TCF 311 Section 001: Critical Stdy Television

Critical analysis of television programs and commercials. Examples are presented for study and evaluation.

Or permission of instructor.

At the conclusion of the course, students will be able to:

1. Understand the shaping of television history and the impact of diverse groups on that history;
2. Understand how television style is created and what impact it has;
3. Dissect TV narrative structure.
4. Write correctly and clearly (evaluating their work for accuracy and fairness, appropriate style, and grammatical correctness);
5. Evaluate concepts and apply theories in the use and presentation of television; and
6. Think critically, creatively, and independently.

Your progress will be assessed through:

• Three exams, worth 33.3 points each.

Please note: This is a seminar class which depends heavily upon students having done the readings and being prepared to discuss them in class. If the majority of the class fails to do a reading assignment then an in-class essay may be assigned and factored into the grading as part of the exam scores. 

Students may earn up to 3 extra credit points. Details posted online.

Make-up tests/exams will be given at the discretion of the instructor. No tests/exams will be given before their scheduled dates.

Grades will be posted on Blackboard Learn.

Grading scale:

A+ 97-100   C+ 77-79    F  59 and below
A  93-96    C  73-76
A- 90-92    C- 70-72
B+ 87-89    D+ 67-69
B  83-86    D  63-66
B- 80-82    D- 60-62

Please browse to the online course schedule.

Numerous TV programs will be shown on DVD in class. There will be no other screenings of the programs, but some are available online.

Credits are available from the Internet Movie Database. Follow the links in the Outline of Topics to find credits.

Each absence beyond four for the semester will result in one point being deducted from your final total. (Up to five points may be deducted.)

Cell phones must be turned off during classtime--especially during screenings. Text messaging is not permitted during class. Any use of cell phones during exams will be considered academic misconduct.

If you are registered with the Office of Disability Services, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible to discuss any course accommodations that may be necessary. If you have a disability, but have not contacted the Office of Disability Services, please call 348-4285 or visit 133-B Martha Parham Hall East to register for services. Students who may need course adaptations because of a disability are welcome to make an appointment to see me during office hours. Students with disabilities must be registered with the Office of Disability Services, 133-B Martha Parham Hall East, before receiving academic adjustments.

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As an institution of higher learning, The University of Alabama attaches great value to freedom of speech and open debate, but it also attaches great importance to the principles of civility and respect which govern an academic community. Harassment or other illegal discrimination against individuals or groups not only is a violation of University Policy and subject to disciplinary action, but also is inconsistent with the values and ideals of the University.

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College of Communication & Information Sciences majors must earn a "C" or better in all required and elective courses in their major. A "C" or better is required in all external courses required by the major whether they serve as a prerequisite to a major course or are simply required by the major. This means a "C" of any kind.

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The Academic Misconduct Disciplinary Policy will be followed in the event of academic misconduct.

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• Weather advisory posted on the UA homepage
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• Weather advisory broadcast over WVUA at 90.7 FM
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