Film & Media Studies 318 - Introduction to Sound Art

(Offered as ARHA 191 and MUSI 191) This course explores sound as a medium of art-making with a rich history and radical potential. With an emphasis on the materiality of audio, techniques covered will include constructing microphones and speakers, creative manipulation of analog media, and building lo-fi electronics. Accompanying readings draw from artists’ writings and media theory to contextualize collective exploration. Students will be expected to create studio-based art for critique. No musical experience is required.

Spring 2026: Assistant Professor House.

How to handle overenrollment: Preference will be given to ARHA and MUSI majors. Attendance on the first day is required; seats available during Add/Drop will be assigned in order of interest expressed.

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: Audio-based studio art projects, in-class critiques including aural and visual analysis, audio recording and manipulation, basic electronics, oral presentations