Typically, the Sound Arts program follows the below Course Sequence. However, Expression College for Digital Arts reserves the right to modify or change the school calendar, curriculum, class schedules and/or course sequence as it deems necessary to ensure that student and institutional goals are met.
Please note that only 2496 total contact hours are required for completion of the Sound Arts BAS program unless the student chooses to take the Independent Study elective which requires and additional 24 contact hours for a total of 2520 contact hours.
Course Descriptions:
General Education Courses For Sound Arts
ANTH110: Cultural Anthropology
Class Contact Hours (30) Semester Credit Units (2)
Prerequisites: None
A comparative examination of family organizations, personal kinship, marriage, household, and family conventions within the context of class, gender, race, ethnicity, ruralization, urbanization, and globalization across different social and cultural systems. Students will study global norms, and use research materials and multimedia channels to analyze and frame cultural facets within a historic context. Outcomes include an in-depth understanding of social organizations, including group dynamics and the role that cultural differences can play in global society. Students will be assessed using in-class and self-directed work, which includes research assignments, analysis, multimedia presentations, and topic-based reporting.
PSY111: Introduction to Psychology
Class Contact Hours (45) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: None
This course serves as an introduction to psychology, focusing on the examination of historic developments and empirical approaches. Students will explore ideas of perception, cognition, personality and social psychology, and biological aspects of behavior. Topics include the development of personality, achievement motivation, self-understanding, and anti-social behavior. The course surveys current theories in psychology, cognitive science, and behavioral economics.
ENG112: American Literature
Class Contact Hours (30) Semester Credit Units (2)
Prerequisites: None
An introductory study of several genres of American literature, emphasizing both analysis of particular works and the range of forms and styles in prose and poetry; students will analyze the stylistic and technical attributes of American literary masters through the evaluation of representative texts, primary sources, and multimedia channels. Class topics include postcolonial literature; literature from the South, Native American literature, Jazz Age, and Harlem renaissance, and crime/mystery/science fiction through history. Frequent writing assignments will be made, including analysis of source material, topic research, and style essays. Students are assessed and graded on journal entries, research papers, and in-class participation.
ENG114: Analytical Writing
Class Contact Hours (30) Semester Credit Units (2)
Prerequisites: None
A constructive introduction to the practice of written analysis; students classify and categorize literary elements, develop thesis statements, and identify themes. Heavy emphasis is placed on analysis and interpretation of information and texts as well as critical reasoning and strategies. Students will develop a critical voice, and will learn how to read and write from an analytical perspective. Texts include the Modern Language Association handbook, and a collection of modern American short stories and prose.
ENG120: Creative Writing
Class Contact Hours (45) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: None
This course presents the principles of writing fiction. Students will write both in prescribed forms and in experimental forms. Style, language, and structure in prose and poetry will be examined, and topic and thematic-based writing will be used to assess aesthetic choices and stylistic development. Students will learn best practices in developing and revising original composition, and will develop an aesthetic identity and personal frame of reference through developmental writing assignments and analysis.
PSY121: Sociology
Class Contact Hours (30) Semester Credit Units (2)
Prerequisites: None
A survey and exploration of sociological concepts and perspectives concerning human groups and infrastructure.; aspects of study include development of groups and related socialization trends, culture, organization, roles and facets of past and modern societies, and conformity and deviance in societies. Students will analyze data through research and text analysis, with a specific focus on theory and application. Students will develop a greater understanding of social organization and how it conditions human behavior.
SOC131: Popular Culture
Class Contact Hours (45) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: None
This course will survey the social mechanisms that shape modern popular culture. High, folk, and mass culture will be covered and related to the historical emergence of popular culture. Topics include mass media, commercialization, ideology, and cultural styles. Theories and methods for analyzing cultural expressions in popular music, art, film, television, and advertising will be presented. Students will be introduced to the ethical and economic issues that define popular culture, and will complete the course with a better understanding of the forces and events that shape current consciousness.
SCI141: Concepts in Science
Class Contact Hours (45) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: None
This course presents essential principles in science, including an overview of systems and practices in physical, chemical, and biological science such as scale, energy, time, and systems of measurement. Related topics include the scientific method, good and bad science, research, and writing in the physical sciences. Students will develop an understanding of the scientific method and its approaches to problem solving.
HIS151: Modern Western Civilization
Class Contact Hours (45) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: None
The growth of Western Civilization from antiquity to the present, emphasizing themes in social, religious, military and political organization, and art and literature that reflect cultural interaction and change. This course emphasizes the political, social, cultural, and intellectual characteristics of history which influenced the 21st century. Students will use text and multimedia to enhance their understanding, and will be assessed using in-class presentation, personal journal writing, and special project development.
MAT160: Mathematical Concepts
Class Contact Hours (30) Semester Credit Units (2)
Prerequisites: None
Concepts in polynomials, factoring equations, graphs, logarithms, and inequalities designed to prepare the student for college work in mathematics. Students will improve their analytical skills, including formulating mathematical solutions to a wide array of real-world problems, and will solidify a foundation in core concepts.
HIS221: American History
Class Contact Hours (45) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: None
The experience of the American people from the Colonial Era to the present, emphasizing themes of immigration, slavery, commerce, personal liberty, culture, warfare, and the growth of democratic institutions. Students will develop independent, critical, analytical skills to assess political and socioeconomic developments in American History.
MAT260: Geometry
Class Contact Hours (30) Semester Credit Units (2)
Prerequisites: None
Vector analysis, curves, and surfaces in three dimensions are covered through an understanding of planar and solid geometry. Students will develop a college-level understanding of the importance of geometry and the role it plays in diverse applications. Topics will include properties and angles of shapes, space analysis, application and use of coordinates, and formulating
accurate proofs.
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Common Core Classes
Common core courses at Expression are professional studies courses that are relevant to students in all programs of study. Common core courses give students the opportunity to work with students from other programs as well as their own. Students are required to take all common core courses as part of their respective program requirements.
CC101: Media Sound and Visual 1
Class Contact Hours (33) Lab Contact Hours (54) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: None
The Media Sound and Visual 1 (MSV 1) course is focused on the visual aspects of digital media production and gives students the opportunity to work collaboratively while creating a short-form cinema project. From writing an original script and creating storyboards to directing, shooting, and editing, students are immersed in the complete production process from start to finish. Students learn how to use digital video cameras, lighting equipment, production sound equipment, and non-linear digital video editing systems. The experience that students gain during the production of an original movie will serve them throughout their career as well as lay the foundation upon which the understanding of more advanced concepts can be developed.
CC102: Media Sound and Visual 2
Class Contact Hours (33) Lab Contact Hours (54) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: Successful completion of CC101 Media Sound and Visual 1
Media Sound and Visual 2 (MSV 2) is an innovative introduction to the fundamental concepts, techniques, equipment, and terminology associated with sound. Through lectures, demonstrations, and discussion students sample the aesthetics, history, physics, mathematics, biology, electronics, and psychology between 20Hz to 20KHz. In laboratory, theoretical knowledge is put to practical use as students step through an entire audio post-production cycle with their films from the previous class.
CC103: Living in a Media World 1
Class Contact Hours (30) Lab Contact Hours (30) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: None
Living in a Media World 1 (LMW1) is an introductory course covering theoretical and artistic principles in visual and aural production. Students will be taught basic design, sound and motion software to apply theoretical concepts to their own artistic development. Students will be exposed to artistic work created by some of today’s leading artists in order to gain insight on applying technique to theory. The class will also provide an environment where students can share their work and ideas as well as critique each other’s progress. All artistic, technical, and theoretical work will culminate in a collaborative project in the form of a creative pitch and a final project plan for a podcast.
CC104: Living in a Media World 2
Class Contact Hours (30) Lab Contact Hours (30) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: Successful completion of CC103 Living in a Media World 1
Living in a Media World 2 (LMW 2) is the second part to a two-course sequence. It is a project-based class focused on creating an online presence. Students will build on visual and aural knowledge while producing a video podcast and a flash website to host the podcast. The class will also provide an environment where students can share their work and ideas as well as critique each other’s progress in production, Web design, and post-production. Lectures will cover media theory, Flash 8, Reason, Final Cut Pro, Pro Tools, and Photoshop.
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CC401: Professional Life Skills
Class Contact Hours (30) Lab Contact Hours (30) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: None
The Professional Life Skills course is designed to help prepare students for employment, professional interaction, and living skills. Students will experience and explore many of the necessary techniques and tools needed to find employment and be successful in a professional setting. Creation of a professional presentation package is emphasized, as well as interviewing skills, business etiquette, networking, and personal marketing techniques.
CC402: Business of Media
Class Contact Hours (45) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: None
The course objective is to provide students practical insights into the dynamic industry of media business. This is accomplished through detailed analysis of what considerations today’s industry is facing as well as in-depth explorations of such business aspects as contracts, corporate structures, and negotiation tactics. Also covered are presentation, raising capital, construction, contractual agreements, marketing, personnel, client satisfaction, downside risk analysis, and the myriad other responsibilities and considerations with which students will be challenged.
CC403: DVD Authoring
Class Contact Hours (24) Lab Contact Hours (42) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: None
The DVD Authoring course guides students through an in-depth exploration of the complex new tools and techniques used to create content for optical disc storage technology-- the Digital Versatile Disc (DVD). Students will gain unique insights into the DVD format, production processes, MPEG-2 compression techniques, and tools required to take full advantage of this medium. Students participate in every aspect of DVD pre-mastering and mastering, from the initial project planning, menu design, and bit budgeting to the actual assemblage and editing of audio and visual assets to create the disc image. Students are also given an in-depth look at DVD specifications so that their skills can be applied to any DVD workstation. All students are required to complete their own personal DVD portfolio by the end of the course.
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Sound Arts Bachelor of Applied Science Degree Program Course Sequence
SA101: Music Theory 1
Class Contact Hours (30) Lab Contact Hours (30) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: None
In the Music Theory 1 course, students are introduced to such basic musical principles as notation, staffs, clefs, scales, and chords. Included are detailed studies of meter, rhythm, and note/time values. Students explore song structure, orchestral instrumentation, and reading scores to apply theory in studio applications. Critical listening exercises are the focus in lecture and lab, as well as musical instruments and their properties.
SA102: Music Theory 2
Class Contact Hours (30) Lab Contact Hours (30) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: SA101 Music Theory 1
Music Theory 2 expands upon the students’ knowledge of theory. It also strives to heighten each student’s critical-listening abilities through a series of innovative exercises. Students explore composition, technological effects, the components of rhythm, and the correlation between different periods of music styles. Students are also required to compose a short piece of music in this course to become more familiar with creating and reading a score.
SA201: Basic Recording 1
Class Contact Hours (36) Lab Contact Hours (48) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: None
Basic Recording 1 gives students a solid foundation in the essential concepts, principles, and terminology of sound recording through extensive hands-on practice and in-depth classroom discussions during labs and recording sessions. Analog audio consoles, analog and digital multi-track recorders, microphones, signal flow, and signal processors are just a few of the pieces of professional audio equipment encountered in this course. In addition to the necessary technical skills, students learn to develop a professional work ethic and client/co-worker relation skills by participating in numerous recording and mixing sessions. Students are given a tactile performance exam upon completion of this course to ensure that they leave with a solid foundation of the basic principles and operating techniques used in today’s world of audio production.
SA202: Basic Recording 2
Class Contact Hours (36) Lab Contact Hours (48) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: SA201 Basic Recording 1
Students continue to improve their proficiency for operating professional audio equipment in the Basic Recording 2 course. Students apply their knowledge during a number of music recording sessions that are designed to challenge them to adapt their recording skills for a variety of recording sessions. Recording and production techniques, signal processing and mixing, and signal flow and patch procedures are practiced along with analog tape editing and techniques and digital audio editing. Students are given a tactile performance exam upon completion of this course to ensure that they leave with a solid foundation of the basic principles and operating techniques used in today’s world of audio production.
SA203: History of Music Production
Class Contact Hours (45) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: None
The History of Music Production course details the people involved in recording music as well as the techniques used, from the early pioneers to today’s top music producers. Discussions include the major technological developments that impacted music production, the origins of audio recording, individual production styles, and future developments. Musical producers and styles as well as the evolution of modern recording techniques are explored through critical listening exercises.
SA204: Studio Maintenance 1
Class Contact Hours (36) Lab Contact Hours (48) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: SA202 Basic Recording 2
The Studio Maintenance 1 course is an introduction to the basic principles and concepts of audio electronics, with explorations of the nature and function of components, cables, and connectors. In practical application, students are challenged to “virtually” wire a studio, as well as build several electronic projects and utilize a variety of test equipment including multi-meters and oscilloscopes. Students are also challenged to examine the world of soldering and test equipment.
SA205: Studio Maintenance 2
Class Contact Hours (60) Lab Contact Hours (41) Semester Credit Units (4.7)
Prerequisites: SA204 Studio Maintenance 1
In Studio Maintenance 2, students participate in projects where they build an electronic device as well as hone their cable-making skills. In this process, they creatively apply and solidify what they have learned about electronics. Analog alignment and tape machine calibration are explored in depth in this portion of the course, and students are required to take a tactile performance evaluation to prove their mastery of the skills presented to them. Studio “work-around” and troubleshooting techniques are presented and thoroughly discussed. Active and passive components are also explored, along with electrical safety practices and grounding.
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SA206: MIDI 1
Class Contact Hours (36) Lab Contact Hours (48) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: None
Modern production techniques have been greatly influenced by the development of the Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI), a digital communications language and hardware-compatibility specification that allows computers, electronic instruments, and other devices to transmit and receive data within a network. Students are introduced to MIDI principles and concepts, components, functions and fundamentals, and the proper interfacing procedures for a full range of MIDI production applications. Students also explore sequencing, sampling, and synthesis techniques on today’s most advanced MIDI synthesizers, samplers, and sound modules. MIDI instruments, operation, and interconnection are also explored in lecture and lab.
SA301: MIDI 2
Class Contact Hours (36) Lab Contact Hours (48) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: SA206 MIDI 1
The MIDI 2 course ensures that students have a firm grasp of the fundamental principles of MIDI, and gives the students several production-oriented opportunities to creatively apply and enhance their MIDI skills with their personal MIDI lab projects using Apple’s Logic Pro. The MIDI specification is examined in great detail, as are MIDI-based editors/librarians, notation and music printing programs, MIDI signal processors, MIDI synchronization, and MIDI-based mixing and automation. MIDI messages, instruments, alternate controllers, and advanced MIDI production techniques are covered at great length in both lecture and lab. Projects for the class include composing and sequencing an original song, as well as completing a soundscape for a short piece of video with the elements of sound design and music. Expression College is an Apple Certified Training Location and students will be able to attempt the Logic Pro Certification exam at the end of the course.
Intermediate Recording and Production 1 enhances and supplements the material presented in the Basic Recording courses by offering the students numerous opportunities to apply their full complement of developed skills. Students will gain a thorough understanding of recording systems from Neve and Solid State Logic, among others, expanding their already vast knowledge of console signal flow and outboard signal processing. Students participate in several recording sessions, utilizing the leading technologies in professional audio equipment to prepare for Intermediate Recording and Production 2, where they will focus on mixing techniques.
SA303: Intermediate Recording and Production 2
Class Contact Hours (36) Lab Contact Hours (48) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: CSA311 Intermediate Recording and Production 1
Intermediate Recording and Production 2 gives students several opportunities to apply concepts and practical skills through detailed explorations of the operation of digital signal processors. Students examine dynamics processors and are presented with the basics of console recall and automation systems, including VCA and moving fader. Mixing techniques and critical listening are explored in great length in Intermediate 2 labs.
SA304: Digital Audio Workstations 1
Class Contact Hours (24) Lab Contact Hours (42) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: SA301 MIDI 2
The Digital Audio Workstations 1 Course prepares the students for upper level Pro Tools Operator certification courses in Digital Audio Workstations 2 by working with Pro Tools LE. Students will explore introductory level Pro Tools hardware and software functionality accompanied by the Pro Tools 101 and 110 coursework. Throughout the course students cover basic Pro Tools principles giving them what they need to complete a Pro Tools project from initial set up to final mixdown. Whether their project involves recording of live instruments, MIDI sequencing of software synthesizers, or audio looping, this course will give students the basic skills to succeed. In Pro Tools 110 students take a more detailed look at the Pro Tools system. This course covers all the key concepts and skills needed to operate a Pro Tools system and provides the foundation for the later 200-series Pro Tools Music Production and Post-production courses.
SA305: Audio Post-Production
Class Contact Hours (30) Lab Contact Hours (60) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: SA304 Digital Audio Workstations 1
As the world of Post Production undergoes rapid change in today's media industry, so do the tools and techniques. Though most of the fundamental principles remain the same, the methods of post production audio for TV, Radio, Film, and Animation are changing at an accelerated rate, and through the Audio Post Production course students will come to understand the methods of advanced DAW applications and techniques. Throughout the Post Production course, students will acquire skills in Sound Design, ADR, and Foley recording. Fundamental skills such as documentation and CPU file management are introduced and practiced at great length. Students will also have three projects to complete by the end of the course incorporating their new found skills by creating music beds, sound EFX from scratch and from libraries, recording and syncing ADR, and recording and syncing Foley. From the workflow to the final mix, students will dive into an audio world that brings the visual world to life.
The Live Sound and Lighting 1 course is designed to give students practical experience in the setup and operation of the audio and lighting equipment used for major concert production. The different positions in a live sound event are introduced, as well as the differences between studio and live sound engineering in preparation for Live Sound 2 events. Sound reinforcement, concert lighting systems, live sound mixing, and the various roles of touring personnel are explored and discussed.
SA307 Live Sound 2
Class Contact Hours (24) Lab Contact Hours (42) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: SA306 Live Sound 1
The Live Sound and Lighting 2 course addresses the unique requirements for theatre sound, lighting, video, and web-streaming for today’s high-tech multimedia concerts. Students participate in labs and gain experience in production management, front of house and monitor engineering, moving/computerized lighting, video production, and web-streaming/video switching by engineering live concerts that contain multiple genres of music.
SA308: Digital Audio Workstations 2
Class Contact Hours (30) Lab Contact Hours (60) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: SA202 Basic Recording 2 and SA301 MIDI 2
The Digital Audio Workstations 2 course prepares students to take the Pro Tools Operator Certification exam using the Pro Tools 201 and Pro Tools 210M course work. Students study Pro Tools Production Essentials and cover the core concepts and skills needed to operate a Digidesign Pro Tools|HD system. In Pro Tools 210M, students study Music Production Techniques and cover techniques for working with Pro Tools systems in a professional music production environment. Concepts and skills learned in 101, 110, and 201 are reinforced with practical music-specific examples, and students apply previous knowledge of MIDI, mixing, and tracking. All aspects of digital editing, clocking, tracking, mixing, mastering, surround / DTS encoding, and MIDI production are explained in detail, and students have their own studio for hands-on training during their labs.
SA401: Game Audio
Class Contact Hours (30) Lab Contact Hours (60) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: SA305 Audio Post-production
The world of multimedia has not only expanded into popular music and film, but into audio for gaming as well; a career path chosen by many audio engineers today. This course focuses on skill sets needed to obtain entry-level positions at gaming companies upon graduation. From sound for toys, ring tones, and game audio, students will be taken on a journey through the world of interactive audio. Sample Rate and Bit Rate manipulation are explored at great length, as well as file size limitations and terms such as streaming versus RAM-loaded audio. Students will also develop an understanding of the differences between SFX design for film and television, and the considerations for SFX design in the Game Audio world. Projects will include creating SFX for a toy, creating ring tones, recording and editing voice for automated phone systems, as well as creating ambiences, music beds, and SFX and dialogue for video games.
SA402: Advanced Recording and Production 1
Class Contact Hours (36) Lab Contact Hours (48) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: SA401 Game Audio, SA307 Live Sound & Lighting 2, SA303 Intermediate Recording & Production 2 , SA101 Music Theory 2, and SA203 History of Music Production
In Advanced Recording and Production 1, students receive comprehensive training on the SSL 9000 while discussing topics such as album concept, studio etiquette, and reinforcing production techniques such as stereo miking, and signal processing. Students then prepare themselves for their class project using Pro Tools for music engineering. In addition, the subjects of synchronization, multi-channel mixing and mastering, automations systems, and project pre-production are covered in greater depth. Students will be challenged to apply the complete set of skills that they have acquired to sharpen their artistic and technological capabilities in the studio for their record production sessions with a live artist in Advanced Recording and Production 2.
SA403: Advanced Recording and Production 2
Class Contact Hours (36) Lab Contact Hours (48) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: SA402 Advanced Recording and Production 1
Completing this course is one of the last steps students take before heading out into the professional audio industry. Students participate in a project in which they independently produce a professional quality CD recording of a musical act, using the same equipment found in the most prestigious studios in the world. In addition, this course presents information related to acquiring and maintaining a job in the professional audio community and how to tie together all of the elements generated in a professional recording project to produce a production master. Other topics expanded upon include digital mixing techniques, console automation systems, recording and overdubbing techniques, and mastering.
SA404: Studio Etiquette and Psychology
Class Contact Hours (30) Lab Contact Hours (30) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: SA403 Advanced Recording and Production 2
Studio Etiquette and Psychology focuses on developing interpersonal skills that are specific to the studio environment. The exploration of various sociological and psychological approaches will include studies of personality types and dramatizations of difficult studio situations. Students will utilize all requisite skills they have gained over their academic careers, practicing their studio etiquette in varied, intense, hands-on sessions. In addition, students will explore for themselves by using preliminary self-analysis, sociological and psychological models, and studies of personality types. They will come to understand these subjects through critical applications and group work, hypothetical scenarios, and live studio dramatizations.
SA406 Elective: Independent Study
Class Contact Hours (90) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: SA404 Studio Etiquette & must have faculty sponsor.
Independent study provides students the opportunity to pursue individualized
study, and is student initiated, advanced level study, focused on specific learning objectives. Students work one-on-one with a faculty member to create learning objectives, goals, and evaluation methods. The purpose of Independent Study is to allow students to pursue advanced academic study in areas where he/she has a foundational background. Students must be prepared to work independently and to meet regularly with a faculty sponsor. Faculty sponsors must be qualified to evaluate your work. Independent Study is intended for advanced-level students who have a substantial background in a particular area and are interested in doing specialized work in that area. Independent study is not appropriate for first or second year students.
SA407 Audio Post-Production 2
Class Contact Hours (30) Lab Contact Hours (60) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: SA305 Audio Post-Production 1
Building upon the foundation of the student’s previous Audio Post-Production course work, Audio Post-Production 2 introduces students to the Pro Tools Operator certification course work, 210P. Concepts and skills learned in 101, 110, and 201 are reinforced with practical post-specific examples including synchronizing Pro Tools for Audio Post, Linear Video, Non-Linear Video, Media Station PT software, recording and editing ADR, surround sound, and mixing to picture including snap shot automation. Digital picture integration with an emphasis on working with AVID media and final layback are also explored. Conceptual Post-Production and SFX design techniques are also enhanced and students work towards a final portfolio piece to showcase their new found talents.
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