Course Syllabus

DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC 

1321 OLD MAIN 

WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY 

(313) 577-1795  FAX (313) 577-5420 

 

COURSE SYLLABUS 

MUA 2500 

Introduction to Music Technology 

F23

 Instructor: Leith Campbell 

 Course Time/Days:  Wednesday 5:30-8:00 

 Course Location:  2220 Old Main 

 Instructor's Office Location:  2220 Old Main

 Instructor's Phone & Email Address: (810)-300-4582 an1430@wayne.edu 

 Instructor's Office Hours:  By Appointment Online and In Person

 

Learning Outcomes:  Music Technology has become an intrinsic part of all forms of music making, from composition to creation to recording to distribution.  A basic understanding of the underlying technology is essential for any pathway you may choose to follow in music.  This course will strive to give a broad survey of the various means technology can aid us in the creation and dissemination of music.  Topics will include the basic theories of Digital Audio, recording, sequencing, signal processing, and digital notation. Upon completion of the course you will be able to: 

• Record and edit live audio in a digital audio workstation. 
• Manipulate audio using various signal processing techniques. 

• Sequence original music using MIDI notation in a digital audio workstation. 
• Create a score in a digital notation program. 
• Do basic synchronization of audio with video. 
• Be able to describe the basic signal flow of audio from the sound source, through the technology and back out of the speakers. 

 

Course Materials:   

• A full computer (not a tablet) with a working sound card and webcam.
• High Speed Internet Access
• Access to cloud storage, either the WSU provided OneDrive or an external service.  Note that as we progress in the class, the file sizes will become quite large; plan accordingly. 
• Headphones with a ¼" jack, or a 3.5mm to ¼" adaptor.  I highly recommend investing in a higher quality set of ‘over the ear’ headphones which will provide a far better representation of the audible frequency range than earbuds.
• There is no assigned text.  All class material will be presented in lecture and you will be given a copy of the lecture notes.  This is the material that will appear on any exams or quizzes. 

 Prerequisites:  None 

 Grading:  

• Homework (4) 15% 
• Class Participation 10% 
• Projects (3) 45% 

• Midterm Exam 15% 
• Final Project 15% 
• A = 90%+ B = 80-89% C=70-79% D=60-69% F<=59% 

 Class Participation: You level of involvement in the class is, as stated above, 10% of your grade. 

 Incompletes:  Incompletes are reserved for extraordinary circumstances such as personal emergencies that can be documented. An incomplete may be granted when, in the judgment of the instructor, a student can successfully complete the work of the course without attending regular class sessions.  Incompletes that are not converted to a letter grade within one year will automatically revert to an F (failing grade). 

 Withdrawing from Class:  In the first two weeks of the term, students can drop this class and receive 100% tuition and course fee cancellation. After the end of the second week there is no tuition or fee cancellation. Students who wish to withdraw from the class must initiate a withdrawal request on Pipeline. You will receive a transcript notation of WP (passing), WF (failing), or WN (no graded work) at the time of withdrawal. No withdrawals can be initiated after the end of the tenth week. Students enrolled in the 10th week and beyond will receive a grade. Students who stop attending class but do not request a withdrawal will receive an automatic F (failing grade). Because withdrawing from courses may have negative academic and financial consequences, students considering course withdrawal should make sure they fully understand all the consequences before taking this step. More information on this can be found at:  

http://reg.wayne.edu/pdf-policies/students.pdf 

 Make-up Work and Extra Credit:  Late work will be accepted with a 2% grade reduction for every day it is not turned in, until you reach 60% (that makes 20 days), unless it is never turned in, which is still a 0%.  It behooves your final grade to turn in your work no matter how late.

 Grade Appeals:  The college policy for appealing a final grade can be found at: 

http://www.cfpca.wayne.edu/current-students.php#Grade_Appeal 

 Policy Statements 

 Attendance: 

• I expect you at every class, on time.  
• Attendance affects your final grade. 
• If you miss more than two classes without a proper excuse, your participation grade will be 0%.  

• Tardiness is disruptive and disrespectful to your peers. For every tardy to class beyond your third, I reserve the right to drop your final grade by 5%. If you are not in class when I take attendance, it is your responsibility to remind me to put your attendance in.  If you don't remind me it will be an absence.
• If you miss the first two classes of the semester, you may be dropped from the class. 
• This class only meets once a week. If you miss more than four classes, excused or unexcused, I reserve the right to fail you. 
• You are responsible for all material covered in the class regardless of your attendance. I will not teach a lecture twice; ask your classmates for their notes.

 Canvas:  All readings and assignments will be on Canvas. 

 Cell Phones: Cell Phone use is not allowed during lecture or discussion.  This will have direct effect on your class participation grade.   

Health and Safety Standards: The Department of Music provides a Health and Wellness resource page for the student body, which addresses issues related to hearing, vocal, and musculoskeletal health There you will find information related to health and safety standards, hazards and procedures inherent in practice, performance, teaching and listening.  The information includes on-campus and off-campus resources. The student Health and Wellness page may be found at the following link:  http://music.wayne.edu/studenthealthandwellness.php 

University policies

Class recordings

Students need prior written permission from the instructor before recording any portion of this class. If permission is granted, the audio and/or video recording is to be used only for the student’s personal instructional use. Such recordings are not intended for a wider public audience, such as postings to the internet or sharing with others. Students registered with Student Disabilities Services (SDS) who wish to record class materials must present their specific accommodation to the instructor, who will subsequently comply with the request unless there is some specific reason why they cannot, such as discussion of confidential or protected information. Violations of this syllabus policy may result in charges under the student code of conduct.

Religious holidays (from the online Academic Calendar)

Because of the extraordinary variety of religious affiliations of the University student body and staff, the Academic Calendar makes no provisions for religious holidays. However, it is University policy to respect the faith and religious obligations of the individual. Students with classes or examinations that conflict with their religious observances are expected to notify their instructors well in advance so that mutually agreeable alternatives may be worked out.

Land acknowledgement

Wayne State University rests on Waawiyaataanong (Waa-we-yaa-tih-nong), also referred to as Detroit, the ancestral and contemporary homeland of the Three Fires Confederacy. These sovereign lands were granted by the Ojibwe (Oh-jib-way), Odawa (Oh-daa-waa), Potawatomi (Pow-tuh-waa-tuh-mee), and Wyandot nations, in 1807, through the Treaty of Detroit. Wayne State University affirms Indigenous sovereignty and honors all tribes with a connection to Detroit. With our Native neighbors, WSU can advance educational equity and promote a better future for the earth and all people.

Student Disability Services

If you have a documented disability that requires accommodations, you will need to register with Student Disability Services (SDS) for coordination of your academic accommodations. Please visit https://studentdisability.wayne.edu to register your condition. Once you have accommodations in place, please inform your instructor. Student Disability Services’ mission is to assist the University in creating an accessible community where students with disabilities have an equal opportunity to fully participate in their educational experience at WSU. SDS supports students with a variety of conditions, such as mental health disorders, learning disabilities, chronic health conditions, etc.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

It is quite common for college students to experience mental health challenges, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, that interfere with academic performance and negatively impact daily life. Help is available for any currently enrolled WSU student who is struggling with a mental health difficulty. Go to https://caps.wayne.edu for information on the services offered and how to access them. Other options, for students and non-students, include the Mental Health and Wellness Clinic at the College of Education (https://education.wayne.edu/mental-health-and-wellness-clinic). Services at all these clinics are free and confidential. Remember that getting help, before stress reaches a crisis point, is a smart and courageous thing to do – for yourself, and for those you care about. CAPS provides afterhours/weekend crisis support: students living on campus can call (313) 577-2277, and all others, call (313) 577-9982. In a life-threatening emergency, call the WSU Police at 313-577-2222.

Sexual Misconduct and Title IX

Most faculty and staff are considered “Responsible Employees” and are required to report information they receive about incidents of sexual misconduct (including sexual assault, stalking, dating/domestic violence, and sexual harassment) to the Title IX Coordinator when it involves a student.

Confidential support is available 24/7 through the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) (https://www.rainn.org/). Call 1-800-656-4673 or Chat (https://hotline.rainn.org/online) with a professional support specialist.

Options for Self-Reporting Sexual Misconduct

Any student impacted by sexual misconduct or sexual harassment has the right to report to the University (i.e., Responsible Employee or Title IX Coordinator), to law enforcement (i.e., WSUPD or other jurisdiction), to both, or to neither. Every Warrior is encouraged to make the reporting decision that is right for them.

Reporting to the University The Title IX Office (https://titleix.wayne.edu/) is available to consult with individuals impacted by sexual violence or discrimination regarding resource referrals, supportive and protective measures, and reporting and resolution options. Where WSU has jurisdiction, the affected party may request an administrative investigation by the University.

Phone: 313-577-9999 Email: TitleIX@wayne.edu

Reporting to Law Enforcement The WSU Police Department (https://police.wayne.edu/) is available 24/7 to assist individuals reporting criminal activity or concerns on or near campus. Report off-campus incidents to the appropriate police jurisdiction. In the event of an emergency or imminent threat, reporting to the police is highly encouraged.

Phone: 313-577-2222

Every Warrior has the right to live, learn, and work at WSU – free from Harassment or Discrimination. If you or someone you know has been impacted by sexual violence or discrimination, please visit TitleIX.wayne.edu to learn more about resources and support on campus and in the community.

Food Pantry and Basic Needs

Wayne State has a food pantry, a free resource available for all students. See the hours on the website https://thew.wayne.edu/pantry.

Learning is always more challenging when you are struggling to meet basic needs. Wayne State recognizes that you may face a number of challenges during your time here, and we are here to support you. Any student who faces challenges securing food, housing, or medical care is encouraged to contact relevant university offices noted on the Financial Aid website (https://wayne.edu/financial-aid/) for support. You are also encouraged to contact Care,

Support, and Intervention services in the Dean of Students Office (DOSO) for assistance with connecting to resources for basic needs. Students can call DOSO at 313-577-1010 or submit a care referral form (https://doso.wayne.edu/conduct/student-support-intervention).

Academic Dishonesty – Plagiarism and Cheating Academic misconduct (https://doso.wayne.edu/conduct/academic-misconduct) is any activity that tends to compromise the academic integrity of the institution or undermine the education process. Examples of academic misconduct include:

· Plagiarism: To take and use another's words or ideas as your own without appropriate referencing or citation.

· Cheating: Intentionally using or attempting to use or intentionally providing unauthorized materials, information or assistance in any academic exercise. This includes copying from another student's test paper, allowing another student to copy from your test, using unauthorized material during an exam and submitting a term paper for a current class that has been submitted in a past class without appropriate permission.

· Fabrication: Intentional or unauthorized falsification or invention of any information or citation, such as knowingly attributing citations to the wrong source or listing a fake reference in the paper or bibliography.

· Other: Selling, buying or stealing all or part of a test or term paper, unauthorized use of resources, enlisting in the assistance of a substitute when taking exams, destroying another's work, threatening or exploiting students or instructors, or any other violation of course rules as contained in the course syllabus or other written information.

Such activity may result in failure of a specific assignment, an entire course, or, if flagrant, dismissal from Wayne State University.

Course drops and withdrawals

For courses running the full term, students can drop this class and receive 100% tuition and course fee cancellation for the first two weeks. After the end of the second week there is no tuition or fee cancellation. Students who wish to withdraw from the class can withdraw on Academica (https://academica.wayne.edu/). You will receive a mark of W at the time of withdrawal. No withdrawals can be initiated after the deadline. Students enrolled beyond the deadline will receive a grade. Because withdrawing from courses may have negative academic and financial consequences, students considering course withdrawal should make sure they fully understand all the consequences before taking this step, including speaking with your instructor or advisor. More information on course drops and withdrawals can be found on the Registrar’s website (https://wayne.edu/registrar). For classes that are shorter than the full

term, deadlines for dropping and withdrawal can be found on the section’s detail in the Schedule of Classes (https://registration.wayne.edu/).

Student Services

The Academic Success Center

The Academic Success Center (1600 Undergraduate Library) assists students with content in select courses and in strengthening study skills. Visit the Academic Success Center (https://success.wayne.edu/) for schedules and information on study skills workshops, tutoring and supplemental instruction (primarily in 1000 and 2000 level courses).

The Writing Research and Technology Zone

The Writing Research and Technology Zone is located on the 2nd floor of the Undergraduate Library and provides individual tutoring consultations free of charge. Visit the Writing Research and Technology Zone (http://clas.wayne.edu/writing) to obtain information on tutors, appointments, and the type of help they can provide.

Library research assistance

Working on a research assignment, paper or project? Trying to figure out how to collect, organize and cite your sources? Request an appointment with a Wayne State librarian (https://library.wayne.edu/forms/consultation_request.php), who can provide on- campus or online personalized help.

 

  Course Outline: (subject to change)  

• Week 1: Introduction to Hardware/Software, Syllabus, What is digital
• Homework 1 

• Week 2: Musical Instrument Digital Interface, The Digital Audio Workstation, Sequencing and Editing 
• Project 1) The Loop Project 

• Week 3: Transducer Day, Recording Basics
• Homework 2

• Week 4: Discussion of Reading, Advanced Logic Techniques

• Week 5: Mixers and Cables, Music Notation Software, MuseScore 
• Project 1) Due 
• Project 2) Notation Project Assigned 

• Week 6: Digital Signal Processing 
  • Homework 3

• Week 7: Discuss Homework 3, Digital Signal Processing,  Midterm review 
  • Project 2) Due

• Week 8: Midterm Exam  
  • Administered Online through Respondus Lockdown Browser.
  • Requires Web Cam 
• Week 9: Synchronization: Introduction to Audio/Visual, iMovie and Logic
  • Project 3
• Week 10: Sound Spatialization, Recording Foley, work in class on project 
• Week 11: Introduction To Audio Synthesis 
• Week 12: Audio Synthesis 2
  • Project 3 Due
  • Final Project Assigned
• Week 13: Open Topics, work on Final Project

• Week 14: Open Topics, work on Final Project
• Week 15: FINALS DUE LAST DAY OF CLASSES NO EXTENSIONS