Syllabus
DTC 208 | Fall 2026
- Class Time: TuTh 4:20pm–5:35pm
- Location: VMMC 111
- Instructor: Will Luers
- Phone: 503-975-3254
- Email: wluers@wsu.edu
- Office Hours: MWTh 3:00pm–4:00pm in the Digs (VMMC basement, room 26)
COURSE OBJECTIVE
In DTC 208 / DIGITAL CINEMA, students will explore the techniques and aesthetic strategies of video in the age of digital media. Through a variety of short assignments and one final project, students will build basic skills in screenwriting, storyboarding, camera and sound work, and editing. Students will be exposed to a range of cinema styles and approaches — continuity and montage editing, documentary work, lighting, interviews, and cinematic storytelling — and will ultimately choose the approach that fits best with their creative goals.
This course will approach video production less as a set of specialized technical skills using high-end equipment, and more as a set of composition practices using commonly used tools. Students are encouraged to use their own (or borrowed) digital cameras, phones, or hybrid devices that they can carry with them everywhere. There will also be a range of semi-professional video and audio equipment available for check-out from the equipment room.
LEARNING GOALS
| Required Course Activities | University Learning Goals | University Learning Objectives | CMDC Goals & Objectives |
| 1. Mini Video Assignments | Critical and Creative Thinking (ULG1) Communication (ULG4) |
Combine and synthesize existing ideas, images, or expertise in original ways. Express concepts, propositions, and beliefs in coherent, concise, and technically correct form. | Goal 1: Demonstrate competency with computers for designing, distributing, retrieving, and preserving digital works in various mediums. Goal 2: Synthesize media forms for multimedia contexts. Goal 3: Employ the principles of visual form for sophisticated image manipulation. |
| 2. Pitch Deck | Critical and Creative Thinking (ULG1) Communication (ULG4) |
Combine and synthesize existing ideas, images, or expertise in original ways. Express concepts, propositions, and beliefs in coherent, concise, and technically correct form. | Goal 7: Recognize various forms of language processing and their implications for media authoring. |
| 3. Profile Project | Critical and Creative Thinking (ULG1) Communication (ULG4) |
Combine and synthesize existing ideas, images, or expertise in original ways. Express concepts, propositions, and beliefs in coherent, concise, and technically correct form. | Goal 7: Recognize various forms of language processing and their implications for media authoring. |
| 4. One-Minute Group Project | Critical and Creative Thinking (ULG1) Information Literacy (ULG2) Communication (ULG4) Depth, Breadth, and Integration of Learning (ULG7) |
Combine and synthesize existing ideas, images, or expertise in original ways. Determine the extent and type of information needed. Express concepts, propositions, and beliefs in coherent, concise, and technically correct form. Apply the concepts of general and specialized studies to personal, academic, service learning, professional, and/or community activities. | Goal 7: Recognize various forms of language processing and their implications for media authoring. Goal 5: Know the basics of information architecture and knowledge management along with ways digital information can be structured for different audiences. |
COURSE STRUCTURE
- Focus on the conception and creation of expressive video
- Multiple assignments and projects
- In-class screenings, critique, and discussion
REQUIRED TEXTS/SUPPLIES
- Extra computer storage for video editing (external drive recommended)
- Headphones or earbuds
- Digital camera or smartphone with HD video capability
- Stabilization: monopod, tripod, or gorilla grip (available to check out from the equipment room)
- Online movie rental: $3-5
COURSE POINT-EARNING POTENTIALS
Participation (10%)- In-class activities, discussion, and screening attentiveness
- Framing Assignment — 5%
- Continuity Assignment — 5%
- Sound Design Assignment — 5%
- Montage Assignment — 5%
- Script — 5%
- Storyboard — 5%
- Moodboard / Production Design — 5%
- Rough Cut — 10%
- Final Cut — 15%
- Group participation — 5%
- Script and storyboard — 5%
- Final cut — 20%
Schedule & Project Due Dates
| Week | Date | Topic | Assignment / Project Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8/25 & 8/27 | Introduction & Cinema Grammar | – |
| 2 | 9/1 & 9/3 | Camera & Lighting Basics | – |
| 3 | 9/8 & 9/10 | Continuity Editing & Camera Coverage | Framing Assignment (5%) |
| 4 | 9/15 & 9/17 | Making & Breaking Space | – |
| 5 | 9/22 & 9/24 | Sound 101 | Continuity Assignment (5%) |
| 6 | 9/29 & 10/1 | Story Structure & Scripts | Sound Design Assignment (5%) |
| 7 | 10/6 & 10/8 | Storyboards & Pre-production | Pitch Deck: Script (5%) |
| 8 | 10/13 & 10/15 | Montage & Rhythm | – |
| 9 | 10/20 & 10/22 | Visual Evidence & Documentary Portrait | Pitch Deck: Storyboard (5%) & Moodboard (5%) |
| 10 | 10/27 & 10/29 | Interview Setup & B-roll Integration | Montage Assignment (5%) |
| 11 | 11/3 & 11/5 | Effects & Post-Production | Profile Project: Rough Cut (10%) |
| 12 | 11/10 & 11/12 | One-Minute Shorts — Small-Group Planning | Profile Project: Final Cut (15%) |
| 13 | 11/17 & 11/19 | One-Minute Short — Shoot, Edit & Post | One-Minute Script & Storyboard (5%) |
| Thanksgiving Break (No Class): November 25 & 27 | |||
| 14 | 12/1 & 12/3 | One-Minute / Post-Production / Rough Cuts | One-Minute Rough Cut |
| 15 | 12/8 & 12/10 | One-Minute Screenings | One-Minute Final Cut (20%) |
GENERAL ASSIGNMENT AND PROJECT GUIDELINES
- Do not use copyright-protected text, images, audio, or video
- You may use material that is in the public domain — please credit the source
- You may use AI to generate effects and certain parts of video projects
- Your work must be your own, produced for this course (not previous videos)
Attendance Policy
Three absences are allowed. Each additional absence deducts 3 points. It is your responsibility to make sure I check your attendance if you arrive after the start of class. Frequent late arrivals, leaving early, or other forms of lack of attendance will also deduct points from the cumulative total. Participation in discussion and critique is essential.
Both attendance and participation will be monitored and deficiencies in either/both will result in lower final grades. Absent students remain responsible for all course matters during their absence(s). Opportunities to make up missed work may not be available. Final grades are determined from the cumulative points earned, plus or minus any deductions or additions for attendance or participation. No curving, averaging, or other manipulations are utilized. Incompletes are not available.
Final grades are based on the following scale:
| A | 94–100 |
| A- | 90–93 |
| B+ | 87–89 |
| B | 83–86 |
| B- | 80–82 |
| C+ | 77–79 |
| C | 73–76 |
| C- | 70–72 |
| D | * |
| F | 0–69 |
*Notice that the grade of "D" is not offered; it reverts to "F."
Submission of Late Work
All work must be submitted as and when required. If you anticipate you will be late with an assignment, you must message me on Slack with a date (within a week) when it will be submitted.
AI Use Policy
Although most projects will be edited with live video shot by you, you are encouraged to use AI tools for different aspects of production and post-production. AI can be a valuable resource for:
- Learning and research (always fact-checked for accuracy)
- Brainstorming and world-building
- Mood board creation and visual inspiration
- Planning and structuring projects
- Video effects such as green screen and color correction
- Generative media for some clips, sound, and other production needs
However, in this course, ideas and approaches will begin with you. Much of the creative process will be spent in discussion, journaling, and workshopping in and out of class. These steps are designed to slow the process down and help you develop a clear perspective and direction before you turn to AI tools.
AI should be used as a support for thinking — not a shortcut to bypass it.
- Your final submissions must reflect your own style, approach, and aesthetic.
- For most projects, I may require documentation of all AI-assisted work — including transcripts of chats, prompts, and outputs used during development.
- Transparency is essential to your growth in digital media and in working with generative AI. If AI meaningfully shaped your work, you should note where and how you used it. This documentation helps track your role in a complex creative process.
- Direct, unmodified AI outputs should not be submitted as your own work.
AI tools — including those for generative media — are powerful learning partners, but they cannot replace the slower, deeper process of design thinking, workshopping, and evolving your own ideas in dialogue with others.