Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2022 - CMNS 258 D100

History of Sound in Media (3)

Class Number: 1465

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 7 – Dec 6, 2022: Fri, 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:

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. 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.

Broad course themes:

  • History of sound reproduction technologies
  • Sound design conventions for media
  • Contemporary audio cultures

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

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. In particular, the course asks students to critically examine the use of sound in popular media and then apply this critical perspective in their own applied sound work.

By the end of the term students will be able to:

  • Define major characteristics of sound and audio technologies
  • Understand historical lineages of past and present audio technologies
  • Have a vocabulary of semiotics on sound conventions for film, games, and radio
  • Conduct field recordings and interviews with external equipment
  • Edit, mix, and manipulate sound in a multi-channel mix

Grading

  • Radio History Report 15%
  • 3 Audio Projects 30%
  • Movie Scene Analysis 15%
  • Final Audio Project 20%
  • Participation and In-class Activities 20%

NOTES:

Late assignments: 5% penalty per day will be taken off for late assignments. If you have a valid reason to be delayed, feel encouraged to come and discuss this with us well ahead of time to strategize for a solution. This course has a zero-tolerance policy for academic dishonesty or plagiarism.

Academic Integrity: SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/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

Class Conduct:

This course depends on equipment sign-out for completing some of the course work. Please note that you are expected to engage in professional behavior and communication: your academic standing is your responsibility. Take care to plan your term well and ask for help where needed ahead of time. There are a multitude of resources available to you in the library’s Learning Commons, e.g. writing help, tutoring, and referencing help. In the case of technological failure, the onus is on you to ensure the (right) assignment has been successfully submitted (online).

Note to advanced students:

CMNS 258 is primarily designed for students with none or only rudimentary knowledge of audio production. Hence the assignments start as simple basic exercises, leading up to a more sophisticated media product. Sometimes students with some or a lot of production experience find their way into CMNS 258 and these students may use this course to hone and advance skills they already possess and fine tune their creative and analytical skills. If you are one of these students, please speak with the TA or myself and we will make arrangements for advanced work that will benefit you while remaining within the parameters of this course.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

The course readings will be listed in the syllabus, and made available electronically 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

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/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