Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2025 - CMNS 258 D100

History of Sound in Media (3)

Class Number: 2028

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Jun 20, 2025: Tue, Thu, 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 using Adobe Audition as well as communication analysis of digital media 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 log-in access to 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:

Learning 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 using software

Grading

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

NOTES:

The School expects that the grades awarded in this course will bear some reasonable relationship to established university-wide practices. In addition, the School will follow Policy S10.01 with respect to Academic Integrity, and Policies S10.02, S10.03 and S10.04 with regard to Student Discipline. For further information visit: www.sfu.ca/policies/Students/index.html.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

The course readings will be listed in the syllabus, and made available electronically via Canvas. Students are advised obtain a Creative Cloud subscription to use Adobe Audition in the labs.

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: 


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.