Digital Video - ARTS 3376 – Tuesdays 3:30 – 6:15 PM

University of Texas at Dallas, Fall 2005 – Professor Dean Terry

All information in this syllabus, including course

content and required reading, is subject to Required Texts:
change at the discretion of the professor.
Making Documentary Films and Reality Videos
Barry Hampe
Description ISBN: 0805044515

An exploration of non-fiction filmmaking using Setting Up Your Shots

digital acquisition and post-production Jeremy Vineyard
techniques. The course places a strong emphasis ISBN: 0941188736
on conceptual development, experimentation,
and creative innovation. Students work
Apple Pro Training Series : Final Cut Pro 5
individually and in teams to direct, produce, and
(Apple Pro Training Series)
edit short documentary style films.
ISBN: 0321334817

Prerequisites & Preparation

Suggested / Supplemental Texts:
This course is designed for Arts & Humanities
Directing the Documentary
majors with the appropriate prerequisites, and is
Michael Rabiger.
part of the Arts & Technology program. It
ISBN: 0240802705
assumes you have some art and design training
and experience using the Macintosh and imaging
Grammar of the Shot
applications. Students lacking this background
Roy Thompson
will be at a significant disadvantage and may
ISBN: 0240513983
have difficulty completing the course
successfully. Students are also expected to have
web access and e-mail.
Materials

- Blank DVD-R disks for backup and

Topics
presentation. Do not rely on Lab drives to store
your work – it may be deleted at any time.
• Visual Storytelling
- Access to a digital video camera. If you don’t
• Documentary Filmmaking
own one, expect to borrow one over the course
• Basic Cinematography
of the semester for short periods of time. There
• Digital Video Production
are several mini DV cameras available for
• Non Linear Editing
limited on campus use. See lab attendant to
• Basic DVD Production
check out equipment.
• Concept Generation & Creative Thinking
- 5-10 Mini-DV tapes. Sony or Panasonic.
• Teamwork and Collaboration
- Highly recommended but not required: 20-60+
GB Firewire Drive.
Final Project
Learning Environment
An original short digital video shot on DV and
presented on DVD and/or the Internet. Team
This is a studio course for artists, filmmakers,
projects are encouraged.
writers, designers and those interested in
serious study of video, film, and new media. It
encourages flexible, experimental, self-
Course Website:
motivated thinking and participation. You should
be prepared to do substantial work outside of
The latest information on course projects,
class and readily participate in discussions and
schedule, and resources can be found here:
critiques.
www.utd.edu/~dean.terry/courses/3376/
If you miss a class please visit the website for
This class is a poor choice for students who are
information and updates.
primarily interested in learning new technology
and software applications. This course
emphasizes conceptual understanding and
creative development over technical learning.
Student Evaluation
This is an interactive course. Interface,
feedback, and communication with Professor
Terry and other students is part of the process.
Students are evaluated on their projects,
participation, effort, focus, attendance and
overall continuous development. Response to
critical feedback and contribution to group
critiques is required.
Grading Criteria
- Effort, Participation, Contribution: 40%
- Final Project: 30%
- Other projects & in class work: 30%
Individual projects are evaluated based on
various factors, including but not limited to
concept, planning, consistency, artistic
innovation, technical competency, team and
collaboration skills, and successful execution.
In order to receive full credit for projects they
must be received on time, complete, and be
technically competent. Project and course
grades will be significantly reduced for late or
incomplete projects. A late or incomplete final
will not be accepted.
Grades of “Incomplete” are rarely given and are
entirely at the discretion of the professor. A
minimum of 70% of course work must be
completed for this grade to be assigned.
Attendance: Consistent class attendance and
active participation are mandatory for success.
Project grades will be significantly lowered for
assignments that are late or incomplete. It is
essential that students be present for all video
screenings and class critiques. Two non-excused
absences will automatically result in the lowering
of the student's final semester grade by one full
grade level, four will result in automatic failure.
Course Deliverables
• Final Project on DVD and/or Internet
• Playable and Data DVD of all projects
• Presentation of work at critiques / discussions
• Supplemental Materials (sketchbook,
storyboards, scripts, notes, photos)
Lab Issues
Storage space: There is a good deal of storage
space on the Lab machines – but no guaranteed
storage. Project files are often deleted by other
students or lab assistants. To make sure your
files are secure, back them up and take them
with you either on CDR, DVD-R, or a firewire
drive (recommended). Late or missing projects
related to missing, deleted, or damaged files will
not be accepted.
Regarding the Mac & OSX: This course requires
an intensive use of the Macintosh platform. If
you are unfamiliar with Mac OSX it is highly
suggested you spend time early in the semester
to familiarize yourself with the OSX
environment. Unfamiliarity with the platform will
not be accepted as an excuse for any problem.
Equipment Checkout
Video Cameras, Microphones, Tripods, and
learning materials such as DVD’s and books are
available from the lab attendants.
Checkout Rules:
- Take care of the equipment. If you are unsure
how to use something, ask Professor Terry or
the lab attendant.
- Return the equipment on time personally to a
lab attendant or your check out privileges may
be revoked for up to 2 weeks.
- Return cameras with batteries fully charged.
- You may not take equipment off campus
without prior permission of the professor.
- See lab attendants for other requirements.
Contact Information
Fastest & preferred: dean.terry@utd.edu
Office: Art Building (972) 883-6285
Hours: 2 – 3 PM Tuesdays or by appointment
Note: The best time for a meeting is
immediately before class at 3:15 in the Mac lab.