JCU Logo

JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "DMA 434"
COURSE NAME: "TV Production Practicum I"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2019
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Brian Thomson
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: TH 3:30-6:15 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisites: DMA 333. Corequisite: EXP 1015 Media Production Workshop and the recommendation of the professor
OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

DMA 434 is a hands-on workshop-style course that is ideal for students who have successfully completed TV Studio Lab and and who want to continue working on program development and asset management as well as gaining experience working video switchers, audio mixers, cameras, and lights in demanding live production scenarios. DMA 434 concentrates on producing series and event programming for JCUTV. The course will convene each week for production meetings but students will also be expected to work extensively in the studio and on location outside of class hours.

SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

This course will reinforce and expand the skills developed during DMA 333 as students produce content for the JCUTV streaming channel. Students will assist aspiring producers to develop program ideas, create title sequences and motion graphics assets to be deployed during live production, prep practical sets (as well as green screen-based “virtual sets”) prior to shooting, and work as a unit to produce programs in real time for live stream distribution.  

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of the class, students who complete all of the work should be able to:

  1. assess the viability of an episodic or serialized program idea, and work with production companies in order to create coherent and compelling audio/visual “signatures” for programs
  2. light a practical set or prep a soundstage for green screen (and the use of virtual sets)
  3. generate and deploy real-time A/V assets (including pre-recorded video, musical cues, audio “stings”, titles and lower thirds, teleprompter text, etc.) during live production
  4. coordinate camera operation, vision mixing, and audio mixing with a director
  5. understand various protocols for live streaming (i.e., RTMP, HLS, MMS, etc.)

TEXTBOOK:
NONE
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Development assessment 20
Studi prep assessment 20
Live production assessment 40
Live streaming assessment 20

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY

If a student cannot commit to attending every class as well as to performing a substantial amount of work outside of course hours, then s/he is strongly advised against enrolling in DMA434. 

1 absence: No deduction

2 absences: Maximum grade is a C

3 absences: Failing grade for the semester

ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE

Weeks 1-3 will be spent doing development work on a number of projects initiated by members of the JCU community
Weeks 4-14 will be spent producing various programs for JCUTV