COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT (COM)
COURSES AVAILABLE
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1. WRITING AND JOURNALISM (JR)
COM JR-00 Writing and Journalistic Experience
Course Description: Students are required to have written 30 pages of material (approximately 500 words per page) that is prepared for or has been submitted for publication (for example an autobiography, missionary journal, a story or video scripts).
Credits: 4
COM JR-01 Writing and Editing
Course Description: The ABCs of good writing, developing a way with words, knowing your reader, organizing your writing, exploring different types of writing (letter writing, reports, instructional classes, etc.), writing tips, editing your writing, developing a powerful style, how to get your ideas onto paper. Students must complete a significant written contribution to pass this course, preferably writing or editing the equivalent of four articles (approximately 1000 words each).
Credits: 3
COM JR-02 Short Stories and Poetry
Course Description: Students study the art of expressing themselves within the context of a short story or poetry. Students are expected to write the equivalent of four short stories (approximately 1000 words each), or the equivalent of four 20-line poems.
Credits: 2
COM JR-03 Writing Your Life Story
Course Description: Students develop their own autobiography, complete with photos and interesting anecdotes of their life, or a journal of a missionary adventure in the Family. (At least ten pages, approximately 500 words per page.)
Credits: 3
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2. PHOTOGRAPHY (PH)
(Note: The availability of courses in photography will vary according to need and local opportunity. Students entering photography are encouraged to look into digital photography and use computer programs that work with photos to prepare them for publication.)
COM PH-00 Photographic Experience
Course Description: Students must have 120 hours of experience in photographic work, including picture-taking, darkroom experience and/or use of a computer photo image editing program such as: Adobe Photoshop, Micrografx Picture Publisher, Corel PhotoPaint, etc.
Credits: 4
COM PH-01 Photography I
Course Description: A survey course in amateur pho-tography that will help students choose their camera, lens, film, etc. This course provides hands-on working knowledge of camera functions such as shutter speed, f-stops, using a flash, backgrounds, lighting, composition, etc. Includes special notes on portrait photography. Students who also learn to use digital cameras (cameras that use electronic means to record photos as opposed to traditional film-type cameras) will receive 1 additional credit.
Credits: 3
COM PH-02 Photography II
Course Description: Advanced picture-taking techniques are studied and practiced. Students must arrange an attractive display board or booklet of at least 40 photos they have taken.
Credits: 3
COM PH-03 Photography III
Course Description: To gain credits a student may either: (1.) Take a complete course in camera functions and regular darkroom procedures, learning to develop black-and-white film and print photographs; or, (2.) Learn how to work with digital photography, operate a color (or black-and-white) scanner to create computer files of photos, use a digital camera, operate a computer program that handles digital photographs, learn how to import their electronic photos into a computer created publication.
(Note: Photowork and computer programs that work with these photos are replacing conventional darkroom photography and layout. This is a rapidly developing technology, so reference books are difficult to keep current. The Inside series by New Riders Publishing and the Using series by QUE Publishers are two series that produce reference and training books on many special photography-related computer programs, such as: Adobe Photoshop, Micrografx Picture Publisher, Corel PhotoPaint, as well as design and desktop publishing programs such as Corel Draw, Corel Ventura, Adobe Illustrator, Quark Xpress, Aldus Pagemaker, etc.)
Credits: 4
COM PH-04 Slide Show Production
Course Description: This course in slide show production techniques takes the student through various options, including making slides of artwork, photos, etc. Includes copystand and macro photography, how to set up the equipment, photographic tips and techniques. Alternately, students may use digital cameras, or prepare a television or computer presentation.
Credits: 2
COM PH-05 Building a Darkroom
Course Description: Student participates in the planning and construction of a darkroom, or converting another room to a suitable darkroom.
Credits: 2
COM PH-06 Preparing a Presentation Album
Course Description: For credits a student needs to prepare a photographic presentation album that supports a theme, such as promoting and explaining some aspect of their Christian work. Student should use background color, attractive captions and headings. Alternately, students who work with digital photographs and have access to the use of computer photo, layout and artwork programs and a color printer can prepare their presentation albums that way (minimum four pages).
Credits: 2
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3. AUDIO RECORDING (AU)
(Note: The availability of courses in audio recording will vary according to local opportunities, needs and requests of students.)
COM AU-00 Audio Recording and Mixing Experience
Course Description: Students are required to have 240 hours of studio or similar experience in sound recording, mixing, etc., to qualify for credits.
Credits: 4
COM AU-01 Audio Recording and Mixing
Course Description: The student learns about the job of a sound engineer, multi-track recording, mixers, sound balance, monitor speakers, feedback, equalizers, the science of sound, measurement of sound, the decibel, speakers, speaker size and sound projection, home studios, pre-amplification, power-amplification, recording tips, voice-narration balance, frequency response, impedance, recording distance, sequencer recording, MIDI, etc. Students must participate in the successful recording of a 30-minute tape to receive credits.
Credits: 3
COM AU-02 Audio Productions
Course Description: Students learn from experienced technicians the many steps involved in audio productions, from the conception of an idea for an audio tape (music or otherwise) to mastering a tape. Making the master tape involves matching levels and EQs of the different recordings or songs, using noise gates to leave a silent space between songs, working with DAT recordings and DAT timings, etc. To receive credits, students must participate in the production of a 30-minute tape.
Credits: 3
COM AU-03 Soundproofing a Studio
Course Description: Student participates in the planning and soundproofing of a studio.
Credits: 2
COM AU-04 Sound Systems for Live Shows
Course Description: This is a basic course for those who want to learn how to set up sound systems and control the sound at live performances. This is more a practical experience course than a studio course. Controlling and mixing sound at a live performance requires a certain amount of skill and can make or break a production. In this course the student will study about speakers, microphones, power use, amps, watts, decibels, microphone placement and use, how to avoid damaging feedback, EQing, access reverb units, what signal processors to use and how, hooking up mixers and instruments, how to plug in cassette decks, DAT players, MIDI disks for playing basic music tracks and Minus One tracks, how to hook up amplifiers and a balanced sound system, etc. To receive credit, students must actively participate in setting up an effective sound system for a live performance. Students must also research into and develop a list of sound equipment items that would be good to recommend for a small group of live performers.
Credits: 3
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4. VIDEO PRODUCTION (VP)
(Note: The availability of courses in video production will vary according to local opportunities, needs and requests of students. Some of the courses are directed towards recreational videoing, using consumer-level equipment. Other courses require some knowledge of and familiarity with professional equipment. ["Recreational videoing" in these courses refers to any variation from simple home videoing to producing a simple witnessing, inspirational or instructional video, using less than professional equipment.] The courses focus mainly on mastering the skills needed in creating a successful video production: filming, interviewing, documenting events, breaking down a script for videoing, use of and care of equipment, etc. Students will need to get the help of local technically skilled people, as well as locate locally available reference material.)
COM VP-00 Video Production Experience (Recreational or Professional)
Course Requirements: Students must have 240 hours of experience in working towards producing recreational or professional video recordings, or working with video recording equipment to qualify for credit. They should be familiar with the main jobs and specific skills involved in videoing, producing shows, interviewing, documenting events, designing sets, lighting, recording, camera work, breaking down scripts for videoing, video equipment use, care and maintenance, troubleshooting, etc.
Credits: 4
COM VP-01 Basic Recreational Videoing
Course Description: A survey course in home videoing that includes: equipment, basic video terminology, planning a simple production, basic lighting, i.e. fill light, back light and key light; battery packs, camera tips, adjusting camera settings, basic camera movements, i.e. zooming in and out, panning, tracking, tilting; focusing, filming children, personal interviews, videoing speeches and lectures, sound track, microphones, editing, general video care and storage, etc. Students are required to produce, or to work with two or three others in producing, a 15-minute video which must be viewed by their CVC Course Supervisor and/or Vocational Training Overseer to receive credit.
Credits: 3
COM VP-02 Audio Recording for Video (Recreational or Professional)
Course Description: Students study specific details of audio recording for video use (e.g., live audio, ambiance sound, overdubbing, interview audio, using tracks or already recorded material, microphones, head cleaning, sound levels, etc.) To earn credit, students must be actively involved in the audio work on 20 minutes of video.
Credits: 2
COM VP-03 Video Production Planning (Recreational or Professional)
Course Description: Students learn general video production planning, including how to: (1) Outline the Production (documentary, entertainment, music, skit or drama, etc.); (2) Develop the script (dialogue and/or narration); (3) Determine locations or sets; (4) Cast the parts; (5) Set production deadlines and breakdown of script for shooting; (6) Develop a video editing plan; (7) Develop a video editing sheet; (8) Develop titles; (9) Choose music (mood); (10) Develop a videoing schedule. To receive credit, students should participate in the planning of all of the above steps for a 20-minute video.
Credits: 2
COM VP-04 Video Lighting (Recreational or Professional)
Course Description: Students learn the basics of lighting such as key light, fill light, back light, mood lighting, basic lighting techniques (filters) with 4 lights, lighting terminology, daytime/nighttime videoing, documentary lighting, lighting a person for an interview, lighting a group, lighting a set, light maintenance. To earn credit, a student must be actively involved in the lighting for 20 minutes of edited video.
Credits: 2
COM VP-05 Video Script Writing (Recreational or Professional)
Course Description: Students become familiar with all that is involved in video script writing, including outlining the script, developing the script, determining locations and settings, determining visual changes to accompany the script. To receive credit, students must write scripts for the equivalent of 15 minutes of video time.
Credits: 3
COM VP-06 Professional Video Filming
Course Description: Students become familiar with professional video camera equipment. They learn about camera operation and maintenance, light readings, white balance, storage, filters, tripod, battery use, charging video recorders, etc. They learn more advanced details of filming, camera movements, shooting a dialogue (crossing the line), avoiding a jump-cut, and framing terminology (e.g. wide angle, close-up, extreme close-up, bust shot, waist shot, one shot, two shot, cropping, panning, trucking, tracking, dolly, whip panning, zoom-in/out, manual zooms, auto zooms, tilts, shoulder shots, etc.). A minimum of 8 hours of filming is required for credit.
Credits: 3
COM VP-07 Professional Video Direction
Course Description: Student must direct, or assist in the directing, of a 20-minute video following some theme or event or prepared script. The style of directing and editing is left up to the individual according to their set goals, i.e. directing a documentary, music video, variety show, testimony or story, etc. They must be able to coordinate the skills and resources of scriptwriters, actors, singers, musicians, set designers, artists, interviewers, cameramen, etc. Students also learn specifics about directing a video production, working with actors, videoing a show, using photographs and artwork, video landscapes, children, animals, etc. Students must be familiar with the basics of video production such as the basic camera framing and framing terminology, basic camera settings, camera set up, light readings, use of audio equipment, have some knowledge of recording and audio levels, video recorder maintenance, time code, video formats, directing techniques, etc.
Credits: 4
COM VP-08 Sets and Make-up
Course Description: Further video production study with emphasis on creating special environments, characters and effects that you need, through preparing sets and enhancing a scene, using preparation tools and materials, tricking the camera, using stage and video sets, backdrops for show groups, foreground and background objects, miniature sets; chromakeying and computer-generated effects; simple animation such as clay, paper, stop-motion, etc. Plus, a look at video make-up as opposed to stage make-up, men/women make-up, normal make-up and special effect make-up, hair-styling, etc.
Credits: 3
COM VP-09 Instructional Video Production
Course Description: Students must plan and produce one instructional video suitable for use by other students in the CVC program. Suggested length: 15 minutes. This may be undertaken as a group project. For example, students may wish to produce an instructional video on some specific theme, such as how to set up a mail ministry, or plan an effective newsletter, or pioneer a new city. Students should participate in the editing, titling and final preparations of their presentation.
Credits: 3
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5. COMPUTER APPLICATIONS (CP)
COM CP-00 Computer Practical Experience
Course Requirements: Students must have 240 hours of experience in working with computers in some specialized capacity such as programming, setting up and maintaining a network, installing programs, using computer programs for specialized tasks such as desktop publishing or photograph editing, etc.
Credits: 4
COM CP-01 Microsoft Visual Basics Programming System for Windows
Course Description: Students are required to understand the Basic programming language and to show a working proficiency with the Microsoft's Visual Basic Programming System.
Credits: 3
COM CP-02 Internet Introduction and E-Mail Skills
Course Description: Students should be familiar with installing and using a WEB browser to obtain information from the Internet. The student should understand how to make the connection to their Internet provider.
Credits: 2
COM CP-03 WEB Authoring
Course Description: Students must acquire and demonstrate proficiency in organizing and preparing materials for use on the WEB. This would entail a good working knowledge of HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), learning to organize and link information, and designing attractive WEB site pages that combine text and suitable graphics.
Credits: 3
COM CP-04 Multimedia Creations
Course Description: Students need to be able to install and work with various multimedia-based educational programs available on CDs, and should be conversant about sound cards and speakers for computers, and sound operating programs used to play CDs, wave and midi files, plus programs that play video files or display still photos or clipart graphics on screen. For credits a student would need to create their own simple version of a multimedia educational program or educational game that teaches some skill or presents some information on a computer screen and makes use of various sounds and visuals.
Credits: 3
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6. PUBLISHING AND PRINTING (PN)
(Note: The availability of courses in printing and publishing will vary according to local opportunities, needs and requests of students. Credits are awarded for knowledge of equipment and level of mastery.)
COM PN-00 Printing and Publishing Experience
Course Description: Student must have 240 hours of experience working or assisting with printing and publishing. They should be knowledgeable of the various stages of production from layout and plate making to printing, packaging and shipping.
Credits: 4
COM PN-01 Printing Press Operation
Course Description: Students learn through training, experience and study how to operate and maintain a printing press.
Credits: 4
COM PN-02 Printing Assistant
Course Description: Students learn to do the many skills involved in assisting a printing operation, including folding, collating, stapling or stitching, packaging, shipping, etc.
Credits: (1 credit awarded for each major skill acquired or each piece of equipment mastered to a maximum of 6 credits.)
COM PN-03 Handicraft Bookbinding
Course Description: Students learn how to successfully bind loose pages into a book. To earn credit, students must bind two sets of various magazines or publications into books.
Credits: 2
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7. SIGN LANGUAGE (SL)
(Note: The availability of sign language training will vary according to local opportunities, needs and requests of students.)
COM SL-00 Signing Experience
Course Description: Students with at least three months of experience communicating with the deaf using sign language are eligible for credits.
Credits: 4
COM SL-01 Sign Language
Course Description: For people with little or no signing experience, this course covers the manual alphabet, finger spelling, numbers and signs, simple conversation sentences, and simple witnessing sentences in sign. Designed to teach hearing people the language of the deaf. 600-word basic vocabulary required.
Credits: 3
COM SL-02 Advanced Sign
Course Description: This is a more advanced course in Sign Language for Christian students who would like to progress further in their skills. A knowledge of religious and Christian signs is required. Students must be able to witness reasonably well in sign language to obtain credits.
Credits: 3
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8. FOREIGN LANGUAGES (FL)
(Note: Students may earn credits for the different languages they speak or are studying.)
COM FL-00 Foreign Language Experience
Course Description: Students who have either: (1) lived for at least six months among people who speak a foreign language and learned to communicate effectively; or (2) have at least one year of experience in studying a language, are eligible for credits
Credits: 4
COM FL-01 Foreign Language Orientation
Course Description: Helps students see the need for learning a foreign language.
Credits: 1
COM FL-02 Foreign Language I (Foundation)
Course Description: Students are expected to develop proficiency in key phrases, vocabulary, and basic conversation in the language they are studying. The student should have a fair command of basic vocabulary used in daily life, such as being able to count, understand basic grammar and make simple phrases or sentences.
Credits: 3
COM FL-03 Foreign Language II (Intermediate)
Course Description: Students converse with the instructor and each other in the foreign language. They should be able to carry on a conversation and witness to people in the foreign language.
Credits: 3
COM FL-04 Foreign Language III (Advanced)
Course Description: Students must demonstrate considerable fluency and flexibility in speaking to native speakers on several different topical areas of conversation, as well as be able to read and write the target language with considerable proficiency.
Credits: 3
COM FL-05 Foreign Language: Oral and Written Translations
Course Description: Students learn to do oral and written translations either to the foreign language from English, or to English from the foreign language. To earn credit, students must have accurately translated 24 pages of material, and done accurate oral translations for six hours of meetings or conversations.
Credits: 6
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9. TEACHING ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL)
COM ESL-00 Teaching English as a Second Language -- Practical Experience
Course Description: Students who have three months of experience teaching, or assisting to teach English to non-English speakers are eligible for credits.
Credits: 4
COM ESL-01 Teaching English as a Second Language I
Course Description: Teaching non-English speakers how to speak English is an art. You have to know what sounds will prove difficult and be aware of cultural differences to guide the student. This class teaches techniques and topics teachers can use in helping non-English speakers learn English quickly.
Credits: 4
COM ESL-02 Teaching English as a Second Language II
Course Description: This advanced class in teaching English concentrates on helping students of English learn English grammar, reading and writing. To receive credit, students must teach English to a class of partial English speakers for a period of two months.
Credits: 4
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