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

Prerequisites:

Co-Requisites:

Required For:

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

Expense:

Description: The main objective is to learn basic video skills, such as scriptwriting, basic shooting technique, editing, lighting, and sound. Instruction is project oriented. That is, students will produce videos based upon scripts they write in class.

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

Co-Requisites:

Required For:

Recommended For: Students in grades 10-12, who are interested in broadcasts and non-broadcast communications or filmmaking.

Expense:

Description: Students pursue various approved independent projects in video production. In addition, students provide technical video support for various school activities, programs, and courses. Students may also use this course to create portfolio projects for college, film school or specialty school admissions.

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

Prerequisites:

Co-Requisites:

Required For:

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

Expense:

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

Co-Requisites:

Required For:

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

Expense:

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: 1730

Course Title: NEWS PRODUCTION

Details: Year, 1 Credit, 1 Period

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisites:

Co-Requisites:

Required For:

Recommended For:

Expense:

Description: Video production students experience producing an authentic daily news broadcast for Syosset High School. The main goal of the course is to convey real news items to the school community while learning the interpersonal, technical and journalistic skills and strategies needed to create a daily digital broadcast for an authentic audience. Click here to read full course description