COM 3660 - Community Radio (4)

Mondays

Type: In-Person Class Meeting

06:30 PM - 09:50 PM

Off-Campus - Domestic Campus | Avondale High School

The study of community service and community voice. Students plan, develop, produce, edit, and program community relevant content for broadcast on WAHS, Auburn Hills.

cronauer@oakland.edu

(248) 370-4525

• Identify and explain the history and evolution of radio;
• Compare and contrast the difference between commercial and public radio and the responsibilities of service to their respective audiences;
• Identify, describe, and assess the purpose of on and off air promotions;
• Develop a sense of self, a sense of voice, and a sense of duty to community through the appreciation of the obligation held as a licensed community broadcaster;
• Demonstrate the ability to execute basic recording, editing, and mixing techniques; and
• Prepare and process the finished production for presentation on the air.

Tests (3): 50 points each

Program Planning Assignment: 50 points Community Assessment Assignment: 50 points Community Radio Program: 50 points

Top of the hour story (2): 25 points each

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A=-3.7

B+=3.3

B=3.0

B-=2.7

C+=2.3

C=2.0

C-=1.7

D+=1.3

D=1.0

F=0.0

Assignment  Summaries

Program Planning Assignment:  This assignment requires students to conduct an evaluation of 2 hours ofNPR or other accepted non-commercial  community radio programming.   From their observations students will then draft a program proposal that is influenced by their evaluation of the non -commercial programming.   Students should draft a blueprint of a program proposal with a plan of action that will include the show format and type of content that will be covered in that program.  This assignment is meant to be the first step in producing a community related show.

Community Radio Program:  As a class we will review the submissions from the program planning assignment to sense the flavor of the programs we can create. We will evaluate the proposals and nan-ow down to a series of pilot programs of which teams will be responsible for producing.  Based on the structure of the show, the teams will be responsible for all preproduction, production, post production, and distribution of the produced program.

Community Assessment Assignment: The class as a whole will brainstorm a list of Avondale High school, Oakland University, and Auburn Hills events that would benefit fi·om community radio coverage.  We will build a calendar comprised of events that include student congress meetings, city council meetings, Avondale School Bo!:jrd meetings, special community meetings, youth meetings, lectures, plays and theatrical performances, science fairs, etc.

Teams of two will select their event and prepare and execute its coverage, adapt for airplay, schedule, and broadcast the event, live (if applicable) or covered, packaged, and produced for a later broadcast.

Top of the Hour Story- Each student will be responsible for two brief (up to 5 minute) interviews that will air throughout the semester on WAHS.  One story will include an interview with a student at Avondale High School or Oaldand University about what it means to be whatever it is that person identifies with. For example, what is the person’s or his/her family’s immigration story, family story, etc. Or what does it mean to be an Avondale High School Student?  Wbat does it mean to belong to a fraternity, sorority; club, society, student organization, etc? Specific guidelines will be provided during the semester.

The second story will be an interview of a community member (e.g., a teacher, a coach, local politician, grocery clerk, bus driver, etc).  The goal is to generate brief narratives bom fi·om the voices of our community.

Avondale SWOT Analysis- Near the end of the semester each student will conduct an analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, oppmtunities and threats of WAHS and provide recommendations for the next year of programming. Guidelines and Rubric will be provided during the semester.

Tests- will be a combination of multiple choice, short answer and essays.

Due Dates for Assignments:  All assignments are due in class on the date specified in this syllabus.  Assignments not turned in on the date specified will receive a zero.  Students who encounter conflicts with a due date should notify me in writing in advance of the due date to determine if an extension may be granted, which is at the sole discretion of the professor.  If an extension is granted, late assignments will receive a 10% reduction in the grade for each day it is late.  Please do not ask for an extension because of other exams, extra-curricular pressures, work schedules, or because you would do a better job with more time.   Only serious, documented illnesses (such as the measles, chicken pox, appendicitis) or drug/alcohol rehabilitation are acceptable excuses for missing an assignment. If an exception is granted, only one exception is allowed per semester. Extra Credit:  No extra credit is offered in this course. Plan  accordingly.