6/07    

COM 380-001 – COMM in an AGE of NEW MEDIA

Summer 2007

3:30-4:50PM T/TH   Room: Korman B-103

 

Instructor:  Stasia (Stay-sha) DeMarco       

Email:  stasia_demarco@yahoo.com

Phone: 215-895-2763/2571 (Adjunct Office)

Office Hours:  2:30-3:30 Tuesdays or by appointment.

(I can meet students at Starbucks in the student union or outside Korman)

 

Course Description:

 

The multi-media format brings an unprecedented number of content choices. In this course you will learn how to produce audio features that can be used across media platforms. Whether it's for terrestrial radio, podcasts, downloadable audio on web sites or Internet radio, this course will provide students with all the basic elements of audio production from recording sound, to digital editing to multi-track mixing. 

 

Course Objectives:

á      Students will be able to record sound using microphones and Sony minidisk recorders.

á      Students will learn how to transfer their recorded audio into free Audacity digital editing software on their classroom and personal PCŐs and practice the art of editing and mixing audio.

á      Students will learn how to structure the elements of audio in order to produce their final 4:00 project.  This will include basic script writing in addition to the more hands-on components.

á      Students will be assigned a series of graded homework assignments that will result in a final audio project -- 4:00 minutes in length. 

á      Students will learn how to turn their audio project into a podcast.

 

We will not use a traditional textbook for the course.  I will provide handouts and other course-related materials via email. 

 

 

***THE LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW FROM THE COURSE IS FRIDAY, AUGUST 3rd.

 

 

 

 

GRADES

Homework Assignments                    50%

Final Audio Project & Presentation                        30%

Class participation                                20%

 

 

                                               

A+  (4.0)

B+  (3.33)

C+ (2.33)

D+ (1.33)

A    (4.0)

B    (3.00)

C (2.00)

D (1.00)

A-   (3.67)

B-   (2.67)

C- (1.67)

F 0.00

 

 

A+ = Outstanding work that dramatically surpasses minimum requirements

B+ = Very good work that meets all requirements

C+ = Average work that meets minimum requirements

D = Poor work that fails to meet most of the requirements

 

Course Requirements

 

Class Participation (20%): Showing up doesnŐt assure you full participation credit, but it certainly helps!!   We will be doing a variety of projects in class that will greatly lower your grade if you are not there. Not every assignment is listed on our course calendar.  As new media is always evolving quickly, I reserve the right to update assignments as needed.

 

Homework Assignments (50 %):  Throughout the semester, you will be assigned homework. Your homework will involve you reserving audio equipment from Instructional Media Services in McAllister Hall, 4th Floor, Ext. 2925.  There are only 7 recorders for this class so SHARING and TIME MANAGEMENT is very important. Please get to know your classmates so that you can share equipment or workout schedules.

 

Final Audio Project with a Presentation (30%): 

Your 4:00 minute final audio project coupled with a short presentation will take place the last week of August.  Students will be expected to burn a CD of their final project to play for the class with a short discussion.  The CD will be handed to me as for your final grade.

 

Attendance Policy:  Because of the nature of this course, attendance counts.  You are permitted three absences!  ThatŐs it.  SO if you think you may be sick or have to go to jury duty – that all counts as part of your three excused absences. No excuses. If you miss more than three classes, I will be in touch with you about dropping the course.

 

If you are unable to attend a class, it is YOUR responsibility to contact a classmate to get the class notes, handouts, homework and announcements.  DonŐt contact me.