SYLLABUS

Welcome to MR. Larsen's Room (705).

 

Course Title: Multimedia Arts

Instructor: Adam Larsen

Room: 705

School Phone: 623-432-2213

School e-mail: Adam.Larsen@dvusd.org                                                                                      

Course Description:

MEDIA PRODUCTIONS

Students will be introduced to audio/visual and multimedia technology. This hands‐on course will work in a digital media computer lab

to capture, create and edit video to be used in multimedia projects. Students use script writing, lighting techniques and sound editing

to create projects that are used for film, television and internet.

Student Organization: Skills USA

GRADE: 9‐12 LENGTH: Year

CREDIT: 1

INTERMEDIATE MEDIA PRODUCTIONS

This intermediate course provides students real world simulation in multimedia and video broadcast production. Students are teamed

together to form production crews and given authentic experience with multimedia computers, video cameras, visual editing

equipment, microphones, audio mixers and lighting equipment. Production material is broadcast within the school and district.

Student Organization: Skills USA

GRADE: 10‐12 LENGTH: Year

CREDIT: 1 PREREQUISITE: Media Productions

These courses are aligned with the Arizona State Standards, which include the Common Core State Standards.

ADVANCED MEDIA PRODUCTIONS

This advanced course provides students real world simulation in multimedia and video broadcast production. Students are responsible for directing and producing the morning announcements as well as mentoring students in the intermediate and introductory classes.  Students will learn advanced broadcasting and movie making techniques. 

Student Organization: Skills USA

GRADE: 10‐12 LENGTH: Year

CREDIT: 1 PREREQUISITE: Media Productions

These courses are aligned with the Arizona State Standards, which include the Common Core State Standards.

Course Goals & Objectives:

Students will learn to work and perform in a business environment that includes, client feedback, deadlines, risk taking and rewards.  Students will learn to meet deadlines, work in teams, and be responsible for their work.  Students will work in a digital environment that includes a daily blog and email.  Students will learn to respond to challenges in a positive manner.   

Course Materials:

One 8GB portable hard-drive or “flash” drive is suggested to back up important assignments. 

Classroom/Course Expectations:

·         Students are expected to fill out the blog post for the day in the first five minutes of class. 

·         Students should stay on task.  10 participation points are removed for every infraction.  Students may earn back the points by staying on task for 5 days in a row.  

·         Electronic Devices:  Many students want to have the privilege of carrying electronic devices on campus. With that privilege comes the responsibility of ensuring that those items are not used on campus during class or on a bus. If students are found listening to music or texting in class or otherwise not fully engaged in learning, the device will be confiscated up to 24 hours.  Misuse of electronic devices may result in disciplinary procedures in addition to the confiscation of the device.

·         ID Card:  Student must visibly wear I.D. card at all times while on campus or at any school activity for the safety and security of all students.

Grading:

In this course grades reflect your ability to learn.  My assessment of your ability to learn is based on these areas:

Skill development – Daily lessons. Students are expected to participate in developing their skills on a daily basis.  When work on other assignments is complete IT IS EXPECTED that students will review their skills and improve on past projects.    

Skill application – Projects give the student an opportunity to demonstrate their expertise by applying what they learned in the daily lessons.  Grading for projects is rigorous and follows the Grading Scale below. 

Skills in the workplace – Examples of workplace skills include being on time, staying on task, following directions, and communicating.

Work Ethic – This is the most important part of your assessment.  IT IS EXPECTED that students will work hard to improve their skills and develop an eye for what a consumer wants to see, hear, and experience.  Most students do not submit work that a consumer would buy on their first attempt even when they have completed the assignment and demonstrated an understanding of the skills. 

IT IS EXPECTED that students who want an “A” or “B” in the class will practice their skills and improve on their work until it is ready to sell.

Conversations with the teacher and other students are a very important part of the learning and teaching process.  Because the multimedia field is very subjective it’s important that the student learn to gather information about how their projects “look” to others.    

MY PHILOSOPHY ON GRADES

Real learning is a process.  It takes practice, success, failure, and more practice.  For some students (and parents), failure is a new experience.  Students often tie their personal well being, and success in the future to their grades.  Research has shown this to be a dangerous mindset.  It is an objective of the class to teach each student that failure, if dealt with correctly, can be a positive experience and is important in the learning process.      

·         Parents should not be concerned if their student receives a low grade.   Using the process outlined in the “Grading” section of this syllabus, parents can help their student follow the steps to learning that will help them raise their grade. 

·         Parents should be aware that the process takes time.  There’s no quick fix to a bad grade.  The grade will improve as the skill is learned and then demonstrated.  I don’t give out “extra credit”. 

·         Students should not become discouraged.  It is a part of the objectives of the class to teach students how to deal with the disappointment of failure and to be prepared for rigorous work environments, college classrooms or life.  Every student will have the opportunity to succeed.   

IT IS EXPECTED that the student will succeed in learning the material presented in class.   I am committed to supporting the students as they go through the process. 

Grading Scale

A             90-100% Outstanding performance and demonstration of understanding and application (top selling item)

B             80-89%   Above average performance and demonstration of understanding and application (someone might buy it)

C             70-79%   Completion of assignments and following all directions (not ready to put on the shelf)

D             60-69%   Completion of assignments but poor performance on assignments

F              0-59%     Non-compliance, Failure to follow instructions

Final course grades are computed as 80% equaling the coursework done throughout the semester and 20% equaling the final exam (project) portion of the grade.

Test Retakes

All assignments and tests may be redone after consulting with Mr. Larsen.  Students must email Mr. Larsen to make him aware of the update and post the update on their blog. 

This retake policy does not apply to District or teacher created semester exams.

Attendance:

Because we use specialized programs, attendance is very important.  If a student is absent he should meet with Mr. Larsen immediately to be assigned a tutor for the missing assignment. 

Make-up Policy:

Students who have an absence which is excused have one day for each day absent to turn in missed work.  Students who are marked unexcused will not receive credit for worked missed but will still receive feedback.  See the student handbook for more information regarding excused and unexcused absences.

The course is rewarding and will be a great experience.  Good Luck.