The Nido R. Qubein School of Communication Values Expression, Integrity, Excellence, Accuracy, Diversity, Curiosity and Awareness
SYLLABUS
MPE2221-01
Audio Production
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Spring 2023
MWF 3:25-4:25
NQSC 218 and 119
Instructor Name: Jeffrey Bullins
Office Room NQSC 324
Office Hours MF 1-3pm, W 2-3pm, TuTh noon-1pm
Phone: 336-841-9174
Email: jbullins@highpoint.edu
COURSE DESCRIPTION
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A study of the principles and techniques of audio production. Practice in creating original programs.
4 Credit Hours
COURSE OBJECTIVES
STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES
ASSESSMENT
1) Understand the history, evolution, and role of audio
technology.
Lectures, readings, production projects
2) Apply tools and technologies appropriate for the audio
industry.
Production projects, demos, in class
activities
3) Familiarize students with digital tools and technology in
audio equipment.
Production projects, demos, in class
activities
4) Understand concepts and apply theories in the use and
presentation of audio information.
Production projects, demos, in class
activities
5) Develop skills in digital recording, editing and mixing
techniques.
Production projects
6) Promote creative, independent thinking and critical analytic
ability through the design and production of audio projects.
Production projects, feedback/analysis, in
class activities
REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS
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Alten, Stanley R., Audio in Media, 10th Edition (Wadsworth, NY, NY) ISBN-10: 1-133-30723-X
The School of Communication Emphasizes Analytical Thinking, Communication Skills, Interpretation of Converging Information,
Technological Development, and Integration of Theory and Practice
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The Nido R. Qubein School of Communication Values Expression, Integrity, Excellence, Accuracy, Diversity, Curiosity and Awareness
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ISBN-13: 978-1-133-30723-5.
• This book is currently out of print, but I have options to access it digitally. If you want to purchase a
used physical copy, that is fine as well.
● USB External Portable Hard Drive: 500GB or larger. A USB Flash Drive is NOT acceptable.
● SD CARDS: 64GB or larger with 150MB/s or faster. The cheapest card you can find at
walmart will not work.
● Stereo Headphones For work in and outside of class. You should get headphones that physically
isolate the sound from outside noises. This model or similar would work.
● AA Batteries Students will need to purchase a pack of AA alkaline batteries for use in wireless
mics and other equipment.
● Sound Equipment: Students will be required to checkout production equipment from the
equipment lab located in Qubein Room 208. Please familiarize yourself with the hours of the lab and
its location.
Include the notifications/policies below if applicable to the course.
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Students may be required to checkout production equipment from the equipment lab located in
Qubein Room 208. Please familiarize yourself with the hours of the lab and its location.
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Software/Computer Labs – There are two Mac Labs that you can use in the COM building located
in Room 218 and 311. There are also several Mac computers located in the lobby area of the Qubein
building. All of these computers have the Adobe software and are available for you to use. You will
be authorized for evening and weekend access to the Mac Labs via your passport. The Media Lab in
Smith Library (first floor) also has Adobe software.
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Some of you may prefer to purchase your own Adobe software. Adobe Software is only available
through a subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud. Special Student Rates are available through
Adobe, which will give you access to all of their software for approximately $20/month. Follow
the Link for more information https://creative.adobe.com/plans (click on STUDENTS and
TEACHERS for educational pricing). Students who elect to purchase their own Adobe
subscription should be aware of the following NQSC policies.
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NQSC Adobe CC Policies
✓ Adobe software on computers across campus, including faculty computers, is updated prior
to each semester. During the semester NO UPDATES WILL BE INSTALLED.
✓ STUDENTS SHOULD NOT UPDATE THEIR ADOBE SOFTWARE DURING THE
SEMESTER. STUDENTS SHOULD TURN OFF OR IGNORE NOTIFICATIONS
FOR UPDATES DURING THE TERM.
✓ Students who purchase their own subscription and allow updates during the term may find
that their Adobe software is incompatible with the HPU version in the computer labs and on
faculty computers. In such cases:
o Students will be unable to use university computers for their Adobe projects due to
incompatibility. They will need to rely on their own computers for all projects.
o Faculty and IT services may not be able to provide tech support for students
experiencing software problems. It may be impossible for student projects to be
opened on faculty computers, which may limit the ability of faculty to address
software issues.
The School of Communication Emphasizes Analytical Thinking, Communication Skills, Interpretation of Converging Information,
Technological Development, and Integration of Theory and Practice
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The Nido R. Qubein School of Communication Values Expression, Integrity, Excellence, Accuracy, Diversity, Curiosity and Awareness
ASSESSMENT
o Assignment #1 – Seamless editing
▪ As an introduction to digital audio editing, students will take a full-length song and edit it
down to a :30 and a :60 version. Edits should not be audible
o Assignment #2 – PSA Production
▪ Students will record themselves reading a public service announcement. This project
involves proper recording techniques, digital editing, and vocal control.
o Assignment #3 – Field Recording
▪ Students will record an interview in the field using appropriate field recording equipment.
o Assignment #4 –Spot Production
▪ Students will choose one of a selection of provided scripts to produce. This will include
dialog, music, and a sound effect.
o Assignment #5 – Audio for video
▪ Students will add sound effects and music to a short commercial
o Assignment #6 – Original commercial production script
▪ Students will write an original script for production
o Assignment #7 – Original commercial spot production
▪ Production of the script from the previous assignment
o In class activity #1
▪ Using your voice, vocal control
o In class activity #2
▪ Effects workshop
o In class activity #3
▪ Jingles and Jargon, creating commercials
o Participation
▪ Participation includes attending class, engagement (not being on your phone or other
device during class time), and participating in discussions/analysis
GRADING
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Looking at the above assignments, you might notice that none have an indication of a percentage or
grade. In this course there will be no numerical grades or percentages. This is an approach called
“ungrading.” Rather than focus on points or letters, we will prioritize discussion, analysis, the process of
revision, and creative/deliberate decision making.
That said, there must be a grade that is submitted at the end of the semester. That grade will be
determined by your work in the course, the work you complete. For each project you complete, you will
receive 1 point. You will receive feedback on each project. You will then have the opportunity to
improve and revise your project based on the feedback.
o The revised project must also include a written explanation of what you changed and why. If you
do so, you will receive another point. The goal here is not to win or lose points but rather work
towards improving your work.
It is not required that you revise your project. It is possible to complete all the work in this course at a
minimum level and pass. In class activities are worth 1 point and participation a maximum of 3. The
final grade breakdown will be based on the following points:
The School of Communication Emphasizes Analytical Thinking, Communication Skills, Interpretation of Converging Information,
Technological Development, and Integration of Theory and Practice
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The Nido R. Qubein School of Communication Values Expression, Integrity, Excellence, Accuracy, Diversity, Curiosity and Awareness
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18-20 = A
16-17 = B
12-15 = C
9-11 = D
<9 = F
Assignments will be submitted on Blackboard and via links to files on OneDrive. You should be using
your university associated OneDrive account for this course. Feedback will be given on Blackboard and
through in-person conferences. In class group discussions will also be a part of assignment feedback.
Feedback on Blackboard will be posted within 3 days of the project’s due date.
Participation may involve discussions both in class and on Blackboard. Assessment will be determined
by:
o 3 points - The student arrives prepared for class; participates multiple times in class discussion;
is responsive to participation and engaged in contributions and comments made by others;
contributions are thoughtful and provoke additional comments from others; carefully and
responds thoughtfully to comments made by others.
o 2 points - The student is present and occasionally engaged; is taking notes and paying attention
most of the time; contributes at least once to class discussion per week; or participates through
hand raising, taking notes, doing assignments
o 1 point - The student is physically present but mentally elsewhere; doesn’t contribute to
conversation; does not engage and is not taking notes when receiving critique from faculty and
peers. The student is disruptive, distracting not only losing the opportunity to learn from the
course but also impacting their peer’s ability to learn.
All assignments must be turned in using the correct file format as prescribed by the assignment
instructions. All files that are “corrupted” or otherwise unreadable/unuseable will not be counted as
submitted. Review your files before and after submission to ensure I receive your intended assignment
submission.
UNGRADING –
- You’ll still get lots of feedback on how to construct and improve your work. As you plan, produce, and
revise your projects, I’ll give you formative feedback. That means the feedback isn’t graded but simply
there to guide you through the process of invention and discovery. While the feedback may include
constructive critiques of your work, a critique doesn’t translate into a lower “grade.” You’ll also get
formative feedback from your classmates. You’ll use this feedback to develop your technical skills and
creative voice. You’ll also spend a lot of time thinking about what makes your work effective and
engaging.
- Instead of percentages, as long as you put in a good-faith effort, you get full credit for completing the
course and all the process-oriented steps along the way. All of this effort – the coaching, the feedback,
the reflections – will help you learn and become a stronger scholar and communicator, not just in class
but in the professional world beyond HPU’s gates!
- As teachers, we try hard to be fair. I want everybody to have the best chance possible to succeed in this
class. Ungrading, which focuses on whether you’re turning work in and participating in the course
rather than on judgments about the quality of your work, is the fairest option.
- I also want you to learn. Weirdly, focusing on grades (what you need to do to get an A in the course)
makes you less likely to actually learn during the course, as this essay demonstrates! Additionally,
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Technological Development, and Integration of Theory and Practice
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The Nido R. Qubein School of Communication Values Expression, Integrity, Excellence, Accuracy, Diversity, Curiosity and Awareness
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research shows that students from privileged backgrounds (e.g. white, middle-class students who have
traditionally thrived in school) receive higher grades than students from different backgrounds, so
removing grades is a way to ensure that everybody thrives. That means, if you’ve always felt nervous
or lacked confidence, or if you’re worried about learning to work collaboratively with a team, or if
you’ve always gotten As and are nervous about keeping up a high GPA –– it’s going to be okay!!
You’ll be able to take intellectual risks, try new ways of thinking, and become a better scholar and
professional without worrying about your grade.
Ungrading also makes it easier for you to tell what your grade is in the class at any given time. Instead
of doing the math to figure out (for example) whether receiving 90 percent out of a 100 on the third
paper will be enough for you to get an A in the course, you simply need to keep track of what you do,
checking your work off the list. If you’re doing what the ungrading checklist spells out, week by week,
you’re getting that grade; there’s no math required!
GRADE APPEAL
If a student has a complaint or concern about a faculty member regarding a grade, they should first try to
resolve it with the instructor in question. If the complaint is not resolved through this interaction, the student
should then go to the Department Chair. If the instructor of the course also serves as a Chair, then the student
should approach the Dean as the first step in the process.
For this course, a student should pursue the following process:
1. Talk with the instructor of the course,
2. Talk with Mr. Robert Powell who serves as the Chair of the Department of Media Production.
The decision of the Chair is final.
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
If a student has a complaint or concern about a faculty member regarding any matter other than a grade, they
should first try to resolve it with the instructor in question. If the complaint is not resolved through this
interaction, the student should then address the issue with the following—in this order—until resolved or at the
final step:
1. the Department Chair;
2. the Dean of the School of Communication; then
3. the Provost of High Point University, which is the final step in the grievance process.
Bypassing any of these steps—going directly to the president, for example—will not resolve the issue and will
only delay resolution. Senior administration will not deal with grievance issues unless it has been discussed at
the appropriate level.
If the instructor of the course also serves as a Chair, then the student should approach the Dean as the first step
in the process.
For this course, a student should pursue the following process:
1. Talk with the instructor of the course.
2. Talk with Mr. Robert Powell who serves as the Chair of the Department of Media Production.
3. Talk with Dr. McDermott, who serves as the Dean of the Nido R. Qubein School of Communication.
The School of Communication Emphasizes Analytical Thinking, Communication Skills, Interpretation of Converging Information,
Technological Development, and Integration of Theory and Practice
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The Nido R. Qubein School of Communication Values Expression, Integrity, Excellence, Accuracy, Diversity, Curiosity and Awareness
4. Talk with Dr. Dan Erb, who serves as the Provost of High Point University.
The decision of the Provost is final.
HONOR CODE
Each of you signed the HPU Honor Code. It is your responsibility to abide by the Honor Code.
POLICIES FOR ASSIGNMENTS & EXAMS
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Assignments will be due by the posted date. Late assignments will not be accepted. This is necessary
due to the revision process that is central to this course. Assignments must be turned in on time, so you
have time to implements changes. Updated and revised projects will be due a week after the initial due
date.
A project that is not completed or turned in will not receive any credit.
Due to studio and equipment needs, practical assessments cannot be made up at a different time.
Students are expected to adhere to all standards outlined in the School of Communication’s Policies,
Practices, and Expectations guidelines, unless alternate standards are specifically outlined
elsewhere in this syllabus.
http://www.highpoint.edu/communication/files/nqsc_syllabus_policies.pdf
ATTENDANCE POLICY
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Attending class is part of your participation assessment. It is necessary to come to class and engage with
discussions, hands-on demonstrations, feedback/analysis, and other in class activities. As stated above,
the ungrading aspect of this course focuses on critical thinking and improving your work.
Leaving early for semester breaks, family vacations, or work-related reasons DO NOT excuse
students from assignment due dates.
Exams and projects WILL NOT BE RESCHEDULED to accommodate travel arrangements conflicting
with class sessions or exam periods.
COMMUNICATION
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All assignments, project information, and course materials will be available on Blackboard
or in Class. If you are unfamiliar with Blackboard, please see me as soon as possible.
I use Email and Blackboard Announcements as the primary method of communication outside of class.
It is your responsibility to check your email and Blackboard for important updates and communication
from me. Failure to act upon important information I transmit via these two methods could hurt your
academic success in this course and lessen the value of your overall experience in the course.
Office hours are listed at the top of this document. You can also email me to schedule other times to
meet.
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Technological Development, and Integration of Theory and Practice
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The Nido R. Qubein School of Communication Values Expression, Integrity, Excellence, Accuracy, Diversity, Curiosity and Awareness
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I will attempt to respond to any email within 24 hours of receiving it. However, this time frame by be
longer if it is sent outside of normal business hours or during the weekend.
DIVERSITY
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High Point University is committed to fostering an inclusive learning and living environment. We
welcome and respect all students, faculty, and staff of all races, ethnicities, religions, genders, sexual
orientations, sexual identities and gender expressions, abilities, classes, ages, and political ideas.
Diversity in identity, thought, belief and perspective enrich the academic experience and is critical to
your growth as a lifelong learner. It is our expectation that every member of our university community
upholds a standard of civility and respect both inside and outside of the classroom. HPU Multicultural
Affairs (Slane 319) is a campus resource available to anyone seeking support or with questions about
diversity and inclusion at High Point University. If you experience or witness an act of bias at HPU or
would like to learn more about our Bias Reporting Process, please email diversity@highpoint.edu.
CLASROOM POLICIES
OARS ACCOMMODATIONS IN THE CLASSROOM
High Point University welcomes students with disabilities into our educational programs. HPU promotes efforts
to provide equal access and a culture of inclusion without altering the essential elements of coursework. If you
anticipate or experience academic barriers that may be due to disability, including but not limited to, chronic
medical conditions, Deaf or hard of hearing, learning disability, mental health, or vision impairment, please
contact the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services at 336-841-9026 or OARS@highpoint.edu. The
OARS office is located on the 4th floor of Smith Library
If you have an OARS accommodation letter, you are required to do the following:
(A) Meet with me privately during office hours or a scheduled appointment as early in the semester as possible
to discuss implementing your accommodations. I am here to help you, and I want to make sure we discuss how
best to integrate your OARS approved accommodations in a way that helps make you successful. Your
accommodations will be implemented only after we meet to discuss the best path for your success.
(B) Give me reasonable notice (at least three business days) to implement your accommodations.
(C) If you have testing accommodations and we determine together that it would be best for you to take exams
in the OARS testing center, you must arrange through OARS with sufficient notice (3 business days for
exams/quizzes and 6 business days for midterms and final). If you do not arrange your exam with OARS, I will
not be able to provide extended time, assistive technology, or a distraction free environment, but you will be
able to take the exam with the class.
(D) If you experience any access barriers in this course that are part of your OARS accommodations, such as
with printed content, graphics, online materials, or any communication barriers; reach out to me or OARS right
away.
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The Nido R. Qubein School of Communication Values Expression, Integrity, Excellence, Accuracy, Diversity, Curiosity and Awareness
COURSE CALENDAR
Date
In Class Topics
Due This Week
Week 1
Introduction, syllabus, fundamentals of sound
and audio
1/9-1/15
Week 2
1/16-1/22
Non-linear editing in Adobe Audition,
fundamentals of digital audio
Week 3
Microphone types, recording techniques
1/23-1/29
Week 4
Read: ch. 1
Assignment 1 due
Read: ch. 2
Assignment 1 revision
Read: ch. 5
Vocal delivery and control
Assignment 2 due
Read: ch. 11
Week 5
Studios and audio consoles
Assignment 2 revision
Read: ch. 6
2/6-2/12
Week 6
Field recording, location sound
Assignment 3 due
Read: ch. 12
Multitrack production
Speakers
Assignment 3 revision
Read: ch. 4
1/30-2/5
2/13-2/19
Week 7
2/20-2/26
Week 8
Introduction to effects processing
Assignment 4 due
Read: ch. 9
2/27-3/5
Week 9
SPRING BREAK
3/6-3/12
Week 10
Intro to audio for video
3/13-3/19
Week 11
3/20-3/26
Dialog editing, music, and sound effects
Week 12
Mixing and processing for video
Jingles and Jargon
Assignment 4 revision
Read: ch. 15
Assignment 5 due
Read: ch. 16
Assignment 5 revision
Read: ch. 21
3/27-4/2
The School of Communication Emphasizes Analytical Thinking, Communication Skills, Interpretation of Converging Information,
Technological Development, and Integration of Theory and Practice
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The Nido R. Qubein School of Communication Values Expression, Integrity, Excellence, Accuracy, Diversity, Curiosity and Awareness
Week 13
Writing for the ear, communicating clearly with
audio only
Assignment 6 due
Read: ch. 22
Script revision
Audio for the internet and mobile devices
Assignment 6 revision
Read: ch. 18 and ch. 25
4/10-4/16
Week 15
Game Sound
Read: ch. 19
4/17-4/23
Week 16
Analysis and feedback
Rough mix of Assignment 7
Final mix due at final exam time
4/3-4/9
Week 14
4/24-4/30
Last Class Day of Semester: April 26
Reading Day: April 27
Final Exam time: https://www.highpoint.edu/registrar/final-exam-schedule/ - activity will be review of final
mixes
Nido R. Qubein School of Communication Policies, Practices and Expectations
Students are expected to adhere to all standards outlined in the School of Communication’s Policies, Practices,
and Expectations located at http://www.highpoint.edu/communication/files/nqsc_syllabus_policies.pdf unless
alternate standards are specifically outlined elsewhere in this syllabus.
The School of Communication Emphasizes Analytical Thinking, Communication Skills, Interpretation of Converging Information,
Technological Development, and Integration of Theory and Practice
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