Summer 2025 - CA 149 OL01
Sound (3)
Class Number: 3183
Delivery Method: Online
Overview
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Introduction to acoustics, psychoacoustics, sound synthesis, audio sampling and signal processing, and sound production in general as relating to music, film sound, radio, new media, art installations and live performance. Students with credit for CA 184 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
COURSE DETAILS:
CA 149 is an introduction to sound and all the forms it can take. It does not require any previous music theory and is designed to be relevant to all anyone interested in deepening their relationship to sound. Students will be introduced to basic acoustics, the techniques & technology associated with recording, transforming, storing, and transmitting sound as well as a philosophical exploration of sound. This exploration of the technologies and concepts related to sound will lead to examinations of the movie soundtracks, radio, theatre, installations, sound art, gaming and radio art. Special attention will be paid to the role of sound design/music in fixed media, broadcast, performance (theatre, dance, etc.), and installation art. This course will also explore the larger issues of sound in contemporary society through environmental sound, noise, and acoustic communication.
Grading
- Packback: Weekly Sound Diary 20%
- Exercise #1: Basic Editing 5%
- Exercise #2: Signal Processing 5%
- Midterm 10%
- Project #1: Film Log 20%
- Project #2: Creative Composition 30%
- Final 10%
Materials
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
Students must purchase access to the Packback platform via a registration email that will be sent to you. Cost is ~$39.
Student are encouraged to have their own set of headphones (preferably) or earphones. You must have access to a computer running Mac, Windows or Linux – not just a tablet or phone – to complete the assignments. We will use the open source software Audacity for audio editing.
REQUIRED READING:
Readings will be available via Canvas
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.
To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.