Communication Skills for Media Makers

Emphasises the importance of oral and written communication skills for media makers who need to network with media companies. Students will be trained to persuade and pitch effectively to media networks and production houses, write the different types of proposals needed for pitches to the media industry, as well as structure and deliver persuasive oral pitches and presentations, using appropriate verbal and non-verbal language and visual aids. They will also learn to handle the intense question and answer sessions associated with the media industry and hone their media networking skills in the process.

Creative Story Making

This module uses creative thinking, brainstorming and observation exercises to help students generate creative story ideas. Students will be taken through a journey of self-discovery, including their life experiences, to tap into various sources of creativity and inspiration and uncover their potential as writers. They will apply what they have learnt about the appeal of myths, heroes and universal themes to craft engaging and powerful short stories.

Critical and Analytical Thinking

This module aims to equip students with skills in critical and analytical thinking, which includes the ability to evaluate different perspectives, articulate a point of view and support it with relevant and credible evidence. The module also provides students with opportunities to practise information literacy, and critical and analytical thinking skills through the exploration of contemporary local and global issues.

Deconstructing Television

Provides students with a brief history of television and introduces them to the early television genres of drama, comedy, game shows and reality TV. Students will deconstruct popular television genres to appreciate the origins and how they have evolved into their present-day adaptations. Students will also create an original concept for a television programme.

Narrative Thinking

This module aims to equip students with the skills to critically evaluate the elements of narratives used in a variety of contexts, and to appreciate and harness the power of storytelling in our daily life. Students will analyse narratives to connect and contextualise self to society, and learn to craft impactful personal narratives to inspire or influence others.

Scriptwriting for Television I: Entertainment Programmes

Introduces students to key entertainment genres in the television industry. It exposes students to the processes behind the conceptualisation, crafting and development of scripts related to these entertainment genres. It equips them with the knowledge and tools to write broadcaststandard and industry-quality scripts. Students will receive core skills training in scriptwriting for genres such as reality, infotainment and talk-shows. Students will also be taught how to conceptualise and craft scripts according to the purpose and context of television production for a range of target audiences.

Story Classics Heroes Myths and Legends

Exposes students to seminal works of literature in books and films, while exploring the classic fairy tales, heroes, myths and legends. Students will appreciate how the use of heroes, protagonists, antagonists, universal themes and issues that are key to creating and telling good stories. They will discover how often these elements are adapted to reflect the desires and preoccupations of the present society.

Storytelling I: Visual Communication

Teaches students the fundamentals of storytelling through visual communication. Students will investigate and learn the techniques to communicate visual and dramatic elements within a script, without the use of dialogue. They will also learn the basic principles of information design, visual design, layout and colour, as well as how picture composition, camera movements and cinematography are crucial for good storytelling.

Storytelling II: Conceptualisation and Structure

Introduces conceptualisation and structure as crucial elements of good storytelling. It teaches students how to use plots and sub-plots to engage their audience, thereby further transforming their fictional characters into multi-dimensional ones that resonate with the audience. Students will also learn about the use of traditional and interactive narrative structures and create their own three-act story and multidimensional characters.

Video Production Principles and Practices

Introduces students to the entire digital video production process, from translating a script to the final product. Students will learn practical aspects of single camera techniques, basic lighting, audio recording, camera directing and video editing. This module also imparts to students a sound understanding of the entire production process from the breaking down of a script to production and post-production management, as they engage in multiple roles in the production cycle. Students will produce their own short video clip at the end of the module.

Writing Across Media Platforms

Introduces students to the various platforms in the media world and how they have evolved to dominate the present way of communication. Students will be able to recognise the changing identity, preferences and habits of the consumer of the different media platforms. They will learn to craft stories and content for each medium and platform. The module will also take the student through the processes of conceptualising, crafting and developing an idea into media content that can cross different platforms, for the evolving media consumer.

World Issues and the Media Maker

Elective 1

Introduction to Documentary

Journalism I: News Writing for the Global Audience

Stresses the importance of news in a globalised world and its impact on society, culture and politics. Students will be introduced to the basic elements and stages of news writing and be trained in news writing for print, television and the web. News research, investigation, accuracy and strong editorial skills will also be emphasised in this era of information overload.

Journalism II: Total Journalism

Prepares students for the demands faced by journalists today. They must be capable of not just writing a good story, but also be proactively involved in the news sourcing, news gathering and news production stages. Students will be trained to deal with diverse situations and persons, write headlines, create layout pages and caption pictures. Students will complete a news project from conceptualisation to final product, and in the process, develop their aptitude for news.

Scriptwriting for Television II: Drama and Comedy

This module will deconstruct popular television dramas and comedies in detail to expose the devices and techniques of scriptwriting in these two classic television genres. Students will practise creating identifiable characters and effective plots and stories by writing and revising original plot outlines and scripts.

Sustainable Innovation Project

Work in multi-disciplinary groups to apply the design thinking method and tools backed by research and qualitative data, to tackle local issues mapped to the UN SDGs. You will also tap on what you have learnt in the CCC modules that come before this module to create sustainable and innovative prototype solutions for real-life issues faced by a local community in need. In the process, you will develop empathy for the community you have identified for your project and a better understanding of yourselves.

Storytelling III: Character and Plot Development

Emphasises the importance of understanding the media audience and the appeal of myths, heroes, and antiheroes as well as universal and specific themes. This will help create identifiable, lovable characters. Students will use character development, motivation and an understanding of the rhythm of language to create dialogue for their characters. Students will also learn various plot development techniques to enhance their storytelling.

Transmedia Storytelling

This module aims to expose students to the role of the media maker in shaping public views and opinions. Students will explore how the media maker uses current affairs as a source of inspiration in producing media products such as articles, blogs, television programmes and mobile apps. Students will also reflect on the influential role of the media maker and how that is changing with new media technologies.

Video Production for Narratives 1 (Drama and Comedy)

Video Production for Narratives 2 (Documentary)

Designed to enable students to transform their documentary scripts into full-fledged documentaries. Students will have to pitch for their work to be produced and only the winning pitches and scripts will be produced by the teams. This module challenges students to apply what they have learnt and further refine their scriptwriting, directing, producing and production management skills in the context of producing a documentary.

Web Publishing and Design

Aims to equip students with the basic principles in Web Publishing as well as Design Thinking techniques. Through Design Thinking, students will explore deep understanding of the user, find creative resolution to tensions, develop collaborative prototyping and modify ideas for web solutions. Students will experiment with tools of design, digital photography, imaging and layout. They will also manage, plan and prepare electronic publications.

Creative Writing Project

Students are required to propose, conceptualise, write/script and pitch an original television and new media project to industry content makers. This is to showcase their strengths as media content writers and creators.

Internship Programme

This module aims to immerse students with the real-world industry experience. This programme comprises a 22-week enhanced internship programme integrating a structured learning outcome which facilitates authentic learning.

Media Law and Ethics

The module teaches the basic concepts of media law and ethics applicable to the media and communication industry. At the end of the module, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the Singapore legal system; freedom of expression; defamation law; law and policy on print media, broadcast media, Internet and film; advertising law and policy; and intellectual property law.

Content Marketing Strategies

Filmmaking

This 90-hour module introduces screenwriting as a distinctive media platform that requires a different set of skills and techniques, in terms of storytelling, scriptwriting and the business of moviemaking.

Television and Online Journalism

Aims to hone the skills of journalism students in the fast-paced field of television and online reporting. Students will learn how to write to pictures, use sound and visuals, as well as make full use of online platforms for broadcast reporting. Students will develop scripts for soft and hard news, piece to camera and simulate breaking news situations.