New Course Proposal: IAT 340-3 Experimental Sound Design
Monique Silverman
13 January 2005
Course Number: IAT 340-3
Course Title: Experimental Sound Design
Credit Hours: 3
Vector:
Course Description:
Students learn advanced techniques in real-time audio digital signal processing appropriate for game development and virtual environments are explored including interactive speech, music and sound effects. In conjunction with a study of the theory of the interaction of sound with other media elements students will have the opportunity to pursue interests in the design of sound for moving images and the composition of dynamic, navigable and immersive aural settings embedded in 3D graphic environments.
Prerequisite: IAT 243 or equivalent.
Recommended: None.
Corequisite: None.
Special Instructions: None.
Course(s) to be dropped if this course is approved: None
This course is part of the set of advanced media practice courses provided by the New Media Environments stream. This course will build on IAT-243 Sound Interaction and provide students with an opportunity to develop an aural practice based on a deepened understanding of the role of sound in contemporary media practice and theory.
Will this be a required or elective course in the curriculum; probable enrolment when offered?
This will be one of a choice of several required courses for Upper Division NME; enrollment estimated at 60 per year.
Indicate Semester and Year this course would be first offered and planned frequency of offering thereafter.
2006-1 and annually thereafter.
Which of your present SIAT faculty have the expertise to offer this course? Will the course be taught by sessional or limited term faculty?
Prof. Kenneth Newby. This course could be taught by an appropriately skilled limited term or sessional faculty.
Are there any proposed student fees associated with this course other than tuition fees?
No.
Is this course considered a `duplicate' of any current or prior course under the University's duplicate course policy? Specify, as appropriate.
No.
Note: Senate has approved (S.93-11) that no new course should be approved by Senate until funding has been committed for necessary library materials. Each new course proposal must be accompanied by a library report and, if appropriate, confirmation that funding arrangements have been addressed.
Provide details on how existing instructional resources will be redistributed to accommodate this new course. For instance, will another course be eliminated or will the frequency of offering of other courses be reduced; are there changes in pedagogical style or class sizes that allow for this additional course offering.
This course does not utilize library resources.
Does the course require specialized space or equipment not readily available in the department or university, and if so, how will these resources be provided?
This course uses pre-existing equipment available at SIAT.
Does this course require computing resources (e.g. hardware, software, network wiring, use of computer laboratory space) and if so, describe how they will be provided.
This course utilizes computers, software and lab space already available at SIAT.
Weeks 1 – 4 Film sound foundation, history, theory, analysis and practice
Weeks 5 – 8 Experimental techniques in sound synthesis, processing and design for interactive environments
Weeks 9 – 13 Spatial audio: poetics and technique
Activities/Assessibles:
Essay: literature review and summary from selected readings list in Sound Design for Film, Gaming and Immersive Environments. 3000 words.
Sound Design Project I: 3 minute sound design for visible image.
Sound Design Project II: Sonification of physical/virtual environments. Articulation of space and time using sound in conjunction with other media.
Courses Objectives:
In this course students will:
Develop ability to read and critique the role of sound in relation to visible and other media.
Learn to design sound using advanced audio synthesis, processing and spatialization techniques in the design of immersive audio environments
Extend their understanding of sound design fundamentals to the design of experimental immersive environments using sound.
Course Description:
Students learn advanced techniques in real-time audio digital signal processing appropriate for game development and virtual environments are explored including interactive speech, music and sound effects. In conjunction with a study of the theory of the interaction of sound with other media elements students will have the opportunity to pursue interests in the design of sound for moving images and the composition of dynamic, navigable and immersive aural settings embedded in 3D graphic environments.
Delivery Method: Studio Lab (SL)
Lecture Presentation: 2.0 hr.
Reading/Writing: 1 hr.
Workshop: 2 hrs.
Assignments & Project: 3.0 hrs
Total Student Hours: 8.0 hrs
Evaluation:
Participation: 10%
Essay: 20%
Sound Design Project I: 30%
Sound Design Project II: 40%
All projects will be assessed based on presentation, technical accomplishment, conceptual richness and documentation.
Computer lab
Course Pack readings
Film sound design principles: Michel Chion, Walter Murch
Audio Synthesis and Processing techniques: Charles Dodge, Curtis Roads
Aural Culture Theory: David Toop, Douglas Kahn
Audio display system
Software: MaxMSP/Jitter, Deck 3.5, Peak
Platform Requirements: Macintosh
NOTE: these outlines are drafts and are subject to change. Official textbook list should be consulted.