• COMMUNICATION ARTS PROGRAM

    To contact the English Department, please call (516) 364-5700.  

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

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Description: This course is designed to teach students the different aspects of video production: camera technique, lighting, editing, screenplay development, directorial style, etc. Instruction takes place in a project-based learning environment and class sessions will focus on the principles of videography and “hands-on” training. Click here to read full course description

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

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Description: This project-based course provides students with opportunities to work on individual and small group video projects at the mastery level with professional equipment and software. Students will learn advanced principles and practices of digital filmmaking through workshop methods and mentorship. Click here to read full course description

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

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Description: The course is designed to give students a deeper understanding and appreciation of radio broadcasting and theory as well as practical hands-on experience. Students work on the development of articulation and interviewing skills, radio/media copywriting and audio production techniques. Students write and produce various programs, newscasts, weather reports, special features, PSAs, podcasts and other broadcast materials. Exemplary projects are broadcast on WKWZ, the district’s FM radio station.

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

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Description: Students work at various jobs in WKWZ. Student positions include Station Manager, Program Director, Production Manager, Public Service Director, Sports Director, News Director, Business Manager, Traffic Manager, etc. This independent study/Internship program gives the student vital real-life experience in the day-to-day operations of a real FCC licensed broadcast radio station.

Department: Communication Arts

Course Number: 1732

Course Title: COMMUNICATIONS TODAY: READING THE MEDIA

Details: Spring, 0.5 Credit, 1 Period

Grades: 11, 12

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Description: This course explores the media’s effects on the public via critical analysis of processes, products, and patterns in television, film, music videos, radio, newspapers, magazines, and the Internet. The course includes readings in social criticism and media studies as well as personal response and research-based writing. *ATTENTION COLLEGE BOUND ATHLETES: THIS COURSE IS NOT APPROVED BY THE NCAA CLEARINGHOUSE