BDCS101: Introduction to the Broadcasting Medium

A survey of the history, organization and current structure of radio, television and hybrid technologies; societal and cultural influences of electronic broadcast media; introduction to practical and theoretical concepts of studio production. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Broadcasting majors only.

BDCS140: Writing for the Broadcasting Media

Writing of continuity and dramatic materials for the broadcast media, including news, commercials, and drama. Meets the University Writing Requirement for BRCA majors. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: BDCS 101; Broadcasting Majors only.

BDCS150: Audio Production

A fundamental workshop exploring the properties of sound as both a separate creative medium and as a supplemental tool for the visual image; studio and location recording, editing and mixing. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: BDCS 101; Broadcasting majors only.

BDCS220: How to Watch Television

This course, open to both broadcasting majors and non-majors, is about analyzing television in the ways and to the extent to which it needs to be understood by its audience. The aim is for students to critically evaluate the role and impact of television in their lives as well as in the life of the culture. The means to achieve this aim is an approach that combines media theory and criticism with media education. 3 sh.

BDCS250: Sound Design

This production-oriented class will explore the aesthetics and techniques of sound design for radio, television, and film. Students will analyze professional sound designs in these media and create their own using both analog and digital technology. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: BDCS 150; Broadcasting majors only.

BDCS251: Television Production I

A workshop presenting the fundamentals of studio television production; opportunity to demonstrate creative potential through short studio productions; emphasis upon the idea, and principles of camera blocking. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: BDCS 140; BDCS 150; B.A. Broadcasting majors only; departmental approval.

BDCS252: Television Production II

An intermediate workshop presenting opportunities for the production of programs of various types to be aired on cable outlet; introduction to EFP (electronic field production) and off-line post-production techniques; continued emphasis upon program concept. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: BDCS 251; Broadcasting majors only; departmental approval.

BDCS253: Television Practicum

Students participate in a designated number of hours of television production for the closed circuit television facility as well as other production opportunities. May be repeated for a maximum of four credits. 1 sh.

Prerequisites: BDCS 251; Broadcasting majors only; departmental approval.

BDCS260: History of Television

An examination of the history of television programming in the United States. Students view original programs that constitute some of the key moments in television history and assess their significance based on aesthetic, content-oriented, technological, sociological, and political-economic points of view. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: BDCS 101; Broadcasting majors only.

BDCS270: Special Topics in Broadcasting

This course is specifically intended for lower division (freshman and sophomore) students. It provides an umbrella to offer a variety of specialized introductory level topics which do not justify establishing a permanent course. May be repeated for a maximum of 9.0 credits. 1 - 3 sh.

Prerequisites: BDCS 101; Broadcasting majors only.

BDCS282: Media and Culture

The ways in which the broadcast media affect mass culture and consequently the values and mores of society; includes the history of mass culture and the mechanisms by which diverse forces of society (i.e., minority cultures, political trends or technological innovations) affect mass culture. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: BDCS 101; Broadcasting majors only.

BDCS293: Programming

A structural and critical examination of broadcast and cable television programming, including program production/acquisition, scheduling, and evaluation. An overview of programming strategies and techniques, sources, genres, regulation, issues and trends. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: BDCS 101; Broadcasting majors only.

BDCS315: Political Broadcasting

A survey of the history of political broadcasting beginning with radio and concentrating on television; analysis of the relationship between broadcasting and the political process, to include campaigning for office, the election and how broadcasting helps or hinders the art of governing. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: BDCS 101; Broadcasting majors only.

BDCS340: Introduction to Multitrack Recording

This production course will introduce students to the concepts and production techniques used in multitrack recording. The class will explore the impact these techniques have had on music and sound design for television and film, as well as their creative use in a studio environment. Students will complete several recording projects as part of the course requirements. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: BDCS 250; departmental approval; Broadcasting majors only.

BDCS350: Television Production III

Advanced workshop providing opportunity for pre-professional level production for distribution off-campus; emphasis on selection of quality properties for production; introduction to on-line post-production techniques. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: BDCS 252; Broadcasting majors only; departmental approval.

BDCS351: Craft Workshop

Designated students work closely under the supervision of studio operations personnel/technicians to concentrate on the maintenance and operation of the DuMont Television Center facility. Opportunity for students to work intensively with advanced production hardware. May be repeated for a maximum of three credits. 1 - 3 sh.

Prerequisites: BDCS 252; departmental approval; Broadcasting majors only.

BDCS352: Post-Production Workshop

A hands-on workshop that is run in conjunction with BDCS 252, Television Production II. Students are introduced to the editing facilities of the DuMont Television Center and to production techniques in both audio and video editing and post-production that are designed to maximize their abilities to produce television programming. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Broadcasting majors only; departmental approval.

BDCS353: Children's Television

Current children's productions and examination of research on their affect/effectiveness; work on class productions designed for children. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: BDCS 101; Broadcasting majors only.

BDCS360: Station Management

Economic support patterns, evolution of broadcast programming; ascertainment of community needs; station promotion and advertising; legal and ethical issues relating to broadcasting. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: BDCS 101; Broadcasting majors only.

BDCS391: International Broadcasting

This course will explore the history and development of broadcasting systems other than our own. Major broadcasting systems include England, Australia, Canada, Japan, Russia (and former Soviet Union satellites), France and Italy. The course will trace the effects of various political systems on the system of broadcasting, dealing with such issues as accessibility, privacy and freedom of speech. Students will examine the reasons for the demise of Radio Free Europe and other international broadcast services. The course will also address the effects of changing technologies on international communication (i.e., satellites, fiber optics, HDTV). 3 sh.

Prerequisites: BDCS 101; Broadcasting majors only.

BDCS395: Ethics of Mass Communication

A survey and analysis of major legal and ethical issues in broadcasting and mass communication. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: BDCS 101; Broadcasting majors only.

BDCS403: Independent Study

Opportunity to obtain credit for independent research projects; students must obtain approval from the division coordinator before registration period for the semester of the independent study; generally not for production projects. May be repeated once for a maximum of 6.0 credits. 1 - 3 sh.

Prerequisites: BDCS 101; Broadcasting majors only; departmental approval.

BDCS440: Electronic Journalism

Practical training in gathering, writing and producing of news story packages for incorporation into a studio news show. Demonstration and application of ENG (electronic news gathering) techniques related to production. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: BDCS 252; Broadcasting majors only; departmental approval.

BDCS450: Senior Seminar in Broadcasting

The course is designed to prepare students for the transition from student to working professional with an emphasis on writing, interviewing, networking, job availability and possibilities, and professional conduct. Guest speakers from the industry will provide advice for obtaining and maintaining employment. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Broadcasting majors only; by recommendation; seniors only; departmental approval.

BDCS470: Special Studies in Broadcasting

Various topics offered depending upon program needs and available professional part-time faculty. Usually deals with some professional aspects of the broadcast field or special study of the broadcast media. May be repeated for a maximum of 24.0 credits. 1 - 3 sh.

Prerequisites: BDCS 101; Broadcasting majors only.

BDCS480: Television Production Company

Senior level broadcast laboratory in which students function in some key role in a production unit which produces professional television production for distribution on- and off-campus. May be repeated for a maximum of nine credits. 1 - 3 sh.

Prerequisites: BDCS 252; Broadcasting majors only; by recommendation.

BDCS490: Internship: Broadcasting

Advanced students fulfill a portion of major requirements working for a professional or contract broadcasting-related company. 4 - 16 sh.

Prerequisites: Departmental approval; by recommendation; 3.0 GPA.