In this course, as in many science lab classes, you will use a variety of professional digital video equipment, very similar to equipment broadcast journalists use in television stations and networks around the world.
Teaching assistants will conduct "clinics" by appointment, in use of the equipment, and will supervise your use of the gear.
You will use:
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Field camera equipment (field cameras, tripods, cables, batteries, lights, field microphones)
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Editing stations (computers specially set up with professional video editing software and input-output equipment)
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Studio equipment (professionally-designed "sets," studio cameras, lights, cables, field microphones)
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Studio control room (professional video production equipment including video and audio controllers, character generator, prompter, recording and playback sources, network newsfeed, etc.)
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Newsroom production computers (specially designed software for developing, planning and creating newscasts)
This equipment is costly and time-consuming to repair. You are personally responsible at all times for the care of equipment entrusted to you. Perhaps most importantly, because the product of this course is a collaborative newscast, your care of the equipment can make-or-break the work of other students in the class. For example, if a camera is not returned on time, another student's carefully-planned interview or report falls apart. If the equipment is carelessly handled, your project could be the one which is jeopardized.
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Students using field equipment will be required to sign-out clearly-identified, itemized packages of gear. Whatever happens to that equipment while it is signed out to you is your responsibility.
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Students using video editing stations will sign-up while they are using it.
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The Communication Department assumes "reasonable wear" but will hold students responsible financially for loss or damage resulting from neglect or abuse. Cases of suspected abuse or neglect will be referred to the Chair of the Communication Department for resolution. The same will be true for any equipment that is lost, stolen, or misplaced while assigned to a student. Students who have an unresolved conflict regarding payment for lost or damaged equipment will not be assigned a course grade until the conflict is resolved to the satisfaction of the Department.
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The student in whose name the equipment is assigned will be the person responsible for payment resulting from damages or losses. It is strongly suggested that students not "loan" equipment for which they are officially responsible.
Teaching Assistants
Equipment signout (cameras, etc.)
Make an appointment or come during office hours. Find a TA either in the COMM Edit suite or in the computer lab, Pearson 116
TAs for COMM 427
Robert Parks (410-303-9775)
Office hours:
- Friday - 2:30pm - 4:00pm and by appointment
- Saturday-Sunday - by appointment
Nicole Lee (302-423-0459)
Office hours:
- Monday - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
- Thursday - 5pm - 6pm (after class)