Riverside Community College District
Integrated Course Outline of Record
Film/Television 42
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COURSE DESCRIPTION
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42 Writing for Broadcast Television and Radio
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Units: 3.00
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Prerequisite: None.
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The theory and practice of short-form writing for broadcast television and radio. Introduces techniques of narrative and documentary copy writing, characteristics of media writing, elements of style, tone and content, forms of scripts for news, commercials and public service announcements. May be taken a total of three times. 45 hours lecture and 27 hours laboratory.
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SHORT DESCRIPTION FOR CLASS SCHEDULE
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Theory and practice of short-form writing for broadcast television and radio.
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ADVISORY ENTRY SKILLS
None.
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STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
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1. Write scripts and copy utilizing the format, style and tone that are
appropriate for the intended application.
2. Differentiate between the script writing requirements of news,
information, documentary, commercial applications and public
service announcements.
3. Distinguish between print and broadcast writing styles.
4. Re-write copy from wire copy, newspapers and news releases.
5. Apply ethical standards in broadcast writing.
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COURSE CONTENT
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TOPICS
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- Introduction to the characteristics of media writing styles – includes an examination of the characteristics that are unique to television and radio that influence the style, tone and approach to writing. Also included are the types of applications within each media such as commercials, PSA’s, news, sports, and documentary.
- Techniques of writing in Television and Radio – includes an introduction to elements of style, tone and form that characterize television and broadcast writing; also distinguishes between characteristics of print and broadcast writing. Examines the influence of visual and auditory media on writing style and form.
- Broadcast media and broadcast writing terms – identifies and defines terminology of television and radio production and specific terminology used in broadcast writing.
- Reference sources for proper usage – provides students with resources they can use to answer questions about proper usage; ensures students can critique their own work and use credible sources to make appropriate corrections.
- Techniques of re-writing from wire copy, newspapers and other source documents – enables students to identify key facts and to reconstruct print material for television or radio broadcast; includes attention to ethical considerations in re-writing copy.
Students are also assigned reading, writing and other outside assignments equivalent to two hours per one hour lecture.
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METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
Methods of instruction used to achieve student learning outcomes may include, but are not limited to:
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- Present class lectures in order to introduce key concepts and to cover content material.
- Engage in class discussions that give students an opportunity to critically examine media writing, to learn to communicate effectively with others about writing.
- Watch a variety of television and radio programs in order for students to observe and critique broadcast writing as it is practiced in a professional setting.
- Small group and individual writing assignments in order for students to practice a variety of writing formats and styles.
- Invite guest lecturers that bring industry expertise into the classroom in order for students to gain industry insight and to develop industry contacts.
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METHODS OF EVALUATION
Students will be evaluated for progress in and/or mastery of learning outcomes by methods of evaluation which may include, but are not limited to:
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- Quizzes and exams that assess students’ understanding of basic concepts, terminology and theory.
- Writing assignments that demonstrate students’ ability to perform a variety of broadcast writing tasks.
- Research projects that demonstrate students’ ability to identify credible source material and to analyze and synthesize information.
- Group and individual projects that demonstrate students’ ability to work in a team environment effectively.
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ASSIGNMENTS
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Required Reading Assignments
Required Writing Assignments
Other Outside-of-Class Assignments
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COURSE MATERIALS
All materials used in this course will be periodically reviewed to ensure that they are appropriate for college level instruction. Possible texts include:
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- Bliss, Jr., Edward and Hoyt, James L., Writing News for Broadcast, Third Edition, Columbia University Press.
Hilliard, Robert L., Writing for Television, Radio and New Media, 7th edition. Wadsworth Thomson Learning.
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| 01/08 |
| 2124 |