Radio TV Film    101

3 (crs.)

Understanding Radio, Television, and Motion Pictures (XC)

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.

Radio TV Film    106

1 (crs.)

Applied Video

Practical application of the principles of writing, editing, videotaping, and producing materials for and/or presenting materials on television.

Radio TV Film    114

3 (crs.)

Introduction to Media Aesthetics

This course examines conventions and creative strategies that comprise contemporary moving image media. A major focus will be placed on foundational terms and techniques used in professional settings today. In its exploration of dynamic audio/visual communication, the course will analyze films, television programming, and screenplays.

Radio TV Film    115

3 (crs.)

Understanding Media (XC)

This course introduces concepts of media literacy through a focus on the industry structures of print, radio, television, film and new media.

Radio TV Film    120

3 (crs.)

Introduction to Audio/Radio

This course is designed to cover basic theory and techniques of audio production, as well as introductory radio station practices. The course consists of lectures, as well as studio session featuring equipment demonstrations and production exercises in a professional environment. This course also includes experience on the air at the university’s radio station, WRST-FM. Special course fees may apply.

Radio TV Film    130

3 (crs.)

Introduction to Mass Communication (XC)

A survey course examining print, electronic and persuasive media from a historical and theoretical perspective. Media discussed include newspapers, magazines, books, radio, television, public relations, advertising and the internet. Cross-listed: AMP 130/RTF 130.

Radio TV Film    140Q1

3 (crs.)

Reality Check (XC)

This course will help you understand how your perspective of reality show events and emotions can be skewed by the manipulation of footage. Students will also learn about how preproduction, production, and post-production can alter the realness of reality television. Additionally, this course will explore the social communities created through reality shows in multiple forms of engagement.

Radio TV Film    150

3 (crs.)

Introduction to Film (XC)

Study of the history and development of film as a distinctive medium of communication, an art form and an industry. Students will be introduced to a wide range of theoretical perspectives that have been applied to film in academic settings: these will include but are not limited to such concepts as narrative, genre, ‘mise en scene,’ and star image.

Radio TV Film    205

3 (crs.)

Situation Comedies and American Culture (XC)

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of the American situation comedy, examining its evolution and cultural significance. It considers this format from its origins in broadcast radio through television’s streaming era, analyzing key sitcoms across the decades. Through viewing and discussion, students explore the themes, narrative structures, and character archetypes that define the sitcom genre.

Radio TV Film    215

3 (crs.)

The Business of Sports Media (XC)

This course studies the business of sports media conceived broadly. Students will examine the relationships between industry, athletes, the media, and audiences in order to appreciate the relationship between sports and the media business in relation to their own sports consumption habits.

Radio TV Film    220Q3

3 (crs.)

Digital Narratives (XC)

The course focuses on how our relationships with our local communities impact our culture, our politics, and our neighbors in the context of digital narratives. To that end, this course will introduce students to community organizations and help them establish reciprocal, working relationships that will produce a digital media object that meets the needs of the community organization. This course will introduce students to a variety of theories and concepts related to digital narratives, including platform affordances, digital media literacy, and digital audiences and publics. The outcome of the collaboration will allow students to craft meaningful narratives about Oshkosh in a way that speaks to the affordances and expectations of the 21st century while remaining grounded in local conditions.

Radio TV Film    240

3 (crs.)

Video Production (XC)

A hands-on introduction to video production for non-majors. Students will learn essential skills of video production including preproduction, collaboration strategies, cinematography, sound recording, editing, and graphics. Students will use cellphones and Adobe Premiere to make a series of short projects such as documentary interviews, short narrative films, and spec commercials. This course does not count toward an RTF major but does count towards the Film & TV Production Certificate and the Digital Content Creation Certificate.

Radio TV Film    250

3 (crs.)

Introduction to Visual Media

This course introduces the student to basic theory and practices related to visual media, including television station operations, studio and field production, camera usage, and editing. Prerequisites: RTF 114. Special course fees may apply.

Radio TV Film    294

1 – 3 (crs.)

Access Media Internship

This internship course provides access campus students with an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills learned in RTF courses to professional and/or community-based situations at off-campus institutions. Students will prepare for the field work opportunity with appropriate texts provided by the faculty supervisor and schedule regular meetings with the faculty supervisor to evaluate progress. A detailed work journal and final paper reflecting on the academic relevance of the fieldwork are required. At the end of the semester, the professor will evaluate the student’s experience based on the work journal, final paper and consultation with the organization supervisor and assign a letter grade. Prerequisites: RTF 250, a minimum of 12 completed courses credits, a GPA of at least a 2.5 and instructor consent.

Radio TV Film    303

1 – 3 (crs.)

Radio-TV-Film Participation

Practical media experience, including pre-production, production, post-production, programming, and project management. Prerequisites: RTF 120 and 250 and instructor consent. Pass/Fail

Radio TV Film    305

3 (crs.)

Theory and Practice of New Media

This course develops an understanding of the relationship between the traditional media industry and converging new media. Prerequisites: RTF 115. Special course fees may apply.

Radio TV Film    306

3 (crs.)

Introduction to Post-Production

This course focuses on the development of editing and sound design skills through the application of post-production theories and techniques. Throughout coursework, students will also become proficient with a non-linear editing system. Prerequisites: RTF 120. Special course fees may apply.

Radio TV Film    310

3 (crs.)

History of Cinema, Radio, & TV

This course surveys the history of motion pictures and electronic media, including radio and television broadcasting, and media convergence. Consideration is given to aesthetic, social, economic, and technological perspectives. Prerequisites: RTF 115 or 130 and 30 credits completed or instructor consent.

Radio TV Film    314

3 (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: RTF 115, 120 and 250. Special course fees may apply.

Radio TV Film    321

3 (crs.)

Studio Production

Production and Direction of studio television programs, as well as, field packages and remote field direction. Prerequisites: RTF 250. Special course fees may apply.

Radio TV Film    325

1 (crs.)

Television Practicum

Advanced, practical experience in producing, directing, hosting, and/or crewing weekly television programs and the running of television broadcast operations.  Prerequisites: RTF 250. Special course fees may apply. Pass/Fail

Radio TV Film    326

1 (crs.)

Radio Practicum

Advanced, practical experience in various production and functional aspects of radio broadcast operations.  Prerequisites: RTF 120. Special course fees may apply. Pass/Fail.

Radio TV Film    335

1 – 3 (crs.)

Special Topics in Media Studies

The study of media through the application of various approaches, such as critical and historical. Topics may vary. Emphasis is placed on individual student research. May be repeated three times for up to 9 credits provided the topic varies. Prerequisites: RTF 114 and 115 or instructor consent.

Radio TV Film    336

1 – 3 (crs.)

Special Topics in Media Production

The study of media production techniques. Topics may vary. May be repeated three times for up to 9 credits provided the topic varies. Prerequisites: RTF 120 and 250 or instructor consent. Special course fees may apply.

Radio TV Film    341

3 (crs.)

Documentary Production

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 to the production of a documentary film. Prerequisites: RTF 115 and 306 or instructor consent. Special course fees may apply.

Radio TV Film    342

3 (crs.)

Narrative Production

The development of skills in single camera narrative production. Students gain experience in continuity direction and editing, while learning how to develop and produce an advanced project. Prerequisites: RTF 250 and 306 or instructor consent. Special course fees may apply.

Radio TV Film    343

3 (crs.)

The Art of Foley

This course develops proficiency in advanced Foley techniques and sound design through training and the use of Avid Media Composer and Pro Tools. Students will study modern Foley methods and follow proper post-production workflow in the creation of class projects. Prerequisites: RTF 306. Special course fees may apply.

Radio TV Film    344

3 (crs.)

Fundamentals of Screenwriting

This course introduces the craft of writing narrative films. Students will learn structures of narrative critical to producing effective films, methods of writing effective dialog, proper use of screenplay elements, and how to write and revise using scriptwriting software. Students will develop writing skills through weekly writing and revising exercises, culminating in a short narrative screenplay. Prerequisites: RTF Students: RTF 114; Non-RTF students: A 200-level writing course or instructor consent. Special course fees may apply.

Radio TV Film    345

3 (crs.)

Television Development

Examination of the theory and practice of the television development industry including broadcast, cable, and streaming networks. Course will examine the historical practices of the television business along with current trends in narrative and non-narrative development. Students will develop their own original television pilot and learn the steps of the pre-production process. Prerequisites: RTF 115 and 250. Special course fees may apply.

Radio TV Film    347

3 (crs.)

Race, Class, Gender in the Mass Media (ES)

An introduction to the issues of race, socioeconomic class, gender, and sexual orientation focused on representations in media, including film and television. This course examines the interconnected relationship between storytelling and social concepts of identity, using both formal analysis and research-based investigations. Cross-listed: RTF 347/SOC JUST 347/WG STDS 347. Prerequisite: RTF students: RTF 310; Social Justice students: SOC JUST 101; Women’s and Gender Studies students: WG STDS 201; Communication students: COMM 219.

Radio TV Film    348

3 (crs.)

The Art of Criticism

This course emphasizes critical approaches to the form and content of mass media, especially film and television. Assignments emphasize the development of analytical and writing skills in the field of media studies. Prerequisites: RTF 310 or instructor consent.

Radio TV Film    349

3 (crs.)

Audience Insights

This course offers an overview of methods used to study and measure media audiences across multiple platforms. Methods related to audience engagement and preferences, as well as reach and strategic effectiveness of social media use by content producers, will be studied in detail. Non-RTF students should contact the course instructor to request permission to enroll. Prerequisites: RTF 115 or instructor consent.

Radio TV Film    350

3 (crs.)

Cinematography

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. Prerequisites: RTF  250 and 306 or instructor consent. Special course fees may apply.

Radio TV Film    352

3 (crs.)

TV/Digital News Producing & Reporting

This course provides an overview in the theory and practice of news producing including story selection, ethics, reporting, and editing. Students will gain practical experience in news reporting and producing for broadcast television and digital platforms. Prerequisites: RTF 120 and 250 or instructor consent. Special course fees may apply.

Radio TV Film    354

3 (crs.)

Radio News Production

This course involves the study and application of radio news operations, reporting, announcing and production. Students will also get extensive experience in using the digital audio workstation Adobe Audition. Prerequisites: RTF 120 or instructor consent. Special course fees may apply.

Radio TV Film    355

3 (crs.)

Sports Broadcasting

This course will introduce the student to the theory and practice of sports reporting, play-by-play and sports talk. Students will apply what is learned in the classroom by attending and reporting on Titan Athletics; analyzing media coverage of amateur and professional sports and sports figures; and producing and/or calling Titan Athletics’ contests. Student work will air on WRST-FM and stream on wrst.org. Students will also develop and apply production skills using Adobe Audition. Prerequisites: RTF 120 or instructor consent. Special course fees may apply.

Radio TV Film    359

2 (crs.)

Audio for Video Techniques

A comprehensive study of audio production for film and video. All aspects of the audio process will be covered; On-set sound, time code and synchronization, working with a digital audio workstation, Foley techniques, dialogue replacement, working with MIDI, noise control/removal, mixing, and use of effects. Cross-listed: MUSIC 359/RTF 359. Prerequisites: Music students: MUSIC 305; RTF students: RTF 120 & 306, or RTF 260. Special course fees may apply.

Radio TV Film    364

3 (crs.)

Digital Communication and Design

This course focuses on technical and creative skills used for authoring websites. Students will learn to develop and maintain websites using HTML and Cascading Styles Sheets (CSS). Students will also become proficient in the web design software Adobe Dreamweaver and familiar with other digital communication tools, such as Adobe Photoshop. Additionally, students will learn color theory and principles of design, as well as best practices for navigation, accessibility, and usability. Students will also learn the basics of working with a content management system (CMS). Prerequisites: RTF 120, 250, or instructor consent. Special course fees may apply.

Radio TV Film    370

3 (crs.)

Multimedia Writing

This course examines how to develop, write, and adapt technical information and linear narratives for non-linear, interactive multimedia applications. Students also learn how to develop ideas into multimedia scripts, incorporate text with other media, write narration, write for interactivity, present text on-screen, and write concisely. Prerequisites: RTF 250 & 305, or instructor consent for non-majors.

Radio TV Film    400

1 – 3 (crs.)

Professional Internship I

Supervised professional field experience at a business, community, or government media organization or on a film or television shoot in which the intern applies Radio-TV-Film study to a practical situation. (Note: RTF will only facilitate internships in which students are registered for credit. Internship credits will not be granted retroactively.) This course counts as part of the 12 upper-level elective credits for the RTF major. Prerequisites: Radio-TV-Film majors only, instructor consent, Junior or Senior status (60 completed credits with 12 completed at UWO as an RTF major/minor) and RTF 120 and 250. Pass/Fail

Radio TV Film    401

1 – 3 (crs.)

Professional Internship II

Supervised professional field experience at a business, community or government media organization or on a film or television shoot in which the intern applies Radio/TV/Film study to a practical situation. (Note: RTF will only facilitate internships in which students are registered for credit. Internship credits will not be granted retroactively.) This course is available for those desiring an additional internship after having successfully completed RTF 400. However, the credits earned in RTF 401 will only count toward the student’s non-RTF upper-level course total required for graduation. Prerequisites: Radio-TV-Film majors only, instructor consent, Junior or Senior status (60 completed credits with 12 completed at UWO as an RTF major/minor) and RTF 120 and 250.  Pass/Fail

Radio TV Film    403

1 – 3 (crs.)

Radio-TV-Film Participation

Advanced, practical media experience, including pre-production, production, past-production, programming, and project management. Prerequisites: RTF 120 and 250 and instructor consent. Pass/Fail

Radio TV Film    406

3 (crs.)

Advanced Post-Production

This course develops proficiency in advanced editing techniques, motion graphic design and sound design. Students will study effective motion graphic design and sound design to develop enhanced skills and post-production techniques in the creation of class projects. Prerequisites: RTF 306 and 310 or instructor consent. Special course fees may apply.

Radio TV Film    415

3 (crs.)

From Netflix to Disney+

This course will provide an overview of the contemporary media landscape in the context of streaming media platforms. In an age of rapidly converging media, it is important to understand how shifts in ownership, distribution, production, and reception impact our relationship with media content. Students will critically engage with movies, TV shows, and discourses that revolve around these digital shifts in the media industries. In particular, the course will explore: digital distribution platform, both subscription-based and ad-supported; how viewers engage with both traditional and digitally native content; and how our relationship with different types of content changes depending on the method of consumption. Prerequisites: RTF students: RTF 115 and 250; non-majors 45 credits completed or instructor consent.

Radio TV Film    421

3 (crs.)

Live Remote Production

This course examines live remote productions from sports to concerts and community events both on-location and virtual. Students will gain technical training in the software and equipment necessary to broadcast events to multiple platforms. As part of the course, students will field produce livestreams of various campus events throughout the semester. Prerequisites: RTF 321 or 352 or instructor consent. Special course fees may apply.

Radio TV Film    425

3 (crs.)

Advanced Special Topics in Media Studies

The advanced study of media through the application of various approaches, such as critical and historical. Topics may vary. Emphasis is placed on individual student research. Prerequisites: RTF students: RTF 114 and 310; Communication students: COMM 118 and 236.

Radio TV Film    426

3 (crs.)

Advanced Topics Media Production

The advanced study of media production techniques. Topics may vary. May be repeated three times for up to 12 credits provided the topic varies. Prerequisites: RTF 115, 120 and 250. Special course fees may apply.

Radio TV Film    429

3 (crs.)

Advanced Audio Production

This course focuses on audio production theory and techniques. Audio production projects will emphasize the proper mix of sound, the application of effects and audio mastering techniques. Prerequisites: RTF 120 and one of the following: RTF 354 or 355, or instructor consent. Special course fees may apply.

Radio TV Film    434

3 (crs.)

Advanced Screenwriting Workshop

Students will complete a substantial body of writing in this advanced workshop. Topics will include feature-length screenplays, serial pilots, show bibles, short films, adaptations, and pitching. Students will study successful examples of these forms and workshop their own creative projects. Students will develop advanced skills through weekly writing assignments while learning to analyze and provide constructive critiques of one another’s work. Cross-listed: ENGLISH 434/RTF 434. Prerequisites: RTF students: RTF 342 or 344 or instructor consent; English students: ENGLISH 303, 305, 308, or 329 or instructor consent. Special course fees may apply.

Radio TV Film    440

3 (crs.)

Advanced Visual Production

This course develops advanced creative and technical skills in narrative and non-narrative production. Students choose core creative positions (Producer/Director, Cinematographer/Videographer, Editor/Sound Designer) on a narrative or documentary film production, television pilot, or multi-cam studio production that will include professional project development, production, and distribution. Projects and skills required will be a continuation of material developed in Documentary Production, Narrative Production, Television Development, Studio Production, News Production or Advanced Post-Production. Prerequisites: RTF 115, and one of the following; RTF 321, 341, 342, 345, 350, 352 or 406.  Special course fees may apply.

Radio TV Film    446

1 – 3 (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, RTF 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 equipment and facilities. Prerequisites: Instructor consent.

Radio TV Film    474

3 – 6 (crs.)

Honors Thesis

The Honors Thesis is one of two options offered to Honors students to meet the senior capstone requirement of The Honors College. Students who choose the thesis engage in research as an independent study over two semesters (fall/spring or spring/fall) with the support of a faculty advisor. They decide on a topic in their major or minor, address recent scholarship, develop a prospectus, and produce substantial work (e.g., a written thesis, scientific experiment or research project, or creative arts exhibit or production). At the end of the term in which the capstone is completed, students give presentations at the Honors Thesis Symposia. Credits are applied to the respective program. Prerequisites: In good standing with The Honors College, prior enrollment in HNRS 175Q and HNRS 275Q, and senior status.

Radio TV Film    499

1 (crs.)

Outgoing Career Prep

This course will help seniors prepare for a productive career. Prerequisites: 90 or more credits. Special course fees may apply. Pass/Fail.