Descriptor Details

  • Descriptor Title
    Introduction to Media Writing
  • C-ID Number
    110
  • Units
    3.0
  • Date of Last Revision
    9/17/2024 09:34:42 AM PDT

General Description

This course introduces students to writing scripts and other types of content for a variety of digital media platforms. An emphasis is placed on proper formatting, technical, conceptual, and stylistic issues related to writing fiction and non-fiction. A significant part of the course will be focused on evaluating and improving writing for the media.

Prerequisites

No information provided

Corequisites

No information provided

Advisories

No information provided

Content

Must include but not limited to the following:

  • Writing regardless of medium or format – clarity, economy, grammar, style
  • Issues specific to writing for radio/podcasts (writing for the ear), television (writing for the eye), multimedia (writing for the ear, the eye, and interactivity)
  • Script formats – including, but not limited to radio, two-column video, and screenplay
  • Introduction to content for the various media – e.g., commercials, PSAs, corporate productions, documentaries, web sites, fictional narratives (half-hour TV comedy, one-hour TV drama)
  • Fundamentals of dramatic structure, including conflict, character creation, and dialogue writing
  • Promoting representation of race/ethnicity, gender, class, sexual orientation, and ability

Lab Activities

No information provided

Objectives

  • Demonstrate competence in the mechanics of clear and concise writing.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the technical and aesthetic issues related to writing for audio and visual media.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in writing in a variety of script formats, including the radio script, two-column video script, and screenplay formats.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in creating content for multiple digital media platforms.

Evaluation Methods

  • Writing assignments
  • Oral presentations (pitches, e.g.)
  • Oral critiques by peers and instructor
  • Written critiques by instructor
  • Quizzes and/or exam(s)

Textbooks

Friedmann, Anthony.  Writing for Visual Media. Focal Press

Hilliard, Robert L.  Writing for Television, Radio, and New Media. Wadsworth, Cengage Learning

Musburger, Robert B.   An Introduction to Writing for Electronic Media. Focal Press

Descriptor Administration

  • Public Review Needed
    No
  • Next Descriptor Review
    No information provided
  • Resubmission Requirements for Courses
    Descriptor changes were administrative only
  • Resubmission Deadline
    No information provided
  • Comments

    No information provided

  • Notes

    No information provided

  • Keywords

    No information provided