CLA-TV Studios host classes from four different deperatments at the University of Minnesota. Those classes cover a wide range of topics, from pre-production to post-production, acting to directing. Below you will find descriptions of the courses that are offered in the studios. Some courses are not offered every semester, so you should check the University's Class Schedule for scheduling information.

COMM 3201 Introduction to Electronic Media Production
The goal of this course is to enhance understanding of television as a communicative medium, a medium which is unique in the potential for impact in the communication of ideas. In this class you will be expected to: 1) Learn the fundamental techniques of in-studio Live-On-Tape video production; 2) Learn to write and produce as part of a video production team; 3) Learn the communicative aspects of visual and aural aesthetics; 4 ) Learn to write competent critical analyses of visual media. This is NOT a vocational or technical training course. The focus of the course is on effective communication of a message using television as the medium. The projects for which you will be responsible are designed to help you develop a critical attitude toward both producing and consuming visual media messages.

COMM 3204 Advanced Electronic Media Production
This course is designed to provide students with advanced experience in video production, including post production on Avid video editing workstations. Students will work in groups on three major projects, applying the knowledge they acquired in COMM 3201, and learning further techniques and technologies.

TH 4322 Acting for the Camera
Students prepare and perform scenes and monologues with a focus on the function and effect of the camera and production process. The course begins by comparing camera acting to live stage acting and then continues to build a camera acting technique. Open only to students who have successfully completed 3321, Intermediate Acting, and who have been auditioned and selected by the acting faculty.

TH 4550 Video Technology
This course will be an in depth approach to the area of Video Technology. By the end of the course the student should understand and be comfortable with common approaches to lighting, camera operation, audio, and production practices for video production. This course is based both in studio as well as field. We will also discuss the specifics of video protocols and formats. The creative discussions in the class will include aesthetics, continuity, and composition. The students understanding of the topics and techniques discussed in this course will culminate in their final project. This course has no pre-requisites and is open to any student on campus who has an interest in video or film production. It is also the gateway into the other video production courses within the department including TH4560 Preproduction for Film/Video, TH5550 Video Project, TH5551 Editing & Postproduction, TH4554 Graphics and Animation for Film/Video, TH4557 Audio for Film/Video, TH5553 Video Production Design and Aesthetics, and TH5554 Multimedia Production for Live Performance. To visit the class website for Th 4550, click here.

TH 5550 Video Project
Students participate in a video-shoot project serving in various positions, including camera operator, gaffer, grip, audio engineer, cast, and possibly director and director of photography. To visit the class website for TH 5550, click here.

Jour 4451 Advanced Electronic News Writing and Reporting
The emphasis of this course is researching, reporting, shooting, writing and editing TV news packages. Students will learn to master the use of digital cameras and a desktop non-linear system (Final Cut Pro). Students will also learn how to better write to video, how to improve their voice work and on-camera performance. Students will research reports, shoot, write and edit TV news packages and create a resume tape. Students will also contribute packages and live reports as needed for the newscasts produced by students in J4452.

Jour 4452 Electronic Newscast Producing

ARTS 3602/5620 Time Arts: Advanced Video
This course is designed to give students the opportunity to write and produce their own videos, as well as producing a DVD, Critiques and other in-class events contribute to student learning.