arrangement with the instructor.  Unless allowed to be made up, a grade of 0 will be given.  Projects are due at the beginning of the period.  No late work will be accepted and a grade of 0 will be given.

    Written Work:  All submitted work, final or draft, must be typed.

    Out of Class Learning Experiences:  Throughout the semester, evening tutoring sessions are scheduled to assist you in developing the skills required for class.  A student assistant will conduct them and attendance will be taken.

PROJECTS:

    Grading:  The final grade for the course will be determined in the following manner:

    Midterm Exam                        10%                              Project #3                                              20%

    Final Exam                            10%                              Project #4                                              30%

    Project #1                              10%                              MAC Computer Competency Test              10%

    Project #2                              10%

    Grading Scale:  Grades awarded correspond to a fixed numerical value on a scale of 10.

            9.3        A+                                9.0        A                                  8.7        A-

            8.3        B+                                8.0        B                                  7.7        B-

            7.3        C+                                7.0        C                                  6.7        C-

            6.3        D+                                6.0        D                                  Below 6.0 F

Course Calendar

Final Exam:  Exam to cover second half of class.

The instructor reserves the right to alter course content or pace to accommodate class progress.