"We cannot make good news out of bad practice." 
- Edward R Murrow, CBS News​

Courses

2021 - 2022

Digital Video Making

Are you passionate about making videos? Are you the member of your friend group that always has their phone or camera in their hand? Have a story to tell? Are you looking to be the next YouTube or social media star? Have you started experimenting with editing via iMovie or Final Cut Pro? In this course, students will learn to tell their stories through video. Students learn how to use professional camera equipment to set up and record interviews, stand ups, B-roll, and more. Students will then learn how to edit their footage using Adobe Premiere. Their final projects will be shown online and broadcast on WCA-TV. We will also examine pre-production, production, and post-production techniques through a mixture of screenings, discussion, and hands-on exercises. Semester 3 credits

The Game of Life: The Art of Communication

This course is designed to prepare all students for life by growing as communicators. The skills developed in this course will serve all students futures whether bound for college, career, or service. Students will be encouraged to take communications risks in a safe environment so they may venture beyond their comfort zone in pursuit of skills in presentations, small group, interpersonal, interviewing, resume building, networking, and more. Students will gain the confidence to feel equally empowered to speak to or with groups small and large either with prepared or off-the-cuff (extemporaneous) remarks. Never feel shy or unable to find your words again. Build your future by developing the confidence and a skill for life...communications.
​Semester 3 credits

Studio Television Broadcasting

Students with a desire to pursue the Digital Media & Communications field will be responsible for developing and broadcasting a studio television series for airing on WCA-TV. Students in this course will work collaboratively on producing either a round- table talk style show, a game/quiz show, or more, producing multiple shows per semester, presenting entertainment for the world from the perspective of WHS students. The show will allow students to take on the challenges experienced by a real world television station at the local and/or network level. Students will control all aspects of the show series from concept, to creation, from selecting topics for debates, to writing puzzles, and booking guests/contestants. Students can take on the roles of on-air talent, producer, director, or technical and administrative duties. The instructor, acting as Executive Director/Station Manager, will hear student pitches along with student producers, and help guide teams in the production development, planning, and broadcasts. Once shows are complete, the instructor will help to break-down and evaluate each production, sharing feedback with the class to improve future broadcasts. Semester 3 credits

Radio Broadcasting

Do you enjoy talking about sports? News? Music? Entertainment? In the era before television, radio served as the major source for information and entertainment. Now, in the modern world of Digital Media & Communications, radio continues to serve as a popular source to engage listeners as they travel from place to place, or while they work on a daily basis. Students will learn about the importance of writing and language choice to paint the “word picture” in their storytelling, and advance stories and opinions, without the benefit of pictures. They will also be introduced to the basics of radio broadcast equipment, editing with Adobe Audition, and show preparation. Student teams will be responsible for conceptualizing, developing, and creating a radio program to be broadcast on WCA-Radio and posted to the web as a podcast series. Semester 3 credits

Radio & Television News Broadcasting

This course is designed to prepare students for writing and delivering news for radio, TV, and burgeoning digital platforms. Student anchors/reporters will learn how to identify and compose news for various mediums, use sound from interviews to support stories, broadcast news across various mediums, and will focus on theories and practice of broadcast news gathering, writing, and delivery. Students will have hands-on experience using broadcast equipment and producing newscasts at various lengths via various mediums for the benefit of the entire Watertown community.​ Semester 3 credits

Advanced Radio/Television Broadcast/Production/Management Capstone

Students looking to expand their experience in Radio and/or Television can propose a student driven and independently directed pursuit within the digital media program. Students will gain valuable "on the job" work experience managing a multifaceted long term broadcast project, taking responsibility for creating programming that is of the highest quality, substantial in nature, and compelling to viewers of WCA-TV. You will receive helpful feedback from your instructor that will help you grow as a journalist. Students also have the opportunity to focus on exploring the management and development of the WHS on WCA-TV brand. Students also have the option to choose a technical focus and may elect to pursue a certification in Adobe Premiere. Students completing this curriculum will be well-equipped with a portfolio of skills and finished projects to pursue digital media and communications at a two-year or four-year college or university. Prereq(s): Student Proposal and advanced Instructor Approval Required (JR & SR ONLY). Half Year or Full Year, maximum 2-semesters for 3 credits each.