COMV130 - Media Scriptwriting

Course Syllabus

Fall 2000

	Instructor: Anthony Baruffi, Jr
	Office: Library 350 (Media Services)
	Phone: (215) 968-8108
	Office Hours: By Appointment (Mon.-Fri., 9am-4pm)
	Email: baruffia@bucks.edu
	E-Mail and Voicemail will be checked daily, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday-Friday. Calls will be returned within 24 hours.
	Placing a call or e-mail without talking directly to ME does not alleviate any responsibilities towards course deadlines
	I will be happy to discuss any concerns you have with the coursework. Please feel free to meet with me to discuss any questions or concerns with the coursework.

Class Meetings

Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:00-10:15 am

Text

	Required: *Writing For Television, Radio, and New Media* (Seventh Edition) by Robert L. Hilliard. Wadsworth/Thompson Learning, 2000. ISBN: 0-534-56124-1
	Optional: *Screenwriting for Film and Television* by William Miller. Prentice Hall, 1997. ISBN: 0205272991

Withdrawal Deadline

November 7, 2000

Purpose of the Course:

To gain an appreciation for the skills required to write effectively for radio, television and film, and to assist the student in developing a broadcast copywriting style.

Catalog Description of Course

COMV130
Media Scriptwriting

Writing scripts for radio, television, and film. Includes newscasts, commercials, corporate scripts, and dramatic screenplays. Writing, researching, and editing original and adapted material. Students should complete COMP110, English Composition I, before taking this course.
3 credits

Class Format

Lectures, presentations, format guidelines and in-class writing exercises will provide the background material necessary to complete copy assignments. Class participation will be an important element as student work will be read and discussed in class.

Evaluation / Grading

There will be no mid-term or final examination. Grades will be determined as follows:

Dramatic Script (Several Components)	20%
In-Class Exercises	10%
PSA's	10%
Commercials	10%
Commercial Campaign	10%
News Assignment	10%
Corporate Video/Film (Treatment and Sample Script)	20%
Feature/Documentary	10%

Extra Credit

Students will have to opportunity to re-write all assignments (except for the final script) to improve grades. Rewrites are due within one week after scripts are returned.

Assignments

	All assignments MUST BE TYPED and in the proper format.
	Students MUST meet all deadlines. No assignments will be accepted after the due date.
	If you cannot attend class, you must get someone to turn it in for you at class time or mail the assignment.
	Assignments with postmarks after the due date will not be accepted.
	No incompletes will be given for this course.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism will result in a grade of 0 (Zero points, or "F") for the assignment, which may not be submitted again. College policy on cheating and plagiarism will be followed strictly.

Class Web Site:

http://www.bucks.edu/~baruffia/comv130

I have posted a web page on the college server which should provide you with course information and access to handouts, other web resources, and maybe even grades and discussion lists.

College Library Web Page:

http://www.bucks.edu/library/library.html

This course requires a fair amount of research. The college web page has many links to informational resources.

Other supplies you may need:

	A notebook and/or folder to keep handouts, and class notes
	Microsoft Office (97 or 2000) or at least Word (This software is available on campus and at distance learning libraries. You can also purchase it for lower student prices at the bookstore or on the web at http://www.journeyed.com )
	3 ½” Floppy disks (Double Sided, High Density, Box of 10) ($5-10/box)

ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE IF YOU NEED HELP!

If you need help or would like to discuss any assignment, make an appointment to see me. While I do not have scheduled office hours, I am on campus Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. I am happy to help if I am available.