Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Karen Pearlman
Contact via karen.pearlman@mq.edu.au
Y3A 193H
by appointment Mondays & Tuesdays 1:15 to 1:45
gear & facilities manager
Marcus Eckermann
Y3A loading dock
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Credit points |
Credit points
3
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Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
MAS212 and MAS213
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Corequisites |
Corequisites
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Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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Unit description |
Unit description
This unit provides students with an opportunity to develop their research, creative, conceptual and technical skills in non-fiction digital production as they address the range of aesthetic and rhetorical choices available in representing the 'real'. While non-fiction as a category of screen production may include news, current affairs, reality television and corporate video, the special focus of this unit is documentary and the historical and theoretical context of its production. The unit places particular emphasis on the creative process and its relationship to the development of specific technical capabilities.
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Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
---|---|---|---|
Documentary Proposal | 10% | No | 03 March, 2018 |
Individual Video Essay | 20% | No | Week 7 screen in workshop |
Production R&D Website | 20% | No | 29 April |
Short Documentary Production | 40% | No | Tues June 5th |
Workshop Participation | 10% | No | scheduled workshops |
Due: 03 March, 2018
Weighting: 10%
Due Date: 03 March 2018
Weighting: 10 %
Create a powerpoint proposal for a documentary of up to 5 minutes in length. This is a creative document, not an essay. Choose an idea from the world around you that you think is achievable and that has the potential for interesting characters, places, events or issues, strong sounds and images, story or argument.
The documentary proposal needs to be well structured and engaging. Include the following, at least:
The outline may be up to 10 slides long including your responses to each of the above points, with photographs, clips, quotes, links, archival material, drawings or other media that help to bring the idea to life for a reader. You may include an additional (11th) slide for your 'works cited' list (please include all credits for images and quotes!)
Outlines will be assessed and short-listed for production based on the following criteria:
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Assessment standards in this unit align with the University's grade descriptors, available at: https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/assessment
SUBMISSION: Proposals must be submitted on ilearn by midnight 03 March, 2018
proposals must be named using the following naming convention: SURNAME_WORKSHOP DAY&TIME_PROPOSAL
EARLY SUBMISSIONS ARE ENCOURAGED!
Any assignment delivered beyond the due date may not be considered for production.
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.
Feedback (marks and comments) for all proposals will be via ilearn. Selected proposals will also receive feedback via email.
Due: Week 7 screen in workshop
Weighting: 20%
Due Date: Week 7 Screening in Workshop & link on ilearn on April 9 or 10 depending on workshop group you are enrolled in.
Weighting: 20 %
A 3 to 4 minute (maximum) video essay analysing a documentary production that is relevant in theme, form, approach, visual or aural style to the one you are working on in MAS312. You must coordinate with your team before commencing this assignment to insure that each video essay is on a different documentary, or a clearly distinctive aspect of a highly relevant documentary.
Your video essay may be created using your own technology (eg. phones, laptops) however, editing on AVID is strongly encouraged. If you do not have access to a phone or camera of any sort, some cameras may be available for borrowing for this assignment. Your video must include relevant images and sounds and may not be only a direct to camera speech by you. When you do use direct to camera speaking, demonstrate considered choices in frame and lighting.
Video essays should include:
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Assessment standards in this unit align with the University's grade descriptors, available at: https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/assessment
SUBMISSION: of this task is by screening in week 7 workshop, and uploading of a link to ilearn by the same date.
Late Submissions: Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.
Feedback: will be via discussion with lecturer and peers at the screening, marks and any additional lecturer comments will be via ilearn.
Due: 29 April
Weighting: 20%
Due Date: 29 April
Weighting: 20 %
Working in your production groups, prepare a Production Research & Development Website or Google Drive Folder.
Crew member contributions are due by 29th of April, however early submissions may be useful to your collaborative process.
Think of this as a site that can eventually be used to promote your documentary. Use this opportunity to tell the story of your documentary's research and development to the world. Make sure the website has additional tabs available where you will eventually put the final production, synopses, crew bios, award laurels, reviews, etc.
Examples of things you may report on: (at least one from each list per person)
List A: Content & Ideas Research
List B: Technical and Creative Research
In addition to 300 word report on activities from List B, include examples of the material generated such as test shoots, edits, questions, recce photos etc. If the task is primarily written (eg production meeting summaries or director's statements, you may substitute the written task itself for any report on it.)
Assessment criteria
Assessment standards in this unit align with the University's grade descriptors, available at: https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/assessment
SUBMISSION: via link uploaded to ilearn by midnight on 29 April. Each person is individually responsible for clearly labelling their own submission with their names and uploading it in a timely manner. Producers/R&D producers must make the production website's link available to each person for uploading by week 5 and should remind crew members of the task requirements during production meetings.
Late Submission Policy: Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.
Feedback: Each contributor to these sites is assessed individually. It is expected that team members will give considered feedback to each other during the development of submissions to this site. Lecturer feedback will be via ilearn.
Due: Tues June 5th
Weighting: 40%
Due Date: Tues June 5th
Weighting: 40 %
In this assignment each student will be individually assessed on their crew role contribution towards the development and production of a short screen documentary of up to 5 minutes duration or negotiated duration of series episodes. Each student collaborating on the production will be expected to undertake adequate creative, conceptual, technical and organisational preparation to support the production and the performance of their role.
The production parameters for the documentary are:
1. each team must schedule and participate in test shoots or other preparatory workshops as negotiated with Marcus before shooting.
2. shooting period is week 2 of the break, week 8 and 9. Up to 5 shooting days per team. Organise shoots to fall on consecutive days where possible. No half day shoots.
3. Producers book gear via email to Marcus.Eckermann@mq.edu.au at least one week before the date it is required. Booking email subject line must say: GEAR BOOKING REQUEST: PRODUCTION NAME: SHOOT DATE/S
4. Edit plan/paper edit sent to lecturer prior to commencement of editing. 5 days picture edit per project
5. 2 days sound edit per project
6. All crew members are to make themselves available to attend the planned shooting period and to view and comment on edits in workshops. All crew members will present a short oral reflection on their process and contributions to production in workshops after the shoot.
Assessment criteria:
Assessment standards in this unit align with the University's grade descriptors, available at: https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/assessment
SUBMISSION: Short Documentary Productions will be submitted via exports of the production in week 13, as coordinated with the technical director for the unit.
Late submission policy: Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests
If a key crew member is granted special consideration that necessitates late submission their team's due dates may be considered commensurately by clear communication and negotiation with the lecturer.
Feedback: will be via workshop discussion with lecturer and peers in weeks 10, 11, 12 . Marks and any additional comments will be via ilearn.
Due: scheduled workshops
Weighting: 10%
Due Date: ongiong, as per workshops schedule
Weight: 10%
Active workshop participation is more than simply being in attendance (which is compulsory). In order to receive high marks for workshop participation, students must be punctual and well-prepared, complete any required in or out of class work including attendance at relevant technical demonstration sessions and production meetings, engage actively by asking and answering questions and participating constructively in exercises, meetings and group work as required.
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Assessment standards in this unit align with the University's grade descriptors, available at: https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/assessment
SUBMISSION
In weekly workshops throughout the semester. Nb: no workshops in week 1 or in weeks 8 and 9 during the production period
late submission policy: Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests
Feedback: will be given by lecturer and technical director throughout workshops.
iLearn
The unit schedule is published on iLearn. Additional documentation required during production such as crew role descriptions, location agreements, permissions, insurance details etc will be uploaded during the semester on iLearn.
Technology & Software
This is a screen production unit. Students may be required to work with a range of the department's digital and mechanical technologies and editing software including still and moving image cameras, sound recorders, digital editing software (eg AVID), image stabilising equipment, tripods, dollies, various portable lighting equipment etc
Health and Safety
Students must wear suitable shoes in the screen production studio as a health and safety requirement. This means flat-heeled closed shoes such a runners. Students wearing open toed footwear such as sandals or thongs, or high heeled shoes, will not be permitted to work in the studio.
Timetable
For details of the unit timetable please go to: www.timetables.mq.edu.au
Please note that lectures run Monday 11 am to 1 pm weeks 1 to 7 ( No lecture on easter Monday) ; there are no lectures following the mid semester break during production.
Please also note that workshops are three hours in duration until mid semester break and two hours in duration following the mid semester break. There are no workshops in week 1 or in weeks 8 and 9 which are the production period. Students enrolled in the Monday workshop session may be invited to attend a Tuesday workshop instead in the week of Easter Monday, or have access to gear required to complete the workshop task that would otherwise occur on Easter Monday
All lectures and workshops are held in the Screen Studio: Y3A-189 or the screen editing suites during editing weeks.
Attendance
Students attend a two-hour lecture in Weeks 1 through 7 (No Lecture on Easter Monday in week 6) and are expected to read and view materials posted by the Convenors/Lecturers at the iLearn page for this course.
Students attend and participate in a three-hour workshop in weeks 2 through 7, and a two hour workshop in weeks 10 through 12. You are required to attend all workshops. As participation in the process of learning is linked to and underpins the unit Learning Outcomes, you will need to apply for SPECIAL CONSIDERATION to cover any missed workshops.
Unit Readings
Students are expected to undertake independent research into the creative and technical aspects of screen production. Unit readings are available in e-reserve and are intended as a supplement to the core screen production work, as well as enhancing your understanding of theoretical and production concepts discussed during the unit. It is strongly advised that you broaden your understanding of concepts and practices relating to screen production by completing them, as well as independently researching your specific crew role areas of interest as you will be assessed on your knowledge and application of these in unit assignments.
Important schedule notes:
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Additional information
MMCCS website: https://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/faculties_and_departments/faculty_of_arts/department_of_media_music_communication_and_cultural_studies/
MMCCS Session Re-mark Application: http://www.mq.edu.au/pubstatic/public/download/?id=167914
Information is correct at the time of publication
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.
This graduate capability is supported by:
We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.
This graduate capability is supported by:
We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.
This graduate capability is supported by:
We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.
This graduate capability is supported by:
As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.
This graduate capability is supported by:
We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.
This graduate capability is supported by: