Sheridan Course Outlines

Land Acknowledgement

First Nations peoples have lived on this part of Turtle Island for millennia, stewarding the land, the water and all that contributes to life in this region. Today, the culture and presence of First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples enrich the lands and people of this territory.

Over two centuries ago, the Mississauga people welcomed settlers to this territory, providing sustenance and engaging in trade and commerce. Between 1781 to 1820, eight treaties were signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation who opened their territory to settlement. Today, Sheridan campuses are located on Treaty 14, also known as the Head of the Lake Purchase of 1806 and Treaty 22 and 23 of 1820.

Treaty history is foundational, and it is our collective responsibility to honour the land, as we honour and respect those who have gone before us, those who are here and those who have yet to come. We are grateful for the opportunity to be learning, working and thriving on this land, and we commit to learn the truth and be active in the process of reconciliation.

Section I: Administrative Information

Total hours: 42.0
Credit Value: 3.0
Credit Value Notes: N/A
Effective: Winter 2026
Prerequisites: N/A
Corequisites: N/A
Equivalents: MEDA10000
Pre/Co/Equiv Notes: N/A

Program(s): Media Fundamentals
Program Coordinator(s): Nathan Mallett
Course Leader or Contact: N/A
Version: 20260105_00
Status: Approved (APPR)

Section I Notes: N/A

Section II: Course Details

Detailed Description
Students are introduced to the fundamentals of videography through hands-on experience with camera operation, lighting, audio, and editing. Working individually and in small teams, students plan, shoot, and edit short video projects for a variety of formats. Assignments emphasize visual storytelling, technical competency, and creative expression. Through field work, interactive lectures and hands-on sessions, students build the foundational skills needed to produce compelling visual content. In developing these skills, students begin to understand the role of the videographer as both a technician and storyteller within the media production process.

Program Context

Media Fundamentals	Program Coordinator(s): Nathan Mallett
This course explores the fundamentals of videography.

Course Critical Performance and Learning Outcomes

	Critical Performance:
	By the end of this course, students will have demonstrated the ability to plan, shoot, and edit short video projects.

Learning Outcomes:

To achieve the critical performance, students will have demonstrated the ability to:

Identify the fundamental components of video production, including camera types, lighting setups, and audio equipment.
Describe the steps involved in pre-production, production, and post-production processes.
Apply principles of composition, exposure, and camera movement to capture visually effective video footage.
Analyze video sequences to evaluate shot selection, pacing, and storytelling effectiveness.
Create short-form video projects using appropriate planning, shooting, and editing techniques.
Justify creative choices in visual storytelling through written or verbal reflection on project goals and execution.

Evaluation Plan
Students demonstrate their learning in the following ways:

Evaluation Plan: IN-CLASS

	Video Analysis	10.0%
	Editing	20.0%
	Storyboarding	20.0%
	Video 1	20.0%
	Video 2	30.0%
	Total	100.0%

Provincial Context
The course meets the following Ministry of Colleges and Universities requirements:

Essential Employability Skills
Essential Employability Skills emphasized in the course:

Communication Skills - Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken, visual form that fulfills the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.
Communication Skills - Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Skills - Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.
Information Management Skills - Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.
Information Management - Locate, select, organize and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.
Interpersonal Skills - Show respect for the diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.
Interpersonal Skills - Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.
Numeracy - Execute mathematical operations accurately.
Personal Skills - Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.
Personal Skills - Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
PLAR Contact (if course is PLAR-eligible) - Office of the Registrar
Students may apply to receive credit by demonstrating achievement of the course learning outcomes through previous relevant work/life experience, service, self-study and training on the job. This course is eligible for challenge through the following method(s):

Portfolio and Interview
Notes: Both are required.

Section III: Topical Outline

Some details of this outline may change as a result of circumstances such as weather cancellations, College and student activities, and class timetabling.
Instruction Mode: In-Class
Professor: Multiple Professors
Resource(s): N/A
Applicable student group(s): Students enrolled in Media Fundamentals
Course Details:

Module1: Introduction to Videography

Course overview, expectations, and learning outcomes; History and genres of videography (documentary, narrative, etc.); Key terminology and an overview of the production process

Module 2: Composition and Visual Storytelling

Rule of thirds, depth, lead room, headroom; Shot types and emotional impact; Coverage and continuity basics; Lab: shoot a basic shot sequence (wide, medium, close-up)

Module 3: Introduction to Editing Software

Editing tools overview (Premiere Pro, etc.); Importing footage, timeline basics, rough cuts; Transitions, trimming, and exporting; Lab: edit instructor-provided footage

Assignment 1 - Video Analysis - 10%

Module 4: Work Period

Assignment 2- Editing - 20%

Module 5: Production Planning

Production planning; Location scouting; Storyboarding

Module 6: Lighting
Lighting principles: direction, intensity, color temperature; Natural vs. artificial light sources

Module 7: Audio for Video

The role of audio in storytelling; Microphone types (lav, shotgun, onboard); Capturing clean audio and syncing with footage; Lab: record short interviews and sync audio in editing software

Assignment 3 - Storyboarding - 20%

Module 8: Work Period

In-class troubleshooting and instructor support

Module 9: Final Project Planning & Production

Pitching and developing final project ideas; scripts, locations, and schedules

Assignment 4 - Video I - 20%

Module 10: Documentary and Interview Techniques

Framing and lighting for interviews; Effective interviewing and B-roll strategies; Ethics of representation and storytelling in nonfiction

Module 11: Camera Movement Techniques

Camera movement (dolly, pan, tilt, handheld, gimbal); Movement as a storytelling tool

Module 12: Advanced Editing: Narrative & Continuity

Pacing, shot order, and continuity editing; Building emotional and visual flow

Module 13: Work Period

Assignment 5 - Video II - 30%

Module 14: Final Project Presentations & Critique

Class screening and group feedback; Instructor critique and reflection on progress

Sheridan Policies

It is recommended that students read the following policies in relation to course outlines:

Academic Integrity
Copyright
Intellectual Property
Respectful Behaviour
Accessible Learning

All Sheridan policies can be viewed on the Sheridan policy website.

Appropriate use of generative Artificial Intelligence tools: In alignment with Sheridan's Academic Integrity Policy, students should consult with their professors and/or refer to evaluation instructions regarding the appropriate use, or prohibition, of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for coursework. Turnitin AI detection software may be used by faculty members to screen assignment submissions or exams for unauthorized use of artificial intelligence. Students are encouraged to engage with generative AI in teaching and learning contexts thoughtfully. Please review the Guidelines for the Responsible Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence at Sheridan College.

Course Outline Changes: The information contained in this Course Outline including but not limited to faculty and program information and course description is subject to change without notice. Any changes to course curriculum and/or assessment shall adhere to approved Sheridan protocol. Nothing in this Course Outline should be viewed as a representation, offer and/or warranty. Students are responsible for reading the Important Notice and Disclaimer which applies to Programs and Courses.

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