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Topics in Sound Production (401-0-24)

Topic

Documentary Radio

Instructors

William R. Healy

Meeting Info

Frances Searle 1111 SoundTank: Mon 10:00AM - 12:50PM

Overview of class

This workshop is designed to help students create an original 5-10-minute audio documentary. The course will begin with reporting exercises involving interviewing and using archival material. Students will then make a public radio-style documentary, with substantial feedback from the instructor and their classmates. Students don't need to be journalists, but will use many of the same skills and techniques taught in journalism programs. This is a production-heavy class, so students should expect to spend significant time reporting their stories. There will be instruction on editing software, but the emphasis will be on reporting, writing, and structuring stories for the ear. There will be guest speakers, as well the opportunity to critique seminal radio documentaries.

Learning Objectives


  • Students will create original audio documentaries

  • Students will edit and revise their audio documentaries, incorporating feedback from their classmates and the instructor

  • Students will gain insight into interviewing and reporting techniques

  • Students will articulate the complicated ethics of documentary work

Teaching Method

Class participation, out-of-class reporting and editing exercises, reading and listening assignments, and final documentary.

Class Materials (Required)


  • Out on the Wire: Ira Glass and Radio's New Masters of Story by Jessica Abel ($15, available at Norris Bookstore)

  • a digital audio recorder

  • over-ear headphones

  • a computer with audio editing software

  • a shotgun microphone

Class Notes

Because the course is only 10 weeks long, and the second half is devoted to structuring their documentaries, it's critical that students enter the course with ideas for their final documentary.