Desktop Video
Syllabus
MC  251
Frick 252

Ric Christoferson
Phone: 232-7652
eric AT stdigital DOT net

Web site
http://www.mnstate.edu/johnsdan/dtv/DesktopVideo.html


Server site
MHDMAC
See your teacher for name and code.

Course Description and Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge of the fundamental principles of desktop video production, including: use of the digital camera, script writing, storyboarding, shot composition, transfer of digital video to computer, non-linear video editing, output to tape and for the Web.
There are no pre-requisites, but it is advised that students take photography before taking this course.
Three credits.

Text and References for Final Cut Studio 2 Elements:
Final Cut Pro 6.05 - Tutorial Manual (no formal text book
LiveType - Tutorial Manual (no formal text book

Instructional Strategies
Learning is achieved through a combination of in-class demonstrations, handouts, quicktime tutorials, and
other materials on the class Web site and server. Critiques and discussion of professional and student work play a major role in the classroom learning environment.

Supplies
Two 60 minute MiniDV tapes, $14.
Headphones with mini plug.
Recommended:
USB flash drive or external USB/Firewire hard drive.

Suggested Reading
Story, Robert McKee
Today's Video, Peter Utz
Sight, Sound, Motion, Herbert Zettl
Film Directing Shot by Shot, Steven D. Katz
Directing, Michael Rabiger

Attendance
Students are expected to be on time for class. 

In addition, six hours preparing outside of class
each week is expected.

Students are expected to attend all class meetings unless they are ill or officially excused as the result of participation in a university function.
In cases of individual absence due to jury duty or other legal obligations, the student must notify faculty prior to the absence. Each faculty member will determine the work to be made up and any effect on the course grade.
For military absences, see the MSU Moorhead Bulletin index under military withdrawal, or refer questions to the Records office.
In the case of individual absence due to health or other emergency, the student must notify his/her faculty instructor as soon as feasible. Each faculty member will determine the appropriateness of the absence, all work to be made up, and any effect on the course grade.

In accordance with MSUM policy, students meeting two times per week are allowed two unexcused absenses without penalty, and those meeting once a week are allowed one unexcused absense without penalty.

Evaluation Standards
Each student will be awarded points related to how well the objectives are performed in the following areas:
Midterm test = 100

Final test = 100
Ball project = 100
Second project paragraph = 10
Second project Script - Storyboard - Shotsheet = 100 

Second project rough cut and finished = 200
Third project paragraph = 50
Third project Script - Storyboard - Shotsheet = 100 

Third project
rough cut and finished = 400
Attendance = 200

10% will be deducted for each class day
that a project is late.

The total points for each student will be divided
by the total possible points.

The resulting percentage will determine the final grade.

Final grades are based on the following percentages:

94 - 100% = A
90 - 93% = A-

86 - 89% = B+

83 - 85% = B

80 - 82% = B-
76 - 79% = C+

73 - 75% = C
70 - 72% = C-

66 - 69% = D+

63 - 65% = D

60 - 62% = D-
0 - 59% = F

Special Accommodations
Students with disabilities who believe they may need an accommodation in this class are encouraged to contact Greg Toutges, Coordinator of Disability Services at 477-5859 (Voice) or 1-800-627-3529 (MRS/TTY), CMU 114 as soon as possible to ensure that accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.