Film & Media Studies 340 - Sound Design for Moving Image

Sound Design

Spring
2026
01
4.00
Stephen Wardell

TU/TH | 1:05 PM - 4:05 PM

Amherst College
FAMS-340-01-2526S
swardell@amherst.edu
ARHA-340-01-2526S

(Offered at ARHA 340 and FAMS 340) This class is an introduction to key concepts in sound design, with a primary (but not exclusive) focus on sound in relation to moving images. Students will gain significant technical training in sound recording, editing, and mixing. In addition, this class will use the act of listening as a point of departure to think about histories, theories, politics, and poetics of sound.

One 200-level production course or relevant experience (to be discussed with the instructor in advance of the first class). Limited to 12 students. Spring 2026: Visiting Assistant Professor Wardell.

How to handle overenrollment: Priority given to ARHA/FAMS majors

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: Emphasis on artistic practice, personal writing, group critique, critical readings, aural analysis, visual analysis, operation of audio-visual recording equipment, operation of a computer, and film screenings.

Permission is required for interchange registration during all registration periods.