Writing with Sound
In this collaborative, project-based course, students will learn to script, design, edit, and produce an original podcast about UVA’s Memorial to Enslaved Laborers. In addition to reading about and practicing professional audio storytelling techniques (e.g. interviewing, writing for the ear, sound design), students will research and reflect upon the history of slavery at the University of Virginia—including its connections to present day racism and white supremacy in Charlottesville and beyond. No experience with digital audio editing is necessary. Beginners welcome!
COURSE INFO
Bryan Hall 328 | TuTh 2:00p-3:15p | Fall 2021
Instructor: Professor Steph Ceraso
304-A Bryan Hall | slc7wd@virginia.edu
Office Hours: Wednesdays 10:00a-1:00p & by appt; please email me in advance if you plan to come to office hours so I can space out meeting times
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Learning Goals
In this course you’ll learn to…
-Describe and apply key concepts of audio storytelling
-Develop critical listening practices for engaging and composing with sound
-Collaboratively produce an original podcast episode using digital tools
-Assess your own and your peers’ work in written reflections and discussions
-Gain a deep understanding of the history of slavery and racism at UVA
-Think critically about the purpose and impact of memorials
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Course Texts + Technologies
There are no required texts for this course. I will provide you with PDFs or links to all of the readings. I would recommend that you buy your own headphones or earbuds if you do not already own a pair. You will be able to freely access all other technologies you need for the course. We will talk more about this the first week of class.
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Learning Activities
Participation [30%]: In this class, participation means taking part in in-class activities and exercises, discussions, workshops. It also means being a reliable collaborator when working with your team outside of class. See “How to Do Well in This Class” for more info about how participation will be evaluated.
Listening Journals [20%]: You will be asked to listen and respond to 5 different podcast episodes in the first half of the semester. See “Listening Journals” for specific guidelines and “How to Do Well in This Class” for more info about how listening journals will be evaluated.
Collaborative Podcast Project [50%]: This semester-long project involves working collaboratively to produce an original 4 episode podcast about UVA’s Memorial to Enslaved Laborers. Each student will be on a team assigned to one of these episodes. The podcast project requires each team member to contribute to research, interviewing, writing, audio storytelling, sound design, and editing. It also entails participating in “crits” or peer feedback workshops, writing progress reports, and writing reflections. See “Podcast Project” for specific guidelines and “How to Do Well in This Class” for more info about how the podcast project will be evaluated.
Writing with Sound 