Syllabus

Course Description
This course gives you the opportunity to participate in a journalistic media production outside the United States. You will be assigned one or more professional roles (e.g. camera operator, researcher, producer...) as if you were working on a ‘real-word’ media production. During the course, you will learn how to perform the tasks associated with your role(s), interact with other members of the production team/crew, and deliver a professional journalistic piece, such as a multimedia story, an interactive website, or a documentary. You will gain valuable experience by working in a foreign country, develop intercultural communication skills, and increase your global awareness.

In the Winter’19/20 edition of this course, we will travel to Kenya (first to Nairobi, and then to Mombasa) to film a documentary about "Digital Transformations in Kenya". You will be involved in all stages of the production, from developing an idea, to writing a script, researching the topic, locating interviewees, scouting locations, and shooting footage on location. Upon your return to Houston, you will have the opportunity (optional) to get involved in the post-production stage (e.g. editing, color correction, audio mixing…). You can read more about the theme of the documentary here.

Learning Outcomes

To develop a solid understanding of the modes and styles of documentary narrative.
To exhibit confidence in your ability to finish and deliver a completed documentary.
To exhibit skills in discussing and analyzing documentary film.
To develop an awareness towards global communication phenomena.
To learn how to work in a multicultural environment.

Prerequisites
There are no specific pre-requisites to enroll in this course. However, some prior knowledge of writing for the media, media production and/or journalistic practice is recommended. It is a requirement of the University of Houston that students who take part in faculty-led Learning Abroad programs maintain a good academic and disciplinary standing (2.0 undergraduate, 3.0 graduate), and do not have financial delinquency holds on their accounts.

Course Structure & Tentative Schedule
This course involves a combination of masterclasses/workshops prior to departing to Kenya; online self-learning activities related to pre-production tasks; and, a two-week long program on location.

Dec 16 – Introduction to Kenya and theme of the documentary
Dec 17 – Documentary filmmaking masterclass
Dec 18 – Scriptwriting workshop
Dec 19 to Dec 23 – Pre-production duties (online self-learning)
Dec 29 to Jan 11 – Travel to Kenya (Nairobi & Mombasa) for production

You can check the detailed calendar of the course here.

Evaluation
You will be assessed on a regular basis throughout the program, using a combination of group and individual tasks assigned during the first week of teaching. There will be no final or mid-term examinations. Your grade will be based on the following assignments/tasks:

Outcome based performance – 55%
Three weekly one-page reflections – 15%
Participation in daily de-briefing sessions on location – 10%
Workshop/masterclass attendance pre-departure and general participation – 10%
Completion of assigned pre-production duties – 10%