Westinghouse High School: Video Production Syllabus
Instructor: Ms. Larson
Teacher: Ms. Larson, LALarson@cps.edu
Pre-REQUISITE: ART 1
Office Hours: Swim Season: Pool Office 3:30-6pm M-F
Non-Swim Season After school 259 & 210 3:30-4:30 or, by appointment
Course Description:
VIDEO PRODUCTION: Video Production is a second level course designed to provide a
time arts experience for those students interested in film, or video. Students will learn
camera operation and editing techniques through a variety of assignments such as short
narrative, monologue montage, music video and experimental work. Video Production will
build upon our Art 1 foundational course through the on-going exploration of the visual
elements and aesthetics of art. These same visual elements will be developed through the
lens of image sequencing, perception, and context. This course will continue to shape an
awareness and understanding of technologies used to communicate in our modern society.
Students will cover the basic elements of video production including script writing, story
boarding and editing. Students will build upon current critical thinking skill by critiquing
films, as well as fulfilling sketchbook/journal assignments. These explorations will lay the
foundation to allow students to engage in many ways of expressing themselves through the
making and discussing of time based art in the classroom. You will be assessed on all video
projects, video journal/sketchbooks, tests, written reports, and critique and discussion
participation.
This course is designed to encourage students to be visual thinkers and express
themselves visually through multiple artistic activities. Students will gain
knowledge of basic camera operation, video editing techniques in Final Cut Pro 7, preproduction, production and post-production skills that will be applicable to real world
experience.
Materials Needed:
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Artist’s Sketchbook / Journal, Binder for handouts and notes; personal headphones;
flash drive, Mandatory SD Card with mini chip
Resources: textbook provided for selective readings / FILM ART by David Bordwell and
Alfred Hitchcock Screenings, (Psycho & Vertigo) Beasts of the Southern Wild as well as
readings from books, Mulitple Classic Film Clips, magazines and on-line sources will be
utilized. Note some movies contain mature content and are rated “R”
Course Objectives and Learning Standards Alignment: Illinois State Standards (ILS),
National Standards for Art (NSA), & College Readiness Standards (CRS)s Common
Core State Standards (CCSS)
Students will be able to:
1. Understand, identify and incorporate the Elements of Art and Principles of Design in artworks (ILS 25A, NSA 2,3,5)
2. Observe, discuss, and interpret a variety of visual art (ILS 25B, NSA 8)
3. Experiment with various 2-D and 3-D processes and techniques (ILS 26A, NSA 1-6)
4. Apply skills and knowledge to create art through planning, research, and problem solving (ILS 26B, NSA 1-6, CRS-Writing
Standards, CCSS SL.9-10.1)
5. Make meaningful connections between art and society (ILS 27A & B, NSA 4, CRS-Reading/Writing Standards)
6. Understand, identify, and report on various movements/periods of art history (CRS Writing 3-5, ILS 27, NSA 4, CRSReading/Writing Standards, CCSS W.9-10.3)
7. Demonstrate how to use text-based and active research methods to express written ideas about art and artists (CRS
Writing 3-5, ILS 25-27, NS 1-6 & 8, CRS-Reading/Writing Standards, CCS SRI.9-10.2, CCSS RI.9-10.5)
Specific Class Expectations:
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Responsibility: Students must be responsible for themselves and their work. All art
projects are to be turned in on time. Late homework or projects will be penalized with
points taken off. If you are absent it is your responsibility to approach me to make up any
work you missed.
Effort: Students are expected to give maximum effort everyday in class.
School rules: Students are to have read the Parent and Student Handbook, and adhere
closely to ALL its precepts. Plan on taking missed tests the day you return to school.
Cheating of any kind (tests, quizzes, homework, plagiarism) is strictly forbidden.
Prepared: Students are to come to class each day prepared and on time! This includes a
pencil, your video journal/video sketchbook, any homework that is due, and a positive
attitude. Students are to be in their seat working on the day’s BELL-RINGER immediately
upon entering the classroom.
Encourage: Students are to keep a positive and helpful attitude with themselves and all
others in class.
Curiosity: Students are encouraged to actively participate in all art lessons. It is important
that, together we create an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions
and discussing art.
Teamwork: It is important that all students do their part in the art classroom! Whether that
entails cleaning paintbrushes or collecting glue sticks, we are a team!
Grading Policy:
Classroom Assignments, Grading and Homework Policies
 All assignments will be graded according to the guidelines & rubrics given out at
the beginning of each assignment.
 All assignments must be fully completed by due date at the beginning of the class
period.
 50% off for any late work
 Homework & class participation will be graded daily.
 Video Journals will be graded twice per quarter for progress reports and final
report card grades.
 Video Journals will be used daily for bell ringers, lecture notes, brainstorming
ideas, and sketching.
 For each semester there will be 1 written assignment due in “Turn it In”.
 Grading Scale: 100-90%=A, 89-80%=B, 79-70%=C, 69-60%=D, 59-0%=F
 Any student receiving a D or F (69% or below) at the 3rd week, 5th week, and/or
7th week will be required to conference with teacher and parent to complete a
Student Improvement Plan (SIP).
 The final quarter & semester grades will be based on the following percentages:
Assignments
% of Grade Assessment Strategies
Class Video projects
30%
Work done during class & participation
Written reports
10%
Short / Extended Written Assignments
Homework (Form.)
15%
Readings, worksheets, etc.
Video Journal (Form.)
25%
Class notes, bell ringers, journaling, sketches
Tests (Summ.)
10%
Tests will be given every 4 weeks
Final Exams (Summ.)
10%
Final exams at the end of 1st & 2nd semester
Weeks
1-5
Topic
Film
Aesthetics:
Visual
Storytelling,
Shot Styles
and
Composition
Major Topics
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6-10
11-15
Direct A
Scene: With
every action
there is an
equally
important
reaction!
Poetic
Monologue
Montage
(Video Diary)
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Once upon
Today: Recontextualize
a Fairytale
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I’m so
obsessed with
that!
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Syllabus
/overview/Digital
Citizenship
Creative Camera Work
(shot styles, composition,
continuity)
Lighting, sets, locations
Costume, make-up
Script/dialogue
Sound music/score
Mise-en-scene
Basic Camera Operation
Intro
Final Cut Pro 7 Workshop
Action & Reaction
Master Shot
Rough Cut
Montage
Monologue/Voiceover
Dramatic lighting, Black &
White
Digital Effects
Major Assignments
Assessments
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In-depth film analysis
of Alfred Hitchcock’s
Psycho
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Storyboards
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Mise-en-Scene writing
assignment
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Introduce yourself on
camera
Blocked Action Video
Project
Storyboard
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Poetic Video
Monologue Montage
Poem Writing
Assignment
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16-20
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Post-Modern Principle:
Re-Contextualizing
Brother Grimm Fairytales
Identity, Race & Gender
Narrative/Chronology
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RE-Contextualized
Fairytale Video
Storyboards
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Script
Props/Costumes
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Storyboards
Post-Production
Passion Video
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21--25
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Obsessions & Passions &
Identity
Staging Dialogue
Sequences
Jump Cuts & Transitions
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26-30
31-34
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Experimental
Video:
Appropriate,
Appropriation
Prep your
Pitch: Literary
Adaptation
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Music Video
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The history of Video
Art
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Abstraction
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Found Footage
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Appropriate,
Appropriation
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Green Screen
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Performance Art
Genre
Staging Dialogue Sequence
Pitch storyline
Storyboard
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Final Experimental
Video
Found Footage
Assignment
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Celtix Script
Storyboards
Final Narrative Video
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35-37
The birth of MTV
The Influence of music
videos on society
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Final Music Video
Sound Editing
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1 Video Journal
check
*Film analysis
document
Homework
*Mise-en-Scene
written
assignment
* Unit test
1 Video Journal
Check
1 Final Video
Homework
Written
Reflections
Unit Quizzes
1 Video Journal
Check
1 Final Video
Homework
Written
Reflections
Unit Quizzes
1 Video Journal
Check
1 Final Video
Homework
Written
Reflections
Unit Quizzes
1 Video Journal
Check
1 Final Video
Homework
Written
Reflections
Unit Quizzes
1 Video Journal
Check
1 Final Video
Homework
Written
Reflections
Unit Quizzes
1 Video Journal
Check
1 Final Video
Homework
Written
Reflections
Unit Quizzes
1 Video Journal
Check
1 Final Video
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Timing & Pacing
Storyboarding
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FINALS!!!!!
Final Exam
Preparation
Final Exam REVIEW SESSIONS &
JEOPARDY
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Course Review Sheets
and activates
Homework
Written
Reflections
Unit Quizzes
Final Exam
Senior: 5/28-5/30
9th-11th week of June 8th
General Scope & Sequence
*All Video Production assignments use a variety of assessment practices to ensure
students demonstrate their mastery of learning. Examples include the following Formative
and Summative Assessment Strategies.
Formative Assessment Strategies
 Journal/Sketchbook Activities, Bell
Ringers
 Participation in class discussion,
 Storyboard sketches,
 Script boards & Scripts
 Brainstorming,
 Mid point critique
 One on one in process conversations
 Individual Critique
 Group Critique
Summative Assessment Strategies
 Rubric Based Final Video Projects
 Key Word Mini Rubrics
 Tests
 Final Exams
Writing Assignment Guidelines
Students will be required to write 1 written assignments per semester in “Turnitin”, an
online writing portfolio program. A cover sheet with a rubric and guidelines will be handed
out for each assignment. These reports will be submitted in “Turnitin” and typed up and
handed in on the day it is due using proper formatting.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Remember, plagiarism is a serious offense. Students caught using others’
work or ideas (copying off other students, internet sites, etc) will receive a zero for the
assignment and will face disciplinary action by the administration.
Course Objectives:
o Identify, discuss, and interpret many kinds of art works, including time-based art.
o Communicate visually through art making with the 4th dimension
o Build Pre-Production, Production and Post-Production skills.
o Make meaningful connections with art and contemporary life
o Demonstrate ability to use text based and real life research methods and materials
o Write both reflective and academic essays on Classic Films.
o Collaborate effectively with other in a cooperative learning environment
o Identify and discuss major art themes in art history.
I look forward to working with all of you. This year will be full of excitement and challenges! Our class goal is to
investigate and learn about our world through time-based media. Moving images will be the new lens with which we
view the universe. I hope that together we can grow in our understanding of the 4th Dimension! Thank you in
advance for your participation and enthusiasm. I have high expectations for you, your classmates, and myself. Make
sure to set goals and have high standards. Let’s have a great year!
SYLLABUS
Ms. Larson Video Production, 2014-2015
Dear Parent(s) / Guardian(s):
September 2nd , 2014
Welcome to our new year here at George Westinghouse College Prep High School! I am excited to be working with your
child during this upcoming school year.
As you notice above, there is a syllabus attached. This syllabus states and describes the expectations, materials,
outcomes, grading scale, assessment strategies, and responsibilities of each student for this course. Please read this
over with intention as it may answer most, and hopefully all, of your questions.
Briefly, this course will give your students the opportunity to explore classic films, criticism, Pre-Production,
Production and Post-Production skills. Through class video projects, written assignments, discussions, video journals
and more, students will be able to find their own individual expression and skill in the video production.
I have high expectations for every student and confidence that all can succeed! You are a part of that success as well
and I look forward to teaming up with you as your child learns and grows. Also, as the year goes on feel free to visit the
school to view your children’s work. I will be in contact with you with information and dates. If you have any questions
or concerns, please email me at: LAlarson@cps.edu
Thank you for your time and I look forward to meeting you!
Truly,
Ms. Laura A. Larson
Parent/Student Acknowledgement of Receipt of Syllabus
Please complete this section, detach this page and return it by Friday, September 5th.
As a student in this class, I promise to work every day to the best of my ability. I will be on time every day and
complete my assignments. I will do everything I can to be successful in this class.
__________________________________________________________________
Student’s Name
Student’s Signature
______________
Date
As a parent or guardian of a student in this class, I promise to support my child to the best of my ability. I will
make sure that my child is on time every day and completes his or her homework. I will do everything I can to
ensure that my child is successful in this class.
____________________________________________________________________
Parent or Guardian’s Name
Parent or Guardian’s Signature
_________________________________________
Parent Email
______________
Date
____________________ ____________________
Home Phone
Cell Phone
_______________________________________________________________
Alternate Contact Person Name
Relationship
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Phone