Selected Topics: Soundscape				

							Instructor: Philip von Zweck

Introduction:
This course is about the connection between sound and space, primarily it is about listening to and recording the sounds in our environment, but also of interest is placing sounds back into space. We will explore various techniques for recording and presenting sounds, and literature related to them.  While it is assumed that these recordings will be edited for final presentation we will not be covering editing technology or techniques in depth, students will have access to the editing systems in either the class room or work stations, but in most cases works can be edited on home computers. 

A Small Litany of Expectations:
Show up on time. Be prepared with all assignments completed and in a state to be presented, all readings done, all supplies needed, and  ready to participate in class discussions in a meaningful way.  

Failing because of absences is frankly just sad, but it happens. More than 3 absences will result in failure. This class will frequently not run the full length, its purpose being, in part, sound out in the world, so showing up late is especially bad. Arriving after 9:20 is considered an absence.  

There will be an assignment every week, at minimum a reading, but most weeks there will be a recording due as well. Missing a class does not absolve you from turning in either the assignment from the class missed or the assignment for the week following.  All projects are due on the first day back. 

To save on copying charges, readings will be from websites linked through the portal or be posted on the portal as pdfs. Check the portal. Students are expected to print out hard copies of said articles and bring those to class.  Readings will be announced in class.  

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities:
If you have a disability for which you seek an accommodation, please contact SAIC's Disability and Learning Resource Center (DLRC), (formerly Services for Students with Disabilities).  DLRC can be contacted by phone at 312.499.4278 or by e-mailing Sara Baum at sbaum@artic.edu.  Staff at the Disability and Learning Resource Center will review your disability documentation and work with you to determine appropriate accommodations.  DLRC will then provide you with a letter outlining approved accommodations.  This letter must be presented to me before any accommodations will be implemented.  You should contact DLRC as early in the semester as possible.

A Few Non-Optional Expenditures:
media as necessary (projects are due on cd)
postage and mailing supplies as necessary
transportation as necessary
additional supplies as needed

Suggested Expenditures:
a good pair of head phones

Some Assignments, Open to Revision and Reworking:
Sound Map
Field Recording
Sonic Soundscape
Framework intro
Interior Soundscape
Exterior Soundscape
Class Project: Sound Map
Final Project: ?

Vague Weekly Breakdown Subject to Radical Revision:

Jan 26
Introduction: Hello.

Feb 2
Assignment Due: Sound Map, listening report on John Arndt cd
Have read: Chion Schafer, Oliveros 

Intro to stereo recorder
In class assignment: the best sound in the building

Feb 9 
Assignment Due:  Field Recording 1

Some Stereo Mic Techniques

Feb 16 
Assignment Due: Sonic Soundscape

Shotgun Mics: parabolic/ non-parabolic

Feb 23
Assignment Due: Framework Intro
Guest Speaker? On EVP? That would be awesome. 
Contact Mics aka how to solder

March 2 
Field Trip: Around the Coyote

DIY Hydrophones

March 9 
Assignment Due: Interior Soundscape, 2 Edits

March 16  
Class Soundscape project 
Guest Speaker: Paul Dickinson

March 23 
(spring break)  No Class 

March 30
Assignment Due: Exterior Soundscape

April 6
Final project proposal due

April 13
In class project: Dislocation

April 20
Assignment due: Contributions to Chicago Soundscape

April 27 
individual meetings

May 4 (Crit week)  
Listen to Chicago Soundscape
Start Final Crits (as needed)

May 11 final