EDUC 332 - Single Cameral TV Operation :: Syllabus

Course Overview

Digital video is becoming more accessible and affordable as computer technologies mature. Twenty years ago the cost of creating and editing a video would be prohibitive for all but the most well funded training departments. Now good basic video editing software is included free with both Apple’s OS X and Windows XP, and capable digital video cameras are available for around $500. Finished products may be easily burned to DVD or send to a Web site
Ease of access does not make one a skilled videographer, however. Really, all the digital revolution as done is made the easy part of making movies easier. It is still an art to shoot, edit and present good video. So this course will concentrate on the give you a basic understanding of the principles of using a video camera with intermediate-level digital editing software to create a variety of effective instructional video media.

In the eight weeks of the course you will aim to achieve the following:

1. Understand the basic features of a modern digital video camera
2. Be able to make an informed decision in recommending the purchase of a video camera, balancing cost with performance
3. Plan and shoot quality video using such concepts as color temperature, lighting, sound design and shot selection
4. Import and edit digital video using Final Cut Express
5. Plan a video using storyboarding and scripting
6. Identify different categories of video
7. Critically evaluate video media from technical and production perspectives
8. Publish final videos to DVD and Streaming Web Video

• Story, D. (2003). Digital Video Pocket Guide. O'Reilly ISBN: 0596005237
• Weynand, D. (2006). Final Cut Express HD: Digital Video Editing for Everyone. Peachpit Press. ISBN: 0321335333

This is an applied course in video creation, so the class will consist of a series of guided homework assignments that will result in several short videos and a final project that consists of a 10 minute educational video. Each assignment will be further defined in class.

Investment

In order to learn, one needs to be engaged in the process. Thus, attendance means more than the being physically present, and participation is more than asking a couple of questions in class. This is an area of grading that is difficult to measure, but easy to evaluate. If you are ever having problems here, I will be sure to speak with you.

Attendance

This is an eight week applied course, so I expect you to make every effort to be in class. Topics and skills we cover in class will not be repeated if you are absent, and then become your responsibility to learn on your own. The only exception to this rule is if you absence is due to a documented emergency or illness. I will take attendance every week and factor it into my assessment of your grade in this area.

Participation

You will be called upon to learn a number of complex skills in this class. Also, you will be engaged in the creative process, which can be both revealing and embarrassing. As such, you are expected to be alert and engaged during the class period. During class discussions you need to contribute; during a lecture you should be paying close attention, and during applied work you should focus on the assigned task.

Growth

Everyone will enter this class with different levels of technical expertise and video experience. Using that as a starting point, you should demonstrate significant growth in your abilities. If you are a total novice, you should be able to create a good, basic video. If you are advanced in this medium you should perfect your techniques and explore new areas. These eight weeks should result in a significant increase in your capabilities regarding the creation of educational videos.

Homework

Each week you are expected to turn in an assignment. It will then be used as the basis for class work that period. Therefore, homework is due at the beginning of the class period for which it was assigned. If it is not present it will receive “0” credit.

Final Project

The final product of this course will be a 10-minute educational video. A rubric will be posted in Blackboard.

Homework 1	5%
Homework 2	5%
Homework 3	10%
Homework 4	10%
Homework 5	10%
Homework 6	10%
Final Project	30%
Investment	10%
WPR	10%

Policy on Adding Courses

Students are responsible for registering for classes and verifying their class schedules on 3-campus.
The deadline for adding a Fall Semester class without instructor and academic unit head signatures is Tuesday, September 5, 2006. Instructor and academic unit head signatures are required to add a Fall Semester 2006 class between Wednesday, September 6, 2006 and Thursday, September 14, 2006.
No student will be allowed to register for a Fall Semester class after Thursday, September 14, 2006. No exceptions will be made to these deadlines.

The Honor Code

(from student handbook 2004-2005, http://www.jmu.edu/judicial/handbook.shtml#VI) Students shall observe complete honesty in all academic matters. Violations of the Honor Code include, but are not limited to, taking or attempting to take any of the following actions:

1. Using unauthorized materials or receiving unauthorized assistance during an examination or in connection with any work done for academic credit. Unauthorized materials may include, but are not limited to, notes, textbooks, previous examinations, exhibits, experiments, papers or other supplementary items.
2. Giving false or misleading information regarding an academic matter.
3. Copying information from another student during an examination.
4. Rendering unauthorized assistance to another student by knowingly permitting him or her to see or copy all or a portion of an examination or any work to be submitted for academic credit.
5. Obtaining prior knowledge of examination materials (including by using copies of previously given examinations obtained from files maintained by various groups and organizations) in an unauthorized manner.
6. Selling or giving to another student unauthorized copies of any portion of an examination.
7. Using a commercially prepared paper or research project or submitting for academic credit any work completed by someone else.
8. Falsifying or attempting to falsify class attendance records for oneself, or for someone else, or having another falsify attendance records on your behalf.
9. Falsifying material relating to course registration or grades, either for oneself or for someone else.
10. Falsifying reasons why a student did not attend a required class or take a scheduled examination.
11. Taking an examination in the place of another student.
12. Making unauthorized changes in any reported grade or on an official academic report form.
13. Falsifying scientific or other data submitted for academic credit.
14. Collaborating in an unauthorized manner with one or more other students on an examination or any work submitted for academic credit.
15. Committing the act of plagiarism - the deliberate copying, writing or presenting as one's own the information, ideas or phrasing of another person without proper acknowledgement of the true source.
16. Using computing facilities or library resources in an academically dishonest manner.
17. Falsifying evidence, or intimidating or influencing someone in connection with an honor violation investigation, hearing or appeal.

**Note: The instructor reserves the right to amend the syllabus at any time during the semester.

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