Bachelor of Applied Arts Honours in Screen Arts and Technology

Purpose

The Bachelor of Applied Arts Honours in Screen Arts and Technology is designed to increase social and economic productivity by concentrating on the fundamental skills of communication, teamwork, problem solving and self-management and development. The qualification prepares learners who display professional and personal competence within the working environment of television and video production, while at the same time are able to adapt to the rapidly evolving technology and form of the medium. The qualification prepares learners for access to specific employment opportunities as programme researchers, scriptwriters, production planners, camera operators, sound operators, editors, directors and other television and related industry personnel.

The qualification is a planned combination of learning outcomes that culminate in the acquisition of advanced skills in video programme making and evidence the application of the theoretical and practical principles of the television programme production process, as well as principles relevant to the business environment. Learners are also exposed to a range of research skills to prepare them as independent researchers, which culminates in a substantial research project which is measured by its ability to show a confident acquaintance with cultural theories, research methodologies, and research thesis construction, including the writing of proposals and literature reviews. Emphasis is placed on exposing learners to the contemporary business environment of television and film, while the development of business and entrepreneurial skills is central to the qualification.

Qualifying learners will be conversant with the transformed conditions of the television and film industries by the 'digital revolution', which has led to multiple sites of video productivity (from traditional broadcast institutions to online channels), media convergence (making television and Internet content interchangeably accessible), and a host of new financial models for programme-making, including massively expanded opportunities for 'cottage industry' careers outside of the traditional broadcasters such as South African Broadcasting Corporation Television (SABCTV), such as through YouTube and other similar platforms.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits.

• Video Production Practice 4A, 16 Credits.
• Video Production Practice 4B,20 Credits.
• Applied Arts Research Methods, 16 Credits.
• Applied Arts Research project, 32 Credits.
• Video Production Theory 4A, 28 Credits.
• Video Production Theory 4B, 8 Credits.

1. Analyse models of independent producing within the current media environment, accounting for changed audiences.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in communicating and presenting complex arguments and ideas effectively in oral and written forms and to diverse audiences.
3. Produce a portfolio of multi-camera and/or single camera programmes, of a commercially acceptable standard.
4. Demonstrate an understanding and competence in research principles and practises appropriate for the media environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Explanation of theory includes critical evaluation of the application of the disciplines of camera, lighting, sound, editing, directing and production planning in the production of single/multi- camera programmes.
• Identify production problems relevant to the unique context of individual programmes and offer possible solutions.
• Explain and critique the theory and processes of single camera directing and multi-camera directing.
• Write and pitch a proposal taking into account budget, genres, formats, scheduling, and content acquisition whilst being cognisant of licensing and co-production deals.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Critical analysis takes the form of written assignments and a research project that evidence depth of research and a grasp of current industry issues.
• Apply the presentation of balanced arguments and meaningful selection of relevant material to the television industry.
• Analyse visual and written texts and critically analyse processes and practises relevant to the television industry.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Apply video programmes which demonstrate the ability to meet the programme objectives, despite unexpected production problems.
• Employ multi/single camera processes in a technically proficient and aesthetically acceptable manner.
• Apply video programmes which meets the various technical, aesthetic and content criteria found in current, mainstream South African broadcast products.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Apply the research project that consists of a well-developed and convincing argument supported by an extensive literature review and rigorous analysis of data.
• Review and use literature to support the argument is valid, credible, and reliable in terms of the industry discourse.
• Identify and manage the ethical issues associated with research and knowledge production in the discipline.
• Utilise different methods, designs and methodologies of research.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

Formative and summative assessment methods with be used to assess combinations of practical, applied, and reflective competencies. Integrated assessment will be increasingly emphasised as the learner progresses through this qualification, so that by the time of the final submission of video productions and research mini-thesis, outcomes from all modules are combined.

All aspects of the qualification are integrated into a single whole. Video production skills, video production theory, video productions, academic research methods and the research all contribute to each other (for example, the making of a documentary film involves not only advanced video production skills, but also academic research skills to collect and interpret data, perform interview, etc. upon which the film will be based), and skills in all areas are assessed. Assessment takes into account the learner's demonstration of not only the module-specific outcomes, but also how he/she accounts for the integration of the various aspects into the whole.

The qualification will make use of continuous assessment, and will apply a wide range of assessment methods, any combination of which may be used in integrated assessment:

• Face to face contact with learners. Live, regular, formative feedback with individual learners and groups is considered essential to effective education in the programme.
• Learners may be asked to critique their own and others' work, thereby encouraging analysis, self-assessment, reflection and critical faculties on an individual or peer group basis.
• Portfolio displays or exhibitions of applied video production work are used as a form of summative assessment at the ends of semesters.
• Written assignments may include reports, plans, literature reviews and research result summaries, for all of which learners will receive formative feedback.
• Research methods applied may include case studies, ethnographic research, action research, participant observation as wells as data collection methods such as interviews and questionnaires.
• Data collected may be presented in written and/or visual form, and both live and/or electronic presentations.
• Blended learning and online forms of teaching, learning and assessment will be employed where appropriate.