Beijing Olympic Stadium

Syllabus

MED 4800:T2
Travel Learn: International Media Journalism & China
Spring 2009
Dr. Kristine Mirrer
Media & Film
CAS 419, Ext. 70456

The class will present an overview of media journalism – with an emphasis on radio and television -- in the China. Students will prepare for, sample, and appreciate Chinese events and locations as seen through the eyes of a media journalist while on tour March 12-23, 2009. The focus of the course is the tour experience, therefore assignments and meetings are designed to support the actual travel adventure. Students will be given all necessary information about the trip, including all logistics for travel. Class is expected to meet three times before travel and twice after, subject to need/desire for additional contact.

Meeting dates as follows:

TRIP: March 12-23, 2009 CHINA, departing Thursday

PRE-TRIP: Kean University, all classes meet the following dates in CAS-106 at 4:30 to 7:15
1.) Wednesday, January 28, 2009
2.) Wednesday, February 18, 2009
3.) Wednesday, March 4, 2009 PRE-TRIP Assignments Due

POST TRIP: Kean University, all classes meet the following dates in CAS-106 at 4:30
4.) Wednesday, April 15, 2009 – Project Progress Report Due, Final Wednesday, May 6, 2009 -- Student Showcase

Assignments:

I. Pre-Trip Preparation:

• Part I: Write a one-page human-interest news story on your anticipated trip to CHINA. It should include what you know about these places in the CHINA and how the media has shaped your expectation. What are you expecting to do on the trip, visit museums, tourist attractions, history, cultural activities, shop, eat, etc.? (This portion of your assignment may relate to your research for Media & the China, if you are also registered for that course. Part II: attach a second page explaining how you would adapt this story for different media (e.g. the type of shots you would use for TV, the possible natural sound for an audio actuality, possible stills for a podcast, point of view for a blog, key points for a newsletter, pictures for a Webpage, etc.)
• Begin your China Travel Blog



• Film:
Part I: Watch a popular film of your choice that is set in China (or significantly about the CHINA), and think about the coming trip. Did the film affect or influence your planned activities or attitude toward China? Part II: Watch it again after you return from the trip. Did your experience in the China alter your experience of the film? Write a comparison of the film experience before and after the CHINA trip. (Note: parts I and II may relate to your film research for Media & the China, if you are are enrolled in that course.) Part III: Adapt this written comparison for a TV, Radio, Podcast, or Newsletter review script. Record the script in the format you have chosen (TV, Radio, Podcast, or Newsletter) and submit the CD/DVD and script of your review. (TRT: 00:45-01:30)
• Create an entry in your Blog about this film



• Media News Research: Some source suggestions: Google Scholar (from home page go to More and drop down menu lists “Scholar) Type in related topic to search

Briefly answer the following:
• Describe the Chinese Television system (technical standards -- U.S. is NTSC, France is SECAM, China is ____________.)
• Describe the types of programming.
• Describe the means of programming support (advertising, government supported, pay services, etc.)
• Regulation (who controls it?)
• News: Compare Broadcast News in the CHINA to the U.S. and identify the major international broadcast news agency
• What are the major news broadcasts?
• What are the most popular broadcast news magazine programs?
• Who are the popular newscasters?
• What are some of the important news events for the Chinese, in particular, in the last year?
• Add some of the information you uncover to your Blog


II. On-Tour Assignment: Based on your pre-trip research…
• Watch a sample of Chinese Television News and an international news service such as CNN. How do they compare to the news you listen to and watch at home?
• Take notes on the 2 stories. Remember to include date and times, etc. When you have access to the internet (perhaps when you return home), look up the same stories (this is where date and time may help you) and see how the US news covered the same events.
• Plan a location for a stand-up(s) for a video story you will edit together when you get home. Or, find locations that have natural audio that will enhance a radio story. Record in these locations.
• Find and record interviews that will be used in your news story (these may be audio or video, depending upon your project).
• Report about your newsgathering and recording experiences or observations from the above in a blog, podcast, webpage, or photostory so that it can be shared with others, including the public or your family.
• Continue to update your Blog with events from your travels

III. Post Trip Assignment:
• Create the news story you have worked on your trip (Radio or TV). Meet with your advisor to discuss format and time. General time guidelines are TRT: 1:30 for a TV news piece and TRT: 1:00 for a radio actuality.
• Continue your Blog when you return home
And Do one of the following:
• Write a news article (with photos), broadcast news report, or newsletter (with photos) based on your experience with media & culture.
• Create a video Travel Learn promo based on your experience with the CHINA trip.
• Create a digital story based on your experience.
• Link your projects to your Blog

EVALUATION: Course grade is based on the successful participation in the Travel Learn experience. Students are required to participate in ALL included activities as part of the normal itinerary. In addition, students are expected to be on time and their general behavior is expected to reflect favorably on the program, the university and the United States abroad. This Travel Learn trip is an educational experience, not a vacation.


Notes:
1.) Free blogging software will make it simple to begin your blog. Many people like Google’s Blogger. (Click on link from main google or gmail pages.)
2.) Remember to activate your Kean University email account – this will be our default email link. Please follow the directions on the gold hand-out to update your account.