RTV 250 -- Fundamentals of Broadcasting
Western Carolina University
Fall 1988

Professor:  Dr. Kelly Huff
Office:  135 Killian              Office Phone:  227-7229 or 227-7491
Hours: 10-12 T-Th  &  11-12 M-W    Other times by appointment

Text:  Gross, L.S.  (1986).  Telecommunications:  An introduction to radio, television, and other electronic media.
                (2nd Ed.).

Catalog Course Description:  "Historical, cultural, and economic aspects of broadasting and electronic communications.
        PREQ:  140."

Course Objective:  This course is primarily a lecture course offering the student an overview of the past, present, and future
        of broadcasting in the U.S.  From time to time, students will be exposed to audio/visual examples of various
        programming.

Grading:       Quizzes                              60 points
                      Paper                                15   "
                      Oral Reports on Paper         5   "
                      Comprehensive Final          15   "
                      Class Participation                5   "

Attendance Policy:  While the student has a responsibility to attend all class meetings, five unexcused absences are allowed.
        The total grade will be reduced by five points for each absence over that amount.  In addition, each time one is tardy half
        an absence will be recorded.

Grade Scale:

          A = 91 to 100 points
          B = 81 to 90
          C = 71 to 80
          D = 61 to 70
          F = 60 and Below

Guidelines on reports and papers:  Paper (Due 9-22-88):  These will be eight to ten pages in length (not including
        bibliography and notes).  The student is responsible for selecting a topic on some aspect of broadcasting.  The topic
        must be approved by the professor.  Otherwise, another topic or approach to that topic will be suggested.  All
        students must meet with the professor to discuss the proposal.  Topics might possibly consist of a book report, case
        study, etc.  Upon professorial approval, the student will complete the paper by the deadline of September 22, 1988.

        Papers will be typed and double spaced.  Computer and word processor printouts are acceptable as long as they
        conform to typing guidelines.  No handwritten or difficult to read manuscripts will be graded.  If in doubt, bring a
        sample to the professor for consideration.  Papers are due by the deadline and all late papers will be docked ten points
        for each day the paper is not submitted.

Oral Reports:  Will be a brief two to three minute presentation to the class from the above paper.  (October 11, 13, & 20)

Quizzes:  Will be announced and previewed (Consult Schedule).

Final Examination:  Will be comprehensive, covering all course material.

Class Participation:  Each student is expected to complete reading assignments with the goal of intelligently contributing to
        class discussions.


Course schedule*:

     Tuesday 8-23:  Course overview.

     Thursday 8-25:  Chapter 1.

     Tuesday 8-30:  Chapter 2.

     Thursday 9-1:  Audio Presentation of Radio.

     Tuesday 9-6:  Review of Chapters 1-2 and preview of QUIZ I.

     Thursday 9-8:  QUIZ I.

     Tuesday 9-13:  Review of QUIZ I and discussion.

     Thursday 9-15:  Chapter 3.

     Tuesday 9-20:  Audio/visual example of TV.

     Thursday 9-22:  Audio/visual example of TV.  (Deadline for paper.)

     Tuesday 9-27:   Chapters 4-5.

     Thursday 9-29:  Review of Chps. 3-5 and Preview of QUIZ II.

     Tuesday 10-4:  QUIZ II.

     Thursday 10-6:  Review of QUIZ II and discussion.

     Tuesday 10-11:  Oral Reports.

     Thursday 10-13:  Oral Reports.

     Tuesday 10-18:  Fall Break.  No Class.

     Thursday 10-20:  Oral Reports.

     Tuesday 10-25:  Chapter 6.

     Thursday 10-27:  Chapter 9 with Audio/visual.

     Tuesday 11-1:  Chapter 10 with Audio/Visual.

     Thursday 11-3:  No Class.

     Tuesday 11-8:  Review of Chps. 6, 9, 10.  Preview QUIZ III.

     Thursday 11-10:  QUIZ III.

     Tuesday 11-15:  Review of QUIZ III and discussion.

     Thursday 11-17:  Chapters 12-13.

     Tuesday 11-22:  Chapter 15.

     Thursday 11-24:  Thanksgiving.  No Class.

     Tuesday 11-29:  Review of Chps. 12, 13, 15, and Preview QUIZ IV.

     Thursday 12-1:  QUIZ IV.

     Tuesday 12-6:  Review of QUIZ IV and preview of Final.

*Schedule is tentative and is subject to change in the event of unforeseen reasons.