Prerequisites:

None

This course is designed as an introduction to electroacoustic communication and the "document in sound" as a communicational tool. Both practical and theoretical applications of the field will be covered, with an emphasis on student acquisition of both concepts and skills.

Applications of both analog and digital sound to such areas as media analysis, aural history, social documentation, interpersonal communication and tape music composition will be discussed. The role of the "document in sound" in the design of conventional media communication, as well as personal and experimental sound documents, will be emphasized and form part of the student's practical work.

Specific techniques of field recording, interviewing, editing and mixing will be taught. Four projects will be required, with the grade based on a letter grade average of these projects, the first three (Tape Editing, Field Recording, Media Analysis) contributing 20% each, the final project (Sound Document) 30% and a 10% attendance mark.

Required Course Text:

Truax, B. (2000). Acoustic Communication (2nd edition) Norwood, N.J.: Ablex, 2000.
(includes CD-ROM handbook).

Recommended Text:

Truax, B. (Ed.), (1999). Handbook for Acoustic Ecology, (CD-ROM edition).
Cambridge Street Publishing, 1999.

The School expects that the grades awarded in this course will bear some reasonable relation to established university-wide practices with respect to both levels and distribution of grades. In addition, the school will also follow Policy T10.02 with respect to “Intellectual Honesty” and “Academic Discipline” (see the current calendar, General Regulations Section).