Fall 2025 Course Syllabus Course: RTVB-1302 (Section: 01, CRN: 93200) Computer Applications for Media Production

Instructor Information
Instructor	Danielle Nicholson
Email	nicholsondm@lamarpa.edu
Phone	(409) 681-4312
Office	Press Building - Room: 105C
Office Hours	Mondays: 11 am - 3 pm Tuesdays: 2:30 - 3 pm Wednesdays: 11 am - 3 pm Thursdays: 2:30 - 3 pm Fridays: 11 am - 3 pm
Additional Contact Information	See Blackboard for additional contact information.
Course Information
Description	Computer applications for audio, video, graphics, budgets, and scripts in media productions.
Required Textbooks	Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer. No required textbooks. Videos, readings will be assigned throughout the semester.
Additional Materials/Resources	Additional readings, videos, etc. will be available in Blackboard.
Corequisites/Prerequisites	None
Learning Outcomes	Operate computer workstations for audio/video editing systems and 2-D animation.  Outline a budget spreadsheet.  Format a script.
Program Student Learning Outcomes	Explore current trends, emerging technologies, and future applications of social media and digital communications. Communicate effectively with intended audiences using social media and digital communications. Apply social media solutions using current best practices. Apply effective problem-solving techniques in social media and digital communications marketing.
Lecture Topics Outline	Foundations of Interview Production Pre-Production Strategy Production Skills Post-Production Workflow Publishing & Promotion Project Integration & Showcase Final Wrap-Up
Major Assignments Schedule	Week 1 – August 25 Introduction to the course Week 2 – September 1  • Introduction to Media Interviews: Why interviews matter in media and marketing  • Story as Conversation: Framing interviews as storytelling Week 3 – September 8  • Planning the Interview: Research, goals, and identifying your audience  • Story as Conversation: Framing interviews as storytelling Week 4 – September 15  • Developing Interview Questions & Script Formatting  • Prepping the Interviewee: Communication, comfort, and expectations Week 5 – September 22  • Budgeting for an Interview Shoot: Equipment, space, personnel  • Storyboards & Shot Lists for Interviews Week 6 – September 29  • Camera Work for Interviews: Angles, framing, and multiple setups  • Lighting the Interview: Natural vs. artificial, 3-point setup basics Week 7 – October 6  • Capturing High-Quality Audio: Microphone types, placement, and room treatment  • Setting the Scene: Backgrounds, props, and visual composition Week 8 – October 13  • Introduction to Editing Workstations (ties to Operate computer workstations for audio/video editing systems)  • Editing the Interview: Cutting for clarity and story Week 9 – October 20  • Adding Graphics & Titles: Lower thirds, name keys, branding  • Audio Cleanup & Enhancement: Noise reduction, balancing levels Week 10 – October 27  • Exporting for Different Platforms: File formats and compression basics  • Using In-App Social Media Tools: Instagram Reels and Facebook Stories Week 11 – November 3  • YouTube as Top of Funnel Marketing Tool  • Writing Captions & Metadata: Maximizing discoverability and engagement  • Measuring Impact: Analytics and post-performance evaluation Week 12 – November 10 Test Run: Peer review of rough cuts Week 13 – November 17 Refining Final Projects with Feedback Week 14 – November 24 THANKSGIVING BREAK Week 14 – December 1 Final Presentations: Screen interview projects and discuss production choices Week 15 – December 8 GRADUATION WEEK
Final Exam Date	December 1, 2025 - 12:0 AM   Through  December 5, 2025 - 11:59 PM
Grading Scale	100-90 points = A 80-89 points = B 70-79 points = C 60-69 points = D Below 59 points = F Extra credit option 1 = 10 points Extra credit option 2 = 10 points
Determination of Final Grade	The course is made up of weekly assignments, participation, attendance, and a final portfolio. Attendance and participation in class each week is critical to your success. Weekly Assignments: 40% Final Portfolio: 10% Attendance and Participation: 50%
Course Policies
Instructor Policies	Assignments will be given each week. You will have one or two weeks, depending on the assignment, to complete it. Attendance and participation are critical to your success in this course. No late work is accepted. Students are responsible for reading all content, watching all videos, etc. in Blackboard to be successful in the course. Academic dishonesty will result in a zero on any assignment (first offense); a second incidence of academic dishonesty will result in failure of the class. DO NOT wait until the last minute to complete class work or exams. I recommend you set up email notifications from Blackboard so you do not miss any information. If you are confused or need help, do not hesitate to contact me. I will share my cell phone number in Blackboard. Some assignments in this course will require the use of AI tools, such as ChatGPT. AI may only be used when specifically permitted and must follow the instructions provided for that assignment, including proper citation and documentation of your process. Unauthorized or improperly cited use of AI will result in a grade of 0 for the assignment.
Attendance Policy	To be successful in this course, students must not only attend, but also participate and complete all assignments and projects to receive credit. Since many points can only be earned by attending classes, each absence can lower the student’s grade. All assignments will be graded based on what was taught in class—if a student does not appear in class, their assignments will suffer.
Additional Information
Institutional Policies
MyLSCPA	Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.
Academic Honesty	Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
ADA Considerations	The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Room 117, in the Student Sucess Center. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
COVID 19 Information	The Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Student Code of Conduct COVID 19 Policy requires students who have been diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition directly to their local health department. Students should also contact their course faculty to report their quarantine status. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings when directly exposed to COVID 19 in compliance with the criteria included in the policy. For more information please refer to the COVID 19 link on the LSCPA website.
Facility Policies	No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.
HB 2504	This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.
Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect	As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.
Title IX and Sexual Misconduct	LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.
Clery Act Crime Reporting	For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.
Grievance / Complaint / Concern	If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.
Department Information	Business and Industrial Technology Chair: CASP Email: CASP Phone: (409) 983-4921