Radio, Television, Film B.A. Degree with a Major in Radio-TV-Film
B.S. Degree with a Major in Radio-TV-Film
Departmental Requirements
Minor in Radio-TV-Film
Admission of Transfer students
Professional Affiliations and Accreditation
Internships
Honors Program
Combined Bachelors/Masters 3/2 Program
Courses of Instruction

(RTVF)

Available on the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Radio-TV-Film.

The Department of Radio-TV-Film functions within the context of a liberal arts university and seeks to produce well rounded, highly-skilled students who are adaptable to the changing complexities of today's entertainment industries.

The department requires a core of courses that provides a strong background for both the liberal arts and pre-professional student. These courses incorporate an overall view of the history of broadcasting and film, production, and aesthetics. Subsequent courses build on this orientation, while also encouraging students to specialize in a chosen area of interest.

Facilities and Resources

The department occupies the south ground floor of the Moudy Building, a modern, spacious facility. RTVF is well equipped to serve students in all media-related areas. This includes a surround-sound theatre, a multi-format FM radio station, film production equipment, and two digital sound stages and post-production suites. The department is the only Avid-Certified Training Center in Texas and surrounding states.

The department also houses a permanent collection of over 10,000 film and television titles in the Gwendolyn P. Tandy Memorial Film Library. The collection, used by faculty in RTVF courses, offers unusual depth and breadth for students interested in film and television production, history, and criticism.

B.A. Degree with a Major in Radio-TV-Film

A total of 124 semester hours is required: University Curriculum Requirements (UCR)-47 semester hours to include 6 credit hours in one foreign language at the 20000 level or above and Survey of Art, Dance, Music, or Theatre for the Fine Arts requirement (RTVF 10053 cannot be used to fulfill major or minor requirements). RTVF requires 37 hours within the major, 18 hours in an appropriate minor (chosen in consultation with the department adviser), and 22 hours of electives. *REMINDER: 12 credit hours in the major must be at the 30000-level or above.

B.S. Degree with a Major in Radio-TV-Film

Students pursuing the B.S. must complete all of the departmental requirements for the B.A. (including an approved minor) with the exception of the foreign language requirement.

All potential RTVF majors will complete the following core courses:
10113 History of Broadcasting
10123 History of Film
10143 Introduction to Film and Television
Aesthetics

All RTVF majors will also complete 40901 Senior Seminar in the last semester of their senior year.

Declaration of Major

Students who have completed the core RTVF courses may apply for the Radio-TV-Film major.

Minimum requirements for acceptance:

--Minimum GPA of 2.5 for the required core classes

--"C" or better in each of the core classes

--Overall TCU GPA of 2.5

--Application which meets with faculty approval. The application consists of:

--Letter of application

--Current transcript

--Writing sample

All RTVF majors will take two courses in each of three areas:

I. Production-RTVF 20203, or RTVF 20213, or RTVF 20223 and any other RTVF Production course (except Production Electives-see below)

II. Analysis-RTVF 20583 and any other RTVF Analysis course

III. Industry-RTVF 20523 and any other RTVF Industry course

Each student will then choose one of these areas of specialization. The student must take three additional courses in that area.

Departmental Requirements

Majors in Radio-Television-Film must achieve the following minimum academic requirements as a prerequisite to enroll in junior and senior level Radio-Television-Film courses:

1. Overall TCU GPA of 2.5;
2. Minimum GPA of 2.5 for all courses taken within the Department of Radio-Television-Film;
3."C" or better in all courses taken in the Department of Radio-Television-Film.

Students whose overall or departmental grade point average falls below 2.5 cannot enroll in a junior or senior level RTVF course until the 2.5 GPA is achieved.

The ultimate responsibility for knowing the pre-requisites for a course lies with the student and is noted in this catalog. Students who wish to apply for "permission of instructor" or "permission of department" to take a class must submit a request in writing to the RTVF Department prior to registration. The Department does not guarantee that all who wish to enroll in these classes will be accepted.

I. Production

Production integrates the varied techniques of audio, television, and motion picture production with the development of effective communication and writing skills. The curriculum orients students to industry technical practice, production planning, scripting, visualization, producing, directing, and editing.

20203 Audio Production I
20213 Video I
20223 Cinematography I
20243 Lighting and Design
20510 FM Station Operations
30203 Audio Production II
30213 Video II
30223 Cinematography II
30243 Directing
30353 Acting for Television
30553 Dramatic Writing for Television and Film
40113 Sports Broadcasting
40213 Video III
40333 Post Production
Production Electives (May be taken in addition to the three courses for Production emphasis):
20303 Announcing and Voice-Over Techniques
30510 Advanced FM Station Operations
40353 On-Camera Acting

II. Analysis

Analysis offers the student a foundation in the critical and historical perspectives of radio, television, and film. These courses focus upon the cultural, social, and technological influences of the media and how those influences shape our world. NOTE: RTVF majors with an emphasis in Analysis must take 40683.

20363 Analysis of Screen Performance
20583 Media Analysis
30410 Film Genres
30433 American Cinema
30593 Television, Culture, and Society
30663 Film in a Global Society
30983 Women in Television and Film
40003 Senior Honors Research Paper
40440 Topics in Film
40570 Topics in Television
40623 Topics in National Cinemas
40683 Film Theory and Criticism
50400 Advanced Studies in RTVF
50403 New Technologies

III. Industry

Industry is structured to produce ethical leaders for the highly competitive entertainment field. Focus is placed on understanding industry practices and analysis of the interrelated nature of various industry segments. Development of effective communication and leadership skills is also a component of these courses.

20503 Fundamentals of Broadcast & Film Writing
20523 Business of Media
30513 Electronic Media Research
30523 Broadcast Marketing & Promotion
30573 Broadcast & Cable Programming
40503 Broadcast Law & Regulation
40523 Management for Broadcast, Cable, and Film
50443 Studies in International Broadcasting

IV. Sports Broadcasting

Sports Broadcasting provides the opportunity to acquire specialized skills to succeed in sports-related media industries.
Students who have completed the core RTVF courses may apply for the Radio-Television-Film Major: at this time, students interested in Sports Broadcasting should specify in their letter of application that they intend to pursue this area of emphasis.

Required Courses for this emphasis indclude:
I. Production
20203 Audio I
20213 Video I

II. Industry
20523 Business of Media and another Industry course (chosen in consultation with the student's designated RTVF advisor)

III. Analysis
20583 Media Analysis
40580 Topics in Sports Media (May be taken more than once as course content changes in consultation with the student's designated RTVF advisor)

And three from the following:
30713 Remote Sports Production
30723 Producing the Live Sports Event
30733 Audio Production for Sports Television and Radio
40113 Sports Broadcasting
40713 Global Sports Media

Minor in Radio-TV-Film

The minor in Radio-Television-Film requires 18 hours, including: 10113 (History of Broadcasting), 10123 (History of Film), 10143 (Introduction to Film and Television Aesthetics), and 20583 (Media Analysis). RTVF 10053 cannot be used to fulfill minor requirements. The six remaining hours may be selected from:

20363 Analysis of Screen Performance
20503 Fundamentals of Broadcast & Film Writing
20510 FM Operations
30353 Acting for Television
30433 American Cinema
30593 Television, Culture, and Society
30643 British Cinema and European Culture
30663 Film in a Global Society
30983 Women in Television and Film
40353 On-Camera Acting
40623 Topics in National Cinemas
40683 Film Theory and Criticism

Minors in Radio-Television-Film must achieve the following minimum academic requirements as a prerequisite to enroll in junior and senior level Radio-Television-Film courses:

1. Minimum GPA of 2.5 for the three RTVF core courses;

2. Minimum GPA of 2.5 for all courses taken within the Department of Radio-Television-Film;

3. "C" or better in all courses taken in the Department of Radio-Television-Film.

Admission of Transfer students

Transfer students admitted to TCU are not guaranteed admission to the Radio-TV-Film major. All potential RTVF majors-including transfer students-must complete the three core courses (10113, 10123, 10143) and then follow the procedures for application to the major. Transfer students must submit a written request for the Department of Radio-TV-Film to consider accepting any substitutes for the RTVF 10113, 10123, or 10143. Each such request will be considered on an individual basis.

Professional Affiliations and Accreditation

The Department of Radio-TV-Film holds institutional memberships in the Broadcast Education Association, the National Association of Broadcasters, Texas Association of Broadcasters, Texas Association of Broadcast Educators, the International Communication Association, the International Television Association, and the University Film and Video Association.

Internships

The Department has an active supervised internship program that places students in radio stations, television studios, film production companies, audience research companies, and corporate/industrial media centers. Most interns work in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, but in many interns are placed in their hometowns or in major media markets such as Los Angeles, New York, and London. Juniors and seniors with 18 hours completed in the major with a grade point of 3.0 or above may apply for an internship.

Honors Program

Radio-TV-Film majors who plan to pursue Departmental Honors must be members of the Honors Program and should enroll in RTVF 30003 during their junior year and RTVF 40003 during the fall semester of their senior year.

Combined Bachelors/Masters 3/2 Program

The Department of Radio Television-Film offers the opportunity for students to earn a B.S. or B.A. in Radio-TV-Film and a Master of Arts in Media Arts in five years of full-time study. During the first three years, the student will complete a minimum of 104 hours including all major and associated requirements for the undergraduate degree. The student will apply for the Graduate Program in Media Arts during his or her junior year. For a complete description of the program and its requirements, see your adviser.

Courses of Instruction

RTVF 10053 Survey of Film. Lecture and viewing sessions. Includes examination of the development of film structure and aesthetics within appropriate social and cultural contexts. Viewing of significant films in cinema history. Designed for non-majors. RTVF majors may not use this course to fulfill major requirements or Fine Arts UCR requirement.

RTVF 10053 Survey of Film. Lecture and viewing sessions. Includes examination of the development of film structure and aesthetics within appropriate social and cultural contexts. Viewing of significant films in cinema history. Designed for non-majors. RTVF majors may not use this course to fulfill major requirements or Fine Arts UCR requirement.

RTVF 10113 History of Broadcasting. Lecture and viewing sessions. An intensive overview of the history of radio, television and related electronic media from 1900 to the present. Topics include the rise of the network system, programming and the evolution of broadcast technology. This course is designed for majors and minors; the minimum acceptable grade is a C.

RTVF 10123 History of Film. Lecture and viewing sessions. An intensive history of film from 1890 to the present. Includes examination of the development of film structure within social and cultural contexts, the Hollywood studio system, and selected international cinema systems. This course is designed for majors and minors; the minimum acceptable grade is a C. RTVF 10053 may not substitute for this course.

RTVF 10143 Introduction to Film and Television Aesthetics. An overview of how motion pictures and television programs can be "read" and analyzed as complex aesthetics texts. The course is designed to complement and provide a framework for all other RTVF courses. Class combines lecture, discussion and viewing sessions. This course is open to majors and minors only.

RTVF 10433 Freshman Seminar in Radio-TV-Film. Topics may vary each time it is offered.

RTVF 10533 Freshman Seminar in Radio-TV-Film. Topics may vary each time it is offered.

RTVF 20203 Audio Production I. Prerequisite: 10113, 10123, and 10143; RTVF majors only. Fundamentals of audio production. Lecture and laboratory projects designed to acquaint students with audio production requirements and responsibilities.

RTVF 20213 Video I. Prerequisites: 10113, 10123, and 10143. RTVF majors only. Lecture and laboratory. Fundamentals of video preproduction, production, and direction. Functions and responsibilities of the production crew and equipment utilization.

RTVF 20223 Cinematography I. Prerequisite: 10113, 10123, 10143. RTVF majors only. Lecture and Laboratory. Principles and practices of 16mm and electronic cinematography, lighting, sound, and editing. Individual exercises and group projects.

RTVF 20243 Lighting and Design. Prerequisite: 20213. Lecture and laboratory. Theory and practice of lighting and production design for film and video.

RTVF 20303 Announcing and Voice-Over Techniques. On-camera and microphone techniques, and the performance of commercials and public service announcements, newscasts, and special events broadcasts.

RTVF 20363 Analysis of Screen Performance. Prerequisite: 10143 or permission of instructor. Historical and critical analysis of screen performance. Intensive practice in the critical viewing of and writing about screen performances.

RTVF 20503 Fundamentals of Broadcast and Film Writing. Prerequisite: ENGL 10803 and RTVF 10143, or permission of instructor. Overview and analysis of writing styles and formats for TV and film genres.

RTVF 20510 FM Station Operations. Prerequisites: 10143 and permission of department. Open to RTVF and JOUR majors only. Practicum in various phases of station operation. Students serve in different staff capacities at KTCU-FM. (1-3 semester hours; 3 hours maximum per semester.)

RTVF 20523 Business of Media. Prerequisites: 10113, 10123 and 10143. This course provides an intensive overview of radio, TV, and film business practices, including the structure of media companies; how media conceptualize and measure their audience; strategies (i.e., promotion, advertising) media companies use to attract an audience, and regulatory structures that govern the radio, TV, and film industries.

RTVF 20583 Media Analysis. Prerequisites: 10113, 10123, 10143; ENGL 10803. Students in this course will develop a critical perspective on broadcasting and film. Intensive practice in analyzing and writing about broadcast programs and motion pictures.

RTVF 30003 Honors Tutorial. Prerequisite: Junior standing and membership in the Honors Program. This course is offered only as a tutorial and the specific topic is determined by consultation with an instructor. Arrangements for this course must be made with an instructor the semester prior to enrollment.

RTVF 30203 Audio Production II. Prerequisite: 20203. Lecture and laboratory. Practicum in advanced radio, audio and music production, program direction, and multi track recording for advertising and music. Basic principles of radio programming.

RTVF 30213 Video II. Prerequisite: 20213, and 20243. Lecture and laboratory. Intermediate level production and direction of studio and non-studio video.

RTVF 30223 Cinematography II. Prerequisite: 20223. Practicum in advanced cinematography. Advanced study of lighting and film exposure techniques. The course culminates with an advanced 16mm film project.

RTVF 30243 Directing. Prerequisite: 30213. Lecture and laboratory. An exploration of the role of the director in film and video production. Includes examination of case studies as well as practical exercises.

RTVF 30353 Acting for Television. Prerequisite: 10113, 10123, and 10143. Non-RTVF majors/minors may apply for permission of instructor. An exploration of the theories and techniques of on-camera performance. Students act in student-directed video projects and critique their work in class. Projects and assignments focus on improving performance skills as well as developing strategies to work with talent in a production setting.

RTVF 30410 Film Genres. Prerequisites: 20523, 20583, or permission of instructor. Historical and critical overview of various film genres, with viewing and analysis of representative films.

RTVF 30433 American Cinema. Lecture and viewing sessions. An overview of the history of American cinema from 1895 to the present. Includes examination of the development of American film from a cultural and historical perspective. Topics include Hollywood system, Independent cinema, Ethnic cinema, and Minority cinema. Open to non-majors.

RTVF 30510 Advanced FM Station Operations/Management. Prerequisites: 20510 and permission of instructor. Open to RTVF majors only. Practicum in operations and management of FM radio stations. Students serve as managers and mentors in station operations. Students may be assigned to KTCU-FM in areas such as programming, operations, music formats, sports, and news. (1-3 semester hours; 3 hours maximum per semester.)

RTVF 30513 Electronic Media Research. Prerequisite: 20523; Math 10043 recommended. Introduction to qualitative and quantitative research methodologies in broadcasting. Includes an historical overview of how the broadcast audience has been conceptualized.

RTVF 30523 Broadcast Marketing and Promotions. Journalism/Radio-TV-Film) Prerequisite: RTVF 10113 (for RTVF majors) or JOUR 30313 (for Journalism majors) or permission of instructor. Principles and techniques of developing successful marketing and promotions campaigns for radio-television stations, cable networks, and motion pictures. Course focuses on issues of market research, advertising strategies, identity and image development, and creative execution.

RTVF 30553 Dramatic Writing for Television and Film. Prerequisites: English 10803 & 20803, RTVF 10113, 10123, and 10143. Non-RTVF majors/minors may apply for permission of instructor. Principles and techniques of writing fiction for the screen. Conducted as a workshop.

RTVF 30573 Broadcast and Cable Programming. Prerequisite: 20523 Historical overview of broadcast programming trends. Current program practices and strategies in radio, television, cable and other electronic media.

RTVF 30593 Television, Culture and Society. Prerequisite: 20583. Issues in the relationships among television, culture, and society. Emphasis on understanding the role television has played in the development of mass culture and the influence of television on contemporary society.

RTVF 30643 British Cinema and European Culture. Prerequisite: 10123, or permission of instructor. Using a cultural/historical perspective, this course focuses upon postcolonial, social, economic, and political factors that create the visual image in British cinema. Investigates the representation of Britain's identity in European culture. Examined through a series of seminars, guest lectures, and on-site visits to studios and museums in London.

RTVF 30663 Film in a Global Society. Prerequisites: RTVF 10123, 20523, or permission of instructor. Examines the increasingly global nature of the film and broadcasting industries, and explores the impact of US films abroad, using the British market as a specific subject of analysis. Includes a series of seminars, guest lectures, and on-site visits to studios and museums in London.

RTVF 30713 Remote Sports Production. Prerequisites: RTVF 20203 and 20213. This course gives the student practical hands-on experience producing 'live' sporting events such as: football, baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis and other sports. Students will be responsible for all aspects of the production from director to camera operator.

RTVF 30723 Producing the Live Sports Event. Prerequisites: RTVF 20203, 20213, and 30713. This course will prepare students as producers, associate producers, and production managers for sports production. Combining lecture and lab students will learn all of the necessary skills to be able to produce 'live' sporting event broadcasts. Students enrolled in this course will produce TCU sporting events.

RTVF 30733 Audio Production for Sports: Television and Radio. Prerequisites: Must be a RTVF major, and RTVF 20203. Audio techniques, theory, and application for sports broadcasting. The application of techniques for live sports television and radio. Includes microphone choice and placement, mixing techniques, IFB, and replay video monitor deployment. Labs include actual on-site broadcasts of sporting events (live to tape). This is not a play-by-play announcing course.

RTVF 30860 Internship in Radio-TV-Film. Prerequisites: RTVF majors only. Permission of department is required. At the time of application for an internship, students must have a GPA of 3.0 or better in RTVF courses, completed 18 hours of RTVF courses including 10113, 10123, 10143 and 20523. Supervised study, experience, and on-the-job training in a media-related organization. This course may only be taken on a pass-no credit basis. This course may not be used to fulfill requirements for a major or minor in RTVF; it is an RTVF elective only. (1-6 semester hours, 3 hours maximum per semester.

RTVF 30983 Women in Television and Film. Prerequisite: 20583 or permission of instructor. This course examines the relationship between women and the electronic media. Specific issues include the social construction of gender and gender roles, the influence of media stereotypes, and the critical evaluation of artistic works created by female writers, producers, and directors.

RTVF 40003 Senior Honors Research Paper. Prerequisites: RTVF 30003. Senior standing and membership in the Honors Program. A supervised research experience and a thesis that is usually based on the subject matter studied in 30003. This course is offered only as a tutorial; arrangements must be made with an instructor prior to enrollment.

RTVF 40113 Sports Broadcasting. Prerequisites: 20203 or 20213. Overview and analysis of sports broadcasting. This course teaches the fundamentals of both on-air talent and behind-the-scenes production of both television and radio sports production.

RTVF 40213 Video III. Prerequisite: 30213. Advanced problems in video production. A variable topic lecture/laboratory course.

RTVF 40333 Post-Production. Prerequisites: 20213. This course examines the principles and techniques of non-linear editing. Students will log time on the department's Avid system.

RTVF 40353 On-Camera Acting. (Also Theatre 40353) Prerequisite: Theatre students: THEA 30303 or permission of instructor; RTVF students: RTVF 10113, 10123, and 10143. Non RTVF majors/minors may apply for permission of instructor. An advanced course in acting designed to acquaint the student with changes in technique that are necessary for performance before the film or television camera.

RTVF 40440 Topics in Film. Prerequisites: 20523, 20583, or permission of instructor. Using a variety of theoretical and critical approaches, students will examine selected topics and/or issues within the film industry. (6 hours maximum; 3 hours per semester).

RTVF 40503 Broadcast Law and Regulation. Prerequisite: 20523, senior standing, or permission of instructor. The laws and regulations under which broadcasting operates. Court cases bearing on broadcasting. Introduction to legal research.

RTVF 40523 Management for Broadcast, Cable and Film. Prerequisite: 20523. The organization and administration of broadcast, cable and film operations. Management techniques and strategies, including forecasting, planning, statistical and financial analysis, and interpersonal communication.

RTVF 40570 Topics in Television. Prerequisites: 20523, 20583, or permission of instructor. An in-depth analysis or selected television genres and industry practices from a variety of critical and theoretical perspectives. (6 semester hours maximum; 3 hours per semester)

RTVF 40580 Topics in Sports Media. Prerequisites: RTVF 20523 and 20583, or permission of instructor. Using a variety of theoretical and critical approaches, this course will examine coverage of sporting events in the broadcast media as well as depictions of athletes and athletic events in fiction film and television programming.

RTVF 40623 Topics in National Cinemas. Prerequisite: 20583 or permission of instructor. Investigation of the historical and cultural developments of a selected national cinema including the examination of film structure and aesthetics in a selected cultural setting. Topics will include the national cinemas of Japan, India, Germany, Italy, etc. 6 semester hours maximum; 3 hours per semester

RTVF 40683 Film Theory and Criticism. Prerequisite: 20583. Survey of classical and contemporary film theories. Required for those RTVF majors taking Analysis emphasis.

RTVF 40713 Global Sports Media. Prerequisites: RTVF 20203, 20212, and 30723. This course provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to produce sports events internationally such as: The Olympics, World Cup Soccer, Skiing, Sailing, and Golf. This course will examine legal issues, rights fees, and problems associated with producing an event overseas.

RTVF 40853 Managing a Performance Career. (Also Theatre.) Prerequisite: THEA/RTVF 40353 or permission of instructor. Business practices related to performance talent in the television and film industry including agencies, unions, auditions, etc.

RTVF 40900 Special Problems in Radio, Television and Film. Prerequisite: Junior standing. A conference course designed to give an individual student opportunities for additional specialized work in his or her area of concentration. 1-6 semester hours

RTVF 40901 Senior Seminar in Radio-TV-Film. Prerequisite: Students must be in last semester of senior year. A review and synthesis of material covered in the RTVF major. This course is required for RTVF majors; the minimum acceptable grade is a "C." (1 semester hour.)

RTVF 50400 Advanced Studies in Radio, Television, and Film. Prerequisites: 10113, 10123, 10143; senior or graduate standing. Seminar in radio, television, and film. 3-6 semester hours; maximum 3 semesters hours per semester.

RTVF 50403 New Technologies. Prerequisites: 20523, 20583, senior or graduate standing; permission of instructor. Overview of developments of media technologies and analysis of relationships between technology and culture.

RTVF 50443 Studies in International Broadcasting. Prerequisites: 10113, 10123, 10143, 20523. This seminar course takes a comparative approach to the study of broadcasting. Examines the structure of broadcast media outside the U.S., including production, programming, regulation, finance, and the social effects of broadcasting.

RTVF 50901 Senior Seminar in Radio-TV-Film. Prerequisite: Students must be in last semester of senior year. A review and synthesis of material covered in the RTVF major. This course is required for RTVF major; the minimum acceptable grade is a "C." (1 semester hour.)

RTVF 50970 Special Problems in Radio, Television, and Film. Prerequisite: Senior or graduate standing. A conference course designed to give an individual student opportunities for additional specialized work in his or her area of concentration. (1-6 semester hours)