Syllabus
 A course in which the student, assigned a specific role in the WSHC staff, prepares
and executes weekly assignments. WSHC is a fully operational 950 Watt, Federally Licensed, FM broadcast facility.
As the course name implies, this class is “practical radio” in a hands-on learning environment. The purpose of
this course is to provide students with an opportunity to work on professional level supervised projects in radio
broadcasting, audio production, radio marketing and content development.
There is no required text but if you are serious about a radio career it is highly
recommended acquire a copy of The Radio Station by Michael C. Keith – ISBN 040806263 via the Shepherd University
book store.
Each student will meet with the instructor to determine a role of participation within
the staff of WSHC. Students may work in station management, board operation, production, promotions, news, sports,
or any other aspect of daily radio broadcast operations. Once your role has been determined you will report t
to the department head as required.
Each student will be required to attend class according
to the document ‘Class Plan’ which will provided in the first day of class (check Class Documents to the right).
Each student will be required to meet with the instructor to discuss
current class standing, station issues and other factors as the instructor so determines. The instructor will
make appointments with each student as time permits.
Staff management will assist with each student’s role. If a student feels their
assignment is unrealistic or inappropriate they can discuss the assignment with the instructor. Students will
be evaluated based on their level of professionalism, preparation, delivery and punctuality during the course
of their assignment.
Grades will be determined utilizing a point system. In this fashion a student can
keep track of their own grade progress with only an occasional review with the instructor. If a student performs
adequately the minimum class requirements (see below) the result would be a final semester grade of C.
1. Assignment evaluation (normally 400)
2. PR event participation (normally 50)
3. Production evaluation: PSA, Promo, Drop & Commercial (normally 100 total)
4. Attendance: class schedule & station meetings (normally 125)
5. Production voice recording (normally 125)
6. Test score: Final (normal maximum 200)
The instructor will attempt to be objective and fair in regards to all factors
mentioned above, after all this is a learning environment. But Radio Practicum is also a stepping-stone
towards a professional world that all students will eventually be participants of, whether students go on
to participate in the radio industry or not. WSHC in that respect is more than a college radio station; it
is a Federally mandated broadcast facility and therefore a real business environment. Not only will Radio
Practicum provide students with credit towards a degree it but will also provide a work reference on a resume’.
With that in mind students are encouraged to continue participation with WSHC after their commitment to Radio
Practicum has been completed.
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