COMM 305 01: Audio Production & Broadcasting

COMM 305 - Audio Production Broadcasting

2023 Spring Syllabus, Section 01, CRN 6322

You are responsible for knowing this material, so please read carefully. Any changes will be announced in a Blackboard Announcement. You will be responsible for any changes. Your continued enrollment in this course is your implicit agreement to abide by the requirements of this class.

Investigates audio-related aspects of communication in digital sound production and broadcast dissemination. Beginning with the basic principles of audio, the course examines modern means of capturing, editing, and producing high-quality audio for the web and mobile devices, podcasting, and includes the use of a variety of software packages, plugins, and platforms.

Whether you’re taking courses in the classroom or online, it’s important to have the right technology and equipment.  Visit the UND Technical Requirements webpage for more information. Students are expected to use their official UND email in the course. For technical assistance, please contact UND Technical Support at 701.777.2222. Visit the University Information Technologies (UIT) website for their hours, help documents and other resources.

In order to succeed in this course, at a minimum, you should be able to:

Insert minimum requirements expected and needed. In the bulleted example list below

• Navigate in and use basic Blackboard functions
• Download and open electronic documents
• Create, save, and upload/attach electronic documents
• Send, receive, and manage email

Insert information on how you will be communicating with students and how you would like them to communicate with you. Be sure to set expectations regarding response times. Some examples are provided below, please include all categories relevant to your instruction of this course:

Announcements

Announcements will be posted in Blackboard on a regular basis. Be sure to check the class announcements regularly as they will contain important information about class assignments and other class matters.

Email

You are encouraged to post your questions about the course in the FAQs discussion board forum in the Blackboard site or raise them in class if held synchronously or on campus. The Blackboard discussion board is an open forum in which you and your classmates are encouraged to answer each other’s questions. But, if you need to contact me directly, check the Faculty tab in Blackboard or the syllabus for my contact information. I will respond back to you within 48 hours during the week or weekend.

Discussion Forums, Blogs, & Wikis

These tools are an excellent way for you to engage with the course material and with your peers. Each week we will have at least one of these tools for you to participate in. You are expected to read all assigned discussion boards, blog posts, and/or wiki pages and provide thoughtful contributions.

Course Etiquette

When participating in class (online or in person) it is important to interact with your peers in an appropriate manner. Always use professional language (no netspeak) in your postings and emails. Please be respectful of your classmates at all times even if you disagree with their ideas.

Week of	Reading(s):	Agenda/Topic:	Due:
1/9	Syllabus & Schedule Review & Course Explanation Introduction to Sound	Introduction to Sound PowerPoint
1/23	Dittmar Chapter 1: What is Sound? Seven Important Characteristics (pgs. 1-16) Read & study: Huber Chapter 2: Sound & Hearing (pgs. 43-63) (focus on sections Basics of Sound & Loudness Levels: The Decibel) Download & look through Audacity. This is a free software linked for you with a guide on Bb under Lessons: Module 2 folder	Module 1: Introduction & Initial Concepts Complete: Introduction Blog on Blackboard (Bb) located in Lessons: Module 1 folder Module 1: Introduction & Initial Concepts Module 2: What is Sound? Seven Important Characteristics Complete: Definitions: Basics of Sound Module Assignment Complete: Plagiarism Certificate	Introduction Blog due 11:59PM
1/30	Read & study: Dittmar Chapter 2: How To Listen (pgs. 17-27) Huber Chapter 2: Sound & Hearing (pgs.43-73) Read & review the online manual provided in Module 3 overviewing Audacity	Module 2: What is Sound? Seven Important Characteristics Module 3: Sound, Hearing & Listening in Detail Complete: Dittmar Chapter 2 Assignment Complete: Sound & Hearing Theory Assignment Complete: Listening in Detail Exercise Assignment
2/6	Read & study: Huber Chapter 3: Studio Acoustics & Design (pgs.75-103) Dittmar Chapter 9: Basic Acoustics: How to Make Your Recording Space Sound Better (pgs.131-145)	Module 3: Sound, Hearing & Listening in Detail Module 4: Basic Studio Acoustics Complete: Basic Acoustic Definitions & Concepts Assignment Complete: Audio Recording: First Attempts Assignment	Dittmar Chapter 2 Assignment due 11:59PM Sound & Hearing Theory Assignment due 11:59PM Listening in Detail Exercise Assignment due 11:59PM
2/13	Read & study: Huber Chapter 4: Microphone Design & Application (Pgs.105-173, p.403, & pgs. 466-467) Dittmar Chapter 5: Signal Flow. The Keys to Directing Audio Traffic (pgs. 57-69) & Chapter 6: Microphone Guide & Their Uses (pgs. 71-101)	Module 4: Basic Studio Acoustics Module 5: Audio Signal Flow/Mic Design & Application/Podcast Introduction Complete: Huber & Dittmar Reading Theory Assignment Complete: Conceptualizing your Podcast Assignment Complete: Recording your first podcast Assignment	Basic Acoustic Definitions & Concepts Assignment due 11:59PM Audio Recording: First Attempts Assignment due 11:59PM
2/20	Read & study: Huber Chapter 17: The Art & Technology of Mixing (pgs. 449-491) Dittmar Chapter 4: Mixing Consoles. So Many Knobs, So Little Time (pgs. 39-56)	Module 5: Audio Signal Flow/Mic Design & Application/Podcast Introduction Module 6: The Art & Technology of Mixing, Podcast, & Broadcast Complete: Huber Reading Theory Assignment Complete: Dittmar Audio Theory Assignment Complete: Recording your Second Podcast Assignment Complete: Preparing for Broadcast: Apple/Google/Hosting Service Assignment	Huber & Dittmar Reading Theory Assignment due 11:59PM Conceptualizing your Podcast Assignment due 11:59PM Recording your first podcast Assignment due 11:59PM
2/27	Please read the previous weeks materials	Module 6: The Art & Technology of Mixing, Podcast, & Broadcast	Huber Reading Theory Assignment due 11:59PM Dittmar Audio Theory Assignment due 11:59PM
3/6	Please read the previous weeks materials For reading materials this will be to review the Midterm practice Powerpoint & review your notes!	Module 6: The Art & Technology of Mixing, Podcast, & Broadcast Module 7: Review, Podcast & Midterm	Recording your Second Podcast Assignment due 11:59PM Preparing for Broadcast: Apple/Google/Hosting Service Assignment due 11:59PM
3/13	For reading materials this will be to review the Midterm practice Powerpoint & review your notes!	No Class! Spring Break!
3/20	For reading materials this will be to review the Midterm practice Powerpoint & review your notes!	No Class! Jon is at a Conference. HOWEVER, the Midterm will still be on the 24th! Complete: Midterm Exam! This is Open Book & will be online via Blackboard located in the Module 7 Folder in Bb.	This Midterm will be open for the entire day & you will have 2 hours to complete it. This exam will automatically submit after the 2 hours have passed regardless of your progress.
3/27	Read & study: Dittmar Chapter 7: Signal Processors (pgs. 103-115) Huber Chapter 15: Signal Processing (pgs. 403-441)	Module 8: Signal Processors, Audio Effects & Plug-Ins Complete: Dittmar Definitions & Concepts (Signal Processing) Assignment Complete: Huber Chapter 15 Questions Assignment Complete: Podcast #4: Involving Others in Your Podcast 2 Complete: Podcast #5	Podcast #3: Involving Others in Your Podcasts due 11:59PM
4/3	Read & study: Dittmar Chapter 13: Jobs. What Can I Do With These Skills? (pgs.183-200)	Module 8: Signal Processors, Audio Effects & Plug-Ins Module 9: Audio Engineering & Communication Industries	Dittmar Definitions & Concepts (Signal Processing) Assignment due 11:59PM Huber Chapter 15 Questions Assignment due 11:59PM Podcast #4: Involving Others in Your Podcast 2 due 11:59PM
4/10	Please read the previous weeks materials	Module 9: Audio Engineering & Communication Industries	Podcast #5 due 11:59PM Module 9 Dittmar Readings Assignment due 11:59PM
4/17	Read & study: Huber Chapter 18 (Monitoring) (pgs. 493-513); Chapter 19: Immersive Audio (pgs. 515-532); Chapter 20: Mastering (pgs. 533-552)	Module 9: Audio Engineering & Communication Industries Module 10: Monitoring & Mastering Complete: Huber Reading Questions Ch. 18-20 Assignment Complete: Podcast #7 Complete: Final Audio Project (Podcast #8)	Podcast #6 due 11:59PM
4/24	Please read the previous weeks materials	Module 10: Monitoring & Mastering Complete: SELFI Bonus Assignment
5/1	Finals Week Review	Finals Week Review Day & Finals Week Course Reflection	Podcast #7 due 11:59PM
5/8	Finals Week Review	Finals Week Review Day & Finals Week Course Reflection Complete: Final Exam! This is Open Book & will be online via Blackboard located at the bottom of the Lessons Folder in Bb. This exam will be open from the 8th, until the 12th!	Final Audio Project (Podcast #8) due 11:59PM SELFI Assignment due 11:59PM The Final Exam will be Open Book & will be online. This exam is open from the 8th until the 12th.

This is a place to add things like resources, rubrics, etc.

The section below contains examples of course policies you may wish to include in your course such as late work, class participation, netiquette, technology statements, etc.  You may fully edit this section to add and/or remove polices as they pertain to your course.

Assignment Policy

Due dates for each assignment or activity will be posted in Blackboard.

Late Work

Insert your late work policy here. An example is provided below.

If you find that you’re having trouble keeping up in this class, please let me and/or your TA know as soon as possible so we can do what we can to help. Due dates are important insofar as they help you spread out your workload and help us keep the behind-the-scenes aspects of the course as organized as possible. However, late work may be accepted for extenuating circumstances, so please reach out if you know you will need more time or if you are having trouble keeping up. 

Please note: You do not need to disclose or perform trauma when asking for an extension; you just need to let us know (very broadly) that you need help, and we will do what we can to get you back on track in the course.

Class Participation

Insert your expectations regarding class participation. An example is provided below.

Students are required to login regularly to the online class site. Students are also required to participate in all class activities such as discussion board, blogs, and wikis Students are expected to attend on campus or synchronous classes, etc.

Incompletes

It is expected that students will complete all requirements for a course during the time frame of the course. For reasons beyond a student’s control, and upon request by the student or on behalf of the student, an incomplete grade may be assigned by the instructor when there is reasonable certainty the student will successfully complete the course without retaking it. The mark “I,” Incomplete, will be assigned only to the student who has been in attendance and has done satisfactory work up to a time within four weeks of the close of the semester, including the examination period, and whose work is incomplete for reasons satisfactory to his or her instructor. More information regarding UND’s Incomplete policy can be found on The Grading System webpage.

Resolution of Problems

Should a problem occur, you should speak to your instructor first. If the problem is not resolved, meet with [insert name here]. If the problem continues to be unresolved, go to the department chair, and next to the college dean. Should the problem persist, you have the right to go to the provost next, and then to the president.

Copyright Notice

Insert copyright information here if needed.

In addition to Course and University Policies, the Colleges and/or Departments may have some of their own.  Please edit this section to add any polices for your college or department.  This could include things like mission statements, professional standards, ethical statements, etc.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a serious matter, and any deviations from appropriate behavior will be dealt with strongly. At the discretion of the professor, situations of concern may be dealt with as a scholastic matter or a disciplinary matter.

As a scholastic matter, the professor has the discretion to determine appropriate penalties for the student’s workload or grade, but the situation may be resolved without involving many individuals. An alternative is to treat the situation as a disciplinary matter, which can result in suspension from the University, or have lesser penalties. Be aware that I view this as a very serious matter and will have little tolerance and/or sympathy for questionable practices. A student who attempts to obtain credit for work that is not their own (whether that be on a paper, quiz, homework assignment, exam, etc.) will likely receive a failing grade for that item of work, and at the professor’s discretion, may also receive a failing grade in the course. For more information read the Code of Student Life.

Access and Opportunity, Disability Support, & Medical Services

The University of North Dakota is committed to providing equal access to students with documented disabilities. To ensure access to this class and your program, please contact Disability Services for Students (DSS) to engage in a confidential discussion about accommodations for the classroom and clinical settings. Accommodations are not provided retroactively. Students are encouraged to register with DSS at the start of their program. More information can be obtained by email UND.dss@UND.edu or by phone at 701.777.2664.

COVID-19

UND is committed to maintaining a safe learning environment while providing quality learning experiences for our students. COVID-19’s continued presence within our UND community may necessitate changes in classroom management as the academic year progresses. As such, UND asks students and instructors to be flexible when necessary to promote a safe environment for learning. Please do not attend an in-person class or lab if you are feeling ill, particularly if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or if you have been directed by health professionals to quarantine or isolate. If you are not able to attend class or lab, please notify your instructor as soon as possible and discuss options for making up any missed work in order to ensure your ability to succeed in the course. If you will have an extended absence due to serious illness or other uncontrollable circumstances, you may request an absence notification through the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Similarly, if your instructor is ill they may need to cancel class or temporarily move your course to online delivery to ensure that you are able to complete the course successfully.  Instructors may require students to wear masks in the classroom or in the laboratory as a preventative measure designed to facilitate uninterrupted classroom engagement and to facilitate health and safety in the classroom.   If your instructor does require masks in class or in a laboratory, you are expected to comply with that request.

UND also strongly encourages all members of the University community, including students, to get vaccinated, seek out testing when needed, and model positive behavior both on- and off-campus to foster a healthy and safe learning environment for all students. Individuals who would like to discuss disability accommodations regarding masks should contact the Disability Services for Students (DSS) office at 701.777.2664 or UND.dss@UND.edu. Individuals who are unable to wear a mask due to a sincerely held religious belief should contact the UND Equal Opportunity and Title IX Office at 701.777.4171 or UND.EO.TitleIX@UND.edu.

Religious Accommodations

UND offers religious accommodations, which are reasonable changes in the academic environment that enable a student to practice or observe a sincerely held religious belief without undue hardship on the University. Examples include time for prayer or the ability to attend religious events or observe a religious holiday. To request an accommodation, complete the student religious accommodation request form. If you have any questions, you may contact the Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office.

Pregnancy Accommodations

Students who need assistance with academic adjustments related to pregnancy or childbirth may contact the Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office or Academic Affairs to learn about your options. Additional information and services may be found at Pregnancy Resources.

Notice of Nondiscrimination

It is the policy of the University of North Dakota that no person shall be discriminated against because of race, religion, age, color, gender, disability, national origin, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, veteran’s status, or political belief or affiliation and the equal opportunity and access to facilities shall be available to all. Concerns regarding Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, ADA, and Section 504 may be addressed to Donna Smith, Assistant Vice President for Equal Opportunity & Title IX and Title IX/ADA Coordinator, 102 Twamley Hall, 701.777.4171, UND.EO.TitleIX@UND.edu or the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Dept. of Education, 230 S. Dearborn St., 37^th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604 or any other federal agency.

Reporting of Discrimination, Harassment, or Sexual Misconduct

If you or a friend has experienced sexual misconduct, such as sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, please contact the Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office or UND’s Title IX Coordinator, Donna Smith, for assistance: 701.777.4171; donna.smith@UND.edu; or visit the Title IX webpage. You may also contact the Equal Opportunity & Title IX office if you or a friend has experienced discrimination or harassment based on a protected class, such as race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, pregnancy, marital or parental status, veteran's status, or political belief or affiliation.

Faculty Reporting Obligations Regarding Discrimination, Harassment, or Sexual Misconduct

It is important for students to understand that faculty are required to share with UND’s Title IX Coordinator any incidents of sexual misconduct or of discrimination or harassment based on a protected class that they become aware of, even if those incidents occurred in the past or are disclosed as part of a class assignment. This does not mean an investigation will occur if the student does not want that, but it does allow UND to provide resources to help the student continue to be successful at UND. If you have been impacted by discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct, you can find information about confidential support services on the Equal Opportunity & Title IX webpage..

UND Cares Program

How to Seek Help When in Distress

We know that while college is a wonderful time for most students, however, some students may struggle or have issues that arise. You may experience students in distress on campus, in your classroom, in your home, and within residence halls. Distressed students may initially seek assistance from faculty, staff members, their parents, and other students. In addition to the support we can provide to each other, there are also professional support services available to students through the Dean of Students and University Counseling Center. Both staffs are available to consult with you about getting help or providing a friend with the help that he or she may need. For more additional information, please visit the UND Cares Program Webpage.

How to Recognize When a Student is in Distress

The term “distressed” can mean any of the following:

• Student has significant changes in eating, sleeping, grooming, spending, or other daily activities.
• Student has cut off or minimized contact with family or friends.
• Student has significant changes in performance or involvement in academics, sports, extracurricular, or social activities.
• Student describes problems (missing class, not remembering, destructive behavior) that result from experiences with drinking or drugs.
• Student is acting withdrawn, volatile, tearful, etc.
• Student is acting out of character or different than usual.
• Student is talking explicitly about hopelessness or suicide.
• Student has difficulty concentrating or difficulty carrying on a normal conversation.
• Student has excessive dependence on others for company or support.
• Student reports feeling out of control of one’s emotions, thoughts, or behaviors.

Land Acknowledgement Statement

Today, the University of North Dakota rests on the ancestral lands of the Pembina and Red Lake Bands of Ojibwe and the Dakota Oyate - presently existing as composite parts of the Red Lake, Turtle Mountain, White Earth Bands, and the Dakota Tribes of Minnesota and North Dakota. We acknowledge the people who resided here for generations and recognize that the spirit of the Ojibwe and Oyate people permeate this land. As a university community, we will continue to build upon our relations with the First Nations of the State of North Dakota - the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Nation, Spirit Lake Nation, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians.

Additional Resources

It is my goal to foster an environment of mutual respect in which everyone feels comfortable voicing their opinions, sharing their stories, and learning about potentially heavy or personally relevant material. If, at any point, you feel like the information covered in this class elicits thoughts, feelings, or concerns that you would like to discuss further, don’t hesitate to reach out to me, or the UND Counseling Center (701-777-2127).

Further, if you experience extenuating circumstances, sexual violence, identity-based harm, or any other personal crisis during the semester, don’t hesitate to reach out to me so we can provide academic assistance and help you in this course, and put you in contact with the appropriate resources and services (if needed).

• UND Care Team: 701-777-2664 (8:00 AM to 4:30 PM M-F) or 701-777-3491 (evenings and weekends)
• UND Campus Police: 701-777-3491·UND Student Health: 701-777-4500 
• UND Title IX Resources
• Abuse and Rape Crisis Hotline (CVIC): 701-746-8900 (24 hours)
• Grand Forks Police Department: 701-787-8000 (24 hours)
• Emergency Room: 701-780-5280
• UND Student Diversity and Inclusion: 701-777-6985
• Food For Thought Pantry: (Wilkerson Commons Room 169; 701-777-4200) 
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (1-800-273-8255)