Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - CMNS 358 D100

Audio Media Design (4)

Class Number: 4903

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CMNS 258 with a minimum grade of C- or approval of instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

This is an intermediate level production course that develops student’s skills in the analysis and production of audio media. Acoustic theory, history of audio technologies and media, sound production methods, and cultural implications are presented in lectures with applied studio techniques developed in labs.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course provides an intensive analysis of the design and function of audio in all forms of acoustic media, including historical and contemporary forms of communication. Attention to is given to the analysis and production of sound design in film, television, radio, advertising, gaming, and online. 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 to cover both the theoretical and applied aspects of audio media. Student work will include the development of audio media production skills along with a critical self-reflexive perspective on the sonic dimension of communication. The applied lab assignments are designed to build toward a final audio production.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Learning Goals:

  • Understand how the history of recording sound, including production techniques and its commodification, affects how we listen and consume audio media.
  • Understand how listening can provide a deeper understanding of our environments.
  • Developing our personal audio media production capacity.

Applied Skills:

  • Sound recording in the studio and in the field.
  • Audio media production techniques (editing, processing, mixing, compression).
  • Design and production of audio media (podcast, soundscape, documentary).

Grading

  • Media Use Audit 10%
  • Research Outline 10%
  • Research Paper/Presentation 20%
  • Lab Assignments 30%
  • Final Applied Audio Project 30%

NOTES:

Enrollment is limited.  Experience with media production is recommended.

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 -- Tutorials and Labs do not start in Week 1 (5-9 January 2026) -- unless specified by the Instructor.  If your tutorial/Lab is scheduled to occur prior to your first lecture/seminar -- please check with the course Canvas page, or with your Instructor (via email), to find out if you will have a tutorial/Lab in the first week of Spring Semester 2026.   If your tutorial/Lab occurs after the first lecture/seminar, then just ask in the first lecture/seminar whether or not there will be tutorials/Labs during Week 1.

 

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

All readings will be provided on 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: 


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.