Course Form (revised 5/1/12)
(Instructions: http://www.umt.edu/facultysenate/documents/forms/courseform_instructionsX.aspx)
I. Summary of Proposed Changes
Dept / Program
Journalism
Prefix and Course # JRNL 592-05
Course Title
Independent Study: Video Production
Please check one or more
New course  Delete course
of the following:
Course Changes
 Course Title  Description  Learning Outcomes
 Prerequisites  Cross-listing  Other
 Credits
from _________ to________
 Number / Level from _________ to________
 Repeatability
from _________ to________
Justification / explanation (required for ALL proposals) For new courses please provide rationale for why
the course is needed, how it fits with exiting curriculum and whether there are curricular adjustments.
This Independent Study allows journalism graduate students to, on an individualized basis, hone their video
skills if essential to their career plans or Master’s work. By enrolling in the section, they will gain access to
lectures and instruction in JRNL 350 (Intermediate Video Photography) while also receiving special facetime (e.g. critiques, technical advice) from the instructor. Graduate student assignments for the course will
focus on their area of expertise (e.g. environmental science and natural resource issues.)
Has the Department gone through common course Review?
Yes  No  In process
II. Syllabus/Assessment Information Required for new courses, learning outcome changes and
course change from U to UG.
Important: please spell out learning goals and learning outcomes clearly in the syllabus.
Learning Goals are a list of what students should know, understand, or be able to do at the end of
the course, including essential information and knowledge or skills relevant to the subject area.
Learning Outcomes are measures of performance or behavior that indicate, to the teacher and the
students, that students understand the material, and what criteria differentiates among different
levels of understanding. Attach syllabus at the end of the document.
III. Endorsement/Approvals
Complete the form and obtain signatures before submitting to Faculty Senate Office
Please type / print name Signature
Date
Requestor:
Ray Ekness
Phone/ email :
ray.ekness@umo
ntana.edu
Program Chair(s)/Director:
Henriette
Lowisch
Dean(s):
Denise Dowling
All other affected programs:
Approve
 Yes  No
Yes  No
None
 Yes  No
 Yes  No
Are other departments/programs affected by this
modification because of
(a) required courses incl. prerequisites or corequisites,
(b) perceived overlap in content areas
(c) cross-listing of coursework
Signatory Comments (required for disapproval):
Please obtain signature(s) from the
Chair/Director of any such department/ program
(above) before submission
IV: To Add a New Course Syllabus and assessment information is required (paste syllabus into
section V or attach). Course should have internal coherence and clear focus.
Common Course Numbering Review (Department Chair Must Initial):
YES
NO

Does an equivalent course exist elsewhere in the MUS? Check all relevant disciplines if
course is interdisciplinary. (http://www.mus.edu/Qtools/CCN/ccn_default.asp)
If YES: Do the proposed abbreviation, number, title and credits align with existing course(s)? Please indicate
equivalent course/campus. 
If NO: Course may be unique, but is subject to common course review. The course number may be changed
at the system level.
Short Title (max. 26 characters incl. spaces) Independent Study: Video Production
Exact entry to appear in the next catalog (Specify course abbreviation, level, number, title, credits,
repeatability (if applicable), frequency of offering, prerequisites, and a brief description.) 
JRNL 592-05 Independent Study: Video Production. Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., graduate standing
and C/I. Instruction in digital video photography, storytelling and non-linear editing. Students desiring to
acquire video production skills will be introduced to high-definition video cameras and advanced editing
techniques through lectures in JRNL 350, and will perform assignments specific to environmental science
and natural resource issues.
Complete for UG courses (UG courses should be assigned a 400 number).
Describe graduate increment - see procedure 301.30
http://www.umt.edu/facultysenate/procedures/default.aspx
Complete for Co-convened courses
Companion course number, title, and description (include syllabus of companion course in section V)
See procedure 301.20 http://www.umt.edu/facultysenate/procedures/default.aspx
New fees and changes to existing fees are only approved once each biennium by the
Board of Regents. The coordination of fee submission is administered by
Administration and Finance. Fees may be requested only for courses meeting specific
conditions according to Policy 940.12.1 http://mus.edu/borpol/bor900/940-12-1.pdf .
Please indicate whether this course will be considered for a fee.
If YES, what is the proposed amount of the fee?
Justification:
V. Change an Existing Course
1. Current course information at it appears in catalog
(http://www.umt.edu/catalog) 
YES
NO

2. Full and exact entry (as proposed) 
3. If cross-listed course: secondary program & course
number
4. Is this a course with MUS Common Course Numbering?
http://www.mus.edu/Qtools/CCN/ccn_default.asp
If yes, please explain below whether the change will eliminate the common course status.
YES NO
5. If co-convened course: companion course number, title, and description
(include syllabus of companion course in section V) See procedure 301.20
http://www.umt.edu/facultysenate/procedures/default.aspx
6. Graduate increment if level of course is changed to UG.
Reference procedure 301.30:
Have you reviewed the graduate
increment guidelines? Please check (X)
http://www.umt.edu/facultysenate/procedures/default.aspx
space provided.
(syllabus must be attached)
7. Other programs affected by the change
8. Is there a fee associated with the course?
VI Department Summary (Required if several forms are submitted) In a separate document list course
number, title, and proposed change for all proposals.
VII Copies and Electronic Submission. After approval, submit original, one copy, summary of
proposals and electronic file to the Faculty Senate Office, UH 221, camie.foos@mso.umt.edu.
Syllabus for: JRNL 592-05 Video Production
JRNL 592- 05—Independent Study-Video—Spring 2013
Class meets Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:10 am - 11:00 am in DAH 114
And Fridays 9:10 am -10:00 am in DAH 402
Instructor
Ray Ekness
UM Radio-Television Department, School of Journalism
Don Anderson Hall 402
Office hours MW 9-10am (or by appointment)
243-4088 (office)
542-0251 (home)
E-mail: ray.ekness@umontana.edu
Learning Outcomes
 Show visual literacy, understanding, and skills.
 Think critically and creatively.
 Critically evaluate and tailor video projects for an appropriate audience.
 Use appropriate tools and technology.
Scope and Expectations
This course will incorporate remote video projects to teach production techniques. Using a variety
of assignments, students will be expected to master the areas of producing, video photography, postproduction editing, audio, graphics, copywriting and other production areas.
Television is a team effort. You will have to learn to work with others to be successful. Learn to
get along with each other. Your cooperation and willingness to work together and get along during
productions will be noticed and recorded.
We will be producing a program that may air on MontanaPBS. The program is entitled “Business:
Made in Montana.” The quality of your work must meet broadcast standards expected of MTPBS. There
is no guarantee that your work will be on-the-air.
There will be quizzes throughout the semester. I expect you to show up to class prepared. You
are expected to pay attention and take notes during each class.
Attendance Policy
Attendance is mandatory. Each unexcused absence will cost you 10% of your final grade.
Excused absences must be documented by the instructor. If you are late for class or for a lab, you will be
considered absent. Punctuality is expected.
Deadlines
As is the case with all broadcast programs, deadlines are critical. All assignments must be handed
in on time. One full grade (10%) will subtracted for each day the assignment is late. No assignments will
be accepted later than ONE WEEK AFTER THE DEADLINE.
Academic Honesty
All students must practice academic honesty. Academic misconduct is subject to an academic
penalty by the course instructor and/or a disciplinary sanction by the University. All students need to be
familiar with the Student Conduct Code. The Code is available for review online at
http://life.umt.edu/vpsa/student_conduct.php.
Equipment
You will need the following items for this class:
 A good set of headphones with both 1/4" phone and 1/8" mini plug connectors.
 A powered hard drive and USB drive to backup footage and archive your work.
 Writing implements and paper for taking notes.
Text Book
There is no required text but if you'd like a resource book from time to time, checkout the following
book from your instructor:
 Television Production Handbook, 9th Edition, Zettl.
Same Work for Multiple Classes in J-School
You may not submit for this course any assignment that has previously or will be concurrently
submitted for another class unless you receive prior approval from the professor for this course. To do so
without permission will result in an “F” for the assignment and could result in an “F” for the course.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
This course is accessible to and usable by otherwise qualified students with disabilities. To
request reasonable program modifications, please consult with the instructor. Disability Services for
Students will assist the instructor and student in the accommodation process. For more information, visit
the Disability Services website at www.umt.edu/dss/.
Diversity Initiative
The School of Journalism has undertaken an initiative to create opportunities for students to tell
stories of more varied and diverse groups of people. You will need to integrate one of these groups into
one of this semester’s assignments. We will discuss the groups of people and some possible story ideas
during the preparation of the assignments.
Checkout
 Remote equipment kits with Sony EX-1 digital cameras, tripods, lights, batteries and microphones
are available for use through Student Checkout in DAH 007. You can check out the kits for a
maximum of 24-hours. Make sure you pick-up and return your equipment on-time or you will lose
your checkout privileges. Do not expect to always get the equipment at the exact time you need it.
Always have a secondary plan.
 Be careful with all equipment you use either in the studio or in the field. Don't leave any equipment
in your car or anyplace it could be stolen. Do not lose your temper and take it out on the
equipment. Problems will happen, whether you're at the network level or in college. Everything
breaks down eventually. Batteries die and computers don’t always cooperate. Be patient and
learn to solve problems on your own. You are financially responsible for any lost, stolen or
damaged equipment.
 Failure to follow proper checkout procedures will result in a loss of points for this class, affect your
final grade and may lead to losing your check out privileges.
Access
For after hours access to Don Anderson Hall, complete and submit this form online:
http://jour.umt.edu/after-hours/ by Friday, February 3rd. Students who miss that deadline will be subject to
a late fee and a delay in processing. Complete only one request form per semester. Be sure to list all the
courses you’re taking. Door codes to DAH 114 and the radio studios in DAH 307-311will be assigned and
provided to you via email. This request will also activate your Griz Card for the front door of DAH. Codes
will remain active until the last day of the semester. You will not have 24/7 access to other areas of Don
Anderson Hall.
Studio and Labs
DAH 114 must be cleaned up and everything put away or thrown away at the end of each class.
Anything you bring into the classroom, you take with you out of the classroom. Please clean up your
areas. Log off and put computers to sleep when you are finished working. Keep drink containers on the
floor to prevent accidental spillage on computer keyboards.
Grading & Critique
You will receive a class-wide critique summary and a personal critique sheet following every
remote or studio lab assignment. Writing/graphics assignments will be graded with only the personal
critique sheet. This is a building block class. I expect to see you to continue growing throughout the
semester.
Assignments
News Editing
OK
Visual Story #1
100
Visual Story #2
100
No Narration News Story
200
Reporter Narration News Story
200
Photoshop/Graphics Story
100
Business: Made in Montana Pre-production
100
Business: Made in Montana Production
100
Business: Made in Montana Post-Production 200
Business: Made in Montana Promotion & Web 100
Quiz #1
100
Quiz #2
100
Class Participation/Attitude/Checkout
100
Total
1500
Final Grades (Plus/Minus grading)
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF
1395-1500
1350-1394
1320-1350
1245-1319
1200-1244
1170-1199
1095-1169
1050-1094
1020-1049
945-1019
900-944
Below 900
J-Tech
When you’re having problems with School of Journalism lab computers, please go to the J-Tech
site at https://wikis.jour.umt.edu/groups/jtech/. You can read articles, search the knowledge base or send
in “tickets” if you’re having trouble.
Printing
Printing costs. To get print credits, go to the Jtech window in room 010, Don Anderson Hall. You
must pay with CASH. The Jtech office is supposed to be staffed 9-5 Monday thru Friday.
Friday Class Meetings
We will discuss on-air and online promotion possibilities as well as adding to the program website
for the Business: Made in Montana television program. We will learn the on-air video and audio standards
of broadcast programs. There will be a number of assignments that will continue throughout the semester.
Semester Schedule (Subject to Change)
Week
1
Date
Jan. 29
Jan. 31
2
Feb. 5
Feb. 7
3
Feb. 12
4
Feb. 14
Feb. 19
Feb. 21
5
Feb. 26
Feb. 28
6
Mar. 5
Mar. 7
7
8
9
10
11
12
Mar. 12
Mar. 14
Mar. 19
Mar. 21
Mar. 26
Mar. 28
Apr. 2
Apr. 4
Apr. 9
Apr. 11
Apr. 16
Apr. 18
13
14
Apr. 23
Apr. 25
Apr. 30
Topic
Syllabus, Course Preview and General Housekeeping
Assignment – Business: Made in Montana story ideas
Introduction to Avid Media Composer digital non-linear editing
Working with Avid ISIS
Recording Audio review
Assignment – News Editing
News Editing Assignment DUE – Review and critique
Business: Made in Montana Story Ideas DUE
Introduction to HD video and Sony EX-1 camera
Working with, backing up and importing using Sony SxS cards
Assignment – Visual Story #1 – Washing Dishes
Introduction to video news photography/sequences
Ethics of video news photography
Assignment — Business: Made in Montana Teams and Stories
Visual Story #1 DUE – Review and critique
Producing, constructing, and writing news stories
Assignment – Visual Story #2 – Gas Prices
Quiz #1
Business: Made in Montana Research DUE
Visual Story #2 DUE – Review and critique
Diversity in storytelling
Assignment – No Narration News Story
Business: Made in Montana Questions/Shots DUE
Introduction to Adobe Photoshop
Effective use of stills, titles and graphics in Avid
Assignment-Graphics Story
Graphics Story DUE-Review and critique
Lighting for Video
No Narration Story Script Review (One-on-one)
No Narration Story Edit Review (One-on-one)
No Narration News Story DUE – Review and critique
Assignment – No Narration News Story
Business: Made in Montana Pre-production Book DUE
Final Prep for Business: Made in Montana production
Story Pitches DUE
Review Photoshop and working with Graphics
Quiz #2 Photoshop Graphics
SPRING VACATION-No Class
SPRING VACATION-No Class
Reporter Narration News Story Script Review (One-on-one)
Reporter Narration News Story Edit Review (One-on-one)
Reporter Narration News Story DUE – Review and critique
Business: Made in Montana Updates/Final Assignments
Guidelines for final editing/finishing television programs
Shooting must be completed for Business: Made in Montana
Business: Made in Montana Raw Footage Review
Business: Made in Montana Script Review (Individual Teams)
Business: Made in Montana Final Script Review (Individual Teams)
Shoot Business: Made in Montana Anchor Wraps
Create Business: Made in Montana Graphics
Create Business: Made in Montana Promos and Press Release
15
16
May 2
May 7
May 9
Tuesday
May 14
Business: Made in Montana Edit Review (Individual Teams)
Business: Made in Montana Final Edit Review (Individual Teams)
Review Business: Made in Montana Promos
Business: Made in Montana Final Scripts DUE for closed captioning
FINAL TEST PERIOD–8:00-10:00am
Business: Made in Montana Review and critique