Court Reporting

Degrees and Certificates

Classes

RTR 110: Realtime Reporting I / Laboratory

Program
Hours 5 Lab Hours 4
Theory Hours
3

This course includes the study of computer-compatible, machine-stenographic theory principles, with an emphasis on clear, consistent, conflict-free writing; an introduction to the Arabic alphabetic system of writing numbers; the mastery of basic abbreviations; and speed development of 40-60 WPM on familiar material of higher-than-average syllabic density.

RTR 115: Realtime Reporting Technology

Program
Hours 3 Lab Hours 2
Theory Hours
2
This course is designed to provide students with competency in litigation support and computer-aided transcription of machine shorthand notes on several CAT systems. Attention will also be given to the word-processing functions of revising and editing, document storage and retrieval, merging texts, and printing documents.
Prerequisites

RTR 130

RTR 130: Realtime Reporting II / Laboratory

Program
Hours 5 Lab Hours 4
Theory Hours
3

This course completes the study of computer-compatible, machine-stenographic theory principles and introduces computer-compatible court reporting abbreviations and phrases. Emphasis continues on speed development of 60-80 WPM on familiar material of higher-than-average syllabic density. Also included are machine-stenographic reporting and transcription of literary, jury charge, and testimony material.

Prerequisite Courses

RTR 131: Civil and Criminal Law and Terminology for Real Time Reporters

Program
Hours 3
Theory Hours
3
This course includes substantive law, torts, contracts, personal property and agency, wills and estates, real property, family law, negotiable instruments, business organization, civil and criminal procedure (discovery, trial, and appellate processes), hearings and arbitrations, the legislative process, and legal and Latin terminologies attendant thereto.
Prerequisites

RTR 130

RTR 150: Realtime Reporting III / Laboratory

Program
Hours 5 Lab Hours 4
Theory Hours
3
This course includes the machine-stenographic reporting and transcription of two-voice testimony, jury charge, and literary material, with an emphasis on speed development in each of the three timing categories; a continuation of the study of computer-compatible abbreviations, phrases, and number drills.
Prerequisites

RTR 130

RTR 170: Realtime Closed Captioning Technologies

Program
Hours 3 Lab Hours 2
Theory Hours
2
This course is designed to instruct the student in utilizing Eclipse NT/Accucap software for captioning. Upon completion of the course, the student understands the basic setup of a captioning studio, equipment care and maintenance, implementation of functions and commands of software program, and troubleshooting skills.
Prerequisites

RTR 130 or approval of program advisor

RTR 171: Broadcast Captioning I/Laboratory

Program
Hours 5 Lab Hours 4
Theory Hours
3
This course includes the machine-stenographic reporting and transcription of two-voice testimony, Alabama criminal and civil jury instructions, and an introduction to multi-voice proceedings. Speed development in each of the three timing categories continues. Endurance reporting workshops begin in this course.
Prerequisites

RTR 150

RTR 172: Broadcast Captioning II/Laboratory

Program
Hours 5 Lab Hours 4
Theory Hours
3
This course is designed to enable the student to operate a realtime translation system in the computer-integrated courtroom environment, deposition environment, classroom environment, broadcast environment, and in seminar, conference, and convention environments. This course includes the machine-stenographic reporting and transcription of two-voice testimony, Alabama criminal and civil jury instructions, and an introduction to multi-voice proceedings. Speed development in each of the three timing categories continues. Endurance-reporting workshops begin in this course.
Prerequisites

RTR 171

RTR 180: Transcript Preparation for Court Reporters

Program
Hours 3
Theory Hours
3

The course is a study of various types of written documents required in the specialized field of court reporting and captioning.  Emphasis is placed on the production of transcripts and captioning files.  The course includes research, documentation, appropriate punctuation for the spoken word and the development of vocabulary/word usage.  Students will demonstrate the ability to understand and implement the basic rules of grammar, spelling, punctuation and capitalization. 

RTR 184: Realtime Lab I

Program
Hours 2 Lab Hours 4
This course is designed to enable judicial and captioning students to enhance realtime skills through additional usage of software and equipment in perfecting theory principles and speed development skills in categories of Literacy, Jury Charge, and Q&A.

RTR 185: Realtime Lab II

Program
Hours 2 Lab Hours 4
This course is designed to enable judicial and captioning students to enhance realtime skills through additional usage of software and equipment in perfecting theory principles and speed development skills in categories of Literacy, Jury Charge, and Q&A.

RTR 186: Realtime Lab III

Program
Hours 2 Lab Hours 4
This course is designed to enable judicial and captioning students to enhance realtime skills through additional usage of software and equipment in perfecting theory principles and speed development skills in categories of Literacy, Jury Charge, and Q&A.

RTR 187: Realtime Lab IV

Program
Hours 2 Lab Hours 4
This course is designed to enable judicial and captioning students to enhance realtime skills through additional usage of software and equipment in perfecting theory principles and speed development skills in categories of Literacy, Jury Charge, and Q&A.

RTR 188: Realtime Lab V

Program
Hours 2 Lab Hours 4
This course is designed to enable judicial and captioning students to enhance realtime skills through additional usage of software and equipment in perfecting theory principles and speed development skills in categories of Literacy, Jury Charge, and Q&A.

RTR 189: Realtime Lab VI

Program
Hours 2 Lab Hours 4
This course is designed to enable judicial and captioning students to enhance realtime skills through additional usage of software and equipment in perfecting theory principles and speed development skills in categories of Literacy, Jury Charge, and Q&A.

RTR 210: Realtime Reporting IV / Laboratory

Program
Hours 5 Lab Hours 4
Theory Hours
3
This course includes the machine-stenographic reporting and transcription of two-voice testimony, jury charge, and literary material, with an increased emphasis on speed development in each of the three timing categories; a review of computer-compatible abbreviations and phrases; and a continuation of advanced number drills.
Prerequisites

RTR 150

RTR 220: Realtime Reporting V / Laboratory

Program
Hours 5 Lab Hours 4
Theory Hours
3
This course includes the machine-stenographic reporting and transcription of two-voice testimony, Alabama criminal and civil jury instructions, and an introduction to multi-voice proceedings. Speed development in each of the three timing categories continues. Endurance-reporting workshops begin in this course.
Prerequisites

RTR 210

RTR 226: Judicial Procedures

Program
Hours 3
Theory Hours
3
This course will instruct the student in the proper use of library and reference materials, including how to research citations. Additional emphasis is placed on correct procedures for the reading of notes and duties of note readers and scopists. The use of computer-aided transcription (CAT) and videotape technology is explained. Requirements for reporters, such as bonding, serving as a notary public, certifying documents, proper filing of records, and other official duties are discussed.
Prerequisites

RTR 131 and RTR 150

RTR 227: Moot Court Practicum I

Program
Hours 5 Lab Hours 4
Theory Hours
3

NOTE: Students must a have a minimum speed of 150 wam or advisement. 

This course is designed to simulate deposition situations, utilizing actual transcripts. Speaker identification symbols are introduced. Speed and clarity are emphasized during read back of selected portions of notes. Emphasis is placed also on reporting techniques and punctuation essential to reflect accurately in machine-stenographic notes and transcript thereof various speech patterns, colloquial language, unreported events, and physical actions. This course and RTR 257 are taught in sequence.

Prerequisite Courses

RTR 230: Realtime Application

Program
Hours 2 Lab Hours 2
Theory Hours
1

Realtime Application is a capstone course which re-presents students’ cumulative educational experiences with opportunities to integrate knowledge of realtime practices and implement skills through mock testing modules, written practice materials, conducting research and using various reference tools that will enable students to build a reference portfolio.

Prerequisites

RTR 150

Corequisites

As required by college.

RTR 257: Moot Court Practicum II

Program
Hours 5 Lab Hours 4
Theory Hours
3
This course is a continuation of RTR 227, with the course now designed to simulate civil and criminal trial situations, utilizing actual transcripts.
Prerequisites

RTR 227

RTR 270: Realtime Reporting VI / Laboratory

Program
Hours 5 Lab Hours 4
Theory Hours
3
This course includes the continuation of accuracy and speed development in three timing categories. Lectures on expanded professional ethics and other situations are continued.
Prerequisites

RTR 220

RTR 275: Realtime Reporting Internship

Program
Hours 2
Internship Hours
10

Students are assigned to college-approved internships where, under the guidance and supervision of official and/or general NCRA Registered Professional Reporters, they undergo extensive indoctrination in the duties and responsibilities of the profession.  Minimum hours required: Fifty (50).

Prerequisites

RTR 210 and/or as required by program

RTR 292: Broadcast Captioning Internship

Program
Hours 3
Internship Hours
15
This course is designed to enable the student to spend a minimum of 40 hours of captioning in an approved freelance, official, and/or realtime captioning setting and produce a salable transcript of proceedings. The student will observe procedures, caption realtime material, receive on-the-job training under the guidance of experienced reporters and broadcast captioners, and participate in classroom activities related to the internship experience.
Prerequisites

RTR 173