Communication 3226 - Multimedia Journalism
Wednesday & Friday 3:00 pm – 4:50 pm
Room 3176 Derby Hall
Instructor: Leonardo Carrizo
Office: 327 Journalism Building
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 614-292-8634
Office Hours:
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Wednesdays and Fridays from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
or by appointment.
Course description
This course is designed to give students the knowledge and skills they need to become
multimedia news professionals. Journalists and other professional communicators today
must be familiar with creating news content in a variety of forms. This course will give
students an overview of the theories, principles and practices of multi-media content
suitable for a Web site. With barriers among print, audio, still photography and video
disappearing, students need to be able to create stories in different formats to be
competitive in media industries. Be prepared to work independently (backpack
journalist) and in teams, as large multimedia media projects involve teamwork.
This course combines principles of multi-media storytelling with hands-on work. Before
each technology is introduced, students will learn the principles and goals involved in
creating interesting, professional stories. Students will learn the practical elements of
how to use the technology and produce a newsworthy story. Although time will be
spent in the classroom learning multi-media principles and technology, students should
be prepared to do their own reporting and story editing outside of the regular class
time.
Students must work directly with all The Lantern editors to get their work on the paper.
Students will coordinate photo and video assignments with the Photo and Multimedia
editors in particular to fulfill class assignments. Any work submitted to or published in
Lantern will be graded according to this class lectures and quality demands. Both
deadlines for The Lantern and class assignment must be met to receive credit for any
assignment. Consequently, students should attend and participate in The Lantern’s
weekly photo/multimedia meeting to pick up assignments.
Students are expected to already know what constitutes a newsworthy topic and how to
create a print story. This class will expand upon that background to explore story
development in different formats. Students will use traditional reporting skills, values
and techniques, and develop their abilities in still photography, audio, and video.
Course goals:
In this introductory class students will increase their understanding of the importance of
multimedia reporting and its effects on journalism. They will learn how to cover news
assignments and develop storytelling skills using photojournalism, audio reportage and video-
journalism techniques. The course will help student recognize ethical dilemmas across different
news platforms. Students will have the opportunity to provide content for the Lantern.
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this course the students should be able to:
• Complete news assignments using different types of media including photos, audio
and video.
• Describe what is meant by multi-media journalism and understand current
industry trends in news media.
• Shoot, edit and produce stories using standard industry software
• Deconstruct, analyze and critique multimedia news stories.
• Identify and explain a legal and ethical issues involving multimedia news reporting.
Multimedia Gear and Equipment.
The tools of a multimedia journalist are many hence MULTI-MEDIA! You will learn how to
use a digital photography camera, digital audio recorder, digital video camera and multiple
computer software for post-production. You will be able to check out equipment in the
Lantern’s newsroom. Check out the days and times when the checkout room will be open
this semester. If you have personal equipment, consult with your instructor to find out if is
appropriate for our class.
• Photo gear: 3226-equipment checkout, (or personal gear.)
• Audio gear: iPhone or personal reporter’s recorder.
• Video gear: 3226-equipment checkout, (or personal gear.)
• Headphones: Personal
• SD Memory Card- at least 4 GB.
• External Portable Hard drive: Must be Mac comparable and at least 80 GB of space.
** Comm 3226 Students can check out Lantern equipment when working on a class/Lantern
assignment ONLY. It’s not permitted to check out equipment for personal use including usage
for OSU clubs, fraternities, sororities or any other non-class related purposes.
Course readings
Reading selections and books are available free online from the OSU Library or on Carmen.
• Kenneth Kobre (2013) Videojournalism.
https://www.safaribooksonline.com/library/view/videojournalism/9780240814650/xht
ml/title.xhtml
• Duy Linh Tu (2015) Feature and Narrative Storytelling for Multimedia Journalists
http://proquest.safaribooksonline.com/book/publishing/9780415729079
• Richard Zakia and David Page. (2010) Photographic Composition Visualized.
Point distribution and summary of course assignments
Assignment #1 Creative devices
10
Assignment #2 Features
20
Assignment #3 General news, event/sports (gallery)
50
Assignment #4 Midterm Audio & photo story
150
Assignment #5 Video event/profile
100
Assignment #6 Final Video Story Project
200
MIDTERM EXAM
150
FINAL EXAM
200
Attendance
100
Lantern Assignments
One photo assignment (you have to sign up with Lantern Photo Editors)
20
TOTAL
1000
The Lantern Assignments
The primary goal of this class is to develop skills so that students can create multi-media
content good enough to published – that is, posted on a news-oriented Web site.
Students must produce material that their peers will find newsworthy, interesting and
relevant for The Lantern.
Students will have to sign-up for a week during the semester to complete their Lantern
photos. Lantern editors will assess the quality of the work to confirm that it meets all
Lantern requirements and deadlines before I grade the assignment.
There is one required photo assignments for The Lantern.
Students are required to make all contacts with editors at The Lantern for their material
to be added to the Lantern’s news website. Students are responsible for informing the
instructor promptly when their material is posted on the Lantern’s website. Student
must also upload their Lantern assignment to Canvas.
Reshoots
Students can re-shoot assignments #1 to #2 one for a better grade. Reshoots can only go
up one letter grade. For example, you get go from B to A and from a C to B, but you
can’t go from a C to an A.
* The team-oriented assignments require that students put in equal amounts of effort.
Students working together get the same grade, but grades can be adjusted by the
instructor to reflect the amount of effort put in by the contributors. After each group
assignment, each member of the group must turn in a peer review that lists the
estimated percent of effort put in by each group member. Based on the peer review and
the informed knowledge of the instructor, the point total given to each student can be
adjusted up or down.
Grade distribution: OSU Standard Scheme
A 930-1000
B 830-868
C 730-769
A- 900-929
B- 800-829
C- 700-729
B+ 870-899
C+ 770-799
D+ 670-699
Grading on assignments includes the following criteria:
• Follow directions on the assignments.
• Meeting deadlines is crucial in journalism. Assignments submitted after
deadlines will not be graded and zero will be given for that assignment.
• Finished product must apply the principles covered in readings and class for that
type of multi-media story: photo, audio and video.
• Assignments should be good enough to be published. Unprofessional or sloppy
work will be penalized.
• Photos MUST have captions, sources MUST be identified in audio and video projects.
Course Policy on Attendance and Participation
Graduating seniors (and other students) who “need” this course to graduate should
work especially hard to ensure that they will pass this class (a C- or higher is required
for Communication and Journalism majors).
There will not be opportunities for you to re-take exams or re-complete assignments
in order to raise your grade. It is your responsibility to ensure that you receive a
passing final grade by working diligently and responsibly throughout the semester. No
exceptions will be made.
Course Policy on Attendance and Participation
Attendance and participation counts for 10% (100 points) of your final grade and begins
from the first day of classes. I will take attendance every day. You will receive points for
each class you attend; consequently, you will lose points for not attending class. It is
essential that you come to class each day and participate in our discussions. If you are
not in class you can’t participate. I will also ask students to bring material to present to
the class and start discussion. This will count as participation and students should be
prepared to present any day. Participation will not compensate (or make-up) absences.
Students who are unable to attend class must notify the professor in advance or soon
after the class period and provide written documentation of the reason for missing class
(e.g., medical note from a certified physician) in order to receive an excused absence. All
other absences will be regarded as unexcused and points will be deducted.
The class is driven by a set of assignments in sequential order, with increasing levels of
challenge. When a student misses a class, or falls behind on an assignment, it disrupts the
progress of the whole class.
* Poor cell phone etiquette is frowned upon. Please put all phones on silent, and do not
answer them or text during class.
Technology Use
This course is a technology-heavy course, but it must be used responsibly – that is, you
need to stay focused on class discussion and material as a courtesy to other students
and your instructor, and to do well in the class. So, DO NOT CHECK YOUR EMAIL or use
the Internet for tasks outside of class assignments while I am lecturing or while other
students are speaking.
Computer labs
If you need a computer lab to work on your photos, audio or video assignments go to
one of the Digital Union labs.
http://odee.osu.edu/digital-union Their locations and hours are listed below.
Note: Digital Union labs are closed on university holidays and on Sundays
preceding Monday holidays.
https://odee.osu.edu/digital-union/hours-locations
Locations: Hours:
• Enarson Classrooms 012
• Mon-Thu: 8am-8pm
• Hagerty Hall 171A
• Friday: 8am-5pm
• Prior Hall 460A
• Saturday: Closed
• Stillman Hall 145
• Sunday: 2pm-8pm
Student Academic Services
Arts and Sciences Advising and Academic Services’ website provides support for student
academic success. Information on advising issues such as tutoring, transfer credits,
academic standing, and contact information for Arts and Sciences advisors can be
obtained through this website. The site is: http://advising.osu.edu/welcome.shtml
Student Services
The Student Service Center assists with financial aid matters, tuition and fee payments.
Please see their site at: http://ssc.osu.edu
Diversity
The School of Communication at The Ohio State University embraces and maintains an
environment that respects diverse traditions, heritages, experiences, and people. Our
commitment to diversity moves beyond mere tolerance to recognizing, understanding,
and welcoming the contributions of diverse groups and the value group members
possess as individuals. In our School, the faculty, students, and staff are dedicated to
building a tradition of diversity with principles of equal opportunity, personal respect,
and the intellectual interests of those who comprise diverse cultures.
Title IX
Title IX makes it clear that violence and harassment based on sex and gender are Civil
Rights offenses subject to the same kinds of accountability and the same kinds of
support applied to offenses against other protected categories (e.g., race). If you or
someone you know has been sexually harassed or assaulted, you may find the
appropriate resources at http://titleix.osu.edu or by contacting the Ohio State Title IX
Coordinator, Kellie Brennan, at [email protected]
Academic Misconduct
It is the responsibility of the Committee on Academic Misconduct to investigate or
establish procedures for the investigation of all reported cases of student academic
misconduct. The term “academic misconduct” includes all forms of student academic
misconduct wherever committed; illustrated by, but not limited to, cases of plagiarism
and dishonest practices in connection with examinations. Instructors shall report all
instances of alleged academic misconduct to the committee (Faculty Rule 3335-5-487).
For additional information, see the Code of Student Conduct
(http://studentaffairs.osu.edu/info_for_students/csc.asp).
Copyright Disclaimer
The materials used in connection with this course may be subject to copyright
protection and are only for the use of students officially enrolled in the course for the
educational purposes associated with the course. Copyright law must be considered
before copying, retaining, or disseminating materials outside of the course.
Accessibility accommodations for students with disabilities
Requesting accommodations
The University strives to make all learning experiences as accessible as possible. If you
anticipate or experience academic barriers based on your disability (including mental
health, chronic or temporary medical conditions), please let me know via email
immediately so that we can privately discuss options. You are also welcome to register
with Student Life Disability Services to establish reasonable accommodations. After
registration, make arrangements with me as soon as possible to discuss your
accommodations so that they may be implemented in a timely fashion.
SLDS contact information
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 614-292-3307
Website: slds.osu.edu
Address: 098 Baker Hall, 113 W. 12th Avenue.
I will make every attempt to adhere strictly to these dates. However, based on circumstances,
some of these dates are subject to change. Please check Canvas, where I will post changes, if
necessary. Note: the Canvas calendar trumps this one.
Calendar
Topic
Assignments due date
Week 1 Intro-Multimedia and storytelling.
1/9
What’s multimedia? What’s a story?
Telling Stories- Chap 1
HW. Read: Videojournalism Chap 1
HW. Read: Videojournalism Chap 2
Watch selected video from Chap 1
1/11
Finding & Eva. Stories Chap 2
HW – Find potential stories for next class
HW. Read: Videojournalism Chap 5
Multimedia stories
discussion
Week 2 Intro to Multimedia Camera basics
1/26
Photography 101 –
Exposure: Aperture, shutter speed and ISO
Camera basics Chap 5 review
HW. Read
http://www.canonoutsideofauto.ca/learn/
1/18
Visual Composition- Creative Devices
Photo skills practice
HW. Upload 5 images to Carmen
HW. Photo Composition book Chap 3
*Assignment #1 Creative Devices
Photo practice
Week 3 Photojournalism
1/23
Photojournalism - Photo-J assignments and
Ethics
HW. Upload Iconic images to Carmen
Assignment #1: Creative
Devices
1/25
Feature photos
Digital Workflow Photo captions and
Photoshop I
*Assignment #2: Features
Iconic Images
Week 4 General coverage and portraits
1/30
General news photos
Light and color lecture + Portraits and light
HW. Read: Videojournalism Chap 7
Assignment #2 Feature
photos
2/1
Practice – light and/or 3 photo package
Events and Sports coverage.
*Assignment #3 Events/ Sports
HW. Read: Videojournalism Chap 8
HW Upload Portraits and event examples to
Canvas
Portraits and events
photos discussion
Week 5 Recording Sound
2/6
Audio stories for journalists.
Audio basics and equipment.
Assignment #3 General
news, event, sports
gallery
2/8
Audio Post-Production software
Recording practice
Interviewing Chap 11
Brainstorm Midterm topics
HW. Read: Videojournalism Chap 9
*Assignment #4 Midterm
Week 6 Successful story topics
2/13
Combining Audio and Still stories in Final
Research and topics
Photo Stories/Galleries
2/15
In-class exercise – production
HW. Read: Videojournalism Chap 4 Producing
text/titles for your Midterm
Week 7 Midterm exam
2/20
Editing photos and audio
Midterm production
2/22
Written Midterm
Written Midterm
Week 8 Midterm assignment
2/27
*Assignment #5 Midterm Project
*Assignment #5 Midterm
Project
3/1
Intro to video journalism
The Video Camera and accessories.
Shooting video I
HW. Read: Videojournalism Chap 10
Week 9 Intro videojournalism: Shooting and editing video
3/6
Shooting video sequences
*In-class video exercise: sequences
HW. Read: Videojournalism Chap 11
Assignment #5 Video #1
In-class video practice
3/8
HW. Read: Videojournalism Chap 14Intro to
video software:
Video Editing
Read Chap 13
Week 10 Video SPRING BREAK
3/13
SPRING BREAK
3/15
SPRING BREAK
Week 11 Videojournalism
3/20
Videojournalism Ethics
Film techniques + Editing + Production
3/22
Editing + Production
Week 12 Videojournalism
3/27
Presentations 1
st
video
Research final topics and discussion
* Assignment #6
Video #1
3/29
Final Project contracts
* Assignment #6 Video #2
Week 13 Videojournalism and Web publishing
4/3
Developing the story
Final Contracts
4/5
Website and HTML
Week 14 – Videojournalism and Web publishing
4/10
The Internet and web tools
Website and HTML
WordPress, portfolios, blog
4/12
Show progress and
Production on final video
Project update- Show
your progress
Week 15 – Web publishing
4/17
Final video presentations
* Assignment #7
Video #2
4/19
Final video presentations
Review for final exam
Last day to submit
Lantern assignments
Final Exam Day: Thursday, April 25
Time: 4:00pm-5:45pm
Location: our classroom
******Please double check with Spring 2019 Final Examination Schedule