GENMUS 1014 - Sound & Media

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2015

Study of: the use of sound in the media, with particular attention to film and television; the concepts of montage and collage and their application to sound, music, film and image; detailed scene analysis of examples from classic movies; psychological and aesthetic aspects of sound in film; the role of sound in the media.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code GENMUS 1014
    Course Sound & Media
    Coordinating Unit Elder Conservatorium of Music
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Course Description Study of: the use of sound in the media, with particular attention to film and television; the concepts of montage and collage and their application to sound, music, film and image; detailed scene analysis of examples from classic movies; psychological and aesthetic aspects of sound in film; the role of sound in the media.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Mr Stephen Whittington

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes

    The development of:

    1. an understanding the role of sound in film, television and contemporary arts
    2. skills in the analysis of form, structure and content in the media
    3. knowledge of the history and development of sound as a component of the media
    4. familiarity with the vocabulary of media production and analysis
    5. critical listening skills and their application to media contexts
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1,2,3,4
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 2,3
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1,2,3,4
  • Learning Resources
    Online Learning
    A wide variety of readings are available on MyUni.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes

    This course will focus on the following content:

    (1)     the use of sound in the media, with particular attention to film and television;

    (2)     the concepts of montage and collage and their application to sound, music, film and image;

    (3)     film and sound editing concepts and techniques;

    (4)     detailed scene analysis of examples from classic movies;

    (5)     psychological and aesthetic aspects of sound in film;

    (6)     the role of sound in the construction of filmic reality;

    (7)     technological basis of sound in the media.

     

    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    In addition to the 3 contact hours per week, it is anticipated that students would spend up to 9 hours per week in reviewing lecture notes, undertaking further readings and viewing film extracts, revising for the exam, and researching and writing the essay.
    Learning Activities Summary

    This course will focus on the following content:

    (1)     the use of sound in the media, with particular attention to film and television;

    (2)     the concepts of montage and collage and their application to sound, music, film and image;

    (3)     film and sound editing concepts and techniques;

    (4)     detailed scene analysis of examples from classic movies;

    (5)     psychological and aesthetic aspects of sound in film;

    (6)     the role of sound in the construction of filmic reality;

    (7)     technological basis of sound in the media.

  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary

    (a)     Exam 1 (15%): test of understanding of fundamental theoretical principles presented in lectures. (1 hour)
    Course Objectives: (1), (2), (3)

    (b)     Essay (35%): 1500 word essay on the use of sound in a selected film.
    Course Objectives: (2), (3), (5)

    (c) Examination 2 (50%): the exam will require detailed analysis of a scene from a movie to be screened at the exam. (2 hours)
    Course Objectives: (3), (4), (5)

     

    Assessment Related Requirements
    As above
    Assessment Detail

    Exam 1 (15%): test of understanding of fundamental theoretical principles presented in lectures. (1 hour)
    Course Objectives: (1), (2), (3)

    Essay (35%): 1500 word essay on the use of sound in a selected film.
    Course Objectives: (2), (3), (5)

    Examination 2 (50%): the exam will require detailed analysis of a scene from a movie to be screened at the exam. (2 hours)
    Course Objectives: (3), (4), (5)

    Submission
    To be advised.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.