Working on your own you will make a live recording at a place, or at an event you witness, using portable audio recorders. Record a ‘live’ voice commentary at the place/event, reporter style; record ‘actuality’; and afterwards write a script to go with it (making notes at the location and incorporate these). Record your script using a portable recorder or in the recording booth in the studio. You will then mix the scripted voice with your live voice commentary and actuality recording using ProTools. The key with this assessment is to make the piece sound as if you are there, and to include an interesting monologue/commentary/reflection. Other relevant information can be added if you wish.

Up to 4 minutes maximum (you may like to base the idea of this recording on the theme of of the live show so it may be used during broadcast).

You have two weeks to do this exercise. Be ready to play and submit in class in Week 5. Any assignment handed in late will incur a penalty of 5% deduction of marks for every day that it remains not submitted (including weekends) unless Disruption to Studies (including a request for an extension) is approved.

With this assignment please also submit a 300-word reflection as per the Assessment Documentation Requirements on iLearn (see attachment under the heading Assessment) and a cue sheet. This is due the Friday of Week 5 at 5pm.

This exercise will be assessed using a rubric. Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks.

Assessment criteria:

• Quality of idea
• Approach used to take listener to the place/event
• Technical quality
• Effectiveness and interest created in presentation and structure
• Thorough use of actuality material, live voice and scripted voice. 

This Assessment Task relates to the following Learning Outcomes:

1.     Develop writing, voicing, interviewing, researching, and editing skills for radio broadcast and audio media productions.

2.     Demonstrate operational proficiency in the use of microphones and studio and portable recording equipment to deliver broadcast quality material in both live and pre-recorded situations.

4.    Develop an understanding of the dynamics and methods necessary for successful communication with audiences and listeners and the critical skills to articulate good storytelling practices. 

Working individually, organise and record an interview (current affairs/topical/specialist) on location or via phone. You will incorporate this interview into your feature story or comedy/drama piece (Assessment 3) so make sure you choose the talent well. NB: Because the next assessment (radio feature) is done in pairs it is strongly advisable that you liaise with your chosen partner for that assessment to ensure that both your interviews can be used in your next production piece (this will save you time later). Your feature story or drama piece will be linked to theme that is chosen for your live radio show. 

From an original 'raw' 20-minute interview, edit down to 6 - 8 mins max.  Prepare an edited section or excerpt to be auditioned in Week 6 Tutorial and then submit the final piece for marking after editing down in Week 7. Include some of your questions in the edited version (i.e. don't edit all the questions out).

With this assignment please also submit a 300-word reflection as per the Assessment Documentation Requirements on iLearn (see attachment under the heading Assessment). No cue sheet required. In your reflection you must demonstrate a developing understanding of journalism/documentary ethics and producer-subject relationships. The written documentation is due the Friday of Week 7 by 5pm.

Any assignment handed in late will incur a penalty of 5% deduction of marks for every day that it remains not submitted (including weekends) unless Disruption to Studies (including a request for an extension) is approved.

This exercise will be assessed using a rubric. Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks.

Assessment criteria:

• quality of interviewee for topic
• choice of interviewee
• level of pre-preparation and research prior to the interview
• engagement with the interviewee
• Technical quality

This Assessment Task relates to the following Learning Outcomes:

1.     Develop writing, voicing, interviewing, researching, and editing skills for radio broadcast and audio media productions.

2.     Demonstrate operational proficiency in the use of microphones and studio and portable recording equipment to deliver broadcast quality material in both live and pre-recorded situations.

4.    Develop an understanding of the dynamics and methods necessary for successful communication with audiences and listeners and the critical skills to articulate good storytelling practices. 

6.     Understand the cultural, ethical and legal frameworks relevant to radio practice, demonstrated through effective and responsible broadcasting.

Working in pairs and to the live radio show theme, create a radio feature/short documentary or (with tutor's approval) comedy/drama sketch for radio. Your radio project can explore people’s lives and communities through the intimate power of sound. They can tell stories that advance understanding about society and explore contemporary social issues. The emphasis is on storytelling and audio verité—“the sound of life happening.” Your project will feature multiple voices, real-life scenes, in-depth fieldwork and research.

A rough cut version (near complete) will be auditioned in Week 10. This will enable students to improve their work leading up to the submission of a final version to be played in the live show. Final is due Week 11. Max Duration: 8-9 mins.

For this assignment, you will work in pairs to research and produce a radio feature that may include interview/s (definitely interviews done for Assign 2), voices, script, and other sound (music, SFX, original actuality recordings). Primary source material, i.e., interviews and scripts can be recorded either in the studio/phone recording or on a portable recorder, and then mixed with music, sound effects, or other actuality to create a radio feature on a specific topic, theme or around a story. This assignment requires you to demonstrate competence with story development, writing for audio, microphone technique, interviewing, recording, editing, and mixing and thinking radiophonically. It involves being as creative or as factual as you like while remaining clearly focused. Themes for each class will be chosen, and your features must work within the theme.

In the weeks leading up to this assessment students will present a story pitch in class for review. 2ser's Sean Britten will provide feedback on whether the ideas are suitable for your live radio show. 

With this assignment submit a 500-word reflection as per the Assessment Documentation Requirements on iLearn (see attachment under the heading Assessment) and a cut sheet. In your written reflection it should become apparent that you are listening to audio work from many genres and you must demonstrate an understanding of journalism/documentary ethics and producer-subject relationships. The written documentation is due on the Friday of Week 11 by 5pm.

Any assignment handed in late will incur a penalty of 5% deduction of marks for every day that it remains not submitted (including weekends) unless Disruption to Studies (including a request for an extension) is approved.

This exercise will be assessed using a rubric. Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks.

Assessment criteria:

• skills in sound recording, writing, scripting and digital mixing
• quality and originality of presentation (including technical)
• quality/interest in content and its development
• quality and relevance of research
• reflection upon the final work 
• processes undertaken to complete to deadline

This Assessment Task relates to the following Learning Outcomes:

1.     Develop writing, voicing, interviewing, researching, and editing skills for radio broadcast and audio media productions.

2.     Demonstrate operational proficiency in the use of microphones and studio and portable recording equipment to deliver broadcast quality material in both live and pre-recorded situations.

3.     Recognise the value and power of the radio medium in communicating with diverse target audiences and in applications to new media contexts such as the web.

4.    Develop an understanding of the dynamics and methods necessary for successful communication with audiences and listeners and the critical skills to articulate good storytelling practices. 

5.     Display a capacity to work collaboratively and to communicate effectively to plan and produce projects within radio broadcasting and audio media productions to deadline.

6.     Understand the cultural, ethical and legal frameworks relevant to radio practice, demonstrated through effective and responsible broadcasting.

This assessment is based on your individual performance in your role for the live radio show and written documentation supporting your contribution to the class/team broadcast. 

Roles include Producers x 2; Presenters x 2-4; Promo and sting makers x 2; Online content producer x 2; Panel operators x 2; Entertainment producer x 1; Publicity officer x 1; and Roving reporter(s) x 1-2

Position descriptions for each role will be handed out during tutorials and by Week Four in tutes all the roles will be decided. You will need to express your interest in the role you desire and make a case for why you think you should undertake that particular role, either in class or in writing to me via email.

Assessment is based on fulfilling your role and the quality of your written reflection. Deadlines must be met and contribution documented. Tasks vary and are assessed in relation to your role as well as written reflection.

Producers will oversee the program. Assessment: produce running sheet, good running order for content, be responsible in the Control Room, liaise with Presenters and other roles, Chair meetings during tutorials (notes should be taken and handed in as part of documentation). Quality of ideas and communication will also be assessed. Presenters will be assessed on the effectiveness/quality of their performance live on air for the show and how they communicate with the rest of the team, particularly the producers. Promo-makers will be assessed on 2 Promos: effectiveness/originality/technical. Online content producers will be assessed on the content and ideas they contribute to the website, social media platforms and overall idea and design for online content. This team will also be responsible for Social Media and input on the day. Live music/entertainment producers will be responsible for procuring & managing the entertainment. Assessed on early and thorough preparation/quality of segment, smooth running of segment, provision of publicity information on the artists/band etc to Producers and all forms submitted to deadline (if applicable: APRA copyright). An interview on air with the band/artist may also be organised by the entertainment Producers for the live show. Panel Operator assessed on smooth running of their segment paneling. Clear marked up running sheet, and attendance at rehearsals, with Report obtained from Peter Ring, Radio Facilities manager. Roving Reporter/s will produce 2 short voice pieces either 'on location' by phone, or prerecorded. Quality of content/presentation assessed and on time delivery. Publicity officer/s will produce high quality well written or communicated press release and small poster to advertise the whole show and liaise with online content producers. Evidence of effective liaison with Producers must be demonstrated. Hand in publicity material with reflection.

There are two parts to the written documentation:

1. The Production Diary: three to five dot points for each week since you got your role. What did you do each week for the broadcast? Feel free to add a bit more detail in the last few weeks but overall keep this document brief.

2. Reflection: 500 words. What did you learn? What went well, what went wrong, what would you change or do differently? Most of this is about the lead up and planning but ensure that you talk about how the final broadcast went and some of the key things you have learnt. This is due at 5pm the day after your broadcast. 

This written documentation will show evidence of you regularly updating others of progress in your role. You will post announcements and contribute to discussion forums on iLearn and contact individual team members via whatever method of communication you desire (note this in the diary). You will start making entries in your diary from the time you are assigned your role and each week make comments and write reflections on the progress being made by you and as a group. 

You may add as an addendum any relevant documents or production material you produced as part of your role (e.g. the Producer should submit the running sheet; the online content producer may submit screen shots of tweets or Facebook posts etc; Presenters can submit draft scripts). 

Any assignment handed in late will incur a penalty of 5% deduction of marks for every day that it remains not submitted (including weekends) unless Disruption to Studies (including a request for an extension) is approved.

Each role relates to different learning outcomes.

Participating in lectures and in your tutorial team will be assessed. As part of the assessment for lectures a different group of students will work with the lecturer each week to organise a news bulletin and cue sheets for forward and back announcing interviews and features to be played during lectures. The purpose of this participation is to familiarise students with reading scripts and news bulletins. Students will be allocated a 'lecture week' and will meet with Helene for a 'production meeting' prior to the weekly lectures.

You are required to attend all tutorials. As participation in the process of learning is linked to and underpins the unit Learning Outcomes, you will need to either apply for Disruptions to Studies to cover any missed tutorial (if the disruption is greater than three consecutive days) or supply appropriate documentation to the unit convenor for any missed tutorial (if less than three consecutive days).

Listening to the radio is also a crucial part of this course. Students will be expected to be able to discuss programs heard over the week, including 2ser and those selected by the tutor. You are also expected to complete homework readings (see iLearn) and when asked, address the class in discussion. In connection with this course, each student will present verbal reports on radio listening sessions, commenting upon critical aspects of the programs heard. Students must also demonstrate active involvement in technical workshops and adhere to all bookings and Lab requirements. See Peter Ring for matters concerning this.

Participation be assessed using a rubric. 

Assessment criteria:

• tutorial attendance
• participation in iLearn activities 
• class discussion/engagement
• participation in your assigned 'lecture week'

This Assessment Task relates to the following Learning Outcomes:

3.     Recognise the value and power of the radio medium in communicating with diverse target audiences and in applications to new media contexts such as the web.

4.     Develop an understanding of the dynamics and methods necessary for successful communication with audiences and listeners and the critical skills to articulate good storytelling practices. 

7.     Engage in the process of learning by critically listening and reflecting on diverse radio/audio content and sharing listening experiences with the class.