University of the West of England
MODULE SPECIFICATION
Code: USSJC4-30-M Title: BROADCASTING SCIENCE
Version: 2
Level: M UWE credit rating: 30 ECTS credit rating: 15
Module type: PROJECT
Owning Faculty: Applied Sciences Field: Natural & Life Sciences
Valid from: September 2003 Discontinued from:
Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Excluded combinations: None
Learning outcomes:
• Radio: Demonstrate a working knowledge of radio equipment, such as use of microphones, recording equipment and editing facilities
• Make appropriate use of a radio studio
• Conduct a radio interview
• Prepare adequately for a radio interview
• Write radio scripts and running orders
• TV: Demonstrate a working knowledge of TV equipment, such as use of cameras, sound equipment and lighting
• Make appropriate use of a TV studio and gallery
• Frame shots and plan sequences
• Work with a VT editor to produce completed video material
Syllabus outline:
In this practically-oriented module, students explore the potential of broadcast media as a vehicle for science communication. Students will study different types of programming relevant to Radio and TV, such as magazine programmes and documentaries, specifically examining the strengths and weaknesses of these formats as well as the opportunities and specific constraints they impose. The implications for science communication practice will be discussed. Practical skills developed in this module include: developing ideas for science programmes, the level of detail required, researching an idea and approaches to selling these ideas to editors.
The module also develops practical skills related to radio and TV production. Radio is introduced by exploring the radio world and the scope of this medium. Students will learn about the different roles needed to produce a radio programme and what studios can do, as well as learning how to use up to date radio equipment and techniques such as directing, writing, interviewing and being interviewed.
In relation to science television programmes, students will have the opportunity to experience a ‘live’ broadcast, exploring the interdependency of roles as well as the relationship between studio and gallery. Students will also have the opportunity to work with camera, sound and lighting equipment and explore the importance of filming with editing mind.
A brief introduction to multimedia technology will also be given, with a view to providing a springboard to further study for students interested in this area.
Teaching and learning methods:
Students attend block teaching sessions. All sessions use a mix of seminar, workshop and hands-on experience of broadcast equipment. Production of both radio and TV programmes requires a team effort; to simulate the real-life experience in these industries, this unit focuses heavily on working as a team with students expected to undertake a variety of different roles throughout the teaching sessions. Between sessions, students undertake directed and independent learning.
Nb: Because both radio and TV production require a team effort, the assessment for this module involves group work. The assessed element is produced primarily during the taught sessions.
Reading Strategy
All students will be encouraged to make full use of the print and electronic resources available to them through membership of the University. These include a range of electronic journals and a wide variety of resources available through web sites and information gateways. The University Library’s web pages provide access to subject relevant resources and services, and to the library catalogue. Many resources can be accessed remotely. Students will be presented with opportunities within the curriculum to develop their information retrieval and evaluation skills in order to identify such resources effectively.
This guidance will be available either in the module handbook, via the module information on UWEonline or through any other vehicle deemed appropriate by the module/programme leaders.
Students will be expected to listen to and watch a variety of different science-oriented programming on radio and TV. This will provide a critical basis on which to explore the issues and techniques discussed in the course.
• Bentley, L (2002) Between a Rock and a Hard Place: The Problems Facing Freelance Creators in the UK Media Marketplace, Institute of Employment Rights: London.
• Boyd, A (2000) Broadcast Journalism, Focal Press: Oxford.
• Cury, I (2001) Directing and Producing for TV: a Format Approach, Focal Press: Oxford
• Emm, A (2002) Researching for TV and Radio, Routledge: London
• Llewellyn, S (2000) A Career Handbook for TV, Radio, Film, Video and Interactive Media, A & C Black: London
• McNair, B, (1999) News and Journalism in the UK: a text book, Routledge: London.
Assessment
Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 100% B: %
ATTEMPT 1
First Assessment Opportunity
Component A Element weighting
CW1 |
Television Project |
3 |
SE1 |
Television Evaluation |
2 |
CW2 |
Radio Project |
3 |
SE2 |
Radio Evaluation |
2 |
|
|
Component B
Description of each element Element weighting
| ||
| ||
Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is not required)
Component A
Description of each element Element weighting
CW1 |
Television Project |
3 |
SE1 |
Television Evaluation |
2 |
CW2 |
Radio Project |
3 |
SE2 |
Radio Evaluation |
2 |
|
|
Component B
Description of each element Element weighting
SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT Attendance at taught classes is not required.
Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………
(Associate Dean/Programme Director)