Course Offerings

RTF 01402:Special Topics 3 s.h.

RTF 03100:Radio Production I 3 s.h.

The course is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of producing a news program and developing a radio documentary. Students will gain an understanding of how to produce a radio news program by working with The Rowan Report, a half-hour news show that airs on WGLS-FM, on a weekly basis during the semester. Students are expected to serve as producers and on-air talent for the show. Also, they will gain hands-on experience with Metro Source, a news-gathering system used by Rowan Radio and audio editing software.

RTF 03150:Survey of American Film and Television 3 s.h.
Prerequisite: COMP 01111

Through a survey of contemporary American film and television, this course will introduce students to the major analytical and critical approaches scholars have used to understand these complex cultural forms in both their aesthetic and ideological dimensions. This course will introduce non-RTF majors to the basic concepts of film and television analysis and criticism, as well as the history and economics of the two mediums.

RTF 03200:Radio Production II 3 s.h.
Prerequisite: RTF 03100

This course offers students advanced concepts and techniques for the production of audio content using sound as the primary medium. Students will learn editing concepts, audio post production techniques, sound design, and will produce professional quality projects both individually and in groups.

RTF 03201:Foundations of Media Production 2 s.h.
Prerequisite: COMP 01111

This course is a hands-on overview of the technology currently applied in the fields of radio, television, film and new media. From the elements of photography, sound capture, editing, lighting, and studio operation, students will rotate through workshops and assignments that will give them the necessary foundations to pursue more field-specific courses in media production. This course is only open to RTF majors.

RTF 03205:TV History And Appreciation3 s.h.
Prerequisite(s): COMP 01111 and RTF 03275

TV History and Appreciation explores 50 years of the art and impact of one of the most persuasive, pervasive information delivery systems ever invented. By viewing and discussing a wide array of clips and full episodes of programming (many from the earliest days of the medium), students will develop an appreciation of the foundation of all entertainment and informational programming. As well, students examine how television has affected American society and how American society has affected television.

RTF 03206:TV History And Appreciation, 1960s - 1970s 3 s.h.
Prerequisites: COMP 01111 and COMP 01112 and 45 earned credit hours

Students will explore televisions formative years. The course is a sequel of sorts to the earlier course, but can be taken independently or concurrently. Students will learn about and discuss the cultural, economic and regulatory decisions that shaped the medium and analyze TV's changing portrayal of the American family, gender roles, minority representation and other key concepts. The history of breaking news coverage, the emergence of cable, and the rise and fall of various programming genres - from live TV drama and the variety show to newsmagazines and reality TV - will be examined.

RTF 03210:Evolution of Quality TV 3 s.h.
Prerequisite(s): COMP 01111 and COMP 01112

This course presents and examines programs from television’s past and present, as well as programs that have yet to be televised—to make connections about the evolution of quality TV. Students will be required to provide detailed reactions to what is screened in class, and both define and defend what qualifies a work as “Quality TV” in the first place.

RTF 03220:The Television Industry 3 s.h.
Prerequisite(s): COMP 01111

Designed to provide students with an understanding of the contemporary American commercial television industry, this course analyzes the interrelationships among broadcast and non-broadcast delivery systems, stations, networks, programming, advertising, audiences and the federal government.

RTF 03221:The Radio Industry 3 s.h.
Prerequisite(s): COMP 01111

This course introduces students to the principles and techniques of commercial radio broadcasting. Students learn about licensing, sales, research, programming, and federal regulations. Students get hands-on experience with up-to-date broadcast equipment while learning audio console operation.

RTF 03222:Television Production I 3 s.h.

Prerequisite: RTF 03370

The course introduces students to the principles and techniques of TV production. Students work in production teams within a professional television studio setting. Students gain experience in all phases of production, including conception of ideas, scripting, directing, and operation of equipment to produce various types of programs. Programming includes newscasts and talk shows. Students also learn to edit 30-second commercials and PSAs.

RTF 03224:Sound Communication 3 s.h.
Prerequisites: COMP 01111 and COMP 01112 and RTF Major

This course introduces students to the production process through the medium of sound. Topics include the history, physics, and function of sound recording as it relates to radio, television, and film media. Students will be introduced to basic storytelling concepts and will write, create, and edit projects that incorporate sound as a primary communication tool.

RTF 03270:Film History to 1940 3 s.h.
Prerequisite(s): COMP 01111 and RTF 03275

Students trace the development of motion pictures as an art form from the 1890s to 1941. Representative selections from the various genres are screened, then discussed in terms of art, technique, content and historical perspective, as well as directorial style. Part I is not a prerequisite for Part II; these courses may be taken in any order; students may opt for one or both courses.

RTF 03271:Film History Since 1940 3 s.h.
Prerequisite: COMP 01111 and COMP 01112

This course is a continuation of RTF 03.270 with emphasis on contemporary genres and implications. Students trace the modern cinema from 1941 to the present. Students may take Part II prior to Part I; although the content is chronological,Part I is not a prerequisite for Part II.

RTF 03272:Images Of Women In Film 3 s.h.
Prerequisites: COMP 01111 and COMP 01112

This course uses the medium of motion pictures to study cultural perspectives on women at various times through history and in differing cultural environments. Students discuss a wide range of film treatments to examine women's changing role, as well as social attitudes toward women as expressed by representative works of a cultural era and by writers, directors and actors.

RTF 03273:The Movie Industry3 s.h.
Prerequisite(s): COMP 01111

This course introduces students to the language of the technical elements of the motion picture and to a method for analyzing the artwork created and the messages communicated by the motion picture. Students analyze the components of motion pictures including color, lighting, editing, scripting, directing and acting.

RTF 03275:Applied Media Aesthetics: Sight, Sound And Story 3 s.h.

This course offers students an introduction to the aesthetic concepts as applied directly to radio, television, and film media. Using examples from these media, students will study, discuss, and analyze design and composition elements as they apply to the production process. A basic vocabulary of aesthetic terminology will be assembled and students will be responsible for understanding and applying those terms through various written and visual assignments.

RTF 03280:African American Film History 3 s.h.
Prerequisites: COMP 01111 and COMP 01112

This course offers students an introduction to the little-known yet important area of African American Film History, beginning with the development of Race Movies by such directors as Oscar Micheaux, and continuing to the present day. Through lectures, screenings and reports students will study, discuss and analyze the historical and cultural significance of these films and their influence on society.

RTF 03285:Experiencing Documentary 3 s.h.

Prerequisite: COMP 01112

Since the orgins of film, documentaries have helped expose social injustice, provoke dialogue about issues, educate about historical events, and brought some of film's most memorable characters to the screen. This course provides non-media majors the foundational production skills and conceptual framework to create ideas for documentary films. Film production experience is not required.

RTF 03290:The Media Industries 3 s.h.
Prerequisite: 30 s.h. or more

Designed to provide an understanding of the contemporary American commercial media industries, this course affords students the opportunity to explore media production careers and contemporary production practices within the contexts of conglomeration, deregulation, globalization, and digitization. Students will analyze and discuss recent trends in the movie and television industries.

RTF 03294:Contemporary International Cinema 3 s.h.
Prerequisites: COMP 01111 and COMP 01112

Contemporary International Cinema is designed as a basic introduction to world cinema, defined as the film output of other nations, regions and non-Hollywood cinema. Students will examine the major filmmakers, production and distribution practices of the global filmmaking community. Students will explore definitions of national and transnational cinema, issues of representation and post-colonialism, and concepts of authorship and genre from a global perspective. Students will gain a critical awareness of the ways in which cinema shapes our attitudes or perceptions of other cultures, and an appreciation of cinematic representations that originate from within other cultures. Through readings, discussion, screenings and research, students will gain a broader perspective of the current state of film as an art form, a globalized industry and cultural products.

RTF 03295:Introduction To New Media 3 s.h.
Prerequisite(s): COMP 01111 and COMP 01112

Introduction to New Media surveys emerging digital communication and entertainment media and teaches new media from the perspective of the producer. Students will discuss the evolution, social and historical implications, and production of media forms with an emphasis on social networking, user generated and other web media.

RTF 03321:Television Production II 3 s.h.
Prerequisites: COMP 01111 and COMP 01112 and RTF 03224 and RTF 03275 and RTF 03220 and RTF 03222 and RTF Major

This hands-on course provides experience in advanced television production. Students work in production teams which create, research, script, shoot, and edit one-minute promotional pieces and a 30-minute magazine program. All programming airs on Rowan's cable network, Channel 5. Students will shoot in the studio and in the field, learning to use digital production equipment in preparation for professional career work in television. All projects are edited on Avid editing systems.

RTF 03331:Radio Broadcasting II 3 s.h.
Prerequisites: RTF 03224 and RTF 03275

Radio Broadcasting II is designed to develop the skills obtained in Radio I by increasing the knowledge about various audio devices. Shows developed in Radio II will be scheduled as a regular part of the WGLS-FM programming. Topics covered will further enhance the students' understanding of audio production and the associated equipment and develop announcing skills vital not only to radio, but to all forms of audio/visual presentation.

RTF 03335:A/V Production Systems 3 s.h.
Prerequisites: RTF 03221 or RTF 03222

The course expands students' knowledge of audio and video production equipment and its specific application in production and post-production facilities. Students learn the principles of audio and video measurement, editing requirements and equipment interfacing. Students will understand future trends and the impact of A/V Technology on industry economics. Demonstrations are applied to classroom experiences. This course may not be offered annually.

RTF 03340:Rtf Research & Criticism 3 s.h.
Prerequisite: COMP 01112

This course studies the range and importance of research and criticism in the Radio, Television and Motion Picture industries. Academic models of research and criticism are investigated as are industry practices like demographics and ratings. Students inform their perspective of RTF as professionals and members of electronic media and cinema's global audience.

RTF 03345:Live Event TV & Video Production 3 s.h.
Prerequisite: RTF 03222 minimum grade of B-

This course provides students with opportunities to gain both theoretical and practical understanding of all phases of live event TV & video production work, including but not limited to considerations for audio/video aesthetics, technical requirements and proficiencies, and delivering media specific to an audience and/or client. Hands-on projects and related assignments will allow students to explore event coverage approaches and techniques ranging from single-camera record/edit to multi-camera live switch and broadcast/stream, and everything in between.

RTF 03350:Rtf Practicum 3 s.h.
Prerequisites: 75 credits required

RTF Practicum gives students the opportunity to test their skills and knowledge of the field while working on campus with department faculty and professional staff on a variety of technical, creative and/or research related assignments. Students can earn 3 credit hours for 120 hours of work on Practicum-related assignments.

RTF 03351:Rtf Internship I 3 s.h.
Prerequisites: 75 credits required and Radio/TV/Film major

Students earn 3 credit hours for 120 hours of field experience on the job in a Radio, Television or Film professional setting.The students will fulfill a wide range of duties described by the on-site supervisor and agreed to by both the student and the on-campus faculty supervisor. Students may take up to 6 credit hours of field experience.

RTF 03352:Rtf Internship II 3 s.h.
Prerequisites: 75 credits required and Radio/TV/Film major

Students earn 3 credit hours for 120 hours of field experience on the job in a Radio, Television or Film professional setting.The students will fulfill a wide range of duties described by the on-site supervisor and agreed to by both the student and the on-campus faculty supervisor. Students may take up to 6 credit hours of field experience.

RTF 03353:Rtf Internship III 3 s.h.
Prerequisites: 75 credits required and Radio/TV/Film major

Students earn 6 credit hours for 240 hours of field experience on the job in a Radio, Television or Film professional setting.The students will fulfill a wide range of duties described by the on-site supervisor and agreed to by both the student and the on-campus faculty supervisor. Students may take up to 6 credit hours of field experience.

RTF 03354:RTF Internship IV 3 s.h.
Prerequisites: 75 credits required and RTF major and COMP 01112 and RTF 03222 and RTF 03370

Students earn 3 credit hours for 120 hours of intership experience on the job in a Radio, Television or Film professional setting. The students will fulfill a wide range of duties described by the on-site supervisor and agreed to by both the student and the on-campus faculty supervisor.

RTF 03370:Film Production I 3 s.h.
Prerequisite: RTF 03222

The course introduces students to the principles and techniques of film style production. Students work in production teams to make a series of short films designed to familiarize them with film production techniques including camera operation, shot composition, and editing. In addition students gain experience applying basic cinematic narrative concepts.

RTF 03371:Film Production II 3 s.h.

Prerequisites: COMP 01111 and COMP 01112 and RTF 03224 and RTF 0375 and RTF 03370

This is an intermediate synch-sound 16mm production course which emphasizes studio production techniques. Students work in crews on short dialogue scenes designed to familiarize them with directing, script analysis, art direction, color cinematography, lighting, and synch-sound digital editing.

RTF 03372:American Film Directors 3 s.h.
Prerequisites: 45 credits required

Through historical perspective and criticism, this course provides an in-depth study of films by American directors. This course may not be offered annually.

RTF 03373:Film Noir 3 s.h.
Prerequisite: 45 credit hours

Film Noir is designed as an advanced film history course to explore the dark cinematic style and crime genre of Film Noir.Students will examine major filmmakers, production, distribution practices and reception of film noir. Through readings, discussion, screenings and research students will gain a broader perspective of how this cinematic cycle changes over time, the production conditions in the classical Hollywood studio system, the industrial considerations and censorship constraints, and how films grew out of earlier film history and cinematic movements overseas and in the United States.

RTF 03375:Broadcast/Video Systems 1 3 s.h.
Prerequisite(s): COMP 01111 and RTF 03222

This course is designed to introduce students to the technological framework of the hardware and software components of video and audio production equipment used in media production. Students will learn the basic signal flows of the modern television production studio and become proficient in the application of technology and terminology in production facilities.

RTF 03376:Broadcast/Video Systems 2 3 s.h.
Prerequisite(s): COMP 01111 and RTF 03375

This course is designed to introduce students to the technological framework of the hardware and software components of video and audio production equipment used in media production. Students will understand the basic application of HD broadcast standards, AM/FM transmission technologies, and internet distribution platforms.

RTF 03380:Acting For The Camera 3 s.h.
Prerequisites: COMP 01112 and RTF 03370 or COMP 01112 and RTF 03222

This course is a basic introduction to acting in front of film and television cameras. Students will study acting styles, techniques, and theory. Each student is expected to act in at least three separate scenes that will be videotaped and critiqued

RTF 03393:Screenwriting 1: Writing the Short - WI 3 s.h.
Prerequisites: COMP 01111 and COMP 01112

The course covers the basic technical requirements for writing movie scripts and the problems of adapting material to screen and script analysis. By viewing contemporary movies and studying plotting, point-of-view, character creation and dialogue, students learn how a film script is put together and write an original script.

RTF 03394:New Media Production 3 s.h.
Prerequisite: RTF 03295

This is the second in a sequence of three courses in the Interactive Media specialization. Students will apply content production skills from radio, television, and film to the production of hybrid media. Students work in teams to plan, design, produce, and test multimedia products. Students are expected to demonstrate a high level of professionalism in completing all work on schedule to professional standards and in their interactions.

RTF 03395:Sound for Film and Video 3 s.h.
Prerequisite: RTF 03275

Sound Communication II will provide students with advanced concepts and practices of sound recording and editing, focusing on their application for the media of film and television. Students will explore historical and aesthetic practices of sound effects and music for film and television, directing those concepts towards the production of the sound design of a student film.

RTF 03396:Sports Broadcasting I 3 s.h.
Prerequisite(s): JRN 02361 or JRN 02310 or JRN 02210 with C- or better

Sports Broadcasting I will include play-by-play, color commentary, pre-game and post-game analysis. Students will learn reporting techniques unique to the world of sports coverage, including interviewing sports figures. They will gain onsite experience at Rowan's radio station as well as with Rowan's television network as they become proficient in sports talk and sports reporting for broadcast.

RTF 03397:Sports Broadcasting II 3 s.h.
Prerequisite(s): JRN 02326 or RTF 03396

This course offers students advanced concepts and techniques for the production and broadcast of sports media. Students will develop proficiency with play-by-play announcing, radio/tv reporting, and sports talk shows.

RTF 03420:Current Issues In Electronic Media 3 s.h.
Prerequisites: RTF 03220 and COMP 01112

This course analyzes and discusses the impact that current trends in media technology, economics, regulation, and management have on content development, distribution, acquisition and consumer use.

RTF 03433:Episodic Screenwriting 1 - WI 3 s.h.
Prerequisite(s): COMP 01111 and COMP 01112 and RTF 03220 and RTF 03393

This research and writing course focuses on the specialized field of TV program creation. Students study the structure and content of a wide variety of TV programs, analyzing target audiences, and examining the marketing structure of program selling and distribution. Students prepare a complete, original television program proposal as a required activity.

RTF 03434:Episodic Screenwriting 2 - WI 3 s.h.
Prerequisite(s): COMP 01111 and COMP 01112 andRTF 03433 and RTF 03393

This course builds on the writing skills learned in TV Program Packaging 1. The course is designed to provide students with an advanced opportunity to practice and deepen their episodic television script writing skills to help them prepare to embark upon a career in professional television scriptwriting. Students will gain experience working in a writer's room dynamic for a full semester, pitch a pilot idea and develop it within their group, develop scene building and dialogue writing skills, and craft a 13 episode television show arc together with each student writing 1 - 2 full scripts to build their season.

RTF 03450:Television Documentary And Field Production 3 s.h.
Prerequisites: COMP 01111 and COMP 01112 and RTF 03224 and RTF 03275 and RTF 03222 and RTF 03321 and RTF 03220 andRTF Major

This advanced production course combines extensive research and scriptwriting skills with sophisticated field production techniques. Students select subjects of local interest to feature in high-quality, 20-minute documentaries involving pre-production planning, actual videotaping and post-production editing. Field production includes use of single and multiple camera units.

RTF 03470:Advanced Film Production 3 s.h.
Prerequisites: COMP 01111 and COMP 01112 andRTF 03224 and RTF 03275 and RTF 03370 andRTF 03371

This is an advanced synch-sound 16mm production course which emphasizes professional production practices. Students participate in the planning, shooting and editing of a longer-form narrative synch-sound film project designed to familiarize them with pre-production planning, production scheduling, large crew management, and post-production supervision.

RTF 03471:Techniques Of Documentary Film Production 3 s.h.
Prerequisites: RTF 10370 OR RTF 03370 OR RTF 03220

This course introduces students to the study of documentary form and techniques of production. It provides students with an understanding of the styles and methods of the documentary, giving students a powerful tool for film expression.Students will create a researched proposal for their own documentary.

RTF 03472:New Media Production 2 3 s.h.
Prerequisites: RTF 03295 and RTF 03394

This course will build upon skills and techniques introduced in New Media Production 1. Students will produce advanced, hybrid/interactive media projects. Students work in teams to plan, design and produce multimedia projects and are expected to demonstrate a high level of professionalism in completing all work on time and to professional standards.

RTF 03475:RTF Senior Portfolio Seminar 1 s.h.

This is a required course for all RTF majors. Students will prepare and present a digital portfolio of work created while a student at Rowan. Students will understand the career options available to majors through discussions with various RTF alumni.

RTF 03493:Screenwriting II: Writing the Feature (WI) 3 s.h.
Prerequisite: RTF 03393

Students will learn the basic concepts of feature screenwriting through readings of professional screenplays and the viewing of selected scenes from award-winning films. Students will develop their understanding of dramatic structure, characterization, tone, and effective dialogue and will research and plan their own feature screenplay. By the end of the semester, each student is expected to executive and workshop the first act of their own original feature screenplay(approximately 30 pages). Discussions will also cover working professionally as a writer in the independent and studio worlds.

RTF 10523:Graduate Screenwriting 3 s.h.

Graduate Screenwriting is an intensive writing workshop where students learn the basics of dramatic writing for the screen. The first half of the course is built around screenings, lectures, discussions and exercises where students explore the fundamentals of daily writing, dramatic structure, visual writing, characterization, dialog and proper screenplay formatting.Film analysis will focus on classic and contemporary shorts and feature films. The second half of the semester focuses on the development, and re-writing of a narrative short film based on an incident from a longer feature screenplay outline.