Media and Communications

This course improves students’ ability to navigate the college experience and environment, including student's rights, roles, and responsibilities. In this course, students reflect on their skills, attitudes, and expectations and develop learning strategies to help them to become successful, resilient, and self-directed learners. The course covers topics such as success in online learning, time management strategies, learning strategies, assessment taking strategies, academic integrity, information and digital literacy, and wellness, among others. It integrates elements of student orientation.

This course introduces students to essential audio theory while orienting them to audio equipment used to create audio content for multiple platforms. The focus is on acquisition and editing of professional quality audio for basic single-waveform and multitrack projects. A portion of this course is also dedicated to the rules and regulations of radio broadcasting in Canada and on-air performance techniques.

Prerequisite: MEDP-0083 Digital Audio & Radio 1
This course continues the study of audio production techniques. Areas covered include advanced multi-track recording and mixing, advanced digital audio production techniques and advanced digital audio workstation editing. Emphasis on the Sound Design for scripted and factual podcasts as well as basic music track production is covered here. Advanced signal processing techniques are introduced in order to sweeten audio for broadcast and video productions. A portion of this course is dedicated giving students a comprehensive understanding of radio broadcast consoles and radio automation software. Students practice their on-air performance skills from Digital Audio and Radio 1.

This course provides an introduction and overview of the industry standard software tools used to create and distribute media content. Students select appropriate strategies and tools to develop digital content. Best practices in production collaboration & management methods are emphasised. The art and craft of photography is introduced here along with the techniques required to acquire technically correct and aesthetically pleasing photographs. Students gain skills in the foundation of still image post production techniques.

Prerequisite: COMP-0617 Digital Toolkit 1
Students build on their skills to develop visual content that reflects themes and concepts, and that is technically well crafted through applied practice and critique. In this course, students also develop technical requirements and skills needed to produce supporting and stand-alone graphic elements for media productions. Advanced techniques in photography are be explored, like: studio portraiture and studio lighting, as well as the post production of these images to meet industry standards for delivery to multiple platforms.

This course prepares students for the challenges of pre-producing, filming and editing video productions. Focus is on the professional details and fundamental skills necessary to successfully acquire, sequence and presentation video for multiple delivery methods. Students recall and use video production terminology to communicate effectively as members of a production team. Students demonstrate best practices in the use of camera, lighting and video monitor systems and evaluate video productions and production values according to industry standards. Students identify and describe the underlying technical theory and the functions of basic equipment used in video production facilities/studios. Students master finished video productions for a variety of delivery methods.

Prerequisite: MEDP-0086 Digital Video
This course provides a foundation in Film and Television scripted and long-form factual (documentary, lifestyle productions) production; from content screenings where film and television narrative craft, style, form and structure are discussed to the study and practice of crew departments, crew roles and positions are covered. Writing for scripted production is introduced and practiced and this foundation course also provides the cinematography, sound recording and editing skills required to acquire and edit technically correct and aesthetically pleasing video and audio for scripted and long-form factual productions.

Prerequisite: COMM-0398 Storytelling
Students wanting success in the modern media industry must be able to prepare and publish content across a wide variety of platforms. This course provides students with the particular tools and skills needed to prepare and distribute online, audio, and visual content. Students further develop the ability to use research to produce factual content rich in detail and substance. Students explore cultural competencies and how they may affect ethics in journalism.

This course allows for specific training on specialized equipment with a rotating schedule. Students receive instruction in smaller groups on industry-standard equipment and software such as cameras, audio boards, microphones, audio equipment set-up, radio automation software, etc.

Since before the birth of civilization, human beings have used stories to understand and explain the world. Today, stories are incorporated into many forms of informational communication including podcasts, documentaries, news and sports reporting, and so on. This course provides students with the foundational skills to craft original, compelling, and informative stories. This course also exposes students to aspects of indigeneity by exploring the history and importance of oral storytelling.

Prerequisite: MEDP-0086 Digital Video
This course provides students with an entry-level skill set in workflows and best practices required to produce unscripted live and live-to-record content. Students work as members of a production team to produce a range of multi-camera projects and single camera projects. Learners engage as playback operators, graphics operators, audio assistants, camera operators and production assistants and other field production, studio or control room crew positions. Students learn the basics of multi-camera theory, production systems and technology and develop skills through hands-on practical application of technique. Teamwork, terminology, workflows and practical application are essential elements of this course that enables students to perform duties as members of a multi-camera production crew.

Prerequisite: MEDP-0085 Digital Audio & Radio 3
Corequisite: MEDP-0082 Capstone
This advanced course provides students with additional skill sets in radio broadcasting, including: planning and executing station promotions, programming music and daily logs, and broadcasting live-on-location. Students hone their decision-making skills as they prepare their demo reels for industry and choose music for airplay.

This course gives students an understanding of basic small business practices. In the era of the gig economy, it is essential that students have practical entrepreneurship skills. Students engage in business communications such as production proposals, formal letter writing, small production budgets, tracking production hours, costing of rentals or capital expenditures and follow established invoicing practices. They become familiar with the forms of small business and what is entailed in establishing their own small enterprise. They work on developing a brand for their business operation and learn about the various ways they can market themselves.

Prequisites: MEDP-0088 Film and Factual 2, MEDP-0112 Multiplatform Journalism 2, MEDP-0085 Digital Audio and Radio 3, COMP-0619 Digital Toolkit 3, MEDP-0095 Unscripted Video Production 2
The course allows students to envision, design and produce a client-driven project integrating skills, knowledge, and judgements from their past courses and current elective. Students hone their skills in pitching ideas and learn strategies for managing big projects. Capstone is driven by students' elective choice.

Prerequisite: MEDP-0084 Digital Audio & Radio 2
Music track recording and mixing, and live sound reinforcement are taught in this class. Students study the correct microphone placement techniques required to record a variety of musical instruments to meet industry standards. Advanced signal processing and advanced music track mixing techniques are covered. An overview of live sound reinforcement is introduced here. A portion of the course is also dedicated to honing further skill sets in radio broadcasting. Students host two-person shows, and gain knowledge in using social media as a tool for listener engagement.

Prerequisite: COMP-0618 Digital Toolkit 2
Students further refine their technical skills in creating visual content for a range of distribution platforms, purposes, and audiences. Emphasis is placed on creating industry-quality assets to support media productions. Additional skill sets in the art and craft of photography, like: on-location portrait, landscape, event, corporate client, sports and advanced studio portrait photography are studied and practiced.

Prerequisite: MEDP-0087 Film and Factual 1
This course provides students with an advanced skill set in workflows and best practices required to produce scripted and long-form factual content. Both large-crew scripted and small-crew, long-form factual (documentary, lifestyle productions) workflows and techniques are the emphasis here. While studies in writing, cinematography, sound recording and editing continue to the advanced level, skill sets required to excel in the grip, lighting and locations departments are also included. Students explore the fundamentals of directing and producing for scripted and long-form factual productions.

Prerequisite: MEDP-0088 Film and Factual 2
This advanced course provides additional skill sets in grip, lighting, cinematography, sound, locations, post-production, directing and writing. Fine tuning and the advancement of skills will be the emphasis here. Students study an overview of what producing a film or long-form factual production entails. Students learn how to pitch ideas, produce budgets and access Manitoba Film and Music tax credits. They also thoroughly examine the tools and concepts required to excel in the creative economy as freelancers and entrepreneurs.

Prerequisites: MEDP-0086 Digital Video, MEDP-0095 Unscripted Video Production 2
Corequisite: MEDP-0082 Capstone
This advanced course provides students with additional skill sets in live multi-camera production. The course build upon the skills developed in Unscripted Video 1 and 2. Students develop leadership skills and provide direction to student crews on a range of multi-camera projects. They serve as senior producers, directors, technical directors and team leads. They develop advanced skills in the operation and configuration of production systems.

Prerequisite: MEDP-0085 Digital Audio & Radio 3
Corequisite: MEDP-0082 Capstone
This advanced course provides additional skill sets in professional live sound reinforcement. Students study and practice the art and craft of microphone and loudspeaker placement, audio mixing and signal processing for live sound reinforcement applications. Advanced signal flow and equipment coordination are emphasized. Students examine an overview of what running a live sound small business entails.

Prerequisite: MEDP-0111 Multiplatform Journalism 1
Journalism is about finding and sharing the stories of people in our communities -local, national and global. In this course, students apply the skills learned in Storytelling and Digital Journalism 1, seeking out those stories mostly unexplored by the mainstream media. These stories may be considered investigative. Perhaps they concern hidden secrets or maybe these are stories concealed by systemic class and/or racial pressures. There are many stories waiting to be told simply because nobody asked the right questions. Students are mentored in finding and sharing stories that matter.

Prerequisite: COMP-0619 Digital Toolkit 3
Corequisite: MEDP-0082 Capstone
This advanced course provides additional skill sets in photography and sill image acquisition. Fine tuning and the advancement of skills in studio and on location portrait, event, corporate and landscape photography and still image post-production will be the emphasis here. Students examine a thorough overview of what running a small, photography business entails.

Prerequisites: Cumulative weighted grade point average (CWGPA) of 2.0 or greater, MEDP-0082 Capstone
Eligible students are assigned to an unpaid position for 320 hours to gain experience in a related industry firm. The work practicum is subject to prior approval of and monitoring by a faculty member. Placements are designed to complement the training and experience level achieved by the student. Credit is based on successful completion of the work practicum plus submission of evaluation by the employer. Work experience acquired prior to registration in the program is not eligible for this credit.

Prerequisite: MEDP-0094 Unscripted Video Production 1
This course provides students with advanced skill sets in workflows and best practices required to produce unscripted live and live-to-record content for a range of different types of content. This course builds upon the fundamentals of live production learned in Unscripted Video Production 1. Students engage as producers, directors, technical directors, audio engineers, and serve as senior members of a production crew. Students develop advanced skill sets in multi-camera production through hands-on practical application of technique. Team leadership, production management and the use of advanced production systems are essential elements of this course that enables students to perform duties as leaders and senior members of a multi-camera production crew.

Prerequisites: MEDP-0086 Digital Video, MEDP-0112 Multiplatform Journalism 2
The economics of the news business combined with the miniaturization of technical equipment have created new challenges and opportunities for the acquisition of video. The aim of visual journalism is to make the complicated easier to understand, giving background, context and insight. This course builds on the skills and knowledge of earlier courses to develop students’ abilities to think about, develop and deliver impactful visual stories using their own knowledge and technical resources. Students enhance their use of still cameras, video cameras and audio equipment as tools for communication in a mobile multimedia and social environment. In this course, students develop the skills and creativity to engage and inform audiences through insightful, compelling and shareable visual journalism.