THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT ASHEVILLE

FACULTY SENATE

Senate Document Number 6911S

Date of Senate Approval 04/07/11

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Statement of Faculty Senate Action:

APC Document 57: Delete MCOM 384, Contemporary Views of American Media

Delete VMP 333, Broadcast Workshop;

Delete VMP 439, Media Production Techniques;

Delete VMP 485, Advanced Screenwriting

Effective Date: Fall 2011

1. Delete: On page 204, catalog listing for MCOM 384:

384 Contemporary Views of American Media (3)

Major books that discuss the mass media in America, including media autobiographies, historical studies of specific media, and sociological analyses of the media at work. Prerequisite: MCOM 104. See department chair.

Impact:

Deleting this course will have the positive impact of allowing for the addition of other courses that fit the Department’s mission, students’ interests and faculty expertise. Resource Impact: None in a practical sense since the course has not been offered for some time.

Rationale:

Originally conceived as a readings course, the content of this course is currently integrated across the department’s curriculum. It was created by a faculty member who is no longer with the department, and the course has not been offered for several years. This course was created when we were a much smaller program, and a single readings-based course is too broad to be of practical use in our current program structure.

2. Delete: On page 206, catalog listing for VMP 333:

333 Broadcast Workshop (4)

Practical experience producing weekly programming for possible broadcast. Emphasizes management of time pressures and personnel associated with nonfiction broadcast production. Course includes extensive studio component. Prerequisites: VMP 207, 209; or permission of instructor. Odd years Fall.

Impact:

Deleing this course will have the positive impact of allowing for the addition of other courses that fit the Department’s mission, students’ interests and faculty expertise. Resource Impact: Minimal practical impact as student interest was lacking and course has not made for some time.

Rationale:

This course was added to the curriculum at a time when we felt we were in a position to expand our course in Broadcast Journalism (VMP 331) into an additional experience. Low student demand has demonstrated there is not a need for this additional course as enrollments have consistently dropped below minimum levels to make. The first level course of this topic (VMP 331, Broadcast Journalism) has proven to be sufficient and appropriate for our student interest and available resources.

3. Delete: On page 207, catalog listing for VMP 439:

439 Media Production Techniques (4)

Advanced video and/or film production focusing on the creative, artistic and practical uses of camera, light, color and sound. Course includes extensive laboratory component. Prerequisites: VMP 207, 209, 303; or permission of instructor. Odd years Spring.

Impact:

This is a low-enrollment, upper level elective. There are plenty of other opportunities for students to get visual media experience.

Rationale:

This is an upper level elective with very low subscription among students. Faculty resources are better devoted to other areas of the curriculum. Should a sufficient number of students call for the course, it may be offered as an occasional special topic.

4. Delete: On page 207, catalog listing for MCOM 485:

485 Advanced Screenwriting (4)

A workshop in which students create, develop and finalize motion picture and/or television fiction screenplays, creating unique and marketable dramatic characters, placing their stories in a structure, camera-ready, and industry-oriented context. Prerequisite: VMP 385 or permission of instructor. Spring.

Impact:

This is a low-enrollment, upper level elective. There are plenty of other opportunities for students to get VMP and MCOM writing experiences.

Rationale:

This is an upper level elective with very low subscription among students. Faculty resources are better devoted to other areas of the curriculum. Should a sufficient number of students call for the course, it may be offered as an occasional special topic.