Description

Sound in various manifestations represents the all-important fifth dimension in the total field of applied media aesthetics.  In this class we will investigate five major aspects of the five-dimensional field: sound and noise, musical sounds, literal and nonliteral sound, sound functions and aesthetic factors. 

A portion of this class will be devoted to discussing assigned readings while other class time will deal with producing and creating.  We will focus on history, theory, science and the production of sound in an effort to build your creative and critical thinking skills. It will seem a bit overwhelming at times as we try to incorporate these various elements together.  However, you will introduce each other to a variety of information that will enable you to explore possibilities beyond this class.

You will produce three audio projects for this class.  Each project will build upon and utilize the skills and talents you have developed in the previous projects.  All projects will involve sound (or noise) in some form to illustrate how these sounds define spaces of interaction and creation, emotions and senses, among other catalysts.

For each project you will need to submit a written description of what you are/were attempting to achieve and provide a basic theoretical construction or explanation for the project.  A major objective of this class is to explore the journey and process that people move through to communicate. You will be your classmatesÌ mentor and critic.  I expect you to share this class experience together. 

It will be one of your responsibilities to bring in examples of sounds from your surroundings; via the web, recorded, or organically produced means.  I will provide you with many resources through books, websites & a small course packet.  However, it will be your job to find even more.  There is no such thing as an exhaustive list, just exhaustion in the search.

Projects/Contributions

For each project we will discuss in greater length and detail what I expect from you.  For now, this will give you a general idea.  With projects 1-3 you will be critiquing your classmates. All projects will be kept on the website for this class.  If your projects are experienced with visual accompaniment you must provide pictures.  You will also produce a CD at the end of the semester with all of your soundfiles and projects.

Class Discussion           

Each week we will discuss an assigned reading.  You will be responsible for leading class discussion with a presentation. You will know in advance when your presentation will be, so you will have plenty of time to prepare.  You might be working with a classmate on this assignment, so start bonding now.  You will need to bring in outside materials, music, sound, etc.. in support of your presentation.

The Audio Database

You will each contribute 20 individual sounds to our classesÌ sound file.  Begin collecting these sounds by the 2^nd week of class as you will need to input them into the system on a weekly basis.  Each week we will play these sounds and speculate on these sounds and what their meanings may be. As well, you will keep a written journal of these sounds with a simple description of why you recorded them and what they mean to you.  (See the information under Equipment Resources)  [click here for more information]

Project #1 Aural Accompaniment

            You will bring in one tangible object or visual stimuli to class.  Choose this item carefully as you will be writing a two-page description of what that objectÌs soundscape is and what it means to you.  The second part of the assignment will be to create a soundpiece under one minute for that object.  Be warned though, you may or may not create a soundscape for your own object. [click here for more information]

Project #2 Connecting the Meaning

            In addition to the ongoing sound database we will be building, you will bring in five (5) sounds of specific meaning to you.  You will then play each sound for the class and describe what those sounds mean to you.  Utilizing these sounds you will create a small soundscape (2 to 3 minutes) in narrative or other form.  This should be a stand-alone audio project without any supportive visual aid.  The key here is Ïtheatre of the mind. [click here for more information]

Project #3 Final Project: Audio Freestyling!

            This will be the loosest project you do and the one that carries the most weight on your grade.  For this assignment you will need to utilize sound as your primary medium along with other medium(s)/media to create a soundpiece/soundscape 3-4 minutes in length.  You may pull from sounds in the sound database here to create a project that relates to a theme we have discussed during the semester.  The theme can come from course readings or class discussions that evolved from course material, no matter how related they seem or not.  You will turn in a proposal for your final project.

**For this project you may also create an instrument of sound. See me for more details.

Equipment Resources:

We will be sharing equipment with another RTF class.  We will get exclusive use of the equipment until Spring Break (after that it will be a bit tricky).  During the second week of class we will go over use of the microphones and recorders we will have access to.  I advise you to check out the equipment as soon as possible to collect your 20 sounds for the sound database.  I also expect you to take advantage of any recording equipment you have access to.  You might want to purchase a cassette, DAT or minidisk recorder that takes an external microphone. 

EQUIPMENT CHECKOUT:  Portable cassette recorders, microphones and DAT Recorders may be checked out from the second floor office in the B building.  YOU MUST FIRST GO UPSTAIRS TO THE 4^th FLOOR THIS WEEK BETWEEN 12-2 THIS WEEK AND PAY LINDA $10 AND SIGN A LIABILITY FORM WITH HER.  Last year she had cookies.  This is the only week sheÌll be taking payments in the hall.   After that you must go to her house, bring her food. In lieu of that you may bring me money or gift certificates to one of the following sushi restaurants: Umi Sushi, Korea Garden, Kenichi, or Moshi Whatever.

Texts:

1) Noise, Water, Meat: A history of Sound in the Arts by Douglas Kahn

2) Packet at Longhorn Copies Ç Make sure you give them the course # 331T

3) Optional: The Ambient Century: From Mahler to Trance: The Evolution of Sound in the Electronic Age by Mark Prendergast

Grading:

Grades will be broken down as such:

Class Participation                  10%                 Project #1                                10%

Sound-file                                10%                 Project #2                                20%

Class Presentation                  10%                 Project #3                                40%

Required Reading

Regarding Scholastic Dishonesty: The University defines academic dishonesty as cheating, plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration, falsifying academic records, and any act designed to avoid participating honestly in the learning process.  Scholastic dishonesty also includes, but is not limited to, providing false or misleading information to receive a postponement or an extension on a test, quiz, or other assignment, and submission of essentially the same written assignment for two courses without the prior permission of the instructor.  By accepting this syllabus, you have agreed to these guidelines and must adhere to them.  Scholastic dishonest damages both the student's learning experience and readiness for the future demands of a work-career.  Students who violate University rules on scholastic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including the possibility of failure in the course and/or dismissal from the University.  For more information on scholastic dishonesty, please visit the Student Judicial services Web site at http://www.utexas.edu/depts/dos/sjs/.

About the Undergraduate Writing Center:  The Undergraduate Writing Center, located in the FAC 211, phone 471-6222, offers individualized assistance to students who want to improve their writing skills.  There is no charge, and students may come in on a drop-in or appointment basis.

About services for students with disabilities:  The University of Texas at Austin provides upon request appropriate academic accommodations for qualified students with disabilities.  For more information, contact the Office of the Dean of Students at 471-6259, 471-4641 TTY.