Course Form
I. Summary of Proposed Changes
Dept / Program
School of Theatre & Dance
Course Title
Prefix and Course
#
C THTR 565
Graduate Sound Design
Short Title (max. 26 characters incl. spaces)
Grad Sound Design
Summarize the change(s) proposed
Requesting approval to co-convene
II. Endorsement/Approvals
Complete the form and obtain signatures before submitting to Faculty Senate Office
Please type / print name Signature
Requestor:
Mike Monsos
Phone/ email :
x5138
Program Chair/Director:
Other affected programs
Dean:
Date
michael.monsos@umontana.edu
Mark Dean
mark.dean@umontana.edu
Dr. Stephen Kalm
stephen.kalm@umontana.edu
Are other departments/programs affected by this modification
Please obtain signature(s) from the
because of
Chair/Director of any such department/
(a) required courses incl. prerequisites or corequisites,
program (above) before submission
(b) perceived overlap in content areas
(c) cross-listing of coursework
III: To Add a New Course Syllabus and assessment information is required (paste syllabus into
section V or attach). Course should have internal coherence and clear focus.
Common Course Numbering Review (Department Chair Must Initial):
YES
NO
Does an equivalent course exist elsewhere in the MUS? Check all relevant disciplines if
course is interdisciplinary. (http://mus.edu/transfer/CCN/ccn_default.asp)
If YES: Do the proposed abbreviation, number, title and credits align with existing course(s)? Please indicate
equivalent course/campus. 
If NO: Course may be unique, but is subject to common course review. Be sure to include learning outcomes
on syllabus or paste below. The course number may be changed at the system level.
Exact entry to appear in the next catalog (Specify course abbreviation, level, number, title, credits,
repeatability (if applicable), frequency of offering, prerequisites, and a brief description.) 
Justification: How does the course fit with the existing curriculum? Why is it needed?
Are there curricular adjustments to accommodate teaching this course?
Complete for UG courses (UG courses should be assigned a 400 number).
Describe graduate increment - see procedure 301.30
http://umt.edu/facultysenate/committees/grad_council/procedures/default.aspx
Complete for Co-convented courses
Companion course number, title, and description (include syllabus of companion course in section V)
See procedure 301.20 http://umt.edu/facultysenate/committees/grad_council/procedures/default.aspx.
New fees and changes to existing fees are only approved once each biennium by the
Board of Regents. The coordination of fee submission is administered by Administration
and Finance. Fees may be requested only for courses meeting specific conditions
according to Policy 940.12.1 http://mus.edu/borpol/bor900/940-12-1.pdf . Please
indicate whether this course will be considered for a fee.
YES
NO
If YES, what is the proposed amount of the fee?
Justification:
IV. To Delete or Change an Existing Course – check X all that apply
Deletion
Title
Course Number Change
From:
Level U, UG,
X From: G
G
To:
To:
C
Co-convened
Description Change
Repeatability
X
Change in Credits
From:
Cross Listing
(primary
To:
program
initiates form)
Prerequisites
Is there a fee associated with the
course?
1. Current course information at it appears in catalog
2. Full and exact entry (as proposed) 
(http://www.umt.edu/catalog) 
G 565 (DRAM 560) Graduate Sound Design 3 cr. (R12) Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., consent of instr.
Development of specific design skills in sound design.
C 565 Graduate Sound Design 3 cr. (R-12)
Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., consent
of instr. Development of specific design skills
in sound design utilizing analysis, design, and
execution. Co-convenes with THTR 365.
3. If cross-listed course: secondary program & course number
4. If co-convened course: companion course number, title, and description
(include syllabus of companion course in section V) See procedure 301.20
http://umt.edu/facultysenate/committees/grad_council/procedures/default.aspx.
U 365 (DRAM 361) Theatre Sound I 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., THTR 102A, 202, 203 (DRAM 103A,
202, 203) or consent of instr. Introduction to principles and practices of theatre sound design. Training for
position of sound designer for theatre. Principles, practices, and equipment used to create finished sound
designs for theatre, dance and related areas.
5. Is this a course with MUS Common Course Numbering?
http://mus.edu/transfer/CCN/ccn_default.asp
If yes, please explain below whether this change will eliminate the course’s common course
status.
6. Graduate increment if level of course is changed to UG.
Reference procedure 301.30:
http://umt.edu/facultysenate/committees/
grad_council/procedures/default.aspx
(syllabus required in section V)
7. Other programs affected by the change
8. Justification for proposed change
YES NO
X
Have you reviewed the graduate
increment guidelines? Please check (X)
space provided.
We are requesting approval to co-convene
the above-referenced courses.
V. Syllabus/Assessment Information
Required for new courses and course change from U to UG. Paste syllabus in field below or attach and send
digital copy with form.
School of Theatre & Dance
THTR 565.01 Graduate Sound Design
CLASS SESSIONS: MONDAY, WEDNESDAY - 9:00 TO 10:00
PARTV 036
Instructor
Jacob Straw
Office/Class PART 036 Sound Lab
Office Hours 10:30-12:00 noon PART 036
Or by Appointment
Phone 406.544.2336
E-Mail jaystraw@earthlink.net
Required Texts And Materials:
 The Sound Reinforcement Handbook by Gary Davis and Ralph Jones
Hal Leonard Publishing , 1989
 Flash Drive Memory Stick

A good set of headphones

Earplugs
Recommended but not required:
 Technical manual for Protool 8 and Digidesign Venue software for SC48 mixing console.
Both are available for free download at digidesign.com

An audio editing program for your Mac or PC such as Pro Tools M powered, Sony Sound
Froge, or Adobe Audition.
Description:
This course will expand upon the knowledge graduate students gained in undergraduate
school about the theater sound equipment. It will also introduce the student to script analysis,
collaboration, and plotting of non-musical plays. Furthermore, this course will further educate
students to the listening skill needed as an audio engineer.
Goals:
The purpose of this course is to encourage students to expand their creative processes as
they are applies to theater sound design and operations. Students will be challenged to cultivate
further their aural awareness with regards to the aural environment and to analyze sound for its
emotional impact. Class discussions and daily exercises will focus translating what you hear
creatively. Students will learn advanced techniques used to analyze a script for audio needs,
diagram systems, and utilize audio equipment to deliver sound to the stage.
The technique of a sound design artist is rooted in their knowledge of audio equipment and their
competence with it. Projects and the text will focus on further developing a technical
understanding of the equipment required to effectively make audio ideas part of a theater
production.
Assignments and lectures will cover the detailed function of each type of equipment, diagrams,
troubleshooting, acoustics and technical problem solving.
Each graduate student will assist undergraduate students in THTR 365 analyze, execute, and
understand basic Audio Design theories and processes. Students will also engage in additional
cohort interactions on their own.
Projects and Requirements:
What’s in the mix? Identify all sound sources ( instruments, voices, sound FX, etc. ) in various
recordings, plays, or musical performances.
Perfect Pitch Identify the pitched of a sign wave tone by ear within two octaves.
“Ring out” a Sound System
wear earplugs ).
using a graphic EQ to achieve the maximum gain before feedback (
Project 1
Record 3-5 minutes of a talk show, televangelist, or news report/article ( you may
record yourself or someone else reading ) and cut and paste it to say something different. Project
should be done using Pro Tools. Final length should be 60 seconds. Original and edited versions
will be played in class.
150 pts
Project 2
Create two sound designs for an excerpt of a non-musical play, movie, commercial
etc. (record yourself and/or others reading a script, once with prerecorded sound effects ( form
sound effects library, internet, etc. ) and once again with sounds you record yourself ( field
recording, studio Foley, etc. ) 300 pts
Test #1
This test will cover material presented in the text and in class. It will focus primarily
on terms, definitions, and equipment functions.
Test #2
This test will be a practical application of trouble shooting skills.
Attendance/Daily reading
Students will be expected to come to every class. They are expected
to have read assigned texts and to participate in discussions. Participation is 10 points a day. Pop
Quizzes on assigned reading may be given during any class.
Writing ability and adherence to guidelines All written assignments are to be typed and will be
graded on correct use of academic English as well as content. All written assignments should be
within the prescribed range/pages. All audio projects should adhere to the timing limits assigned.
Late projects/papers Assignments turned in late will lose 5% of their point value for each day
missed. No projects or papers will be accepted after the day of the final.
Extra credit Extra credit is encouraged by the professor. Student must receive the instructor’s
approval before starting a project that is to be used for extra credit. Critiques of shows are always
welcome.
Grades will be A to F derived from percentage of total points.
Grading
Points
Percent
Attendance
300
90-100%
What’s in the Mix
40
80-89%
Perfect Pitch
40
70-79%
Ring Out
100
60-69%
Project 1
150
59% and below
Project 2
300
Quizzes
70
Exam1
100
Exam 2
100
Total Points
1200
8/29
8/31
9/7
9/12
9/14
9/19
9/21
9/26
9/28
10/3
10/5
10/10
10/12
10/17
10/19
10/24
10/26
10/31
11/2
11/7
11/9
11/14
11/16
11/21
11/23
11/28
11/30
12/5
12/7
12/12
Grade
A
B
C
D
F
Introduction and syllabus
Read: Section 1 What is a sound system
class Discussion
Read: Section 2
Frequency response and 3.5 Volume, Level, and Gain
Class Discussion
Read: Section 4 Dynamic Range and Headroom
Class Discussion
Read: Section 10
Microphones
Class Discussion
Read Section 11
Preamps and Mixers
Class Discussion
Read: Cabling
Class Discussion
Read Section 12
Power Amps
Read Section 13
Loud Speakers
Read Section 14
Signal Processing Equipment
Class Discussion
Pro Tools
Pro Tools
Pro Tools
Pro Tools
SFX
SFX
Venue SC48 Montana Theater
Venue SC48 Montana Theater
Venue SC48 Montana Theater
Class Discussion
TBA
TBA
Final 8am
Cell Phone Policy:
As the class meets in a recording studio all students need to be in the habit of turning of
their cell phones before class. This is not only a good habit in the classroom but also when entering
a recording studio of any kind. Violation of this rule will result in loss of attendance points for the
class.
Academic Misconduct and the Student Conduct Code
All students must practice academic honesty. Academic misconduct is subject to an academic
penalty by the course instructor and/or disciplinary sanction by the University. All students need
to be familiar with the Student Conduct Code. The Code is available for review online at
http://life.umt.edu/vpsa/student_conduct.php.
All Theatre & Dance students must have an in-depth knowledge of the practices and procedures
outlined in the School of Theatre & Dance Student Handbook. The Handbook is available online at
http://www.umt.edu/theatredance/about/handbook.
There is inherent risk involved in many Theatre & Dance classes as they are very physical in nature.
Please proceed through class, shop time, or rehearsal with caution. Always be mindful of your
personal safety and the safety of others. Students participating in
class/shop/rehearsal/performance do so at their own risk.
Due to safety considerations, at no point during a student’s time spent in class or serving on a
production (in any capacity) should non-enrolled persons be guests of that student without my
consent. Presence of such unauthorized persons in a class, shop, or any backstage/off-stage area
will negatively affect a student’s grade.
Students with disabilities may request reasonable modifications by contacting me. The University
of Montana assures equal access to instruction through collaboration between students with
disabilities, instructors, and Disability Services for Students (DSS). “Reasonable” means the
University permits no fundamental alterations of academic standards or retroactive
modifications. For more information, please consult http://life.umt.edu/dss/.
THTR 365.01
Instructor
Office/Class
Office Hours
School of Theatre & Dance
Theatre Sound 1/ THTR 565.01 Graduate Sound Design
Jacob Straw
PART 036 Sound Lab
10:30-12:00 noon PART 036
Or by Appointment
Phone 406.544.2336
E-Mail jaystraw@earthlink.net
Required Texts And Materials:
 The Sound Reinforcement Handbook by Gary Davis and Ralph Jones
Hal Leonard Publishing , 1989
 Flash Drive Memory Stick

A good set of headphones

Earplugs
Recommended but not required:
 Technical manual for Protool 8 and Digidesign Venue software for SC48 mixing console.
Both are available for free download at digidesign.com

An audio editing program for your Mac or PC such as Pro Tools M powered, Sony Sound
Froge, or Adobe Audition.
Description:
This course will prepare students in the fundamentals of the operation of theater sound equipment.
It will also introduce the student to script analysis, collaboration, and plotting of non-musical plays.
Furthermore, this course will introduce students to the listening skill needed as an audio engineer.
Goals:
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the creative process as it is applies to theater
sound. Students will be challenged to cultivate an aural awareness of their environment and to analyze
sound for it’s emotional impact. Class discussions and daily exercises will focus translating what you hear
creatively. Students will learn to analyze a script for audio needs, diagram systems, and utilize audio
equipment to deliver sound to the stage.
The technique of a sound design artist is rooted in their knowledge of audio equipment and their
competence with it. Projects and the text will focus on developing a technical understanding of the
equipment required to effectively make audio ideas part of a theater production.
Assignments and lectures will cover the general function of each type of equipment, diagrams,
troubleshooting, acoustics and technical problem solving.
Projects and Requirements:
What’s in the mix?
Identify all sound sources ( instruments, voices, sound FX, etc. ) in various
recordings, plays, or musical performances.
Perfect Pitch
Identify the pitched of a sign wave tone by ear within two octaves.
“Ring out” a Sound System
earplugs ).
using a graphic EQ to achieve the maximum gain before feedback ( wear
Project 1
Record 3-5 minutes of a talk show, televangelist, or news report/article ( you may record
yourself or someone else reading ) and cut and paste it to say something different. Project should be done
using Pro Tools. Final length should be 60 seconds. Original and edited versions will be played in class.
150 pts
Project 2
Create two sound designs for an excerpt of a non-musical play, movie, commercial etc.
(record yourself and/or others reading a script, once with prerecorded sound effects ( form sound effects
library, internet, etc. ) and once again with sounds you record yourself ( field recording, studio Foley, etc. )
300 pts
Test #1
This test will cover material presented in the text and in class. It will focus primarily on
terms, definitions, and equipment functions.
Test #2
This test will be a practical application of trouble shooting skills.
Attendance/Daily reading
Students will be expected to come to every class. They are expected to
have read assigned texts and to participate in discussions. Participation is 10 points a day. Pop Quizzes on
assigned reading may be given during any class.
Writing ability and adherence to guidelines
All written assignments are to be typed and will be graded
on correct use of academic English as well as content. All written assignments should be within the
prescribed range/pages. All audio projects should adhere to the timing limits assigned.
Late projects/papers Assignments turned in late will lose 5% of their point value for each day missed. No
projects or papers will be accepted after the day of the final.
Extra credit
Extra credit is encouraged by the professor. Student must receive the instructor’s approval
before starting a project that is to be used for extra credit. Critiques of shows are always welcome.
Grades will be A to F derived from percentage of total points.
Grading
Points
Percent
Attendance
300
90-100%
What’s in the Mix
40
80-89%
Perfect Pitch
40
70-79%
C
Ring Out
100
60-69%
Project 1
150
59% and below
Project 2
300
Quizzes
70
Exam1
100
Exam 2
100
Total Points
1200
8/29
8/31
9/7
9/12
9/14
9/19
9/21
9/26
9/28
10/3
10/5
10/10
10/12
10/17
10/19
10/24
10/26
10/31
11/2
11/7
11/9
11/14
11/16
11/21
11/23
11/28
11/30
12/5
12/7
12/12
Grade
A
B
D
F
Introduction and syllabus
Read: Section 1 What is a sound system
class Discussion
Read: Section 2 Frequency response and 3.5 Volume, Level, and Gain
Class Discussion
Read: Section 4 Dynamic Range and Headroom
Class Discussion
Read: Section 10
Microphones
Class Discussion
Read Section 11Preamps and Mixers
Class Discussion
Read: Cabling
Class Discussion
Read Section 12Power Amps
Read Section 13Loud Speakers
Read Section 14Signal Processing Equipment
Class Discussion
Pro Tools
Pro Tools
Pro Tools
Pro Tools
SFX
SFX
Venue SC48
Montana Theater
Venue SC48
Montana Theater
Venue SC48
Montana Theater
Class Discussion
TBA
TBA
Final 8am
Cell Phone Policy:
As the class meets in a recording studio all students need to be in the habit of turning of their cell
phones before class. This is not only a good habit in the classroom but also when entering a recording studio
of any kind. Violation of this rule will result in loss of attendance points for the class.
Academic Misconduct and the Student Conduct Code
All students must practice academic honesty. Academic misconduct is subject to an academic penalty by
the course instructor and/or disciplinary sanction by the University. All students need to be familiar with
the Student Conduct Code. The Code is available for review online at
http://life.umt.edu/vpsa/student_conduct.php.
All Theatre & Dance students must have an in-depth knowledge of the practices and procedures outlined in
the School of Theatre & Dance Student Handbook. The Handbook is available online at
http://www.umt.edu/theatredance/about/handbook.
There is inherent risk involved in many Theatre & Dance classes as they are very physical in nature. Please
proceed through class, shop time, or rehearsal with caution. Always be mindful of your personal safety and
the safety of others. Students participating in class/shop/rehearsal/performance do so at their own risk.
Due to safety considerations, at no point during a student’s time spent in class or serving on a production
(in any capacity) should non-enrolled persons be guests of that student without my consent. Presence of
such unauthorized persons in a class, shop, or any backstage/off-stage area will negatively affect a student’s
grade.
Students with disabilities may request reasonable modifications by contacting me. The University of
Montana assures equal access to instruction through collaboration between students with disabilities,
instructors, and Disability Services for Students (DSS). “Reasonable” means the University permits no
fundamental alterations of academic standards or retroactive modifications. For more information, please
consult http://life.umt.edu/dss/.
VI Department Summary (Required if several forms are submitted) In a separate document list course
number, title, and proposed change for all proposals.
VII Copies and Electronic Submission. After approval, submit original, one copy, summary of
proposals and electronic file to the Faculty Senate Office, UH 221, camie.foos@mso.umt.edu.
Revised 5-4-11