Course Syllabus

(Schedule subject to change based on the needs of the course)

Contact Information

Carla LynDale Bishop

Assistant Professor in Digital Storytelling

Creative Media Production

Office Hours: Immediately following lecture or by appointment

Phone: 216-767-3338

Email: carla.bishop@ou.edu

Live Session: Tuesdays and Thursdays 9am -10:50am

Zoom link: https://oklahoma.zoom.us/j/97959856752?pwd=ZzcvcEU2T2VEY2g2TkYrdlc1K0Q2UT09 

Meeting ID: 979 5985 6752

Password: 70315767

Graduate Assistant: Kevin Hahn Email: kevhahn@ou.edu 

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Course Prerequisites 

Prerequisite: JMC 1013; Majors only

 

Course Objectives

The objective of this course is to understand and demonstrate the basic skills of sound recording/mixing, single-camera digital video production and non-linear editing.

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Writing Skills

Each student will write treatments and short scripts that demonstrate the basic principles of storytelling.

Story will be defined as having a distinct beginning, middle and end that’s told from the perspective of a single hero and emotionally engages the audience.

Pre-Production Skills

Each student will demonstrate how to storyboard their scripts using master coverage and matched action continuity.

Each student will create an accurate shooting scheduling from the script and storyboard.

Students will demonstrate location scouting and casting and budgeting for each project.

Production Skills

Basic microphone techniques, audio chain and dual system audio.

Each student will demonstrate the basic principles of composition.

Each student will demonstrate the skills of shooting master coverage and matched action continuity.

Each student will demonstrate basic camera skills including proper exposure, focus, white balance and shutter angle, using a tripod.

Each student will demonstrate a basic understanding of lenses.

Each student will demonstrate the proper techniques for location sound recording.

Each student will demonstrate the five basic functions of lighting a scene.

Each student will demonstrate a basic understanding of video and audio codecs.

Post-Production Skills

Each student will demonstrate the basics of continuity editing using a non-linear video editing system.

Each student will demonstrate the basics of color correction.

Each student will demonstrate the basics of sound design.

Each student will demonstrate the basics of music editing.

Public Speaking

Each student will verbally pitch (approx 5 minutes) his/her story to the class during script development.

 

Course Materials

TECHNOLOGY

You will have access to Nikon 7100 DSLRs, audio gear, tripods, and editing software in our computer labs. You also have the option to use your own gear. 

You'll need to purchase 1-2 Class 10 SD cards for class. 

SanDisk Extreme - $26,

Lexar Professional - $34,

SanDisk Extreme Pro - $47

You will need to provide your own hard-drive to edit and store your media. Anything left on a lab computer drive will be lost or deleted. Please back-up this drive. It’s important to your success.

 

GRADING

Assignment	Points Possible
Project ONE-Camera and Composition Skills	100 points
Project TWO-Continuity Editing	100 points
Project THREE- Audio Story	100 points
Project FOUR-PSA	100 points
Project FIVE-Short Film	175 points
Midterm	125 points
Chapter Quiz Average	100 points
Participation and Attendance	100 points
Total Points Possible	900 points

 

Grading Scale

A=90-100%

B=80-89%

C=70-79%

D=60-69%

F=59% and below

The intent of this course is to create a safe environment where it’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them.

An important part of your grade will be how you respond to critiques and improve your project. You may either respond to the “letter of the note” (directly taking the advice) or the “spirit of the note” (recognizing that something’s broke and fixing it your own way).

Attendance Policy

A temporary university policy has been established to protect the OU community by ensuring that students who are ill or required to isolate feel encouraged to remain at home. Missing a class session or other class activity due to illness or isolation will not result in a penalty for the absence, and the student will not be asked to provide formal documentation from a healthcare provider to excuse the absence. This policy is based on all students and faculty adhering to the principles of integrity, honesty, and concern for others.

Students who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle pain, headache, chills, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea or who have been in close contact with others who have symptoms should:

• Remain at home to protect others
• Ensure that any needed screening has been conducted (COVID-19 Screening and Reporting Tool) and any needed treatment obtained
• Contact the instructor prior to absence or inability to participate, if possible, and provide an honest report of the reason for which you cannot attend class or complete a course activity
• Continue to complete coursework to the extent possible, using Canvas, zoom, and other online tools
• Submit assignments electronically to the extent possible and as directed by the instructor
• Communicate with the instructor to arrange modifications to deadlines or work requirements or reschedule exams or other important course activities, when it is necessary

Covid-19 Policies

Mandatory Screening

OU Faculty, Staff, and Students – You must complete the COVID-19 Screening and Reporting Tool each time any of the following applies:

1)   Absence from Campus – Employees and students who have been away from campus for any reason for 7 consecutive calendar days or more must complete the COVID-19 Screening and Reporting Tool.

2)   Travel – Employees and students who have traveled domestically or internationally must complete the COVID-19 Screening and Reporting Tool unless the traveler qualifies for the Commuter Process.^[2] Domestic travel is defined as travel outside the State of Oklahoma.

3)   Events and Gatherings – Employees and students who attend an event, go to an entertainment venue, or participate in a group gathering of 10 or more people AND do not wear a mask and practice social distancing must complete the COVID-19 Screening and Reporting Tool. (Household members do not count toward the number of 10 or more.)

4)   Close Contact – Employees and students who have had close contact with an individual diagnosed with COVID-19 or who has had symptoms of COVID-19 in the last 14 days must complete the COVID-19 Screening and Reporting Tool.

5)   Experiencing Symptoms – Employees and students experiencing symptoms that could be consistent with COVID-19, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, recent loss of taste or smell, and/or extreme fatigue, must complete the COVID-19 Screening and Reporting Tool. They should also contact their health care provider regarding specific symptoms.

6)   Positive Test – Employees and students who test positive for COVID-19 may not return to campus until they have been cleared by Goddard Health Center to return.

7)   Positive Household Member – Employees and students with a household member who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days must complete the COVID-19 Screening and Reporting Tool.

The Tool must be submitted before returning to work or academic responsibilities on campus or attending University-related functions. Employees and students will be notified via email of their screening results. This email must be forwarded to the employee’s direct supervisor or appropriate Student Affairs office upon receipt.

Masking

As outlined by the University of Oklahoma¹s Chief COVID Officer, until further notice, employees, students, and visitors of the OU community will be mandated to wear masks (1.) when they are inside University facilities and vehicles and (2.) when they are outdoors on campus and social distancing of at least six feet is not possible. For the well-being of the entire university community it is important that everyone demonstrate the appropriate health and safety behaviors outlined in the University Mandatory Masking Policy (https://www.ou.edu/coronavirus/masking-policy). As this mandate includes all campus classrooms, please make sure you are wearing your mask while in class. If you do not have a mask or forgot yours, see the professor for available masks. If you have an exemption from the Mandatory Masking Policy, please see the professor to make accommodations before class begins. If and where possible, please make your professor aware of your exemption and/or accommodation prior to arriving in class.

Sanitizing Facilities and Equipment

As was the case prior to COVID-19, individuals are responsible for cleaning their personal and shared spaces and office equipment.

1)   Workspace ‐ Individuals are encouraged to disinfect their individual workspaces (desk, phone, keyboard, etc.) daily.

2)   Equipment from Home ‐ Individuals bringing electronic equipment to University buildings from off‐campus locations should thoroughly clean before placing in OU work environments.

3)   Shared Items ‐ Individuals must avoid using other’s phones, desks, offices, computers, work tools, etc., when possible. Individuals using shared office items, such as copiers, must clean and disinfect the item before and after use.

 I would encourage you to consider using gloves to handle cage and studio gear.

Cage Procedures

Cage gear will be sanitized by both student users and workers. Because studies show that germs linger on plastic up to three days, and items like cameras and mics are used so close to the face, we are instituting the following requirements upon check-in of ALL gear.  Steps at Cage Check-in:

1)   On an 8-foot table alongside the wall, students will line up and put on fresh gloves. 

2)   They take disinfectant wipes on the table and wipe down all gear. 

3)   They will then check-in the equipment.

4)   Student workers will keep the gear out on a desk to disinfect once more and will wait 24 hours before restocking on the shelves. GEAR CANNOT BE CHECKED BACK OUT BEFORE THIS STEP.

5)   Students will dispose of the gloves in a trash container also located near the table.

Cleaning Tips

• Use only a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid abrasive cloths, towels, paper towels, or similar items. 
• Avoid excessive wiping, which might cause damage. 
• Unplug all external power sources, devices, and cables.
• Keep liquids away from the product, unless otherwise noted for specific products.
• Don't get moisture into any openings.
• Don't use aerosol sprays, bleaches, or abrasives.
• Don't spray cleaners directly onto the item.

 

Basic Needs Security Statement

Any student who has difficulty affording groceries or accessing sufficient food to eat every day, or who lacks a safe and stable place to live, and believes this may affect their performance in the course, is urged to contact Yvette Walker, Gaylord's Assistant Dean of Student Affairs at ywalker@ou.edu or (405) 325-5684 for support. Furthermore, please notify the professor if you are comfortable in doing so. This will enable me to provide any resources that I may possess.

Class Cancellation Policy

If class is cancelled for any reason (e.g., inclement weather, professor illness) you will be notified via email. Make sure to get into the habit of checking your email accounts/Canvas announcements before coming to class.

Diversity Statement

The Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication is a nationally accredited program and therefore strives to adhere to a set of standards designed to prepare JMC majors to excel within their chosen professions.  These standards include a mandate to provide curriculum that “fosters understanding of issues and perspectives that are inclusive in terms of gender, race, ethnicity and sexual orientation.” 

*NATIONAL ACCREDITATION: The OU Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication complies with national accrediting standards designed to help prepare students to understand and relate to issues of interest to women and people of color in a multicultural, multi-ethnic and otherwise globally diverse world.

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University Academic Policies and Student Support

Course Catalog 

Search the OU Course Catalogue.

Student Handbook

Please familiarize yourself with the OU Student Handbook.

Online Library

Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.

Academic Misconduct

In addition to the course conduct policies outlined by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook. 

It is the responsibility of each student to be familiar with the definitions, policies, and procedures concerning academic misconduct. The Student Code is available from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, and is contained in the Student's Guide to Academic Integrity.

This site also defines misconduct, provides examples of prohibited conduct, and explains the sanctions available for those found guilty of misconduct.

Plagiarism 

Plagiarism is the most common form of academic misconduct at OU. There is basically no college-level assignment that can be satisfactorily completed by copying. OU's basic assumption about writing is that all written assignments show the student's own understanding in the student's own words. That means all writing assignments, in class or out, are assumed to be composed entirely of words generated (not simply found) by the student, except where words written by someone else are specifically marked as such with proper citation. Including other people's words in your paper is helpful when you do it honestly and correctly. When you don't, it's plagiarism. 

For more information about plagiarism, watch this video and then take this short course offered by University Libraries.

Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities

The University of Oklahoma is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for all students with disabilities. Students with disabilities who require accommodations in this course should contact their professor as early in the semester as possible.

Students with disabilities must be registered with the Disability Resource Center prior to receiving accommodations in this course.

If you have a disability and you would like to make a request for reasonable accommodation, please see the Graduate Student Handbook or get in touch with the Accessibility and Disability Resource Center.

Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth Related Issues

Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your options. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability.  Learn more about the rights of pregnant and parenting students by consulting the FAQ sheets provided by the Institutional Equity Office.

Title IX Resources  

For any concerns regarding gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, stalking, or intimate partner violence, the University offers a variety of resources, including advocates on-call 24/7, counseling services, mutual no contact orders, scheduling adjustments, and disciplinary sanctions against the perpetrator. Please contact the Sexual Misconduct Office at 405-325-2215 (8-5, M-F) or OU Advocates at 405-615-0013 (24/7) to learn more or to report an incident. 

Religious Holidays

It is the policy of the University to excuse absences of students that result from religious observances and to provide for the rescheduling of examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays without penalty. It is the responsibility of the student to make alternate arrangements with the instructor at least one week prior to the actual date of the religious holiday.

Copyright Policy

It is illegal to download, upload, reproduce, or distribute any copyrighted material, in any form and in any fashion, without permission from the copyright holder or his/her authorized agent. The University of Oklahoma expects all members of its community to comply fully with federal copyright laws. If such laws appear to have been violated by any user, the university reserves the right (1) to terminate that user’s access to some or all of the university’s computer systems and information resources and (2) to take additional disciplinary actions as deemed necessary or appropriate. Repeat offenders will be sanctioned and their privileges terminated.

Registration and Withdrawal

If you choose to withdraw from this course, you must complete the appropriate University form and turn the form in before the deadline. If you stop attending the course and doing the coursework without doing the required paperwork, your grade will be calculated with missed homework and examination grades entered as zero. This could result in receiving a grade of F in the course. Deadlines are shown in the Academic Calendar, which is available from the Office of the Registrar.

Student Grievances

In addition to any policies outlined related to submitting an informal or formal grievance by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook for more information about the process of submitting a formal grievance.