Topics in Sound (373-0-21)

Topic

Documentary Radio

Instructors

William Healy

Meeting Info

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

Overview of class

This course is for students who want to take real life and mold it into short audio documentaries, using a mixture of interviews, observation, music and archival audio. The 10-week workshop begins with exercises that teach the fundamentals of public radio-style audio production. Students don't need to be journalists, but must be willing to talk to strangers and ask questions. This is a production-heavy class, with significant time spent recording in the world. There are listening assignments before every class, as well as guest speakers. Instruction on audio editing software is minimal; the emphasis is on reporting and editing narratives for listeners.

Learning Objectives

-Students will create original audio documentaries
-Students will edit documentaries, and incorporate feedback from their classmates and the instructor
-Students will learn interviewing and reporting techniques

Evaluation Method

Attendance
Class participation
Homework
Listening exercises
Project, final
Readings

Class Materials (Required)

"Out on the Wire" by Jessica Abel ($15), an audio recorder, headphones, and a computer with audio editing software

Class Notes

It's critical that students come to the first class with ideas of what they'd like to document.