COURSE OUTLINE
JOUR 2004.03
Introduction to Radio Broadcasting
Thursdays 6:30-8:30 P.M.
Jan. 4- April 5/2007
Kathy Large B.J. (Hons.)
Instructor
420-4445 (CBC Radio)
kathy.large@UKings.NS.Ca
This course will introduce students to broadcast interviewing, writing and reporting, emphasizing skills particular to radio, such as writing for the ear, interviewing skills and on-air performance. We will also examine broadcast policy in Canada, broadcast standards and debate some ethical issues as they apply to radio.
We will explore the radio world through a visit to the CBC newsroom and by making radio projects, culminating in the packaging of a show suitable for airing on campus radio. Students will take part in the teamwork required to conduct a story meeting, write, present and package a radio interview program.
Restriction: This class is not available to students in the BJH program.
Prerequisite: Jour 1001.06
Students who complete this course successfully will be able to:
| Radio critiques (2x5) | 10% |
| Developing story ideas (in class) | 5% |
| Focused story idea/pitch | 10% |
| Writing assignments (2x10) | 20% |
| Interview assignment | 20% |
| Radio commentary | 15% |
| Radio program | 15% |
| Attendance/participation | 5% |
An assignment that is not handed in will get a failing grade. If an assignment is late, one-third of a letter grade is forfeited for each day past the deadline, up to three days. After that, the assignment is given a failing grade.
All in-class assignments are to be handed in at the end of the class. If a student is absent, no marks can be given for any in-class assignment that is missed.
Students with disabilities are encouraged to register as quickly as possible at the Student Accessibility Services if they want to receive academic accommodations. To do so please phone 494-2836, e-mail access@dal.ca , drop in at the Killam, G28 or visit the website at www.studentaccessibility.dal.ca
Plagiarism is a form of academic fraud. Plagiarism is the presentation of the work of another author in such a way as to give one's reader reason to think it to be one's own. Self-plagiarism is the submission of work by a person that is the same or substantially the same work for which he or she has already received academic or professional credit. Plagiarism is considered a serious academic offence. It may lead to loss of credit, suspension or expulsion from the university or even the revocation of a degree. For more, see King's calendar pages 38-40 and Dalhousie's calendar, page 34-35.
SCHEDULES AND ASSIGNMENTS CAN AND DO CHANGE! GET IN THE HABIT OF CHECKING THE RADIO WEBSITE FOR CHANGES AND NEW READINGS AND AUDIO AT <http://journalism.ukings.ca/journalism_4075.html>
You will find links to readings and audio on the course website. The text for the course is CBC Radio News Style Guide. You can buy it at the King's bookstore.
Topic: Out of Thin Air
We will learn about the early days of radio and listen to a few famous clips as well as discuss its place in today's world of media choices of satellite radio, on-line listening, podcasts and multi-media websites.
Assignment:
Radio newscast critique #1, due next class.
Assignment:
In class assignment: Develop story ideas for radio programs
Home assignment: Practice story pitch, due next class
Assignment:
In Class: Practice writing assignment
Assignment:
Home assignment: Writing assignment #1
Assignment:
In class: Practice pre-interview and taped interview with someone from the class
Home Assignment: Radio program critique #2, due next class
Assignment:
In class: Writing assignment #2
Assignment:
Performance: In-class practice in The Radio Room,
Group feedback session, individual notes to follow from instructor
Home assignment: story pitch, due next class
Assignment:
In class: Story meeting to discuss topics for our own class production.
Review story pitches together to see if those interviews should be done. Instructor will assign roles for class production team.
Home Assignments: Everyone should have an approved interview assignment at the end of this class, with the final taped interview due March 14
Assignment:
In-class: Write a practice commentary.
3-min. radio commentary script, due next class
Hour 1 Commercial Radio in Canada
Guest speaker: (Possibly) Rich Horner, Metro Radio GroupHour 2 A J 2004 Production - Part One
The Team reviews the items available, creates the line-up, and writes the copy.
The team polishes the show lineup, edits the copy and packages the show at the Radio Room.
We will also discuss freelancing opportunities and additional training for radio broadcasters.
My goal in teaching is to pass along to students my own enthusiasm for radio journalism. I want them to hear the wonderful possibilities of this medium and learn how to make compelling radio stories themselves. Together we listen and learn about how to make an impact on an audience.
I lead students through a process of listening to radio with new ears, so they will understand the work that is involved in creating radio. And then I share some techniques to help them analyze what they are hearing. I want them to try their own ideas out so they can use the medium to tell their own stories. We break down "radio" into chunks they can understand. We listen to individual newscasts and specific programs. And then they will start to see how to apply their own abilities and ideas by using this medium of communication.
My role in this process is guide and mentor. I unfold pieces of the puzzle each week and we go on the journey together. I also feel they need to know about radio's past so they can understand how important a medium of communication it has been and continues to be. The course includes practical assignments and a group project to mirror the challenges people face in the world of radio broadcasting.