Syllabus

COURSE SYLLABUS for CTVA 358 Advanced Film Sound - Spring 2021

[downloadable pdf]

Note: The downloadable copy of the syllabus is the OFFICIAL syllabus for the special online version of this course, and contains updated information not reflected in the version below (which was for our normal, on-campus version of this class.

Students enrolled in CTVA 358 for Spring 2021 should go ahead and register for this website as STUDENT, in order to receive the special rate.

Course Information

COURSE: CTVA 358 Advanced Film Sound (Production Sound Recording for Film and Video)

INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Fred Ginsburg, C.A.S. Ph.D.

• (818) 231-1038 cell
• (818) 892-9236 fax
• This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

MEETS:  Rm MZ170 Film Soundstage, Manzanita Hall, Fridays 9am-1:45pm.

TEXTS

Online multimedia coursebook: Craft of Production Sound, (www.FilmTVsound.com) published by EQE Media & Consulting Group. Includes numerous articles, tips, tricks, equipment reviews, tutorials, news, forum, calendar of events, and way more.

Purpose

To provide students with a basic understanding of the techniques and aesthetics of Production Sound Recording; along with its relationship to the sound design and overall production of the completed soundtrack for motion pictures and TV.

Emphasis will be given to the practical techniques and equipment operation as currently utilized on professional theatrical productions, and how those approaches can be utilized on productions of any scope — be they theatrical or non-theatrical, film or video.

Student Learning Outcomes

(CTVA Department SLO 1, 2, 3) Intermediate/Practiced Students in this course will:

• Understand and articulate the history, theories and critical models of electronic media.
• Understand the fundamental concepts of pre-production, production and post-production in film/television production sound.
• Have an understanding of basic film/television Sound production principles, terminology, and procedures and use them in the assigned video projects. Including (but not limited to) proper rigging of lavalier mics, proper "over/under" coiling of audio cables, proper use of mixing panels, and proper use and identification of shotgun microphones.
• Understand the basic oral and written communication tools to function professionally in film/television Sound.
• Record and edit video production sound exercises. All students must be able to produce professionally acceptable audio CD's and standard video DVD's. Any student who cannot prepare an audio CD or video DVD is not worthy of a production degree in Cinema-Television Arts.

Methods

Lecture, PowerPoint, guest speakers, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises. Realistic production situations will be simulated, explored, and discussed.

Topics

Requirements

• Classroom attendance & participation
• 3 quizzes & 1 major exam
• Completion of recording projects and budget project
• Students are to view & sign in ("reply to") to the class blog every week

Attendance

All students are expected to attend all classes and lab sessions. There will be NO MAKE-UP of lab assignments without prior consent of the instructor. If you miss a lab assignment you will receive a zero for that assignment. Unexcused absences as well as tardiness will be considered in your final grade. THREE unexcused absences may result in a grade reduction (i.e. up to one full letter on the final grade). Attendance is taken daily and it is the student’s responsibility to SIGN THE ATTENDANCE SHEET! These penalties are designed to encourage professionalism, participation and fair treatment for all. Disruptive, unprofessional behavior will be counted as an unexcused absence and will also entail written assignments as punishment. Class or project switching is prohibited without prior consent of the instructor.

IN THE EVENT OF ABSENCE, it is the student's responsibility to catch up on missed content and to arrange to take make-up exams.

Grading Criteria

Evaluation is based upon student performance in the following areas:

30% - Major Exam (approx 65 questions, covering entire semester)

30% - Quizzes (short answer, multiple choice).

40% - Projects (spaced throughout semester, including:

1. ENG style interview
2. Dramatic production mix
3. Budget plan

Written summaries and log sheets to be submitted with recorded exercises. Project descriptions and requirements are described later in the Projects section. Failure to view and reply to the online class blog may result in the loss of one grade point for each week's non-compliance.

Letter grades are derived from the following table, based on 100 total points possible:

Classroom performance, professionalism, and optional projects will be considered to improve grades.

Except for extreme circumstances, students are expected to complete the requirements of this course by the last day of classes (official date of Final Exam). Projects are due not later than the last official day of instruction (which is one week prior to CSUN official Final Exam Date). Students who have not taken all exams and turned in their projects may be subject to a failing grade.

Students with valid reasons for not being able to complete the course may petition the Instructor, in writing, for an Incomplete. Requests for Incompletes must be submitted prior to the last day of classes. Students granted Incomplete grades are responsible for contacting the Instructor during the semester break but not later than one month after the start of the following semester in order to set up an arrangement and timetable. Although the University allows up to one year to convert an Incomplete, it is the prerogative of the Instructor to determine how and when Incompletes may be completed. Failure to set up and adhere to this timetable is an automatic F.

Professionalism

Much of what the class does will involve group activity, use of sophisticated equipment, and interaction with industry professionals. Students are expected to display professional and courteous behavior towards people and equipment. Disruptive, unprofessional behavior in this class will not be tolerated. Irresponsible professional behavior that reflects negatively on the department may result in academic penalties; inappropriate behavior will be dealt according to the university regulations and be referred to the Dean of Students.

Academic Dishonesty

In conjunction with examinations, projects and written assignments, it should be noted that severe penalties—including failure in the course and even expulsion from the University—might be applied for any infraction of accepted academic rules of honesty. Among other things, it is understood there shall be no sharing of information on any examination: there shall be no reference to any notes during any test (unless otherwise announced); and despite the collaborative nature of the class, individuals assigned to a position should be the one completing the task.

Use of computers and smart electronic devices

Unless deemed by the Instructor as pertinent production equipment for a specific in-class exercise, the use of personal computers and other smart electronic devices is PROHIBITED. Too many students have used these devices to browse the internet, edit/screen videos, and perform distracting tasks not relevant to class activity. Under no circumstances may cell phones, cameras, and similar devices be within proximity of written tests. (Students with special emergency issues may arrange to leave their phones at the instructors desk.)

Feedback

You are all strongly encouraged to provide the instructor with your views about me, the course, or the department. Feel free to meet with me, phone, or even leave anonymous notes! Feedback helps all of us grow, students and faculty alike.

Problems, Questions, Etc.

Please, and I cannot stress this point enough, CALL ME! Confusion and logistical problems are natural, but curable. There is bound to be something in the readings or lectures that you are unsure about. During class, if I rattle off some industry jargon that you do not understand — interrupt me and ask. If you have any questions about the readings or lectures, problems with the assignments, need production advice, or whatever...THAT IS WHY I GIVE OUT MY PHONE NUMBER!

Office Hours

Being part-time faculty, on-campus meetings are in classroom (MZ170) or my office (MZ167) one hour prior to class or by appointment. Meetings can also be arranged on campus on other days if I am available.

Fees

Subscription to the online coursebook is only $25 for students, but that will give you access to texts and other materials that would cost considerably more if offered as pre-printed items.If you send me an email before your six month subscription expires, I will extend it until you graduate at no additional charge.

In addition, students may have to share the cost of recording media and/or some equipment rental for their projects.

Students with disabilities

Students with disabilities must register with the Center on Disabilities and complete a services agreement each semester. Staff within the Center will verify the existence of a disability based on the documentation provided and approve accommodations. Students who are approved for test taking accommodations must provide a proctor form to their faculty member signed by a counselor in the Center on Disabilities prior to making testing arrangements. The Center on Disabilities is located in Bayramian Hall, room 110. Staff can be reached at (818) 677-2684.

SYLLABUS STATEMENT REGARDING SEXUAL MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURES AND MAINTAINING A RESPECTFUL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Students and faculty each have responsibility for maintaining a respectful space to express their opinions. Professional courtesy and consideration for our classroom community are especially important with respect to topics dealing with differences in race, color, gender and gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, disability, and age.
In this course, the topic of sex (including sexual misconduct/sexual violence) may emerge either purposefully or inadvertently in readings, films, class discussions or other class materials. We recognize that such topics may be particularly upsetting for some survivors; we encourage all students to seek the support they need.
While making personal connections with the topics studied in any course can be a meaningful and important endeavor, please be aware of the following policy regarding confidentiality and disclosures of incidents of sexual misconduct/sexual violence.
As your instructor, one of my responsibilities is to help maintain a respectful learning environment on our campus. In the event that you choose to write, speak or otherwise disclose about having experienced sexual misconduct/sexual violence, including rape, sexual assault, sexual battery, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking and specify that this violence occurred while you or the perpetrator were a CSUN student, federal and state laws require that I, as a “responsible employee,” notify our campus Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX Coordinator will contact you to inform you of your rights and options as a survivor and connect you with support resources, including possibilities for holding accountable the person who harmed you. Know that you will not be forced to share information and your level of involvement will be your choice.
CSUN’s Title IX Coordinator is: Barrett Morris University Hall, Room 285 Phone: (818) 677-2077 E-Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
If you do not want the Title IX Coordinator notified, instead of disclosing the experience to me, you can speak confidentially with CSUN’s Care Advocate.*
CSUN’s Care Advocate can be contacted at (818) 677-7492 For more information regarding your university rights and options as a survivor of sexual misconduct/sexual violence, please visit the University’s Title IX website at: http://www.csun.edu/title-ix
*Note: If it is determined that an alleged perpetrator poses an imminent threat to self or others, or if person(s) under 18 years of age are involved, our Care Advocate is required to notify our Department of Police Services.