DC 215 Sound Design I
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Summary
Course Description
In this introductory class, students will be exposed to the aesthetics and practical applications of sound design for cinema. Students will view film and video clips demonstrating various design elements of sound.
Course Goals:
In DC215, students will:
1. Analyze film clips to demonstrate how sound functions as a storytelling device.
2. Break down the technical aspects of a film's soundtrack (frequency, dynamic range, space, time) and the elements of a mix (dialogue, music, and effects).
3. Participate in workshops to learn the basics of sound editing and mixing in a digital audio workstation.
4. Master the basics of gathering audio in the field.
5. Create original sound designs for short films and film clips.
6. Engage in critical listening.
Course Objectives:
By the end of the course students will be able to:
1. Critically analyze a film in terms of its aesthetic and technical sound components.
2. Plan and create an original sound design for a short film.
3. Operate a microphone and field recorder to gather original sound fx, backgrounds, and voice recordings.
4. Identify the roles and responsibilities of the sound designer on a professional film.
5. Navigate pro tools software's basic editing and mixing functions.
6. Understand the basic physics of sound and how that influences the post- production and production pipeline within film.
7. Understand various film theories in terms of sound design.
Texts
All materials will be provided in class.
Grading
Analysis papers 15%, Midterm Practical Exam 15%, Final Practical Exam 25%, Projects 40%
A = 100-93, A- = 92-90, B+ = 89-88, B = 87-83, B- = 82-80, C+ = 79-78, C = 77-73, C- = 72-70, D+ = 69-68, D = 67-63, D- = 62-60, F = 59-0
Prerequisites
None
Attendance
Attendance is mandatory. Each class includes lecture, screening, discussion and software training. Missing a class or being late will be detrimental to learning. Being more than 30 minutes late will result in an unexcused absence. Absences and tardiness will affect the Attendance/Participation grade.
This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.
Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course
content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The
evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely
separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation.
Students complete the evaluation online in CampusConnect.
This course will be subject to the university's academic integrity policy. More information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/ If you
have any questions be sure to consult with your professor.
All students are expected to abide by the University's Academic Integrity Policy which prohibits cheating and other misconduct in student coursework. Publicly sharing or posting online any prior or current materials from this course (including exam questions or answers), is considered to be providing unauthorized assistance prohibited by the policy. Both students who share/post and students who access or use such materials are considered to be cheating under the Policy and will be subject to sanctions for violations of Academic Integrity.
All students are required to manage their class schedules each term in accordance with the deadlines for enrolling and withdrawing as indicated in the University Academic Calendar. Information on enrollment, withdrawal, grading and incompletes can be found at http://www.cdm.depaul.edu/Current%20Students/Pages/PoliciesandProcedures.aspx.
Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.
To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that
you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at:
Lewis Center 1420, 25 East Jackson Blvd.
Phone number: (312)362-8002
Fax: (312)362-6544
TTY: (773)325.7296