Generic
Web Syllabus:
Communication 120: Scripting for Media
Goal: To provide a survey of writing for media.
Catalog Description: An introductory survey of script types and techniques. Emphasis will be
placed on using the appropriate format, on media writing and dialogue skills, and on
structuring the contents of a script. The course will use lectures, demonstrations and written
assignments.
Process: Emphasis is placed on writing, content and form. Students will write items for
Advertising/PR, Radio and Television. Web content and scripting is discussed. A final project
is required. Students write the script, read the scripts in class and refine them. They may
further develop and produce the scripts in studio. Concurrent registration in Applied Media
(COM 180/181) studio is required.
Class Room: PE222
Exit Interview: Final Exam Date. Prior to final screenings.
Text: The Communications Cookbook: John Gallagher; Version 3.2; Looseleaf bound.
Copies are distributed in studio.
Writing for Television, Radio and New Media: Robert Hilliard;
7th Edition; Wadsworth; 1999.
Reaching Audiences: A Guide to Media Writing, Yupp & McAdams, Allyn and Bacon.
Availability: New books can be purchased in the MCCC Bookstore. This is a new edition. Used
books may not be available.
General Items: This is a portfolio class. The good news is that there are no scheduled tests or
quizzes. You do however have a series of general requirements. All individuals who sign up for
COM 120 are expected to be concurrently enrolled in Communication Studio (Com
180/1815).You are required to: come, participate, take notes, keep a journal, make presentations,
keep up with your assignments and present a portfolio of all your work along with a grade
application form (essay) to me for grading one week prior to the last officially scheduled class.
Failure to do so is just that: Failure.
Grading Policy: Although I will be happy to discuss any grades with students individually, all
grades are final and will not be changed unless there was a mechanical error in recording.
A = 90 and above (Exceptional)
B = 80 to 89.4 (Obtained substantially all of the standards)
C = 70 to 79.4 (Meeting minimal acceptable standard)
D = 60 to 69.4 (Below minimal acceptable standards)
F = below 60 (Failure to meet acceptable standards)
I expect all reports and essays to be typed, grammatically correct, spell checked, and written in
a clear and concise fashion. I expect all research to be complete and cited. I expect an
honest
and full attempt by the student to do their best. Plagiarism, (direct copying of the work of
others,) is unacceptable. Turning in the work of others as your own will result in a grade of
zero.
At times, individuals and groups may be given the opportunity to resubmit material. This
opportunity is given at the discretion of the professor, when the professor believes that
substantial outside occurrences interfered with the student or group's ability to obtain their
best effort. This opportunity is always time limited and may not necessarily result in a grade
change.
Portfolio and Grade application form due the week prior to the last
class.
Exit Interview/Final: All students are required to schedule and appear for exit interviews during
final exam week class time. In addition, all students are required to show at least one finished
pieces at the communication program screening.
Special Considerations/Changes: Discussed in class or by appointment as need arises.
Consultations with the instructor are expected to occur prior to the submission of each project
due. These consultations are to be with the entire production team. Individual consultations
are recommended during productions.
Requirements:
1. Attendance is required. (5%) One (or by extremely compelling story, two) absences may be
accepted without impact on your grade. Any absences above this will result in a lowering of
your grade.
2. Participation in class discussion is required. (5%)
3. It is required to read your text: It is required that you prepare for class by reading at least two
chapters of the book for each class and finding three topics of discussion by:
1. Asking a question about something that you have read or asking for help understanding a
question from the workbook.
2. Bringing in an outside source (quote) that relates to something that you have read.
3. Bringing in a personal communication observation about something that you have read.
This assignment may be used as the basis of your journal. It will be collected as part of
your portfolio.
4. You are required to keep a journal. (10%) The journal should be presented to me in a
readable form, preferable as a print-out of computer entries and should reflect your
observations of and the knowledge that you have gained from each production in which
you participated.
5. You are required to complete four writing assignments. (20% each for a total of 80%) These
assignments will be read in class and discussed.
6. You are required to be enrolled in a one credit Applied Media studio/lab: Com 180, 181, 280,
285.
7. Exit interview: An exit interview is required. I will pass along a schedule/sign-up sheet for
exit interviews on the date and time of our final exam. The exit interview is expected to be
on week 14.
8. You are required to attend the semester screening/awards ceremony.
Class dates and Assignments:
Week 1: Introduction.
Week 2: Advertising scripts due
Week 3: Advertising scripts revised and submitted.
Week 4: Discussion and review.
Week 5: PR scripts due.
Week 6: PR scripts revised and submitted.
Week 7: Discussion and review.
Week 8: Radio treatment due.
Week 9: Radio treatment revised and submitted
Week 10: Discussion and review.
Week 11: Discussion and prep.
Week 12: Television treatment due
Week 13: Television treatment revised and submitted.
Week 14: Exit Interview.
Week 15: Screening/Award Screening.