A student works at the high school radio station WKWZ
A student speaking on stage to an author

  • The Communications Arts Program proposes both to build upon and to consolidate the media arts offerings which have a long tradition here at Syosset High School. Many of our graduates move on to prestigious film schools and college communications programs. Our various offerings have launched a number of careers in the media and entertainment industries. To date, alumni of our program have won seven Emmy awards as well as ACE and Dore Schary awards, Streisand and Mobil grants. Many others have gone on to careers as on-air personalities, sportscasters, producers, cinema/videographers, recording engineers, studio engineers, and performers as well as record company and media executives. All of them cite their experiences here as critical to launching their careers. 

    The courses in this program allow students to explore both the practical, hands-on aspects of communications as well as the more theoretical, aesthetic and cultural aspects. The program will also encourage students to engage in projects that will cut across the curriculum and the school community so that they will experience first-hand the power of their work. The Communication Arts Program is recommended for all students in grades 9 through 12 who are interested in careers in film, entertainment, broadcast journalism, broadcast and non-broadcast television, broadcast or communications management and broadcast engineering. 

  • To earn a Regents diploma with advanced designation using a five-unit communication arts sequence, the student must complete one unit of Computer Art and Photography 1 (0.5 credits each). The remaining four units may be earned by taking any of the courses listed below. (Courses taken before senior year may not be used to fulfill senior English requirements.) 

    Introduction to Video Production
    Independent Video Production
    Introduction to Radio
    Radio Internship
    Communications Today: Reading the Media
    Journalism
    Literature through Cinema
    News Production
    Public Speaking
    Computer Art
    Photography
    Recording for Musicians 

    *Introduction to Television Production and Independent Video Production may be used to fulfill the one unit art requirement.

Department: Communication Arts

Course Number: 1734

Course Title: INTRODUCTION TO VIDEO PRODUCTION – ALT.

Details: Year, 0.5 Credit, 1 Period, Alternate Day

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

Recommended For: This course is recommended for students who are interested in filmmaking and broadcast communications.

Department: Communication Arts

Course Number: 1724

Course Title: INDEPENDENT VIDEO PRODUCTION – ALT.

Details: Year, 0.5 Credit, 1 Period, Alternate Day, May be taken multiple times for credit in cases where students wish to pursue advanced study.

Grades: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisites: Introduction to Video Production

Recommended For: This course is recommended for students who are interested in filmmaking and broadcast communications.

Department: Communication Arts

Course Number: 1744

Course Title: INTRODUCTION TO RADIO – ALT.

Details: Year, 0.5 Credit, 1 Period, Alternate Day

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

Recommended For: Students in grades 9-12, who are interested in broadcasts and non- broadcast communications.

Department: Communication Arts

Course Number: 1710

Course Title: RADIO INTERNSHIP

Details: Year, 1 Credit, 1 Period, Period May be taken multiple times for credit in cases where students wish to continue advance study

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisites: Membership in WKWZ, Introduction to Radio, and staff training program

Recommended For: Students in grades 9-12, who are interested in broadcast and non- broadcast communications.

Department: Communication Arts

Course Number: 1730

Course Title: NEWS PRODUCTION

Details: Year, 1 Credit, 1 Period

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12