Sound Design—Courses

Physics concepts and methods associated with musical instruments, musical recording, and musical acoustics are discussed at an introductory level. Topics include periodic motion, normal modes and resonance, superposition and Fourier series, waves, sound and acoustics, magnetism and electromagnetic induction, and topics from non-linear physics. Course is also offered online on demand in spring and summer semesters.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1031(C) or MA 1032(C)

A companion hands-on lab course covering topics from PH1090.
Credits: 1.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Pre-Requisite(s): PH 1090(C)

A hands-on introduction to mixing music with emphasis on the support of musical principles and style. Students develop a technical understanding of and practice the manipulation of volume, frequency, dynamics, pitch, and time to support the focus, rhythm, melody, and mood of a wide variety of musical styles.
Credits: 1.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-2)
Semesters Offered: Spring

Overview of the basics of theatrical lighting, stage electrics, audio systems, and techniques for theatrical production. Focus on practical application of static and automated lighting for a theatrical production, including instrumentation and control. Introduction to live sound reinforcement, recording, and complex playback.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring

Introduction to designing sound through design projects. Focuses on fundamental technical understanding, practical design presentation techniques, specific drafting conventions, exploration of sound equipment, designer/ director/artist relationships, script analysis and design concepts, and design history.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Pre-Requisite(s): FA 1662 and FA 1664 and FA 1702

Students design, install, program, run, and record a major live production. Sound will be an essential part of the story telling experience requiring a close relationship with the actors and extensive integration with other design elements.
Credits: 1.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Sound Design, Theatre & Entertain Tech (BS), Theatre & Electr. Media Perf., Audio Production & Technology; May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
Pre-Requisite(s): FA 1662 and FA 1664 and FA 1702 and FA 2662 and FA 3730

Hands-on learning in the art of the recording engineer. Students develop an understanding of pop and classical recording approaches, skills to decide which approach is appropriate for a given task, and the technical knowledge necessary to implement the chosen approach.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Sound Design, Theatre & Entertain Tech (BS), Theatre & Electr. Media Perf., Audio Production & Technology
Pre-Requisite(s): FA 1662 and FA 1664 and FA 1702

Techniques for building and presenting an electronic and hardcopy design and technical professional portfolio for the theatre and entertainment industry. The final result of the course will be a portfolio of all work to date.
Credits: 1.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-1-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore

In depth study of Microphone and Loudspeaker design as it applies to usage in recording and live sound reinforcement with an emphasis on interaction with the acoustical environment.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Theatre & Entertain Tech (BS), Sound Design, Audio Production & Technology
Co-Requisite(s): FA 4741
Pre-Requisite(s): FA 1702 and FA 2662 and FA 3730 and PH 1090

Laboratory to practice the application of loudspeaker and microphone principles. Designed to be taken concurrently with FA4740 Transducer Theory.
Credits: 1.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Theatre & Entertain Tech (BS), Sound Design, Audio Production & Technology
Co-Requisite(s): FA 4740

Introduction to music fundamentals, including musical notation; major, minor and modal scales; intervals; and rhythm. Provides ear training and development of sight-singing capabilities. Introduces music writing, both manual and using computers. Utilizes Computer-Assisted Music Instruction Lab.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer

Skill acquisition in music reading, sight-singing, ear-training, conducting and formal analysis. Introduction to melodic and rhythmic performance systems. An aural reinforcement of concepts taught in FA2500.
Credits: 2.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-1-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall

Covers the musical, historical, and sociological elements of America's only original musical art form, jazz. Focuses on the major stylistic eras from 1900 to the present in addition to the major artists and their contributions. Emphasizes developing interactive, aural, and critical skills.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer - Offered alternate years beginning with the 2009-2010 academic year
Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1002 or UN 1003

This course will acquaint the student with the musical, historical, cultural, and sociological elements of Rock Music. It covers the major stylistic eras from 1948 - present, the "pre-rock" era and the major artists and their contributions. Emphasis is placed on students developing interactive, aural and critical skills.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer

This course surveys the development of film music. Students will learn how music functions to support the aesthetic/narrative elements of the story. Students will learn skills to identify how music manipulates the listener and how composers shape that manipulation.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer

Private music instruction on brass, woodwind, string, and percussion instruments, and harp, piano, voice, and guitar. Separate course fee required. One semester may be counted toward General Education Co-Curricular requirements. After enrolling, email lessons@mtu.edu.
Credits: 0.5; May be repeated; Graded Pass/Fail Only
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-1)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Contemporary Music will explore music from the late nineteenth century through today. The focus of the class will be modern composers' search for new sounds using electronic instruments, popular music, non-western music, and new performance techniques.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring - Offered alternate years beginning with the 2013-2014 academic year
Pre-Requisite(s): FA 2500

Fluency in reading, analyzing, and interpreting orchestral, band, and choral music scores; principles and techniques of conducting a music ensemble; live conducting experiences with music ensembles; in-depth analysis of live and recorded classical, jazz, and rock music; fundamentals of musicianship.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): FA 2500

This course explores the human perception of music and sound from the perspectives of psychology, physiology, and aesthetics. Topics include: musical analysis, evaluation of music, and historical contexts.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring, Summer - Offered alternate years beginning with the 2010-2011 academic year
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
Pre-Requisite(s): FA 2500

Study of fundamentals of tonal harmony, including expanded harmonies. Study of complex rhythms. Introduction to formal and harmonic analysis. Ear training and sight-reading. Utilizes synthesizers, computers, and music software.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): FA 2500 and (UN 1002 or UN 1003)

Developments in Western music from antiquity to the present. Includes a brief examination of pre-Christian, medieval, and Renaissance music. Concentrates on musical development of the baroque, classical, romantic, and twentieth-century periods. Emphasizes the relationship between music expression and society, including non-Western influences.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1002 or UN 1003

Overview of the basic techniques, theories, and terminology of technical theatre. Focus on practical application of stagecraft and rigging for a theatrical production, safety in technical theatre, physical theatre structures, production processes, and theatre organization.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring

Focuses on film narration and style within social, cultural, and historical contexts. Emphasizes critical engagement with film through discussion, presentations, and written analysis. May include small video production projects and opportunities to interact with filmmakers and industry professionals.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Basics of hand drafting conventions and standards used in the entertainment industry. Focus on design and technical techniques for views such as: ground plans, elevations, sections, detail drawings, orthographic projections, scale perspective drawings. Introduces industry-specific CAD programs.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring, Summer

Workshop practice in creative writing. May include fiction, nonfiction, poetry, screenplay, or hybrid forms. Stresses individual production through process-oriented writing exercises, small group workshops, individual conferences and creative theory with the goal of creating manuscripts of publishable quality.
Credits: 3.0; Repeatable to a Max of 6
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring - Offered alternate years beginning with the 2011-2012 academic year
Pre-Requisite(s): HU 2110(C)

Fundamentals of designing theatrical scenery through various explorations and projects. Focus on professional design development and presentation techniques: theatrical drafting conventions, renderings, scale models. Also, designer/director relationships, script analysis, research design concepts/history/styles. Students are introduced to a mainstage theatre design.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring - Offered alternate years beginning with the 2000-2001 academic year
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
Pre-Requisite(s): FA 1701

An examination of dramatic literature with an emphasis on theatre production. Students will examine a selection of plays each semester. Students can repeat the course up to four times; each semester examines different plays.
Credits: 1.0; Repeatable to a Max of 4
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Theatre & Entertain Tech (BA), Theatre & Entertain Tech (BS), Sound Design, Theatre & Electr. Media Perf., Audio Production & Technology; May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman

Considers technical, theoretical, aesthetic and ethical dimensions of documentary media through analysis and production.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall

An in-depth examination of theatre history from ancient Egypt through the eighteenth century. Studies how the interrelationships among technologies, ideologies, geography, history, architecture, politics, and social expectations affected theatre productions. Students will engage in group investigative research and reporting as well as individual study.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall

Examination of American and European theatre history from the 1700s to modern times. An emphasis on the interrelationships among technology and theatre space, design and drama, and how culture and society affected style.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring

Examines relationships among changing communication technologies and communication theories. Emphasizes issues involving emerging technologies and emerging theory.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring

Survey of the major mythological systems of the world with particular attention to those areas of commonality among various civilizations. Films may provide contextual background.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring, Summer - Offered alternate years beginning with the 2001-2002 academic year

The world history of art, sculpture, and architecture. Focuses from the Paleolithic period to the Renaissance. Discusses how art relates to religion and informs a more complete view of society and technology. Lecture/discussion/slides, group work, and presentations.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1002 or UN 1003

Survey of art in the Western world from the Renaissance to the 21st century. Emphasizes the characteristics of period style and the influence of the time on the artist.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1002 or UN 1003

Survey of film history and theory and their technological and sociocultural contexts. Focus on key concepts and movements such as narrative, auteurism, realism, and genre.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-2)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): HU 2324

This course focuses on mainstream and/or independent films in their historical and sociocultural contexts from selected regions such as Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.
Credits: 3.0; Repeatable to a Max of 6
Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-2-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): HU 2324

An introduction to reading and writing in contemporary and emerging creative writing, including, but not limited to, fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and screenplay. Stresses individual production through process-oriented writing exercises, small group workshops, individual conferences, and creative theory.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer

Workshop practice in creative writing. May include fiction, nonfiction, poetry, screenplay, or hybrid forms. Stresses individual production through process-oriented writing exercises, small group workshops, individual conferences and creative theory with the goal of creating manuscripts of publishable quality.
Credits: 3.0; Repeatable to a Max of 6
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring - Offered alternate years beginning with the 2011-2012 academic year
Pre-Requisite(s): HU 2110(C)

In-depth study of a limited number of Shakespearean plays with special attention to dramatic structure, character development, theme presentation, and theatre history. Includes extensive study of Renaissance influences, possibly film versions of selected plays, and examination of current critical theories.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Examines practices and issues of relational communication and encourages critical awareness of common assumptions. Topics include verbal and nonverbal cues, conflict models, friendship, intimacy, and the interpersonal significance of race, gender, class, and disability.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer

An approach to understanding organizations in their socio-historical contexts from a variety of theoretical perspectives in communication. Explores meanings, roles, relations, interactions, and structures from a communication perspective.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring

A study of written and oral communication in technical and scientific environments; emphasizes audience, writing processes, genres of scientific and technical discourse, visual communication, collaboration, professional responsibility, clear and correct expression. Students write and revise several documents and give oral report(s). Computer Intensive.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 or UN 2001

Provides an understanding of the legal basis of contracts and their enforcement in the areas of general contracts, contracts of commercial sales and of agency, and commercial paper.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman

Procedures and skills for effective stage management of theatrical productions, including coordination of performers and technicians during rehearsal and performance periods. Instruction in stage manager's notation used for blocking, scene shifts, and cues for lighting, sound, special effects, and performers.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring - Offered alternate years beginning with the 2009-2010 academic year
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
Pre-Requisite(s): FA 1701 and FA 1702

Covers principles of intellectual property lawy, addressing managerial and policy issues in copyright, trademark, trade secret, and patents. Readings and discussions also cover how these property and legal systems impact the balance between property exclusivity, technological innovation and public access.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore

Covers management issues associated with establishing a successful new enterprises as a small businesses or part of an existing firm. Emphasizes learning through creation of a business plan as well as case studies that develop an understanding of opportunity recognition, entrepreneurial teams, reward systems, financing alternatives, family ventures, ethical and legal contractual considerations, and resource needs.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore

Emphasizes decisions made in developing both strategic and tactical marketing plans. Uses computer simulations, experiential learning assignments, and marketing plan development to demonstrate principles of market segmentation, product development, pricing, distribution planning, and promotion.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman

Provides students the opportunity to attend professional events which contribute to the development of their careers. Students will experience seminars, workshops, performance opportunities, competitions, and may perform services and interact with professionals at such events as KCACTF, AES, USITT, and URTA.
Credits: 1.0; Repeatable to a Max of 6
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-1)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Sound Design, Theatre & Entertain Tech (BS), Theatre & Electr. Media Perf., Audio Production & Technology

Provides students the opportunity to present at professional events which contribute to the development of their careers. Students will prepare and present design, technical, or performance projects, papers, and/or posters to be viewed and critiqued by professionals at such events as KCACTF, AES, USITT, and URTA.
Credits: 1.0; Repeatable to a Max of 4
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-1)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): FA 3700(C) or FA 3730(C) or FA 3750(C) or FA 3760(C)