Course Descriptions

Teleproduction & Multimedia Technology Course Descriptions

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(Enter Datatel Course Numbers with the dash. i.e. ENGL-100; use commas to separate multiple Course Numbers)

TPRD-100 - INTRODUCTION TO MULTIMEDIA  3 credits
In this course, students will develop a personal definition of multimedia and multimedia quality, and understand a typology of multimedia applications derived from direct experience with existing multimedia materials. In addition, the students will develop an awareness of issues in the creation and delivery of multimedia products, and the role of the multimedia technologist in multimedia using or producing organizations. Finally, the course will outline future trends and opportunities in the multimedia technologies. Three lecture and 3 lab hours. PREREQUISITE: None
TPRD-112 - WRITING FOR ELECTRONIC MEDIA  3 credits
Students develop a working foundation in writing for all aspects of electronic media, including television, radio, and computer-based multimedia formats. Students are taught writing skills as they relate to news, drama, advertising, and public relations, as well as narrative styles for documentary production. This class will explore how writing for broadcast and multimedia applications differs from compositional writing. Also, the class will cover the ethics and responsibilities involved in writing for a wide, potentially global audience. PREREQUISITE OR COREQUISITE: ENGL-100.
TPRD-125 - INTRODUCTION TO VIDEO PRODUCTION  4 credits
The purpose of this course is to a) teach students the basic operations of a television studio; b) expose students to the basics of television production in the field; and c) introduce students to digital video editing. Through lecture and lab the course will allow students to learn and experiment in basic television production and direction, from the concept of an idea to its production in the studio, and finishing with an edited product. This course will also begin the process of teaching students how to work cooperatively in a group setting. The objective is to give individual students the opportunity to learn all of the aspects of broadcast production at an introductory level. These goals will be accomplished through small group lab projects.
TPRD-140 - INTRODUCTION TO MASS COMMUNICATION  3 credits
This course familiarizes the student with the definitions of communication, the important role of the mass media in shaping our culture as well as the sophisticated mass media communications vehicles. The wide spectrum of communications — from the evolution of various media, to the impact on today’s society, is explored. This includes programming philosophies/practices, image shaping, the First Amendment, information gathering, the world view of citizens, and what influence the media has on politics or politics on the media.
TPRD-150 - INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL EDITING  3 credits
This introduction to video editing course utilizes Apple Final Cut Pro edit systems to explore video editing on a digital platform. Lectures will cover basic video editing techniques that students master during lab in the Digital Video Editing Facilities. Topics include application set up, interface layout, log and capture, types of edits-both audio and video, graphic elements, edit tools, transitions, basic compositing, filters, sound mixing, motion effects, and finishing and outputting an edit sequence.
TPRD-160 - DIGITAL AUDIO PRODUCTION 1  3 credits
This introductory audio course will explore the fundamentals of digital audio production. Lectures will cover basic production techniques and theory that students master during lab time in the Audio Editing Facilities. Topics include; sound waves, stereo versus mono, hertz and frequency along with microphone types and proper use, polar patterns, analog and digital mixers, signal level, and the operation of professional digital audio software (Logic Pro). PREREQUISITE: None, but basic Mac OS experience is assumed.
TPRD-200 - INTERNET MULTIMEDIA  3 credits
Software tools and technical strategies for making web pages fully functional in terms of image quality, response to users, flexibility of revision, and hypertext linking to other related sites. Issues of file compatibility, compression, graphics processing, and speed optimization are covered, with emphasis on software tools such as Dreamweaver and Flash.
TPRD-210 - ADVANCED TELEVISION WRITING  3 credits
Having mastered the basics in the introductory course, this course focuses on script writing for production including news, public affairs, and corporate programming. Students will also research, write, and produce a short documentary. As with the prerequisite, writing comprises most of this course. PREREQUISITE: TPRD-112.
TPRD-220 - DIGITAL FILM MAKING  3 credits
Through viewing professional and student work, and utilizing the latest DV tools, students will explore the aspects of personal filmmaking. Through the course of a semester students will develop their own script for what is referred to as a "calling card" film short. During the pre-production stage, students will have the opportunity to create a series of short experimental/avant-garde productions. Students will experiment with light, color, camera movement and camera placement. Traditional film techniques will also be explored through the directing and editing of dramatic scenes. The semester will conclude with students producing their own film short. PREREQUISITES: TPRD-125 COREQUISITE: TRPD-220L
TPRD-230 - SPEAKING ON TV  3 credits
This class is similar to a speech class, but emphasizes the techniques needed to speak effectively and communicate to an audience through the camera. Proper professional on-camera behavior will also be covered. The student is introduced to various speaking styles and techniques, and then practices those techniques in taped studio settings. The students will perform the written material completed in TPRD-112 in this course. Formats such as individual editorial, commercial, corporate, and host/interview will be covered. The students will also act as a production crew for each other, so stated prerequisites must be completed. PREREQUISITES: TPRD-125; CO-REQUISITE: TPRD-112.
TPRD-240 - FILM STRUCTURE AND ANALYSIS  3 credits
A dynamic overview of narrative film structure that includes analyses of how movies express their meanings and how viewers interpret them. Topics include cinematography, production design, mise-en-scene, editing technique, sound design, and introductory film theory. Lectures include viewing films from a variety of genres followed by discussion and writing assignments. PREREQUISITES: TPRD-140 and ENGL-100 which can be concurrent.
TPRD-260 - DIGITAL AUDIO PRODUCTION 2  3 credits
In development.
TPRD-310 - ADVANCED VIDEO PRODUCTION  3 credits
This course is designed to help students become proficient in the craft of digital videography. Students will learn how to use a professional EFP camera and work on advanced shot composition. Students will also explore a range of lighting techniques for both field and indoor studio based shooting. Topics will include depth of field, shot composition; iris settings; white and black balance; using filters; warm/cold-sharp/soft saturation/de-saturation set up; skin control detail; and lighting tools and styles. Students will take part in shooting a video production and finishing it in postproduction at the Final Cut Pro digital editing stations. Honors technical seminar available. PREREQUISITE: TPRD-125.
TPRD-322 - TELEVISION JOURNALISM  3 credits
Broadcast writing proficiency, production, and reporting are stressed, along with an examination of what news is, and what determination is made for story coverage. Through this course, students learn to compile information and collate, unearth evidence and appraise it, budget their time and energy, and develop an appreciation for accuracy. Students will also develop the ability through a hands-on approach, to produce a full news program. PREREQUISITES: TPRD-112, TPRD-210, TPRD-230,
TPRD-331 - TV PRODUCTION PRACTICUM  2 credits
Designed to provide students an exposure to professional settings, this course is taken on-site at a local cable, broadcast, medical, educational, or industrial video production facility. Activities will be determined by the on-site supervisor according to the current needs of the practicum institution. The equivalent of 6 hours per week of the semester is served on a schedule agreed to by the student and the site supervisor.
TPRD-350 - ADVANCED DIGITAL VIDEO EDITING  3 credits
This advanced video editing course uses Apple Final Cut Pro digital editing systems to cover the principles on continuity editing and special effects through compositing and animation. In learning these concepts the following tools will be utilized: slide, roll, slip, razor, trim window, log and batch capture utility, along with the composite window and key frames. The software Boris FX and Live Type will also be covered. PREREQUISITE: TPRD-150 for TPRD majors or TPRD-310 for GRPH majors.
TPRD-351 - VISUAL QUALITY AND AESTHETICS  3 credits
This course offers an in-depth survey into the nature of visual aesthetics and visual quality evaluation systems for computer-synthesized images. We will take a close look at the visual scientific profiles that make images work both aesthetically and expressively, such as composition, lighting, tonal range, and color. We will also study the various empirical systems of measuring the quality of our visual images. Systems of image resolution, brightness range, density, and color specification will be discussed. A major concern of this course will be the conversion of original images into functional images for specific multimedia application. Through the combination of theoretical lecture and practical laboratory application, the student will learn to critically evaluate visual material for multimedia production. PREREQUISITES: ARTS-146, PHYS-256
TPRD-352 - DIGITAL SOUND AND VIDEO DESIGN  3 credits
Using software which performs the functions of a traditional professional sound studio, the course details methods for recording, mixing, shaping, creating, and otherwise composing sound flows for multimedia, motion pictures, and video. Topics include: limiters, companders, filters, flangers, time displacement, overlays, defect removal, frequency modifications, natural sources, and synthetic sources. Skills in these areas are applied aesthetically to communication projects done by students in the multimedia computer lab. Software includes: After Effects, Logic Pro.
TPRD-360 - ADVANCED AUDIO PRODUCTION  3 credits
In development.
TPRD-412 - DIGITAL MEDIA SENIOR PROJECT  3 credits
This course will showcase a student’s ability to independently conceptualize and realize their own high-end digital video production utilizing the three production stages: preproduction, production and postproduction. Productions could include a film short, documentary, informational video, commercial, music video with original music, or other approved television production. The highest quality video production takes a great amount of preplanning and finishing work. This course is designed to give the student time to work independently with an idea from beginning to end, but in a classroom setting with faculty and student support and feedback. PREREQUISITE: First 3 semesters of TPRD coursework; GPA in major or higher; faculty permission. COREQUISITE: TPRD-412L
TPRD-422 - TELEVISION NEWS PRODUCTION  3 credits
Through a combination of classroom/studio laboratory time, students receive more hands-on advanced editorial techniques, further development of news production, and news informational programming. This course primarily focuses on combining the skills students have learned while in this department. This class is responsible for producing a live, closed circuit weekly newscast on the campus cable news network. PREREQUISITE: TPRD-322.
TPRD-440 - DIGITAL VIDEO PORTFOLIO  3 credits
This course is designed to teach students how to create a professional video portfolio using the latest digital media tools. Video streaming over the internet will be demonstrated. Students will create a basic web site that details a resume and links to selected compressed videos from previous semester’s projects. The second half of the semester will be spent learning the complexities of DVD production, including MPEG video compression, menu creation, and effective design techniques. Students will author a simple DVD highlighting their work. PREREQUISITES: 4th semester TPRD student, or Instructor Permission.
TPRD-451 - INTERACTIVE MULTIMEDIA DESIGN  3 credits
Students will develop skills, strategies, and techniques for the design of linear and nonlinear multimedia projects including interactive presentation, interactive video, and hypermedia including World Wide Web. Students will complete projects in which they address issues on project planning and implementation, me­dia integration, repurposing of existing content, copyright, and human/computer interface design. Software includes: Macromedia Director. PREREQUISITES: TPRD-100, ARTS-146
TPRD-452 - MULTIMEDIA INTERACTIVE AUTHORING  3 credits
Students will receive a hands-on introduction to the various metaphors of interactive multimedia authoring applications, and will complete individual and group projects including linear presentations, multimedia catalogs, and interactive video products. The projects will focus on application of multimedia to the areas of entertainment, education and training, and sales and marketing. Software includes: Macromedia Flash. PREREQUISITES: TPRD-100, CMPA-103 or equivalent
TPRD-453 - DIGITAL ANIMATION  3 credits
Covers the computer tools and artistic methods used to create animation in the digital realm. Major topics are wire-frame model building, spline and polygonal methods for organic shapes, 3-D perspective, texture mapping, virtual lens and key frame for automatic in-betweening, QuickTime motion files, synchronizing motion to sounds, and final rendering of finished animations. PREREQUISITES: TPRD-100, ARTS-146, CMPA-103 or equivalent.
TPRD-900 - DIRECTED STUDY IN MULTIMEDIA TECHNOLOGY  3 credits
Projects for advanced individual study by special arrangement with the instructor and approval of the Department and School Chairpersons. Students are expected to demonstrate willingness and ability to work on their own with minimal assistance.