PELLISSIPPI STATE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE MASTER SYLLABUS
	ELECTRONIC CINEMATOGRAPHY VPT 1050
	Class Hours: 3.0									Credit Hours: 3.0
	Laboratory Hours: 0.0									Date Revised: Spring 07
	NOTE: This course is NOT designed for transfer credit.
	Catalog Course Description:
				This course will focus upon the technical and aesthetic aspects of motion picture photography (using an electronic camera), including image composition, lenses, aperture and shutter speed settings, how to “shoot for editing”, camera mounting equipment, field and studio lighting equipment and techniques, video signal test equipment and theory, other various related technologies and grip equipment. The course will utilize “expert examples” by world famous directors of photography and feature hands-on assignments with professional-level facilities and equipment.
	Entry Level Standards:
				Student should possess particular interest in learning how to operate professional video cameras, lighting and grip equipment to create compelling photographic visuals. No prior photographic experience is required, but may be beneficial. Basic college level competencies in reading comprehension and English are presumed. Good time management skills are essential.
	Prerequisites:
				None
	Co requisite:
				VPT 1045
	Textbook(s) and Other Reference Materials Basic to the Course:
				TBA
	I. Topic Basis: General list of topics to be covered for this class
				1					General introduction to the field of motion picture production; specifics of the nature of the profession of videographer and the skills necessary to become a videographer.
				2					Tools of the trade.
				3					Take your best shot: elements of composition. Introduction to the camcorder. Composition assignment.
				4					Introduction to 3-point lighting.
				5					Using portable lighting equipment.
				6					Lighting in the studio.
				7					The waveform and vector scope as quality control tools.
				8					Camera mounting platforms.
				9					Learning to “paint with light”.
				10					Gobos, scrim, flags, diffusers, cutters and other strange sounding paraphernalia.
				11					Applying 3-point lighting to large sets.
				12					Safe handling of instruments, lamps and 110 VAC electricity.
				13 14					Review and critique final projects.  Review and critique final projects
				15					Final Exam Period
	II. Course Objectives*:
				A.				Establish understanding of the need to employ excellent “production values” in finished work. I, II, V
				B.				Develop skills necessary to compose strong and compelling visual images through the use of motion pictures. II, III
				C.				Develop skills necessary to employ effective lighting techniques to impart a predetermined mood, texture and “feel” within a shot or scene. I, II, III
				D.				Learn to handle electrical lighting instruments in a safe manner. I, II
				E.				Employ industry standard signal test tools to maintain high technical quality of video signal. II
				F.				Utilize a variety of cameras, specialized camera platforms, grip equipment and other ancillary equipment to achieve professional level imaging results. I, II, III
	*Roman numerals after course objectives reference goals of the VPT program.
	III. Instructional Processes*:
	Students will:
				1.				Learn to evaluate desired nature of effect (visual content and its impact on viewer) to be established in images.  Communication Outcome, Active Learning Strategy
				2.				Develop skills necessary to construct compelling visuals and visual sequences by completing production assignments. Technological Literacy Outcome, Transitional Strategy
				3.				Apply quality control principles to video signal., Transitional Strategy ,Technological Literacy Outcome
	*Strategies and outcomes listed after instructional processes reference Pellissippi State’s goals for strengthening general education knowledge and skills, connecting coursework to experiences beyond the classroom, and encouraging students to take active and responsible roles in the educational process.
	IV. Expectations for Student Performance*:
	Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
				1.				Power up and operate a variety of professional camcorders. F
				2.				Explain the relationship between shutter speed, aperture settings, and base light and how the relationship affects depth of field. A, B
				3.				Explain and demonstrate how lens focal length influences perspective changes. A, B
				4.				Describe and apply accepted principles of picture composition. B, C
				5.				Design and implement a lighting plot. C
				6.				Employ a variety of studio and “location” lighting instruments safely. C, D, F
				7.				Demonstrate understanding of “three point” lighting using simulations and actual equipment. C
				8.				Demonstrate correct safety procedures for relamping fixtures, moving fixtures and connecting fixtures to an electrical (110 VAC) power supply. D
				9.				Understand the use of and employ a variety of grip equipment and lighting accessories including a “C-stand”, gobos, scrim, gels, diffusion panels, reflectors,  dimmers, etc. F
				10.				Understand and employ color temperature theory. A, C
				11.				Demonstrate understanding of contrast range, its effect on the video signal and how to control contrast range with lighting. C, E
				12.				Demonstrate how to manipulate lighting to create different “mood” effects. C
				13.				Explain and demonstrate “color theory” and how it may be employed on the set to influence mood and feel. A, C
				14.				Discuss and demonstrate how a waveform monitor and vector scope are used to establish a quality video signal during acquisition phase of production. A, E
				15.				Properly and safely operate a variety of camera mounting systems. F
	*Letters after performance expectations reference the course objectives listed above.
	V. Evaluation:
				A. Testing Procedures: 50% of grade
							Tests and quizzes will constitute approximately 50% of the students overall grade.
				B. Laboratory Expectations: 50% of grade
						Each student will be required to learn the operation of specific video and grip equipment. Students will be assigned a variety of “problems” which they will “solve” by applying strategies and techniques learned in lectures, demonstrations and “expert” sessions. Students should expect that several assignments would be completed outside of regularly scheduled class hours. Projects will be graded and will constitute approximately 50% of the student’s final grade.
				C. Field Work:
						As assigned. Some extracurricular research may be required. Assignments may also be made from the following website: <http//www.cybercollege.com>
				D. Other Evaluation Methods:
						A minimum required level of performance will be established when all tests, quizzes are completed and when project assignments and other assigned activities are completed according to the deadline parameters described by the instructor. Generally, missed tests and quizzes will NOT be eligible for makeup, however, at the option of the instructor, certain opportunities for extra credit MAY be extended.
				E. Grading Scale:
						90 – 100     A  80 – 89       B  70 – 79       C  60 – 69       D  Below 60    F
VI. Policies:
			A. Attendance Policy:
					Pellissippi State Technical Community College expects students to attend all scheduled instructional activities.  As a minimum, students in all courses must be present for at least 75 percent of their scheduled class and laboratory meetings in order to receive credit for the course (Pellissippi State Catalog).  Individual departments/programs/disciplines, with the approval of the vice president of Academic and Student Affairs, may have requirements that are more stringent.  VPT Program: The VPT program believes a more stringent requirement is realistic because of the contractual commitment made by the College with local area employers.  Therefore, to successfully complete VPT courses, students must attend at least 85% of classes. To be considered “in attendance”, students are expected to be in class at the scheduled starting time for that class.  Students will be considered “tardy” from that time until 10 minutes after the scheduled stating time.  Three such “tardies” shall constitute an “absence”. Students arriving any time after 10 minutes beyond the scheduled starting time for a class will be considered “absent”.
			B. Academic Dishonesty: In keeping with college-wide policies, the student is expected to adhere to the general rules and regulations relevant to academic and classroom misconduct as outline in the catalog.
		C. Accommodation for disabilities: If you need accommodations because of a disability, if you have emergency medical information to share, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please inform the instructor immediately. Please see the instructor privately after class or in his/her office. Students must present a current accommodation plan from a staff member in Services for Students with Disabilities (SSWD) in order to receive accommodations in this course. Services for Students with Disabilities may be contracted by going to Goins 127 or 131 or by pone: 694-6751 (Voice/TTY) or 539-7153.
			D. Other Policies:
					Any act of misuse, vandalism, malicious or unwarranted damage or destruction, defacing, disfiguring, or unauthorized use of property/equipment belonging to Pellissippi State is subject to disciplinary sanction.