Module 1 – Introduction to Multimedia & Project Planning  (Review from Advanced Photography)

Module 2 – Visual Aesthetics & Photography (Review from Advanced Photography)

PROJECT: STORY THROUGH STILLS

Module 3 – Sound & Interactive Media

Project: STORY THROUGH AUDIO

Module 4 – Pitching

Module 5 – Video & Basic Animation 

Module 6 – Web Design

This course is given in cooperation with UConn Early College Experience  ece.uconn.edu 

UCONN COURSE DESCRIPTION 

This course introduces the fundamentals of storytelling through multimedia. Students will work both individually and collaboratively to identify and produce digital media products that communicate stories to a predetermined audience. Students will explore different tools and approaches necessary to produce engaging stories through various digital methods. Students will be given the opportunity to become familiar with narrative and non-narrative structures, storyboarding, project management, video, audio, sound, and distribution platforms. 

UNIQUE TO WOODLAND REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL: 

Prerequisite: MUST BE ENROLLED IN ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHY,  (prior prerequisites Photo 1 & Photo 2/SCSU ECE ART 264 Digital Photography) 

WRHS COURSE ESSENTIAL QUESTION: 

How can you tell a story using a variety of practical digital media applications? 

COURSE RATIONALE: 

Storytelling is the basis of all forms of media. We are all storytellers. We share stories to entertain, educate, and as a strategy for persuasion. It is critical that as creators, distributors, and consumers of media we learn to harness the approaches needed to be effective storytellers. 

COURSE GOALS/LEARNING OBJECTIVES 

During this course students will explore how stories can be successfully communicated through different mediums by participating in the following outcomes: • Students will produce a short video for a website. 

• Students will choose three animation principles to tell a story 

• Students will design a short story and communicate it verbally, visually, and through the written word 

• Students will design a storyboard to communicate to convey content and ideas. 

COURSE GRADING 

You are expected to regularly produce creative work. This is based on the principle that the more you practice, the better you become. Use every assignment to communicate what is important to you and take risks. 

Grading: 

Creative Groups & Participation (15%) 

At the beginning of the semester, you will be assigned a “Creative Group.” Your group will be your go-to: you will work together in class, initiate critique of each other’s work, and become a support system. You will get feedback and ask questions of each other. Your participation in this group counts towards your overall participation grade. 

Your participation is required in this class. I expect you to 1) read and view all assignments in advance, 2) be actively involved in discussion, and 3) provide useful feedback and critique to your peers. 

Quizzes (30%) There will be 3 online questions. Each quiz consists of multiple choice and short answer questions. If you have been diligent about reading the assigned chapters, each quiz can be completed in 30 minutes or less. Open-book and notes are welcomed and expected. 

Production Assignments (30%) 

• Story Through Photos (5%) 

• Story through Audio (5%) 

• Video Interview (10%) 

• Animated Component (10%) 

Portfolio Website (5%) 

You will create a GOOGLE SITE website which will host your entire multimedia portfolio. In this class you will not be expected to code or create a website from scratch.

Semester Project (20%) 

Your semester project will consist of developing a multimedia project for a local restaurant, artist, store, non-profit, or any other local “client” or subject. You will develop this campaign throughout the semester and will present your advances to the class to receive feedback. • Pitch (5%) – Choose your subject and develop a 3-minute presentation to pitch your project. • Final Project Presentation (10%) – This is your final presentation of your semester project work. You will present your work (5 mins, with Q&A). At this point you have taken into consideration all the feedback that you received from your peers and instructors. 

• Final Critique (5%) – A comprehensive evaluation of a peer’s final semester project. 

NOTE: Submit all projects (including presentations, video, audio, and animations) via SCHOOLOGY. Assignments must be uploaded by the beginning of class. Failure to do so will affect your grade. Presentations consist of 3-5 slides. It’s a good idea to spend 1 minute per slide. It is easy to notice the difference between a well-thought, practiced presentation and a last-minute one. Aim for the former. 

You will earn a WRHS numerical grade for your WRHS transcript. The numerical grade will then be converted into a letter grade for UConn ECE, refer to the chart below. You may notice that your high school grade and UConn grade differ. It is possible that two different grades can be awarded for the same course. Your high school grade is determined by Woodland Regional High School. Your UConn course grade is determined by the grading rubric set by the University department. 

ASSIGNMENTS AND REVISION PROCESS 

Assignments will be posted on Schoology. 

There will be revision opportunities after class, group and individual critiques. Communication is key! This is a Fine Arts course– revision is necessary and expected. 

COURSE SCHEDULE/TOPICS/CALENDAR/READING LISTS 

The course schedule is subject to change with notification. It is your responsibility to keep up with all announced changes throughout the semester. 

All assignments will be posted on Schoology with their due date and time to be submitted. Please check Schoology for all updates, upcoming deadlines, rubrics, etc. Module 1 – Introduction to Multimedia & Project Planning (January 20-February 2) 

Introduction & Overview 

● Discuss the syllabus, goals, and requirements for the course

● Meet your creative groups 

Understanding Multimedia 

● Defining multimedia 

● Characteristics of new media 

● What is a story? 

Project Planning & Evaluation 

• The Three P’s 

• Previsualization Tools 

Module 2 – Visual Aesthetics & Photography (February 3-February 27) REVIEW of concepts & skills previously introduced in Photo 1, Photo 2/SCSU Digital Photography, and Advanced Photography 

Visual Communication 

● Aesthetics 

● Field of View 

● Elements & Principles of Design 

● Rule of Thirds (and other learned forms of composition) 

Photography Review of previously learned skills continued 

● Exposure Triangle (CONTROLLING: ISO, Shutter Speed, 

Aperture) 

● Focal Length & Depth of Field 

ASSIGN: Story Through Stills 

Page & User Interface Design 

● Breaking out of the box 

● Designing User Interfaces 

Student Presentations: Story Through Stills 

Module 3 – Sound & Interactive Media: (March 1-28) Audio Production 

• Understanding sound 

• Types of microphones & Sound recording 

Audio Production 

• Audio Workshop 

ASSIGN: Story Through Audio (due March 27) 

Interactive Storytelling 

• User Interface & Usability 

• Designing an interactive narrative 

• “Content dictates form” – VR/AR/Online storytelling overview 

HOMEWORK: 

• Read Chapter 6 

• Story Through Audio due March 27 

Student Presentations: Story Through Audio 

HOMEWORK: 

Provide feedback on presentations to your Creative 

Group. Mid-Semester Feedback END OF QUARTER ONE 

Module 4 – Pitching (April 1-5) 

Pitching Your Idea 

• What makes a successful pitch? 

• Pitch decks, look books, storyboards (revisited)

• Creative group work session 

ASSIGN: Semester Project Components 

Student Presentations: Semester Project Pitch (April 5) 

Module 5 – Video & Basic Animation 

Video Production 

• Visual Composition 

• Framing & Camera Movement 

• Camera Workshop 

• 2-camera setup for interviews 

• Understanding B-roll 

ASSIGN: Video Interview & Animated Component (due April 27) 

Lighting Review (from Photo 2/SCSU 264 Digital Photography) 

• 3-point lighting 

• Lighting workshop 

Editing on Adobe Premiere 

• Review of basic video editing techniques (from Advanced Photography, November) 

Editing & Titling 

• Graphics & Typography (for video) 

Editing & Basic Animation 

• Animating lower thirds in Premiere

• Basic logo animation 

• Additional Premiere techniques 

• Finish filming your video interview 

In-Class Editing Lab 

● Bring all assets (video, audio, logos, etc.) to class for the Editing Lab. ● Sign up for Presentation Slots 

APRIL 28-30 

Student Presentations: Video Interview & Animated Component 

HOMEWORK: 

Provide feedback on presentations to your Creative Group. 

Module 6 – Web Design (May 1-4) 

REVIEW of Basic Web Design (previously introduced in Photo 1, Photo 2/SCSU Digital Photography, and Advanced Photography) 

• Principles & Tools 

• Portfolio website examples 

FINAL PROJECT CREATION and PREPARATION FOR PRESENTATION (MAY 5-30) ● Review components of Final Project Presentation 

● Creation of Final Projects 

● Critique Check-in’s Benchmarks 

● Rough Draft Critique 

● Feedback (small group and whole group) 

HOMEWORK: 

Provide feedback on presentations to your Creative Group. 

EXAM WEEK: May 30-June 8 

Final Project Presentations 

FINAL CRITIQUE 

COURSE POLICIES 

Participation & Inclusion:

● Class will meet every other day for one semester (block 2A). 

● Attendance at all class periods is required. You must adhere to the Woodland Regional High School Attendance policy. 

● This is the participation statement from the sample syllabus. If acceptable, I would like to use the same wording: “You are expected to arrive on time to class and be willing to participate. Be attentive, take notes, engage in discussions and you will do well in this class. We are a small group and the class relies on everyone’s participation to be successful. All thoughts and questions are welcome. We will be analyzing work by you and your classmates, as well as professionals. These discussions will only be effective with an open dialogue. We live in politically turbulent times and there will be moments when emotionally charged topics (like race, gender, class, religion, etc.) come up in class, whether it be in the media we consume or in the art that you create. The work that you make and study does not exist in a social vacuum, so it is important that these topics are a conscious part of our practice and analysis. Everyone (including myself) should be willing to discuss these issues thoughtfully and openly and be prepared to have their views challenged. Good participation means actively contributing to a classroom atmosphere of welcoming, compassion, enthusiasm, and respect. I will personally work to make sure that every student in this class will be honored and respected as an individual with distinct experiences, talents, and backgrounds. Regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identification, disability, socio-economic statues, or national identity, every student will be treated fairly. I will make every effort to ensure that an inclusive environment exists for all students. If you have any concerns or suggestions for improving the classroom climate, please do not hesitate to speak with me directly or contact the Office of Diversity & Inclusion at diversity@uconn.edu” (Casertano syllabus DMD1002) 

● Final Exam will be a Final Project and Critique. Final Exam is 20% of your final grade. 

● Makeup work may be completed and submitted for Legitimate Absences (per WRHS attendance policy. 

● Refer to: https://community.uconn.edu/academic-misconduct/ Academic misconduct is dishonest or unethical academic behavior that includes, but is not limited to, misrepresenting mastery in an academic area (e.g., cheating), failing to properly credit information, research, or ideas to their rightful originators or representing such information, research, or ideas as your own (e.g., plagiarism). Appendix A: Academic Integrity in Undergraduate Education and Research 

● Other policies: The UCONN Student Code, the Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment and Related Interpersonal Violence, and other university policies may be found here, provost.uconn.edu/faculty-and-staff-resources/syllabi-references. 

Disclaimer: I reserve the right to change this syllabus at any time. (weather cancellations, COVID health/safety protocols, etc.)