Requirements
This is a fast-paced course that emphasizes both technical and
conceptual understanding. You will complete four projects over
the course of the semester as well as assigned readings, homework
assignments, listening exercises, in-class discussions, critiques,
and a midterm. It takes time to learn new skills, and practicing
outside of class hours is absolutely necessary for learning and success
in the course. We meet just four hours per week; plan on spending at
least an equivalent amount of time on work for this course
outside of class. Preparation for and participation in discussions
and critiques is essential.
In addition to specific assignments, you will be responsible for
preparing a 20-minute presentation on the work and life of a sound
artist of your choice. Please see the attached list of artists
to (hopefully) inspire you. Because this is a digital sound
course, you will record your presentation as a podcast. Please be
creative and thoughtful in your presentation and include audio samples
(whenever possible) as well as narration. Each person will
sign up for a week’s podcast, and the first 20 minutes of the
class on Tuesday will be spent in discussion on that report. Each
podcast must be posted by Sunday, and everyone in the class must
listen to it before Tuesday’s discussion. We will learn
podcasting during the first week of the course.
Finally, promptness and attendance is expected. You may need
to miss class from time to time: you may exercise your discretion,
and I make no distinction between excused and unexcused absences. However,
I consider more than two absences excessive and will reduce your semester
grade accordingly, excepting extreme and documented circumstances. Excessive
tardiness is no better than absence, as it disrupts the flow of the
class for other students, and repeated tardiness will also negatively
impact your grade. Late work will only be accepted at the discretion
of the instructor and may result in a reduction of your project grade. Work
not appropriately prepared for critique (e.g. not in the proper file
format or media) will be considered late. |