Course Descriptions

SNDS 201 Introduction to Sound Design
This course provides a broad introduction to sound design principles as applied to moving pictures and interactive systems. The phenomenology of sound is examined with an introduction to acoustics. Creative use of sound is explored through an introduction to field recording and the use of digital audio workstations. Students use original sound recordings as well as those sampled from an extensive sound library in order to create sound pieces both with and without images. Prerequisite: CMPA 100 or CMPA 110 or ELDS 205 or ELDS 225.

SNDS 212 Music for Motion Pictures
This course examines the relationship of music to image. The roles of music supervisor, music editor and composer are covered. Students spot and cut music to moving images and are introduced to the vocabulary needed to work with music editors and composers. The college's production music library is used extensively, and business and legal aspects of the industry are examined. Prerequisite: SNDS 201.

SNDS 223 Intermediate Sound Design
This course offers continued study of acoustical phenomena with an emphasis on sound track development for visual media. Prerequisite: SNDS 201.

SNDS 225 Sound in Media
This course examines the cultural impact of sound in media from the creation of Edison's wax cylinder to the use of multichannel digital sound in contemporary multiplex movie theaters. The development of sound technology and its influence on various media are examined in detail. Special attention is paid to the use of sound to aid in the creation of cultural icons and identity. These issues are explored by examining the history of sound in radio, film, music, television and fine arts. Prerequisites: ARTH 207, SNDS 201.

SNDS 301 Recording Studio I
This course addresses the pre-production and production phases of multi-track recording projects. Recording techniques discussed and explored in the context of both music production and sound design applications. Students have an opportunity to record a wide representation of musical instruments, vocals, and sound effects. Prerequisite: SNDS 223.

SNDS 302 Sound Effects and Foley
This course provides students with the skills required to develop a specialized library of original sound effects. Students learn to create sound effects through synthesis, advanced editing, and signal processing. Students learn the art of recording non-sync sound in both field and the studio environments. In addition, they learn the art of recording synchronized sound to image (Foley) in a studio environment. Prerequisite: SNDS 223.

SNDS 304 Recording Studio II
This course offers students an opportunity to immerse themselves in the postproduction phase of multi-track recording projects. Mixing and mastering music as well as methods for developing cues for motion picture are explored. The class examines state of the art sound shaping techniques and observes the role of the producer in an aesthetic context. Prerequisite: SNDS 301.

SNDS 305 Location Sound
This course is designed to provide a thorough understanding of the recording skills and systems required for location sound for film and video productions. Single- and double-system audio acquisition, advanced microphone techniques and synchronization are emphasized. Prerequisites: SNDS 223.

SNDS 310 The Voice in Cinema
This course further explores the film/video audio post-production arc of the human voice in sound design for the dramatic motion picture: dialogue editing, automated dialogue replacement (ADR), creation of voice sound effects, mixing (rerecording) the dialogue stem elements of a dramatic production, as well as the foreign localization of English language film and video productions. Emphasis is placed on the aesthetics of sound design of dialogue for moving pictures. Historic and contemporary examples of sound design for film and animation are examined. Prerequisite: SNDS 305.

SNDS 314 MIDI Technologies for Sound Design
MIDI is a communication protocol originally developed for electronic musical instruments. Without any prior knowledge of music, students can explore this technology for creating music and soundscapes and controlling other media such as digital video and lighting. Sampling and sequencing are examined in detail. The class also questions the mediation of technology in the process of art making and music performance. Prerequisite: SNDS 223.

SNDS 330 Modular Synthesis and Audio Programming
This course allows students to further explore sound synthesis techniques introduced in MIDI Technologies for Sound Design. Sound synthesis is explored as it pertains to sound design and music production. Students explore sound synthesis modularity in both the analog and digital domain and learn basic programming skills in order to build their own sound synthesis environments. Prerequisite: SNDS 314.

SNDS 335 Audiovisual Synthesis
For more than a century, composers and visual artists have pursued the relationship between sound and image. Often referred to as synaesthetic art, this work seeks to fuse the senses of sight and sound in a single expression. Audio-visual programming environments now provide artists with the ability to create digital sound and imagery simultaneously. This course gives students the opportunity to explore this field and create their own audio-visual systems for real-time performance or experimental audio-visual montage. Prerequisite: SNDS 314.

SNDS 355 Sound for the Web and Interactive Media
Students are introduced to the creative integration of sound in interactive projects. Web-based interactivity is explored as a medium for online gallery environments as well as commercial applications. Methods for combining and sampling sounds are covered, along with an exploration of the non-linear timeline and optimization techniques for digital files. Students experiment with the combination of sound and imagery, coordinating user responses with appropriate and compelling sounds. Prerequisite: ITGM 260.

SNDS 400 Surround Sound
This introductory approach to mixing audio for the 5.1 surround sound format allows students to explore the potential of multichannel sound. Students create surround sound projects with and without images. An introduction to DVE authoring provides an output format for student projects and a historic perspective on multi-channel sound in media is presented. Prerequisite: SNDS 310.

SNDS 405 Sound Art
During the 20th century, sound art manifested itself in installations, on radio, on CD and tape recordings, and in live performances. This course allows students to explore this art form in its various manifestations. Experimental signal processing and progressive approaches to audio presentation are fostered. Prerequisite: SNDS 314.

SNDS 420 Sound Design Senior Studio
In this course, students identify, develop and complete a final project that demonstrates their personal design aesthetic. The students' professional goals are solidified through examination of professional career opportunities. Students develop résuméss and portfolio material that help them realize their career goals. Prerequisite: SNDS 400.

SNDS 440 Postproduction Sound
This course prepares students to assemble and edit the elements of sound design for film, video and animation. Students work on projects generated in other departments and they are expected to learn the workflow of professional film sound practices through collaboration and communication with individuals responsible for the image and direction of these projects. Students complete all elements of sound components in the projects. Prerequisites: SNDS 400.

SNDS 495 Special Topics in Sound Design
The topic of this course varies from quarter to quarter. Each seminar focuses on various problems in the field of sound design and allows advanced students to pursue individual or collaborative projects related to the subject of the course. Prerequisites: Vary according to topic.

SNDS 701 Sound Design for Film and Video
This course examines audio production techniques, technologies, and aesthetics related to the development of a compelling soundtrack. Students receive training in all phases of digital sound recording, editing, and mixing. Students work with industry standard location and field recording equipment. In addition, they learn advanced editing and mixing techniques associated with digital audio workstations. Prerequisite: FILM 709

SNDS 702 Sound Design Resources and Analysis
This course provides a comprehensive survey of the resources available to support graduate level research in the field of sound design, sound and recording arts. Students develop strategies to locate and evaluate resource materials from traditional and non-traditional sources. Students explore stylistic considerations associated with writing for journals, academia, and other professional audiences.

SNDS 703 Sound Design for Animation
Sound Design for Animation addresses advanced sound design principles relating to all forms of animation. The historical progression of animation soundtracks is explored and demonstrated through case studies. Students learn advanced techniques in recording, editing, and mixing for each of the stems comprising an animation soundtrack.

SNDS 708 Studio Sound Production
Studio Sound Production is designed to provide extensive recording experiences with a variety of styles and instrumentation. Students develop advanced production techniques currently used in recording studios and scoring stages.

SNDS 709 Postproduction Methodologies
The history of sound for motion picture reveals some of the most creative practices and innovations in the entire century of sound recording. This course provides students with a forum for the research and discussion of these historical and contemporary precedents, as well as future methodology in postproduction sound. Students identify historical trends in sound for motion picture, envisage and discuss possibilities for innovation and creative practice. Students experiment with the application of innovative methodologies through a series of exercises, which culminates in a complete soundtrack for motion picture. Throughout the quarter, students are required to articulate the methodologies developed and implemented in their projects.

SNDS 711 Audio Signal Processing
This course explores signal processing in the context of sound design and music production. Students gain experience working with a vast array of software plug-ins used by sound designers to shape audio. Students learn strategies to conceptualize and realize creative sound effects and soundscapes for use in narrative and experimental sound designs.

SNDS 718 Music Mix and Mastering
This course is designed to give graduate students advanced training in music postproduction. Students receive advanced ear training to facilitate critical listening needed to evaluate music mixes. Students mix and master large-format multi-track music sessions in both stereo and multi-channel formats. Students learn how to author multi-channel projects in a variety of industry standard formats.

SNDS 719 Sound Design Studio I
This course gives students a forum for developing directions that lead to their thesis project or final M.A. project. Students propose projects that continue to explore their specialization. Students present their works in progress throughout quarter and begin to contextualize their approach in a theoretical framework.

SNDS 723 Sound Design Studio II
This course furthers the personal aesthetic and theoretical context developed in Sound Design Studio I. Strong emphasis is placed on personal motivation and time management. Students refine their works in progress, creating a specific proposal for an M.F.A. thesis project or M.A. final project. Prerequisite: SNDS 719.

SNDS 726 Music Theory for Sound Designers
This course examines the interrelationships between principals in music and sound design. The course identifies, analyzes and interprets the use of music as a cultural signifier in the overall soundscapes of specific media. Additionally, Western and global music theories are examined in the context of sound design practices and technologies.

SNDS 729 Theory and Practice in Sound Design
This course emphasizes the use and developments of sound in historic and contemporary media. Through analysis of the interrelationship between sound, culture and media theory, students develop a vocabulary for describing and thereby beginning to understand the complexities of sound in media. Small research projects throughout the quarter give students an opportunity to develop the skills necessary for successful completion of the written component of the sound design thesis project. The research projects are complemented by short studio projects that interpret topics discussed in class. Prerequisite: ARTH 701.

SNDS 736 Sound Art
This class allows students to explore experimental and non-commercial approaches to sound. Innovative practices are fostered through advanced signal processing techniques, alternative exhibition formats and critical review of previous works in sound art.

SNDS 739 Sound Design Seminar
This course provides a forum for discussing the varied practices of sound design and its collaborative nature. The course provides an opportunity for students to develop a community among colleagues by discussing and critiquing previous work and current developments in the art and practice of sound. Students are responsible for proposing and moderating several discussion topics throughout the quarter.

SNDS 749 Sound Design M.A. Final Project
All M.A. students in sound design are required to develop and complete a final, comprehensive project. The project, which represents the culmination of the student's progress through the program, demonstrates specialization and mastery fostered during participation in the program and includes both written and studio components. Prerequisite: SNDS 719.

SNDS 751 Audio Systems Engineering
Audio Systems Engineering develops skills in design, installation, and the operation of advanced audio systems. Students study audio systems found in live venues as well as in controlled studio environments. Students learn how to evaluate recording and performance spaces and diagnose common problems associated with these environments.

SNDS 755 Sound Design M.F.A Studio I
This course provides students a forum for developing a topic for their M.F.A Thesis. Students propose projects that facilitate further exploration in their chosen area of specialization. Topics and related resources are critiqued on a regular basis to provide feedback necessary for shaping a working thesis.

SNDS 759 Sound Design Studio III
This course furthers the personal aesthetic and theoretical context developed in Sound Design Studio II. Work completed in this course should demonstrate the technical and theoretical direction for the M.F.A. thesis project or the final M.A. project. Prerequisites: SNDS 723, SNDS 729.

SNDS 760 Sound Design for Linear Digital Media
Animators and other digital media artists working in linear structures explore the inter-relationship of sound and imagery through extensive experimentation and analysis of audio-visual media. Using sound as an expressive medium, students combine such elements as effects, music and dialog to complement linear imagery.

SNDS 762 Modular Synthesis
Sound synthesis is explored as applicable to sound design and music production in both the analog and digital domain. Students develop a thorough understanding of signal flow in an audio network. Modularity is discussed as a conceptual framework for creative problem solving throughout the course.

SNDS 764 Electronic Music Production
Students learn how to develop electronic music through the use of MIDI, Synthesis, and Sampling technologies. Students explore the historic impact of electronics in sound arts. Students apply this knowledge in the creation of soundscapes for narrative and experimental works.

SNDS 765 Sound Design M.F.A. Studio II
This course facilitates the production phase of the studio component of a M.F.A. thesis. Students begin to produce a body of work in support of their thesis. Projects are shown in-progress for the purposes of faculty and peer critique. Prerequisite: SNDS 755.

SNDS 769 Sound Design Studio IV
This course furthers the personal aesthetic and theoretical context developed in Sound Design Studio III. This course provides a venue for the design and planning of the M.F.A. thesis project and its written component or the final M.A. project. Prerequisite: SNDS 759.

SNDS 780 Special Topics in Sound Design
This course provides an opportunity for students to focus on particular issues in the field of sound design or to study advanced techniques and processes. Faculty, course content, and prerequisites vary. The course may include lectures, discussions, individual projects and critiques, depending on the topic.

SNDS 790 Sound Design M.F.A. Thesis
This is the culmination of the expertise and mastery developed during the course of the sound design graduate experience. The thesis consists of a single work representative of the specialization fostered during participation in the program. A written component demonstrates the research informing the development and philosophy of the work itself. Prerequisite: SNDS 769.