Course Form
I. Summary of Proposed Changes
Dept / Program
JOUR/Graduate
Course Title
Student Documentary Unit
Prefix and Course #
RTV 681
Short Title (max. 26 characters incl. spaces)
Production of television documentary program
Summarize the change(s) proposed
Add to co-convening graduate courses
II. Endorsement/Approvals
Complete the form and obtain signatures before submitting to Faculty Senate Office
Please type / print name Signature
Date
Requestor:
Denise Dowling
3.17.12
Phone/ email :
406-243-4143
Program Chair/Director:
H. Lowisch
Other affected programs
Dean:
P. Kuhr
Are other departments/programs affected by this
Please obtain signature(s) from the
modification because of
Chair/Director of any such department/
(a) required courses incl. prerequisites or corequisites,
program (above) before submission
(b) perceived overlap in content areas
(c) cross-listing of coursework
III: 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. Be sure to include learning outcomes
on syllabus or paste below. The course number may be changed at the system level.
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.) 
Justification: How does the course fit with the existing curriculum? Why is it needed?
Are there curricular adjustments to accommodate teaching this course?
Complete for UG courses (UG courses should be assigned a 400 number).
Describe graduate increment - see procedure 301.30
http://umt.edu/facultysenate/committees/grad_council/procedures/default.aspx
Complete for Co-convented courses
Companion course number, title, and description (include syllabus of companion course in section V)
See procedure 301.20 http://umt.edu/facultysenate/committees/grad_council/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:
YES
NO
IV. To Delete or Change an Existing Course – check X all that apply
Deletion
Title
Course Number Change
From:
Level U, UG, G
x From:
Co-convened
To:
To:
Description Change
Change in Credits
Prerequisites
Add co-convening
designation
From:
To:
Consent of Instructor
1. Current course information at it appears in catalog
(http://www.umt.edu/catalog) 
G 681 Graduate Documentary 3 cr. Offered spring.
Prereq., Jour 650 or Consent of instr. Students conceive,
research, report, photograph and edit a one-hour
documentary for Montana PBS in tandem with students in
R-TV 481.
Repeatability
Yes
Cross Listing
(primary
program initiates
form)
Is there a fee associated with the
course?
2. Full and exact entry (as proposed) 
G 681 Graduate Documentary 3 cr.
Offered spring. Prereq., Consent of instr.
Students conceive, research, report, photograph
and edit a one-hour television documentary for
Montana PBS. Co-convenes with RTV U481.
3. If cross-listed course: secondary program & course
number
4. If co-convened course: companion course number, title, and description
(include syllabus of companion course in section V) See procedure 301.20
http://umt.edu/facultysenate/committees/grad_council/procedures/default.aspx.
The University of Montana
School of Journalism - Department of Radio-Television
Student Documentary Unit-RTV 481
Spring 2012 - 3 semester credits
CRN 34796 / 31799
Tu/Th 9:40 – 11:00a--DAH 316
Syllabus - Subject to Change
Instructors
Denise Dowling
Assistant Professor
Radio-Television Department
DAH 407
Missoula, MT 59812
Yes
(406) 243-4143
denise.dowling@mso.umt.edu
Office Hours: M-F 11-12 or by appointment
Kagan Yochim
Adjunct Lecturer
Radio-Television Department
DAH 433
Missoula, MT 59812
Office: (406) 243-6950
Cell: (406) 240-2800
kagan.yochim@mso.umt.edu
Office Hours: T/Th 11-12 or by appointment
Course Description:
This course will examine different forms used in documentary production and the concepts used for
producing a 60-minute program for broadcast in the spring/summer. In addition, this course will emphasize
contemporary documentary techniques, research methodology, planning production, interviewing skills,
video shooting, script writing, and post-production video editing graphic design and finishing.
Students will work in teams participating in critical decisions while creating the documentary program. The
final production may air on MontanaPBS.
Students will work in teams assigned to produce a section of the finished documentary program. In addition
to these specific roles, each member of the team will fully participate in the filmmaking process – everything
from researching and conceptualizing the project, filling crew positions on shoots, to logging and importing
shot footage and critically reviewing the editorial progress.
ATTENDANCE AND WORKLOAD:
If you are not excused, you are required to attend all class sessions. If illness or an emergency prevents you
from attending, telephone one of the professors BEFORE CLASS. Unexcused absences will affect student
grades.
It will be extremely challenging to produce a quality 60-minute documentary in 3 ½ months. This will
require extraordinary teamwork and a major commitment of time inside and outside of class to plan, shoot
and edit the film. In addition, students will be required to watch select documentaries and contribute to a
discussion of them during class time.
Please note: you may not submit 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.
Course Objectives
The successful student in RTV 481 will:
 Recognize different processes involved in documentary making
 Identify various authorial intentions associated with genre
 Understand and work for an audience
 Effectively pitch your ideas
 Develop & implement a plan for shooting, writing/editing and finishing a long-form broadcast
production
 Understand the financial objectives of video production
 Manage a budget
 Develop interview techniques
 Research archival materials
 Catalogue field video








Capture & edit video
Manage video storage and organization
Create a clean soundtrack
Present your work-in-progress and completed work
Critique and assess your own work-in-progress; accept others’ critiques
Work in collaboration
Explore alternative delivery systems for finished product
Understand and execute effective promotion through various media platforms including social media
GRADES: a grade and/or critical feedback will be given for each assignment. The final grade will reflect
critical evaluation of individual projects, energy and consistency of effort, contribution to discussions,
amount and quality of work during the semester and attendance. The following is a breakdown of grading
percentages:
Student’s specific duties for team assignment
35%
Completed documentary section
30%
Peer evaluation
10%
Class participation/Teamwork
15%
Other assignments
10%
A
100-93%
A-
92-90%
B+
89-88%
B
87-83%
B-
82-80%
C+
79-78%
C
77-73%
C-
72-70%
D+
69-68%
D
67-63%
F
Below 63%
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.
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://www.umt.edu/SA/VPSA/index.cfm/page/1321.
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/.
After Hours Access: For after hours access to Don Anderson Hall, complete and submit this form
online: http://jour.umt.edu/after-hours/ by Wednesday, February 1st. Students who miss the
deadline WILL NOT BE ALLOWED AFTER HOURS ACCESS. Complete only one request form
per semester – be sure to list all courses you are taking. Codes will remain active until the last day of
the semester.
5. Is this a course with MUS Common Course Numbering?
http://www.mus.edu/Qtools/CCN/ccn_default.asp
If yes, please explain below whether this change will eliminate the course’s common course
status.
6. Graduate increment if level of course is changed to UG.
Reference procedure 301.30:
http://umt.edu/facultysenate/committees/
grad_council/procedures/default.aspx
(syllabus required in section V)
7. Other programs affected by the change
8. Justification for proposed change
NO
Have you reviewed the graduate
increment guidelines? Please check (X)
space provided.
Student Documentary is a project course, with a
team of 12-18 students creating a one-hour
television program for air on MontanaPBS and
other outlets. Our Master’s Program is too
small (ca. 8 students per year) to be able to
create a program of this depth solely with
graduate students. To have graduate and
undergraduate students work together on
producing the program is thus the only
opportunity for our graduate students to
participate in documentary program work.
That’s why we’ve always offered a graduatelevel version of the student documentary.
Pursuant to the new Graduate Council
guidelines, we are now seeking a co-convening
designation for RTV 681.
As required, the syllabus for RTV 681 course
represents more extensive student learning
outcomes and a higher degree of rigor, parallel
to the other graduate courses in the same
program. It accords extra work to graduate
students, by putting them in managerial
positions and requiring them to complete a
budget, a promotions plan and manage fellow
students, while the undergrads will not be
required to tackle those projects. It provides for
the graduate student(s) to meet separately with
the instructor each week. Please see passages
highlighted in graduate course syllabus below.
V. Syllabus/Assessment Information (must include learning outcomes)
Required for new courses and course change from U to UG. Paste syllabus in field below or attach and send
digital copy with form.
The University of Montana
School of Journalism - Department of Radio-Television
Missoula, MT 59812-6480
Student Documentary Unit (RTV 681) CRN: 33392
Spring 2010 - 3 semester credits
TuTh 9:40 – 11a-Additional Hour per week by appointment
DAH 316
Syllabus - Subject to Change
SPRING 2010
Updated 12/21/09
Instructors
Denise Dowling
Associate Professor
Radio-Television Department
DAH 407
Missoula, MT 59812
(406) 243-4143 office
(406) 251-0357 home
denise.dowling@mso.umt.edu
Office Hours: T/Th 11a-12p or by appointment
Gita Saedi Kiely
Adjunct Lecturer
gita.saedi@umontana.edu
(406) 239-5034 cell
(406) 243-2237 office RTV435
Office Hours: T/Th 9-9:40a
Course Description:
This course will examine different forms used in documentary production and the concepts used for
producing a 60-minute program for broadcast in the spring/summer. In addition, this course will emphasize
contemporary documentary techniques, research methodology, planning production, interviewing skills,
videotape shooting, script writing, and post-production videotape editing and finishing.
Students will work in teams participating in critical decisions while creating the documentary program. The
final production may air on Montana PBS.
Students will work in teams assigned to produce a section of the finished documentary program. Each team
is comprised of a producer, director, videographer, and editor. In addition to these specific roles, each
member of the team will fully participate in the filmmaking process – everything from researching and
conceptualizing the project, filling crew positions on shoots, to logging and digitizing shot footage and
critically reviewing the editorial progress.
Objectives: Skills to be developed
 Recognize different processes involved in documentary making













Identify various authorial intentions associated with genre
Critique and assess documentary work-in-progress
Effectively pitch your ideas
Plan shooting schedule, deliverables and estimated budget
Manage and oversee budget
Develop interview techniques
Research archival materials
Plan and oversee organization of field material
Teach one or more classes on ethics in documentary work
Present your work-in-progress and completed work
Work in collaboration while leading undergraduates
Explore alternative delivery systems for finished product
Lead the promotional effort for the class including legacy, social and emerging media
Attendance and Workload
If you are not excused, you are required to attend all class sessions. If illness or an emergency prevents you
from attending, telephone one of the professors BEFORE CLASS. Unexcused absences will affect student
grades.
It will be extremely challenging to produce a quality 60-minute documentary in 3 ½ months. This will
require extraordinary teamwork and a major commitment of time inside and outside of class to plan, shoot
and edit the film. In addition, students will be required to watch select documentaries and contribute to a
discussion of them during class time.
Please note: you may not submit 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.
Graduate students in this course will be assigned additional assignments depending on their areas of interest
and ability.
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://www.umt.edu/SA/VPSA/index.cfm/page/1321.
Accommodation 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/.
Checkout (Also see attached sheet on checkout procedures and penalties)
 Remote equipment kits with high definition digital cameras, tripods, lights, batteries and
microphones are available for use through Student Checkout. You can check out the kits for
a maximum of 24-hours (with occasional exceptions). 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. And always start early. You will be given more than enough time to finish

an assignment. If you wait until the last minute, you may not get equipment.
Be careful with all equipment you use either in the studio or in the field. Don't leave any
equipment in your car or any place it could be stolen. Do not lose your temper and take it
out on the equipment. Be patient and learn to solve problems on your own. Be sure to report
any problems when you check the equipment back in. You are financially responsible for
any lost, stolen or damaged equipment. If you are absent for check-out or late for check-in,
your grade will suffer.
Security
You will have 24-hour access to the building by using your Griz card in the card swipe on the
northeast entrance to Don Anderson Hall. Each person entering MUST SWIPE THEIR OWN
CARD. Do not allow classmates, friends or anyone else to enter with your card. DAH 101 will also
be controlled by a swipe card. Other labs (114, audio studios) will be accessed by punch code. You
will have a punch code unique from everyone else’s. DO NOT SHARE THIS CODE. If someone
else enters under your code or swipe YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE OR
THEFT. We expect and need you to assist in building security. If you see anything suspicious
contact a faculty member or CALL PUBLIC SAFETY! It’s up to you to help us protect our
equipment and facilities. No food or drink near any equipment. Clean up after yourselves in the
labs and the television studio. Turn off computers, decks and lights and close and lock the doors.
GRADES: a grade and/or critical feedback will be given for each assignment. The final grade will reflect
critical evaluation of individual projects, energy and consistency of effort, contribution to discussions,
amount and quality of work during the semester and attendance. The following is a breakdown of grading
percentages:
Student’s specific duties (as prod, dir, camera, edit)
35%
Completed documentary section
30%
Peer evaluation
10%
Class participation
15%
Other assignments
10%
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.
Revised 8-23-11