[ Exams ] [ Grading ] [ Schedule ] [ Services and Rules ]
Visual Communication
COM 220
Syllabus
Instructor: Larry Mullen
Office: FDH 414
Office Hours: M & W 3-4; T & Th: 10:30-12noon and other times by appointment.
Office Phone: 895-4491
e-mail: mullen@ccmail.nevada.edu
Textbook (on sale in the bookstore):
Purpose and Goals of the Course
The primary purpose of this course is to give you a base of knowledge for understanding visual media, especially television. As an introductory level course in visual communication this course covers both practice and theory in this area of communication study. Not only do you learn how to properly compose television images, but you also gain a deeper understanding for the artistic aspects of television imagery and the effects such imagery has on other people. You can expect to become more responsive to the personal and social impact of visual images you are exposed to or to those that you expose others to as a television producer, photojournalist, film director, videographer, web-page designer, or other type of image producer.
There are four exams in class. The first two cover the material from the book and lecture and are not cumulative. The third is an exam on, what may be the single most important visual element, motion. There will be both multiple choice and short answer items.
The final exam is cumulative and contains multiple choice items only.
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In-class Assignments
There are five assignments that you will do in class. Each is worth 10 points. These are assigned on a random basis, with no prior announcement of when they will be assigned.
Exam 1 100
Exam 2 100
Motion Exam 100
In-class assignments 50
Final Exam 100
Total 450
Final grades are based on the standard "+" and "-" system of averaging your grade based on the possibility of 450 points. For example a grade of "A" would be equivalent to an average between 92.5% to 100% of the points (there are no A+ grades in the UNLV system). An A- is 89.5% to 92% of the total points. The B+ is 86.5% to 89% of the total points. B equals 82.5% to 86% of the total points. B- is 79.5% to 83% of the total points. C+ equals 76.5% to 79% of the total points. C equals 72.5% to 76% of the total points. C- equals 69.5% to 72% of the total points. D+ equals 66.5% to 69% of the total total points. D equals 62.5% to 66% of the total points. D- equals 59.5% to 62% of the total points. An F is any percentage below 59% of the total points
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Date/Day Topic Reading
1-21 Tue. Introduction to the Course Syllabus
1-23 Thur. The Nature of Perception
1-28 Tue. More on Perception
1-30 Thur. Philo T. Farnsworth and TV
2-4 Tue. Light & Lighting
2-6 Thur. Lighting
2-11 Tue. Lighting
2-13 Thur . Application of Lighting ideas
2-18 Tue. Review
2-20 Thur. Exam 1
2-25 Tue. Color
2-27 Thur. Composition
3-4 Tue. Composition
3-6 Thur. Composition
3-11 Tue. Review
3-13 Thur. Exam 2
3-18 Tue. Spring Break
3-20 Thur. Spring Break
3-25 Tue. Update
3-27 Thur. Motion
4-1 Tue. Motion
4-3 Thur.* Flex
4-8 Tue. Motion
4-10 Thur. Motion/Review
4-15 Tue. Motion Exam
4-17 Thurs Camera Perspectives
4-22 Tue. Camera Perspectives
4-24 Thur.* Flex
4-29 Tue. Camera Perspectives
5-1 Thur. Sound and Picture
5-6 Tue. Sound and Picture
5-8 Thur. Sound and Picture
5- 13 Tue. at 10:10am Final Exam
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Services, Rules, and Other Policies
Learning Services
Learning Enhancement Services (LES) houses Disability Services, Tutoring Services, and Learning Strategies. If you have a documented disability that may require assistance, you will need to contact LES for coordination in your academic accommodations. LES is located in the Reynolds Student Services complex, Suite 137. The phone number is 895-0866 (TDD 895-0652). You may also visit our website at http://www.unlv.edu/studentlife/les.
Copyright and Fair Use
The University requires all members of the University Community to familiarize themselves and to follow copyright and fair use requirements. You are individually and solely responsible for violations of copyright and fair use laws. The University will neither protect nor defend you nor assume responsibility for employ or student violations of fair use. Violations of copyright laws could subject you to federal and state civil penalties and criminal liability as well as disciplinary action under University Policy. To help familiarize yourself with copyright and fair use policies, the University encourages you to visit its copyright web page.
Religious Holidays. As a general rule, if you plan to miss class because of observance of a religious holiday you will have the opportunity to make up missed work. You must, however, notify the instructor of anticipated absences at least a week before the missed class.
Illness, Death in Family, Car Accident, or Some Other Malady. If you miss an exam due to illness, death in family, or some other tragedy or malady, you will be allowed to make it up, but only if the excuse is legitimate (determined by the instructor) and you show the instructor proof in the form of a doctor's note or some other evidence for missing class.
Extracurricular Activities. If you represent UNLV at any official extracurricular activity, you shall have the opportunity to make up assignment, but you must provide official written notification no less than a week before the missed class(es).
One caveat on missed assignments: There will be absolutely no make ups for the in-class
assignments regardless of the reason.
Cheating & Plagiarism
No form of academic dishonesty is acceptable. If you are caught cheating or plagiarizing from other people's work, you will, at a minimum, fail this course with the possibility of suspension from the university.
Grade Posting
I do not post any of your grades. However, if you want, you can e-mail me with a request for a particular grade and I will respond to you request.
Disclaimer: Changes to the syllabus and the class schedule may be made at the discretion of the instructor.
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