RADIO-TV-FILM COURSE LISTING

Major Requirements
Recommended for students who wish to prepare for a career in the various facets of the Radio-TV-Film profession or for students who wish to pursue graduate study.
Required GPA: 2.5 (for upper level courses)
Required Credits: 36
Required Courses:

Advisors: Randall Davidson, Doug Heil, Caryn Murphy, Troy Perkins, Justine Stokes, and Tang Tang

Minor Requirements
The Radio-TV-Film Minor is recommended for students who wish to work in fields related to Radio-TV-Film, such as, Art, Business, Speech Communication, English, Music, and Theater.
Required GPA: 2.5 (for upper level courses)
Required Credits: 22
Required Courses:

Advisors: Randall Davidson, Doug Heil, Caryn Murphy, Troy Perkins, Justine Stokes, and Tang Tang

A number of the following courses are cross-listed with the Speech Communication major, the Department of Journalism, the Department of Music, the Department of Theatre, and the Women’s Studies minor.  The prerequisites below only apply to Radio-TV-Film majors and minors.  Students from the other programs listed above should consult the Undergraduate Bulletin for alternate prerequisites tied to your disciplines.

Communication 101                                                 3 units (crs.)
Understanding Radio, Television, and Motion Pictures (HU)
Our lives are constantly impacted by the mass media, yet we scarcely understand the complex ways in which they affect us. For example, how does a radio ad persuade us to buy or vote a certain way? How does a movie manipulate us into sharing the values of a certain character? To what degree is a TV news report truly objective? This course will help you make informed decisions about the media you consume.
Course offered:  Every Semester
Syllabi:            Fall 2009            Spring 2009

 

 

 

Communication 151                                                  3 units (crs.)
Fundamentals of Radio and Television Production
Course covers basic theory and techniques of radio and television production. Emphasis is placed on radio station procedures and the fundamentals of television studio production.
Course offered:  Every Semester
Syllabi:            Fall 2009            Spring 2009

 

Communication 201                                                 3 units (crs.)
Radio-TV-Film Communication
Seven weeks in this course are devoted to learning different approaches to mass media criticism and how to develop and research a paper based upon one of these methodologies. Seven weeks are devoted to learning the procedures and parameters of mass media practice within the United States as well as how to prepare for the next few years within the Radio-TV-Film program: topics include developing ideas with POV, conducting subject and market research, embracing social responsibility, understanding legal restrictions, and the importance of accepting criticism.
Course offered:  Every Semester
Syllabi:            Fall 2009            Spring 2009

 

Communication 229                                                 3 units (crs.)
Radio-Television News
This course is a critical introduction to the language, principles, histories, institutions, and practices of contemporary broadcast news. Students learn to analyze, critique, apply, and improve the standards and conventions of electronic journalism. Informed analysis complements extensive practical writing.
Prerequisite: Communication 151 and 201.
Course offered:  Every Fall Semester
Syllabi:            Fall 2009

 

Communication 231                                                 3 units (crs.)
Radio-Television Announcing
Techniques of radio and television announcing, developing the ability to read various broadcast materials. Includes radio and television studio performance.
Prerequisite: Communication 151 and 201.
Course offered:  Every Spring Semester
Syllabi:            Spring 2008

 

Communication 234                                                 3 units (crs.)
Writing for the Electronic Media
A study of the techniques and practice of writing scripts for television, radio, corporate, and/or multimedia.
Prerequisite: Comm 201.
Course offered:  Every Semester
Syllabi:            Fall 2009            Spring 2009

 

Communication 240                                                 3 units (crs.)
Cinema Techniques
The study of conventions and creative strategies through which a director visualizes thought and emotion, as well as an introduction to motion picture production. The course combines an analysis of films, art, and photography with practical field experience. Students select use of either motion picture or video equipment.
Prerequisite: Comm 151 and Comm 201. Optional Fee: $10.00
Course offered:  Every Spring Semester
Syllabi:            Spring 2009

 

Communication 241                                                 3 units (crs.)
History of Cinema, Radio, & TV
This course surveys the history of motion pictures and electronic media, including radio and television broadcasting, the world wide web, and media convergence. Consideration is given to aesthetic, social, economic, and technological perspectives.
Prerequisite: Communication 201 (2+2)
Course offered:  Every Semester
Syllabi:            Fall 2009            Spring 2009

 

Communication 242                                                 3 units (crs.)
History of Electronic Media
This course surveys the history of electronic media, from its beginnings in wired and wireless communication in the nineteenth century, through the growth and development of radio and television broadcasting, to contemporary developments in cable, the world wide web, and media convergence. The course is primarily focused on broadcasting in the United States and its relationship to the global media industries. The course offers a historical background through aesthetic, social, cultural, and technological perspectives. This course offers a necessary background for understanding the contemporary media world, whether as an active participant or a citizen.
Prerequisite: Communications 201 or consent of instructor.
Course offered: Currently dormant 

 

Communication 300                                                            1-3 units (crs.)
Professional Internship in Communication
Supervised professional field experience at a business, community or government organization or on a film or television shoot in which the intern applies Radio-TV-Film study to a practical situation.
Prerequisite: Radio-TV-Film major or minor with a cumulative 2.5 GPA, consent of instructor and junior/senior status. [Note: RTF will only facilitate internships in which students are registered for credit. Internship credits will not be granted retroactively.] (3.5, 7, or 10)
Course offered:  Every Semester
Syllabi:            Fall 2009            Spring 2009

 

Communication 301                                                 3 units (crs.)
Radio-Television Advertising
A study of advertising within the United States broadcast industry. Students divide into groups and create a campaign, researching and marketing a product, then writing, storyboarding, presenting, and producing a radio or television spot.
Prerequisites: Cumulative 2.5 GPA, Communication 234 for Radio-TV-Film Majors and Minors.
Course offered:  Periodically rotated into January Interim
Syllabi:

 

Communication 305                                                 3 units (crs.)
Cinema Production
Further develops the skills and principles of motion picture production, including sync sound recording, camera operation, cinematography, animation, and editing.
Prerequisite: Cumulative 2.5  GPA, Communication 240. Special fee: $30.00
Course offered:  Every Spring Semester
Syllabi:            Spring 2009

 

Communication 306                                                 3 units (crs.)
Film/Video Preproduction
The study of film/video preproduction, including project development, financing, budgeting, production management, scriptwriting, locations, casting, production design, sound design, etc. Throughout the course students will develop a property for either an advanced film or video, or for an original Titan Television program.
Prerequisite: Cumulative 2.5 GPA and Communication 151 or 240.
Course offered:  Every Fall Semester
Syllabi:            Fall 2009

 

Communication 307                                                 1 unit (cr.)
Motion Picture Workshop
Students (individually, with a partner, or in a group) produce a film designed for entry in festivals or inclusion on a sample reel. The project may be a narrative, a documentary, a music video, two television spots for the same product or service, an animated film or an experimental piece. Can be taken three times for a total of three credits.
Prerequisite: Cumulative 2.5 GPA, Communication 240 or Music 359 and consent of instructor. Special fee $15.00. (1+4)
Course offered:  Every Fall Semester
Syllabi:            Fall 2009

 

Communication 310                                                 3 units (crs.)
Multi-Camera TV Production
Production and direction of multi-camera studio television programs, as well as, field packages and multi-camera field direction.
Prerequisite: Cumulative 2.5 GPA and Communication 151. (2+2)
Course offered:  Every Fall Semester
Syllabi:            Fall 2009

 

Communication 312                                                 3 units (crs.)
Media Ethics
Studies of the moral issues and ethical problems that concern mass media practitioners, including those involved in broadcasting, print, public relations and advertising. Cross-listed: Communication 312/Journalism 312. Students may receive credit for only one of the two cross-listed courses.
Prerequisite: Cumulative 2.5 GPA and Communication 234 and either 241 or 242.
Course offered:  January Interim and Summer (only five seats are available to RTF majors)

 

Communication 313                                                 3 units (crs.)
TV Studio Operations
This course provides a bridge between production and engineering. It emphasizes the importance of understanding technical processes as they apply to creative decisions. Students will learn how video cameras make pictures, how light and lighting instruments affect aesthetics, how edit systems function, how audio signals are created, and how to plan and design facilities. Examinations of technical standards for compression, multimedia, CD/DVD's and streaming are included. The purpose of this course is to teach how equipment functions versus teaching the student how to operate it.
Prerequisite: Cumulative 2.5 GPA, Communication 151. (2+3)
Course offered:  Currently dormant

 

Communication 320                                                 1 unit (cr.)
Television Workshop
Practical experience in producing, directing, hosting, and/or crewing weekly television programs for Titan Television. Can be taken three times for total of three credits.
Prerequisite: Cum GPA 2.5, Communication 151 and 201 or consent of instructor. (1+4)
Course offered:  Every Semester
Syllabi:            Fall 2009            Spring 2009

 

Communication 321                                                 3 units (crs.)
Digital Post-Production
The study and practice of the tools and techniques of digital post-production for film and television. This course examines the role of the editor, the post-production process and workflow, and the theories and techniques used to build emotion, drama, and information. This course provides hands on training and project application on non-linear edit systems, including Avid and Final Cut Pro.
Prerequisite: 2.5 GPA, Communication 151 (or 222 and 239) and Communication 240
Course offered:  Every Spring Semester
Syllabi:            Spring 2009

 

Communication 327                                                 3 units (crs.)
Advanced Writing for the Electronic Media
Advanced study of writing for broadcast media, combining critical analysis of different media formats with creative writing in television, radio, and/or multimedia.
Prerequisite: Cumulative 2.5 GPA, and Communication 234 with a grade of B or better.
Course offered:  Currently dormant

 

Communication 329                                                 3 units (crs.)
Broadcast and Cable Sales
An introduction to the principles of selling radio, television and cable advertising, including customer need analysis, audience analysis, handling objections, creating copy, and service to the client.
Prerequisite: Cumulative 2.5 GPA, Communication 201 for Radio-TV-Film majors OR Communication 118 and Communication 236 for Speech Communication majors and minors
Course offered:  Every Spring Semester
Syllabi:            Spring 2009

 

Communication 333                                                 1 unit (cr.)
Radio Workshop
Work at WRST-FM University Station. Auditions required for certain positions. Can be taken three times for a total of three credits.
Prerequisite: Cumulative 2.5  GPA, Communication 151, and Communication 201 or consent of instructor.1+4
Course offered:  Every Semester and January Interim
Syllabi:            Fall 2009            Spring 2009

 

Communication 334                                                 1 unit (cr.)
Broadcast News Workshop
Students gain practical experience in media news gathering, working as part of a team to produce news reports and complete newscasts. Stories will be aired on the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh educational access channel, Titan TV. Cross-listed: Journalism 334/Communication 334. Students may receive credit for only one of the two cross-listed courses.
Prerequisite: (Journalism 141, 221 and 224 for journalism credits) or (Cumulative GPA 2.5, Communication 151 and 201 or consent of instructor for Radio-TV-Film credits.)
Course offered:  Every Spring Semester
Syllabi:            Spring 2009

 

Communication 336                                                 3 units (crs.)
Communication & Technology in the Information Age
This course examines the historical development, cultural reception, and social impact of media technologies in the Information Age. Emphasis is placed on critical theories that seek to analyze the relationship between technology and society.
Prerequisite: Work at WRST-FM University Station. Auditions required for certain positions. Cumulative 2.5 GPA, Communication 201
Course offered:  Currently dormant

 

Communication 343                                                 3 units (crs.)
Corporate Electronic Media
An introduction to a crucial part of the mass media industry too often neglected by academia. Students will learn the concepts and creative processes involved in producing corporate electronic media. Topics include internal and external analysis skills, basic marketing principals, and cutting edge digital technologies used in the industry. Ultimately, students will produce a video, radio, or multi-media promotion package for a non-profit organization or a student organization.
Prerequisite: Cumulative 2.6 GPA and Communication 201 and Communication 151
Course offered:  Periodically rotated into Spring Semester
Syllabi:            Spring 2009

 

Communication 344                                                 3 units (crs.)
Prime-Time Television Writing
A study of the problems and principles of scripting dramatic and documentary programs for prime time broadcast. Successful prime time television shows, investigative reports, and motion picture excerpts are analyzed, and each student will write at least one half-hour prime time script.
Prerequisite: Cumulative 2.5 GPA, Communication 234 for Radio-TV-Film majors; a 200 level writing course for non-Radio-TV-Film majors. Special fee: $5.00
Course offered:  Every Spring Semester
Syllabi:            Spring 2009

 

Communication 347                                                 3 units (crs.)
Race, Class, Gender in the Mass Media
An introduction to the issues of race, class and gender, including sexual orientation, and their function within motion pictures and the electronic media. The investigation into media representations will reveal the historical, social, and political contexts that shaped and continue to construct these images. Cross-listed: Communication 347/Women's Studies 347. Students may receive credit for only one of the two cross-listed courses.
Prerequisites: Cumulative 2.5 GPA and Communication 201 for RTF majors and minors: OR 2.5 Cum GPA and Women Studies 201 for Women's Studies minors; OR Communication 118 and 236 for Speech Communication majors and minors.
Course offered:  Every Semester
Syllabi:            Fall 2009             Spring 2009

 

Communication 348                                                 3 units (crs.)
Media Criticism
Students explore a number of scholarly theories of mass media including structuralist, psychoanalytic, feminist, and postmodern approaches. Students will apply these theories in critical analysis essays, at least one of which will require outside research. Highly recommended to any student considering graduate study in mass communication. Prerequisite: Cumulative 2.5 GPA, Communication 201
Course offered:  Every Spring Semester
Syllabi:

 

 Communication 349                                                 3 units (crs.)
The Documentary
A critical survey of the history, theory and practice of the documentary in film and television. The methods and purposes of the documentary form will be examined through lectures, readings and screenings. Students apply these principles in production and/or writing projects. Prerequisite: Cum 2.5 GPA, Communication 151 OR (222 and 239) and either Communication 241 or Communication 242.
Course offered:  Every Spring Semester
Syllabi:            Spring 2009

 

Communication 359                                                 2 units (crs.)
Audio for Video Techniques
A study of audio production for film and video. All aspects of the audio process will be covered; on-set sound, time code and synchronization, foley-pit techniques, dialog replacement, analog and digital tape lock, MIDI studio lock, digital editor/workstation lock, noise control/removal, mixing, and use of effects. Cross-listed: Music 359/Communication 359. Students may receive credit for only one of the two cross-listed courses.
Prerequisite: Cumulative 2.5 GPA and Communication 305. (1+3)
Course offered:  Every Fall Semester (only five seats available to RTF majors)
Syllabi:

 

Communication 400                                                            1-3 units (crs.)
Professional Internship in Communication
Supervised professional field experience at a business, community or government organization or on a film or television shoot in which the intern applies Radio-TV-Film study to a practical situation.
Prerequisite: Radio-TV-Film major or minor with a cumulative 2.5 GPA, consent of instructor and junior/senior status. [Note: RTF will only facilitate internships in which students are registered for credit. Internship credits will not be granted retroactively.] (3.5, 7, or 10)
Course offered:  Every Semester
Syllabi:            Fall 2009             Spring 2009

 

Communication 420                                                 3 units (crs.)
Cinematography/Videography
The study and practice of aesthetic and technical approaches to lighting, blocking, and camera placement for film and digital. The course combines the study of the relationship of the script to visualization and lighting with hands on film and digital production training and applications.
Prerequisite: Cumulative.2.5 GPA, Communication 240. (2+2)
Course offered:  Every Fall Semester
Syllabi:            Fall 2009

 

Communication 421                                                 1-3 units (crs.)
Advanced Television Newsgathering
This course is for the student who is serious about a career in television news. Activities include reporting and video graphing, as well as writing and electronic editing of reports. Material will be played back on the local cable TV channel as part of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh TV newscast.
Prerequisite: Cumulative 2.5 GPA, Communication 334.

 

Communication 425                                                 1-3 units (crs.)
Seminar in Radio-TV-Film
The study of historical, critical, or theoretical, issues in radio, television, film; emphasis on individual student research. May be repeated three times for up to 12 units (crs.) provided the topic varies. Fulfills the upper level criticism course requirement within the Radio-TV-Film major.
Prerequisite: Cumulative 2.5 GPA, Communication 201 for Radio/Television/Film majors or Communication 118 and Communication 236 for Speech Communication majors and minors
Course offered: 
Syllabi:            Spring 2009

 

Communication 426                                                 1-3 units (crs.)
Seminar in Radio-TV-Film
The study of creative, production, or management issues in radio, television, film. May be repeated three times for up to 12 units (crs.) provided the topic varies. Cannot be used toward the upper level criticism course requirement within the Radio-TV-Film major.
Prerequisite: Cumulative 2.5 GPA, Communication 201 for Radio/Television/Film majors
Course offered: 
Syllabi:            Spring 2009

 

Communication 429                                                 3 units (crs.)
Advanced Radio Production
This course includes the study and practice of advanced radio station production. Course will draw from a historically grounded body of professionally produced work to provide a foundation for the analysis of original student productions. Both studio and field production techniques will be examined and applied to student projects.
Prerequisite: Cumulative 2.5 GPA, Communication 151 or 222 and 239
Course offered:  Every Fall Semester
Syllabi:

 

Communication 433                                                 3 units (crs.)
Entertainment Law
Laws and regulations, which govern radio, television, motion pictures, and theatre. Includes the relationships of the broadcast/media manager, artistic director, producer, director, and actor to each other and to agencies such as Congress, the courts, the FCC and other regulatory agencies. Cross-listed: Communication 433/Theatre 433. Students may receive credit for only one of the two cross-listed courses.
Prerequisite: Cumulative 2.5 GPA and Communication 201 for RTF majors and minors; OR Communication 118 and 236 for Speech Communication majors and minors OR Theatre 102 or consent of instructor
Course offered:  Rotated into the January Interim
Syllabi:

 

Communication 434                                                 3 units (crs.)
Screenwriting
The study and practice of writing feature-length narrative screenplays. Motion picture scripts will be analyzed in depth and students will develop and write an original feature screenplay. Prerequisite: Cumulative 2.5 GPA, Communication 344 and consent of instructor.
Course offered:  Every Fall Semester
Syllabi:            Fall 2009

 

Communication 437                                                 3 units (crs.)
Radio-TV Station Management
Problems facing station managers; principles used in solving them. The student studies broadcast management through case study analysis and market research.
Prerequisite: Cumulative 2.5 GPA, Communication 151 and 201
Course offered:  Every Fall Semester
Syllabi:            Fall 2009

 

Communication 438                                                 3 units (crs.)
Educational Media
An exploration of educational media, including CD-ROMS, video games, learning-centered websites, children’s TV Programming, and adult TV programming. Topics include exposure to violence, federal regulations to improve children’s television, and the medium’s ability to teach. Case studies will cover both animation and live action, ranging from Nickelodeon to National Geographic to the History Channel.
Prerequisite: Cumulative 2.5 GPA and Communication 201 or instructors consent
Course offered:  Periodically rotated into Spring Semester
Syllabi:            Spring 2009

 

Communication 440                                                 3 units (crs.)
Media Leadership
This course is designed primarily to help students develop as future leaders in the media industries. Students will gain a formal foundation – via readings, class discussions, examples, case studies, and exercises – through which they can begin to lead themselves and other effectively.  Ultimately, this course will serve as the beginning of an important process that will help students thrive as media professionals.
Prerequisite: Cumulative 2.5 GPA and Communication 201 or consent of instructor
Course offered: 
Syllabi:            Fall 2009

 

Communication 446                                                 1-3 units (crs.)
Independent Study
See Independent Study under Course and Academic Advisement Policies information for general course description, general prerequisites, and proper contract form requirements. As outlined in this section, Comm 446 is designed to provide structured research (scholarly or creative) “well beyond that required in established courses.” It may not be used as a substitute for an existing course, nor may it be used by a company or organization seeking free labor or free access to Dept. equipment and facilities.