Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2018 - CMNS 258 D100

History of Sound in Media (3)

Class Number: 2614

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

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

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to audio representation technology and a survey of the history of major sound-based media, including a discussion of the way sound design conventions have developed over time. Students both analyze sound in media and create audio-based applied projects. Specific techniques of field recording, interviewing, editing, sound processing, multi-tracking, and basic digital audio techniques will be explored using the school's studio facilities. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

Overview:  

How did the world change with the ability to record and play sound?  How does sound function across different media?  How are listening publics formed over time?  What is the connection between the early telephone and Siri?  This course surveys the history of sound in media, including the technical components of select mass media and telecommunication technologies such as: radio, the telephone, mobile technologies, as well as the use of sound in film, television, games and other digital media.  The course aims to develop both a theoretical and a practical understanding of sound, and sound reproduction technologies, in a variety of media communication formats.   Contemporary approaches to sound design will be evaluated and discussed through media analysis and production, emphasizing cultural aspects of sound and listening.  Students will be introduced to the study of media soundscapes through basic audio recording and mixing techniques, communication analysis of digital media artifacts, and selected theoretical approaches to the study of sound.    

Assignments consist of short audio projects, short written analytical reports, one media analysis paper, and a final production project. Students will have access to high quality audio recorders, computers; and audio editing software through the school’s lab facilities.

Grading

  • 3 Short Writing Reports 15%
  • 3 Audio Projects 30%
  • Media Analysis Essay 20%
  • Final Audio Project 25%
  • Participation 10%

REQUIREMENTS:

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:

The course readings will be listed in the syllabus, and available on Canvas.

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