Description

Course Description

This course will introduce and familiarize Cinema students with the world of sound, and sound and image together. Focus will be on technical skills and production techniques, as well as aesthetic and artistic concerns, and especially on the intersection of these things. A combination of classroom discussion, demonstration, short lab exercises, and out-of-class projects will be used.

Topics

Field and studio digital recording
Microphones and techniques
Equalization and other processing
Multitrack mixing
Sound effects design and foley
Digital editing techniques
Developing listening skills
Study of artistic examples through screenings and readings

ProjectS

Critical Listening Introduction
Voiceover
Dialog/Interview
Foley/Sound Effects Design
Final Project

INFORMATION

Recommended Pre-requisites: Successful completion of semester 1 of the Cinema division curriculum.
Credits: 2 lecture + 1 lab
Hours: Monday, 5:30-9:30 PM
Locations: Primarily H4150; also F2500 (Sound Arts Lab) and other locations as announced

Instructor

Brian Heller

Office: F2405. Office hours by appointment.
E-mail: brian.heller@minneapolis.edu
Phone (messages only): (612) 659-6000 x4109

Requirements

Equipment Access: All equipment will be demonstrated in class. Please read and follow the equipment room policies. It is your responsibility to keep your equipment alive and well and your reservation privileges intact. Be sure to report any equipment problems to the equipment room right away. To be sure that you know you're getting equipment that works, set up and test all equipment before leaving the equipment room.
Planning: It is common to encounter problems in the field, so plan accordingly. It is not realistic to expect that every recording or editing session will go as-planned, and technical problems do not constitute a valid reason for poor or late work. Allow time for the possible need to try again!
Required Text: Voice and Vision by Mick Hurbis-Cherrier (from Production I & II). Note that not every point on every topic is covered in both the reading and in class. Note-taking, both in class and from the book, is crucial and highly recommended!
Near-complete attendance (reflected in the class participation grade). More than one absence for any reason may affect your grade, regardless of its legitimacy. Note that missing any substantive portion of a class (i.e. arriving late or leaving early) will affect the class participation grade and may constitute an absence. If there extenuating circumstances please see the instructor.
Minimum one visit per week to the class D2L web site (two or more recommended). Regular and reliable internet and e-mail access is available through the MCTC computer labs)
Professional, closed-back, stereo headphones ($50-100). Example models include Sony MDR series, Audio-Technica ATH-M40, AKG K 77 or K99. Noise-canceling models will not be useful for this application. Average consumer headphones or ear-buds are not acceptable.
CD-R/DVD-R Blanks on-hand to be used as-needed (at least 5). Note that in the past, generic (store- or off-brand blanks from MicroCenter and CompUSA have been found not to work well with computers here. Always use major-brand media.
Some method of reliable, efficient, high-capacity data back-up and transport (external hard drive, DVD-RW, discs, large-capacity flash drive)
Materials above must be brought to every class where a lab activity is scheduled– Extras may not be available.

Class guidelines

Students should review MCTC college policies, in particular on the topics of the code of conduct/academic honesty, last date of attendance, and intellectual property, so they are aware of them.

It is the student's responsibility to inform the instructor of a change in their registration status as soon as it occurs. The instructor is not notified of a change unless by the student.

If the student needs an accommodation to participate in this class, please see the instructor and contact the Office for Students with Disabilities.

Responsibility...

To be current with the web site, complete all reading, projects and preparation for class.
To participate in class and demonstrate engagement with the material.
To notify the instructor ASAP in case of absence and do whatever is necessary to learn material missed.
To communicate effectively and to do whatever you are able to understand the material and directions.
Respect...
For equipment and facilities
For instructors and staff members
For other students, their work, and ideas

IF THE INSTRUCTOR FEELS ANY OF THESE ARE VIOLATED, THE STUDENT CAN BE REMOVED FROM CLASS IMMEDIATELY!
Seriously!

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EVALUATION

Criteria

Project & Writing Grading Criteria

Did the student understand the point of the project and take the project seriously?
How well were the guidelines and specific requirements followed (including due date!)?
How much knowledge and insight into the material was demonstrated?
Was the project presented as directed?
Was there effort towards creativity and growth?

Class Participation Grading Criteria

Was attendance consistent?
Was there informed participation in discussions, both in the classroom and online?
Was there a constructive attitude and general interest in the material during class?
Was consistent respect shown to faculty, staff, and other students?

GRADING BREAKDOWN

40%...Production Projects
20%...Tests and Quizzes
20%...Final Project
20%…Attendance, participation (class & web), and in-class lab exercises

GENERAL GRADING POLICIES

All projects must be completed at a minimum skill level to pass the course.
Projects and written tests will be graded on a percentage basis. 100% is considered exceptional; 95% is equivalent to an 'A'; 60% is a D.
Exercises are designed to be worked-on in class (this is not optional time!). They are graded +/- (100/0) and are due within one week if extra out-of-class time is needed to finish.
Individual grades are given in group projects based on group performance, and instructor and peer evaluation.

Late and Re-Take Grading Policies

Grading of late projects is at the discretion of the instructor (usually with an 80% maximum).
Any test that is re-taken must be completed at the MCTC Testing Center within 5 open testing days from the date tests were returned, or the score will be reduced at the discretion of the instructor.
Any student absent on a testing day must complete the test at the MCTC Testing Center 3 days from the date the test was given in class, or the score will be reduced at the discretion of the instructor. Students absent for a test or doing a re-take should not wait for any further instructions! Tests will be automatically sent to the Testing Center.
If the listening portion of an exam is missed, students will have a single opportunity make it up after the next class meeting, with a reduction of 10%. Students should not wait for any further instructions! This is the only opportunity to make-up listening exams. The listening exam will not be given for students also absent for the make-up.

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