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Studies in Media Topics (298-0-35)

Topic

Audiocultures: Analyzing Sound in Contemporary Med

Instructors

Jennifer Leigh Smart

Meeting Info

University Hall 112: Tues, Thurs 2:00PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

From the portable listening of the iPhone era to the centrality of music on platforms such as TikTok, we are living in an increasingly noisy world. This course is designed as an introduction to the study of sound and listening in contemporary digital media. Building on analytical skills developed in RTVF 220, this class focuses on defining and examining the expressive and aesthetic power of sound as it relates to a range of contemporary media forms including film, music, podcasting, and online video. Students will be introduced to a variety of approaches to the study of sound from media studies, music studies, history, and more. We will learn how to investigate and describe the fundamentals of audio aesthetics including music, voice, sound effects, and soundscape design. We will explore how sound informs the construction and interpretation of media cultures more broadly through listening prompts, discussion, and writing assignments.