Spring 2018 - CMNS 357 D100

Audio Media Analysis (4)

Class Number: 2546

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    David Murphy
    davidcot@sfu.ca
    1 778 782-3623
    Office: TASC2-7460.6
  • Prerequisites:

    CMNS 258 or CMNS 226 or equivalent introductory media course with permission of the Instructor

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An intensive analysis of the design and function of audio in all forms of electroacoustic media, including both historical analog and contemporary digital forms of communication. Gives specific attention to sound design in film, television, radio, advertising, gaming, online and other types of media soundtracks. The structure of broadcast media is considered as well as surrogate listening environments, the sound recording as document, patterns and functions of electroacoustic media usage in daily life, and alternative uses of audio media. The format of the course will be seminars with accompanying labs in order to cover both the theoretical and applied aspects of media analysis. Students who have completed CMNS 386-4 in Spring 2008, 2009 or 2010 may not complete this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Overview:

This course provides an intensive analysis of the design and function of audio in all forms of electroacoustic media, including historical, analogue, and contemporary digital forms of communication.  Specific attention will be given to sound design in advertising, film, television, and other types of soundtracks; the structure of broadcast media considered as a surrogate listening environment; the sound recording as document; patterns and functions of electroacoustic media usage in daily life; and alternative uses of audio media.

The format of the course will be seminar/lab, in order to cover both the theoretical and applied aspects of media analysis.  Student work will consist of: (1) a media use audit of aspects of the student’s media consumption patterns; (2) an essay on course texts and other literature; and (3) an applied analysis project, with a choice of written, audio or video documentary formats.  Students wishing to use audio/video format for project 3 must have some previous production experience.

Grading

  • Media Use Audit 15%
  • Research Essay 30%
  • Applied Analysis Project 35%
  • Lab Assignments 20%

NOTES:

A minimum 2.25 CMNS GPA and 2.00 overall CGPA, and approval as a communication student is required for entry into most communication upper division courses.

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 follow Policy S10.01 with respect to Academic Integrity, and Policies S10.02, S10.03, and S10.04 as regards Student Discipline.  [Note: as of May 1, 2009, the previous T10 series of policies covering Intellectual Honesty (T10.02), and Academic Discipline (T10.03) have been replaced with the new S10 series of policies.]

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All readings will be made available on Canvas.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Barry Truax.  Acoustic Communication (2nd edition).  ABC-CLIO, 2000. 
ISBN: 781567505375

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS