Instructor: Dr. Tamiko Murray

Email: tmurray@lamarpa.edu

Phone: (409) 984-6225

Office: Education Building I - Room 105

Office Hours: Mondays: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Tuesdays: 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Wednesdays: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Thursday: 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Fridays: 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Additional Contact Information: See Blackboard for additional contact information.

Computer applications for audio, video, graphics, budgets, and scripts in media productions.

No required textbooks. Videos, readings will be assigned throughout the semester.

Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

Additional readings, videos, etc. will be available in Blackboard.

None

• Operate computer workstations for audio/video editing systems and 2-D animation. 
• Outline a budget spreadsheet. 
• Format a script.

• Explore current trends, emerging technologies, and future applications of social media and digital communications.
• Communicate effectively with intended audiences using social media and digital communications.
• Apply social media solutions using current best practices.
• Apply effective problem-solving techniques in social media and digital communications marketing.

Foundations of Interview Production

Pre-Production Strategy

Production Skills

Post-Production Workflow

Publishing & Promotion

Project Integration & Showcase

Final Wrap-Up

Week 1 – August 24

Introduction to the course

Week 2 – August 30

 • Introduction to Media Interviews: Why interviews matter in media and marketing

 • Story as Conversation: Framing interviews as storytelling

Week 3 – September 7

 • Planning the Interview: Research, goals, and identifying your audience

 • Story as Conversation: Framing interviews as storytelling

Week 4 – September 14

 • Developing Interview Questions & Script Formatting

 • Prepping the Interviewee: Communication, comfort, and expectations

Week 5 – September 21

 • Budgeting for an Interview Shoot: Equipment, space, personnel

 • Storyboards & Shot Lists for Interviews

Week 6 – September 28

 • Camera Work for Interviews: Angles, framing, and multiple setups

 • Lighting the Interview: Natural vs. artificial, 3-point setup basics

Week 7 – October 5

 • Capturing High-Quality Audio: Microphone types, placement, and room treatment

 • Setting the Scene: Backgrounds, props, and visual composition

Week 8 – October 12

 • Introduction to Editing Workstations (ties to Operate computer workstations for audio/video editing systems)

 • Editing the Interview: Cutting for clarity and story

Week 9 – October 19

 • Adding Graphics & Titles: Lower thirds, name keys, branding

 • Audio Cleanup & Enhancement: Noise reduction, balancing levels

Week 10 – October 26

 • Exporting for Different Platforms: File formats and compression basics

 • Using In-App Social Media Tools: Instagram Reels and Facebook Stories

Week 11 – November 2

 • YouTube as Top of Funnel Marketing Tool

 • Writing Captions & Metadata: Maximizing discoverability and engagement

 • Measuring Impact: Analytics and post-performance evaluation

Week 12 – November 9

Test Run: Peer review of rough cuts

Week 13 – November 16

Refining Final Projects with Feedback

Week 14 – November 23

THANKSGIVING BREAK

Week 15 – November 30

Final Presentations: Screen interview projects and discuss production choices

Week 16 – December 7

GRADUATION WEEK

November 30, 2026 - 12:0 AM  Through  December 4, 2026 - 11:59 PM

100-90 points = A

80-89 points = B

70-79 points = C

60-69 points = D

Below 59 points = F

Extra credit option 1 = 10 points

Extra credit option 2 = 10 points 

The course is made up of weekly assignments, participation, attendance, and a final portfolio. Attendance and participation in class each week is critical to your success.

• Weekly Assignments: 40%
• Final Portfolio: 10%
• Attendance and Participation: 50%

• Assignments will be given each week. You will have one or two weeks, depending on the assignment, to complete it.
• Attendance and participation are critical to your success in this course.
• No late work is accepted.
• Students are responsible for reading all content, watching all videos, etc. in Blackboard to be successful in the course.
• Academic dishonesty will result in a zero on any assignment (first offense); a second incidence of academic dishonesty will result in failure of the class.
• DO NOT wait until the last minute to complete class work or exams. I recommend you set up email notifications from Blackboard so you do not miss any information.
• If you are confused or need help, do not hesitate to contact me. I will share my cell phone number in Blackboard.
• Some assignments in this course will require the use of AI tools, such as ChatGPT. AI may only be used when specifically permitted and must follow the instructions provided for that assignment, including proper citation and documentation of your process. Unauthorized or improperly cited use of AI will result in a grade of 0 for the assignment.

To be successful in this course, students must not only attend, but also participate and complete all assignments and projects to receive credit. Since many points can only be earned by attending classes, each absence can lower the student’s grade. All assignments will be graded based on what was taught in class—if a student does not appear in class, their assignments will suffer.

Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.

Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Accessibility Services Coordinator, Room 119, in the Ruby Fuller Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.

No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.

This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.

As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.

LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.

For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.

If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.