Fall 2010
EPMD 1000. 11
© Bill Barrett 2010
Feedback (general opinions, problems, suggestions, etc.) on this hypersyllabus is encouraged! Bookmark this, but don't rely on printing it out. It is very likely that this page will be updated in the course of the semester.
Class description: Students learn the basics of media production using the media tools of photography, film, video, audio production, and interactive media. Students apply these fundamentals by participating in hands-on group projects.
Course Objective and Learning Outcomes: Brings beginning students of all communications disciplines to a certain level of media production literacy. It is the companion course to MEDC 1010, Introduction to Mass Communications, but with an emphasis on actual production. EPMD 1000 incorporates in its approach a combination of applied media aesthetics theory and hands-on production experience in Photography, Filmmaking, Audio and Video production. As a Core class, EPMD 1000 is a preparation for subsequent theory and production classes in the School of Communications. This course introduces students to the technical and creative aspects of media production. Students will be trained in production techniques in photography, film, audio and video.
Class attendance is very important this course. Your participation and attendance are a large part of your grade -- make sure both are exceptional. If you miss a class, your grade will be affected. If you miss two class sessions, you cannot pass the course. Arriving late or leaving early may be counted as absence. Written assignments and class presentations must be completed on schedule.
How you're graded (assessment criteria): Your final grade is based on your performance throughout the semester. attendance and active participation count for 30%; your two reaction papers count for 20%; in-class exercises (e.g. group projects and production exercises during class) count for 30%; the final exam counts for 20%. Doing more than required can earn you extra credit; talk to me outside class if you're interested. This is what grades mean....
| Text: Herbert Zettl, Sight, Sound, Motion: Applied Media Aesthetics (any edition is acceptable). (ISBN 0495095729). It is available in the Webster University Bookstore and from other vendors. |
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What we're doing and when:
Week 1 (10/29). Introduction to Media Production.
Analysis of images, the origins of photography.
Assignment: Read Chapters 1, 2, and 3 in Sight, Sound & Motion.
NEW If you missed the first week of class, this assignment will be accepted in its place. There are 3 VHS tapes on reserve in the Emerson Library, American Photography: A Century of Images, volumes 1-3 (TR 26.A447 1999). An additional set is in the Videotape stacks available for checkout. The assignment: Watch any one of the three volumes, then write a 3-5 page paper. In the paper, comment on at least 3 photographers, one trend in photography, and 3 specific images (all as described in that volume). You should not use only on the information in the video, but find some additional information in books or reliable web sites, and include bibliographic information on any sources you consult. The paper is due by Thanksgiving. |
Week 2 (11/5). Groups will shoot and then the class will critique photographs using digital tools. . UPDATEDI The light you should be looking for in the photos (as described in the text) is: cast shadow, fast falloff (direct light with textures), slow falloff (soft and diffuse), high key, low key, "Rembrandt lighting" (chiaroscuro), and silhouette. Introduction to Photoshop and the Bridge. Camera raw vs. JPEG; simple adjustments with levels and curves; image size and Save As. NEW Sending files via FTP.
| Nikon D50 cameras are available through the Media Center. |  |
Assignment: Read Chapters 4 and 5.
Week 3 (11/12). Reviewing our photos from last week.
Introduction to animation. Shooting an animation. Working with image sequences in Photoshop, and rendering the animations as video. Assignment: Read chapters 6 and 7.
Week 4 (11/19). Introduction to filmmaking. Guest speaker John Huston on Cinematography. Looking at animations from some previous classes: People and Coins Origami crane, Magic clothes, Library stairs, Cafeteria fight. Introduction to Audio Production Why is audio so important? In the immortal words of Stan Freberg, "Cue the maraschino cherry!" Assignment: Bring sounds for next week. Read Chapters 8 and 9.
Week 5 (11/26). No class - Thanksgiving.
Week 6 (12/3). Introduction to Video Production.
Plan group shoot. We're using 
Panasonic mini-DV cameras (and here is the user guide in PDF format). Guest Speaker Aaron AuBuchon. Groups shoot. Assignment: Read chapters 10, 11, and 12.
Week 7 (12/10). Groups edit their videos. Take-home exam below is due at the end of the semester; please email it as an attachment
Week 8 (12/17). Show and discuss final videos. What would you do differently if you were doing it over again? What would be different if you had six months to work on it?
NEW Take Home Final The assignment: Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the move from analog to digital in practically every medium. Think about the issues in general before focusing on whatever area interests you most (which might be your major). Do you want to go back to an earlier technology? Where do you think we will be in ten more years? How do you think Herbert Zettl, author of the text Sight, Sound, Motion: Applied Media Aesthetics, will write about it? (There are clues in the book, but I'm mainly interested in your take. Specific relevant references to Zettl will make it easier for you to do well.) This is meant to get you thinking; there is definitely not one right answer! Please note carefully any additional information you include from books or reliable web sites, and include bibliographic information on any sources you consult. |
