Course Syllabus for
Video 1

Course Title: Video 1

Length of course: 18 weeks

Instructors: Brad Clark or

Carly Davenport

 

Terms: 1st and 3rd : 2nd and 4th

Room: HF-2

Prerequisites: None   Grades: 9-12

 

Course Description: Video 1 is the first of several courses in Media Communications at Franklin High School. Video 1 is an introductory, hands-on course where students learn to use digital video production equipment in both a classroom environment and on campus grounds. Students will work on a variety of media projects both independently and as part of a group. This course will cover ethical issues and standards necessary in media production, script writing, media crew assignments, lighting, and computer graphics. Macintosh computers, along with digital video cameras and media software are used to produce a variety of video projects.

 

Course Standards: There are currently no California Framework Standards for digital video production. A set of standards for this course with the goal of clearly defining learning objectives and assessment needed for students to progress through the Video 1 curriculum has been approved by the district.  The Components of Media include: Production, Camera, Lighting, Audio, Composition, Editing, Technology, Content, Operations, Professionalism, Critical Viewing and Assessment, Career Development. The Objectives and Proficiency Standards of these components as well as all class assignments and resources are detailed in the Franklin Media Communications website located at http://www.egusd.net/franklinhs/mediacom/

 

Course Curriculum: Video 1 is a project-based curriculum based on a progressive set of assignments designed to ready students for the next level of the program. Students work individually to learn specific skills and as group members to collaboratively apply their skills in the digital production process. While this process involves using specific skills and production procedures, it is a fun and energetic curriculum that teaches responsibility, organization and collaborative work principles. As part of the critical viewing portion of the curriculum, students will watch various short video clips illustrating examples from the early history of film, to more contemporary examples of filmmaking technique from television advertising to more recent film and video projects.  No “R” rated clips are shown.

Course Textbook: Video 1 does not use a textbook. Students are required to keep an ongoing notebook of reference material that will be distributed during the course. Media reference materials located in the classroom and a variety of on-line resources are used as supplemental resources for the course. Several homework and classroom assignments are based on these available resources.


Equipment: It is not required that students have their own computer or video hardware at home in order to be successful in class. All equipment and resources needed to complete assignments are available to all students, except for headphones.  For sanitary reasons, we ask that students provide their own headphones.  They may be any size, although the “ear bud” styles fit better in backpacks.  This type of headphone is available for purchase at electronic stores such at Fry’s, Best Buy and Circuit City.  They are also often available at stores such as Target, Wal-Mart, and The Dollar Tree.  The headphones need a “mini” headphone jack.  A limited supple of loaner headphones are available to students on a short-term basis. 

Grading: Grading is based on a point system.
Points are assigned to video production class assignments, participation, homework, tests and quizzes. Total possible points available for an assignment are based on the complexity and depth of the work involved.  Each project has a weighted list of required elements that are found on the assignment instructions.  As grades are updated, the results are available to students and parents through Schoolloop.com.
Parents should register for a Schoolloop account that is separate from their child’s account. The link is located at http://fhs.schoolloop.com/

 

 

Grades are based on a standard grading scale of: 

  • 100 to 93% = A; 92 to 90 = A-; 89 to 88% = B+; 87 to 83= B; 82 to 80 = B-; 79 to 78% = C+; 77 to 73 = C; 72-70 = C-; 69 to 68% = D+; 67 to 63 = D; 62 to 60 = D-; 59 to 0 = F.

 

Homework, Quizzes, and Exams:

Quizzes are typically given once a week on Friday.  A final exam is given at the end of term based on all of the previous quizzes.  Homework is light in this class.  On a regular basis students should review their weekly quiz study notes.   Once a month they are required to write a review of Student Filmmaker Magazine.  This magazine is provided free to each student.  Several other homework assignments are given on an occasional basis. 

 

Late and Incomplete work:

  • Unexcused late work will receive at least one letter grade lower. Late homework assignments are accepted late for a limited time, after the stated final deadline, no points are available. 
  • Incomplete work due to illness or other excused absence will receive an incomplete grade if not completed in an assigned amount of time.

 

Behavior:

  • Students are expected to adhere to Franklin High School and Media Production behavior expectations while both in the classroom or working on class projects outside of the classroom.
  • Students and parents are asked to sign a separate Student Responsibility Contract before students can proceed in using video productions equipment.
  • Classroom and individual behavioral expectations not already a part of Franklin High School behavior expectations as outlined in the student handbook are detailed in the Classroom’s 31 Rules and Procedures listed on the class website.  Students are quizzed on these procedures before they are allowed to use any equipment. Care and respect for individuals and equipment is the guiding principle for students in Media Communications.
  • Consequences for disregarding classroom or Franklin High School behavior expectations will be issued as soon as possible and will follow those consequences as outlined in the student handbook and/or those posted as part of the classroom rules.  Repeated or serious violations of the rules can result in a loss of the privilege of using classroom equipment and computers.  Alternative, pencil and paper-based assignments are given when this loss occurs.


Class Participation and On-Task Responsibility:

·        Whether working individually or as a member of a group project, the expectation is that students take responsibility for their own learning by using their time effectively. Off-task behavior such as web surfing, playing computer games, listening to non-class related music, or any other form of non-curricular activity is not acceptable in this class. 

 

Required Course Materials:  

  • A notebook or binder in which to keep a portfolio of course related reference material and production worksheets along with some pencils, pens, and binder paper should be brought to class every day.
  • Optional: students can copy projects they make onto CD-R disks.  These disks must be provided by the student. 

 

Classroom and Studio Needs/Parent Assistance

  • To help with setting up the mini-studio in HF1 and the television studio, items such as backgrounds, artificial plants, curtains, tables, shelves, desks, miscellaneous props, clothing and who knows what else will be needed from time to time. If at this time or any time during the school year you have an item you believe would help send it along with your student, bring it in yourself, or call if it is a large piece that needs transporting to school. If you are not sure if we can use an item you have, just call or e-mail.  

 

Please e-mail or call with any questions, thoughts or concerns.