Course Description

Students study the communication process, focusing on the fundamentals of written, oral and visual language and develop communication literacy. Students gain both skills and practice in verbal and non-verbal communication through writing, directing, reading, acting and crewing real-world radio and TV productions. Students prepare projects by selecting and researching topics, organizing ideas and information and analyzing specific audiences. Students gain experience and understanding of the role of communication in all aspects of pre-production, production and post-production. Students write proposals, outlines and scripts for projects including documentaries, news, narrative shorts and public service announcements. Students evaluate content and execution of video projects. Moreover, students develop visual literacy and learn to understand the media regarding their role, scope, practices and techniques as providers of news, information, education, entertainment and sports.

Units	Projects
-Communication Fundamentals -Group Communication -Pre-production -Production -Post-production	-Short Film -Music Video -Documentary -Commercial/PSA -Semester Project (Group)

Extra Credit

1.) Current Events (Fridays)

(5 pts.)

In an effort to help keep you up to speed on the events that shape our world, bring in an article to share on Fridays from any news publication.

You will attach your article with a write-up with the following basic info. Who? What? When? Where? Why? Additional Fact or Quote, Editorial Statement.

A handout will be given out with more details.

2.) Film, Arts & Culture

(10 pts.)

Extra credit points can be earned every time you attend an arts-related event (i.e. films, plays, poetry slams, symphonies, jazz concerts, musicals, art exhibits, etc.)

In order to receive your points, you must submit a typed one page critical review (doubled spaced) (not a summary!) and attach proof of your attendance (e.g. ticket stub) to earn extra credit.

Any film showing posted on the bulletin board near the door qualifies for 15 pts.

You cannot earn extra credit if you do not provide a ticket stub. No exceptions.

3.) Cinema Slam (For details: wwww.cinemaslam.com)

(15 pts.)

Throughout the semester, the Michigan Theater hosts a screening of short films submitted by both area and around-the-world filmmakers. Admission is $8.00. You must include a typed, one page critique (double spaced) and attach the program.

This is a great opportunity to get exposed to what just a little bit of equipment and a lot of creativity can do. Who knows? It might just be a matter of time before your own projects are screened at a future Cinema Slam!

I will notify of other area film festivals and events that you can earn extra credit for attending.

Mr Fox's Lucky Seven Rules

Rule #1:
Do not use a computer (or any other technology) without my permission. Computers are for writing, research, editing and music composition only. Downloading anything is prohibited. Space is limited!

Rule #2:
No food, drinks or gum in my classroom. Water is permitted, but not at the computers.

Rule #3:
Nobody is permitted upstairs (i.e. radio station) unless granted permission.

Rule #4:
Be in your seat when the bell rings. No congregating at the door before the bell rings at the end of class!

Rule #5:
Keep electronic devices out of sight and off (cell phones, MP3 players, CD/DVD players, video game devices, etc.). Hats and hoods are not to be worn in class.

Rule #6:
No leaving trash on desk/floor, chairs out of position and personal grooming. Finally, the trash can is not to be used for hoops!

Rule #7:
Nobody has the right to demoralize, ridicule, harass or bully another student, nor the right to impede upon another student’s right to their education.

Please note: All rules in the Huron Student Handbook apply.

Rules and procedures may be added or changed when necessary. Offenses may warrant a call home.

Detentions will take place during lunch in my classroom.