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COMM 3351 Syllabus

COMM 3351: Radio Program Production Tuesday, Thursday 2:00-3:15 p.m. Room 134, Humanities Building Spring 2001 GENERAL INFORMATION Instructor: Bradford L. Yates, Ph.D. Office: Humanities 308 Department of Mass Communications and Theatre Arts State University of West Georgia Office Hours: T/R 9:00-11:00 a.m. W 9:00-11:00 a.m., 2:00-3:00 p.m. By Appointment Telephone: (770) 836-4564 E-mail:    byates@westga.edu Web site: http://www.westga.edu/~byates Important Note: Read this entire course syllabus carefully. You are responsible for all the information contained herein. Ignorance of the policies of the class will not be an acceptable excuse.OFFICE HOURS I am available to address matters of concern during my office hours. If those hours are not convenient, please schedule an appointment with me. If you visit my office at other times, I may not be available because of other duties I must attend to. If you have problems in the class, it is YOUR responsibility to initiate contact with me. I cannot help you if you do not communicate with me. Let me know of any problems early in the semester. I will not accept excuses for poor performance or missing exams, especially late in the semester.TEXT & ADDITIONAL MATERIALS Hausman, C., Benoit, P., & O’Donnell, L.B. (2000). Modern radio program production: Production, programming, and performance (5th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. You will be assigned to listen to various radio programs and given additional readings from selected textbooks, newspapers, magazines, and web sites throughout the semester. You must furnish your own audiotape. You may purchase a 7 1/2-inch reel to reel audiotape from Radio Shack. The cost should be $15-20. *It is not possible to successfully complete the requirements of COMM 3351 without reading the textbook and additional materials. ABOUT THE COURSE COMM 3351 is an introduction to radio technology and radio program production techniques through lecture and laboratory experiences. You will learn how to operate basic radio equipment and develop basic radio production skills by producing several projects. Objectives: By the end of the course you will: Have an understanding of the basic equipment, terminology, and production techniques used in radio production Have the basic skills to produce radio programming Have a basis for critical evaluation of production techniques used in radio and audio productionHave an understanding of the nature of production and its relationship to radio program formats GRADING POLICY Grades earned in this class are based solely on the following: Mid-term Exam 50 points Final Exam 50 points Listening Assignments (2) 50 points Lab Assignments (3) 75 points Team Project #1-Editing 100 points Team Project #2-Drama 125 points Attendance/Participation 50 points Total 500 pointsGrading Scale: Points needed to receive grade A 450-500 B 400-449 C 350-399 D 300-349 F 299 and below *Note: The instructor reserves the right to change the assignments and point values in an effort to meet the objectives of the course. Ample notice will be provided if such changes are made. Exams: Two (2) exams will be administered during the semester. The exams will be a combination of Multiple Choice, True/False, and Fill-in-the-Blank and will cover textbook chapters, lectures, handouts, films, tapes and CD-ROMs presented in class. Each exam is worth 50 points toward your final grade (100 points total). There is a lot of reading in this course. Begin reading the chapters immediately so you do not fall behind. Listening Assignments: Two (2) listening assignments will be made in an effort to improve your ability to critically analyze a radio program’s content and production value. These assignments will be worth 25 points each (50 points total). Details will follow in handouts. Lab Assignments: Three (3) specific lab assignments will offer you the opportunity to develop radio production skills necessary to produce radio programs. Each assignment is worth 25 points (75 points total). Details will follow in handouts. Team Projects: Two (2) team projects will be required in this course. The first project is an exercise in editing. The second project requires you to produce a drama using a script written by class members of XIDS 2100: Thirties and Theatre. Team project one is worth 100 points, and the second one is worth 125 points (225 points total). Details will follow in handouts. ATTENDANCE Here is the general policy for the course. You need to attend every scheduled class session. Please be on time. I’ll take attendance. If you miss more than fifteen (15) minutes of a class session or are not present, I’ll need to consider you "absent." Your final grade in the course will be reduced by 25 points if you have more than 3 unexcused absences. (Excessive absences will result in failure of the course). In other words, you have three personal days, so use them judiciously and sparingly (i.e., car trouble, minor illness, job interview, etc.). You may not use your personal days on examination days or on days on which you are scheduled to perform a laboratory exercise. An unexcused absence from an examination will result in zero credit on the missed exam. An unexcused absence on a lab exercise day will result in zero credit on the missed exercise. Note: It is your responsibility to be aware of your attendance. You should see me at any point during the semester if you have any questions whatsoever about this policy or your attendance – the sooner the better. Excused absences: Absences may be excused when due to unavoidable situations substantiated with documentation. Acceptable situations include a serious incapacitating illness or a death in your family, among others (see p. 9). Requests for excused absences will not be considered unless made in writing prior to the absence in question unless there are extreme circumstances that did not allow for a prior request. I certainly understand that unforeseen things can happen to anyone. Please try to work things out with me in advance if at all possible. Handouts: You are responsible for collecting all handouts at the time they are distributed. If you are absent, you have ONE WEEK to collect the materials. After one week, do not ask me for copies of handouts. I will not keep extra copies! It is also YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to take notes and take exams as scheduled, especially if you are a graduating senior. Internet and E-mail: This course requires that you have access to the Internet and e-mail. You will be responsible for checking the class web site (http://www.westga.edu/~byates) on a regular basis for announcements and other important information. In addition, you must have an e-mail account that you check regularly for this course. If you do not have one, please get one set up as soon as possible. Throughout the semester it will be necessary for us to keep in contact with one another via e-mail, especially during the team projects. Furthermore, advances in technology have made radio a real presence on the Internet; therefore, we will explore what these advances are and learn how to use them. I will provide more details about our use of the Information Superhighway as the semester progresses. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY Academic dishonesty is NOT tolerated. It will result in failure on assignment(s) as well as possible disciplinary sanction(s) as stipulated by university rules. State University of West Georgia Student Conduct Code defines academic dishonesty as cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, and facilitating or allowing academic dishonesty in any academic exercise. Cheating using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information or study aids Fabrication falsification or unauthorized invention of any information or citation Plagiarism representing the words or ideas of another as one's own. Direct quotations must be indicated and ideas of another must be appropriately acknowledged. Academic dishonesty in any form compromises your grade and lowers the quality of your diploma. A fellow student who cheats may actually lower your grade, sometimes causing unfair and inflated grading scales. I hope each of you values your college education enough to protect yourself from dishonest classmates. If you are aware of cheating taking place, please contact Dr. Camilla Gant, chair of the Department of Mass Communications and Theatre Arts, or me and proper action will be taken.SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS I will make special arrangements for students with special needs. Don’t wait until after the first exam to talk with me! Don’t try and "wing it" without telling me about your particular problem or needs. If you need special accommodations for exams, let me know early, not a few days before the exam. I am here to facilitate your learning, but I need to be informed to do so. RULES FOR STUDIO AND CONTROL ROOM Use facilities only during class time or under the supervision of the instructor or other authorized personnel. Do not operate anything until you understand it. Put equipment and supplies where they are to be properly stored when you or the class are finished using them. Never "force" anything. If you think something isn’t working properly or is malfunctioning, notify the instructor immediately. NO EATING, DRINKING, SMOKING, OR TOBACCO CHEWING IN THE RADIO STUDIO. ABSOLUTELY NONE! FAILURE TO DO SO WILL FORFEIT YOUR RIGHT TO USE THE LAB WHETHER YOU HAVE A PROJECT DUE OR NOT. THIS APPLIES TO YOU AND ANY OUTSIDE TALENT YOU MAY BRING IN FOR YOUR PROJECT. Do not step on any cables. Respect equipment as if it were your own. It is expensive and crucial to your successful completion of this course. If you abuse equipment, harsh academic and/or financial consequences could result. Do not attempt to repair equipment. Do not take apart any equipment. Use courtesy and patience with each other when working in teams. Do not physically or verbally abuse other people. Watch your time so as not to go overtime and start eating into the allotted time slot of another student. TIME AND LIMITED EQUIPMENT Time is a critical element in radio production. Each student is responsible to be ready for lectures and labs on time. If it is your turn to do your production, be ready. There will be no postponements. Make sure your script, props, talent, etc. are ready to go when it is your turn. If you fail to do your production when it is your turn, you will get a zero for that assignment. There are 18-20 students and a limited amount of equipment and class time, so our schedules will be tight. Be ready. Be on time. Plan ahead. I will be well aware of the clock during our class meetings. I will be respectful of your schedules and will not purposely keep you longer than our allotted time; however, there may be occasions that we complete our tasks for the day, but still need to put the radio lab in order. Everyone is required to return the radio lab to its proper state after use or suffer a grade penalty. CLASS SCHEDULE (The class schedule and assignments are subject to change in order to accommodate guest speakers, reinforce course material, and maintain some flexibility. Additional reading and viewing assignments will be made throughout the semester. You are responsible for all material assigned.) January Week One Tues. 09 Syllabus review General overview of radio industry Read Ch. 1-Production in Modern Radio Thurs. 11 Chapter 1-Production in Modern Radio Handout on Listening Assignment #1Read Ch. 2-The Console Read Ch. 3-CD Players and Turntables Week Two Tues. 16 Ch. 2-The Console Thurs. 18 Ch. 3-CD Players and Turntables Listening Assignment #1 DueRead Ch. 4-Tape Recording and Playback Units Week Three Tues. 23 Ch. 4-Tape Recording and Playback Units Handout on Lab #1-Compact Disc Practice Thurs. 25 Ch. 4-Tape Recording and Playback Units Read Ch. 5-Microphones and Sound Week Four Tues. 30 Ch. 5-Microphones and Sound Read Ch. 6-Physical and Electronic Editing February Thurs. 01 Ch. 6-Physical and Electronic Editing Handout on Lab #2-Tape Editing Week Five Tues. 06 Ch. 6-Physical and Electronic Editing Lab #1-Compact Disc Practice DueRead Ch. 7-Recorded Program Production Thurs. 08 Ch. 7-Recorded Program Production Read Ch. 8-Live, On-Air Production Week Six Tues. 13 Ch. 8-Live, On-Air Production Read Ch. 9-Computers in Radio Production Thurs. 15 Test #1 (Chapters 1-8) Week Seven Tues. 20 Ch. 9-Computers in Radio Production Handout on Team Project #1-Editing Thurs. 22 Lab#2-Tape Editing Due Handout on Lab #3-Radio CommercialRead Ch. 12-Commercial Production Week Eight Tues. 27 Ch. 12-Commercial Production March Thurs. 01 Ch. 12-Commercial Production Read Ch. 10-Achieving an Effect Last Day to Withdraw with a W Week Nine Tues. 06 Ch. 10-Achieving an Effect Read Ch. 11-Drama and Dramatic Elements Thurs. 08 Ch. 11-Drama and Dramatic Elements Lab #3-Radio Commercial Due Week Ten Tues. 13 Ch. 11-Drama and Dramatic Elements Handout on Team Project #2-Drama Team Project #1-Editing DueRead Ch. 13-Radio Production for News and Public Affairs Thurs. 15 Ch. 13-Radio Production for News and Public Affairs Handout on Listening Assignment #2 Week Eleven Tues. 20 Spring Break Thurs. 22 Spring Break Week Twelve Tues. 27 Ch. 13-Radio Production for News and Public Affairs Read Ch. 14-Remote and Sports Production Thurs. 29 Media Day 2001 April Week Thirteen Tues. 03 Ch. 14-Remote and Sports Production Read Ch. 16-Production, Programming, and the Modern Format Thurs. 05 Ch. 16-Production, Programming, and the Modern Format Listening Assignment #2 Due Week Fourteen Tues. 10 Catch-up/Work on Team Project #3 Thurs. 12 Catch-up/Work on Team Project #3 Week Fifteen Tues. 17 Work on Team Project #3 Thurs. 19 Work on Team Project #3 Week Sixteen Tues. 24 Work on Team Project #3 Thurs. 26 Review for Final Exam Team Project #2-Drama Due May Week Seventeen Tues. 01 Reading Day Week EighteenTues. 08 Final Exam-2:00-4:00 p.m. POLICY ON ABSENTEEISM In order for you to learn the material presented in this course, your attendance is considered very important. The instructor recognizes that there may be times when you cannot attend class for very good reasons. An excused absence will be given for the following reasons: personal illness serious illness of a member of your immediate family death of a family member required military obligations required school field trips job interviews for graduating seniors Proof must be presented to the instructor on the next class day that you attend, if you wish to receive an excused absence. An excused absence will not be given without the following evidence for each of the absence conditions stated in number 3 above: letter signed by your doctor, on the doctor’s stationary, dated, with your name on it as a patient, with dates of illness, description of illness, treatment prescribed, phone number and address of doctor same medical documentation as above with the pertinent information related to the family member, and stating relationship to you certified original or photo copy of death certificate of family member showing date of death and relationship to you copy of military orders signed by appropriate authorized official and indicating the inclusive dates of absence and place of assignment letter from professor or school official stating date and time of trip, purpose, duration, course, and signed by him or her letter from the interviewing person of the company stating that no other time and date could be arranged for this interview with you, and stating your name, date and time of interview, place of interview, and signed by the interviewing official of the company on company letterhead Student will be allowed to make up missed work for excused absences, but may be given an alternate form of a test which has already been administered to the rest of the class. Student must make every attempt to get caught up as quickly and as completely as possible For conditions of serious and prolonged illness late in the semester, beyond the period of a legitimate withdrawal, the instructor may agree to grant a grade of incomplete for the course. A grade of incomplete is rarely given and will be considered on a special case-by-case basis. Note: I wish to acknowledge and thank Dr. Glenn Novak for allowing me to use parts of his syllabus to design this one. His materials and advice are greatly appreciated! I also wish to acknowledge Dr. Fritz Messere and Dr. Nola Heidlebaugh and thank them for writing the instructor’s manual to Modern Radio Production. Their suggestions have been incorporated into the design of this course. AGREEMENT FOR COMM 3351 PARTICIPATION I, , have read the syllabus for COMM 3351 and (print your name) understand the requirements and regulations. I hereby agree to those and other requirements and regulations that are stipulated by the instructor of COMM 3351. I also accept financial responsibility for the cost of repair or replacement of equipment and supplies if it is determined by the instructor or TV station personnel, in conjunction with the department chairperson, that damage or destruction of such equipment and supplies is a result of my actions or behavior, except when such damage is clearly an accident. SIGNED DATE © B.L. Yates 2001