PRELIMINARY COURSE SYLLABUS
Course Title: Video Editing
Course Code:
Course Summary & a Note from the Instructor:
VID 42 starts with a crash course through film school (scriptwriting, storyboarding,
cinematography) and then dives into academic and technical aspects of video editing.
Students will learn how to produce better short film or video projects through proper
planning and execution, and gain hands on experience with editing software.
Tentative Weekly Outline:
Week 1: Planning, Script Writing, Storyboarding, Location Scouting
The script is your roadmap for the planning, storyboarding, and location scouting for a
short format video project. We will use real screenwriting software to script our ideas.
Homework 1: plan a short video project to complete over the course of the class
Week 2: Cinematography, Lighting, and Sound
In class, we will discuss the language of cinematography (rule of thirds, movement,
etc.), lighting (3-point lighting, exposure, etc.), and location sound (booms vs. lavs). We
will discuss how to record and transfer footage using a mobile device or consumer
camera.
Homework 2: record footage for the video.
Week 3: Basic Editing Prep
We will go over how to log and organize footage, gather assets, and begin the basic
layout of the video project. In class, we will start on the editing of footage that
students have recorded. Additional footage will be provided for those who didn’t have
time to record for Homework #2.
Homework 3: finish basic layout of the video.
Week 4: Pacing, Match Cuts, Edit Psychology
In class, we will cover montage theory, when and how to edit, matching cuts, and
setting mood through editing. We will also learn how to add subtitles, lower-thirds,
bugs, and other basic graphical enhancements. Footage and assets will be provided for
those unable to complete Homework #3.
Homework 4: Finish your video!
Week 5: Advanced Topics
Slow motion, color correction, and other advanced areas of exploration. I’ll
demonstrate some of these topics as items students can pursue for further learning.
We will then take time to review any projects students wish to share for comments and
feedback.
Grade Options and Requirements:
• No Grade Requested (NGR)
o This is the default option. Just show up for class! No work will be required; no credit
shall be received; no proof of attendance can be provided.
• Credit/No Credit (CR/NC)
o Credit will be given for full attendance and participation.
• Letter Grade (A, B, C, D, No Pass)
o Grade will be given for full attendance, participation, and completion of learning
goals.
*Please Note: If you require proof that you completed a Continuing Studies course for any
reason (for example, employer reimbursement), you must choose either the Letter Grade or
Credit/No Credit option. Courses taken for NGR will not appear on official transcripts or grade
reports.