Useful links
Unit of study_
CAEL5029: Sound Design for Film and Digital Media
2025 unit information
This unit of study is intended to be a broad introduction to the theory and practice of audio production and sound design for moving pictures in both analogue and digital forms. Through viewing and discussing critical excerpts, the unit will offer a grounding in the history, theory and criticism of sound design and its applicability to current film and television production practice. The unit will look at the tools and techniques available to the sound designer, as well as examine the various underlying strategies, processes, and sound design philosophies. You will develop an understanding of critical film sound theory and an apprehension of key concepts including: synchronous and asynchronous sound, synchresis; on-screen, off-screen, and non-diegetic sound; the sound stage, point of view, causal semantic and reduced listening, internal and external logic, audiovisual rhythm and counterpoint. Applications of those principles will be explored in creative practice from sound capture and creation to construction using field/location and studio recording and post-production techniques. The sound designer's role in the process of creation of meaning will be examined in cultural as well as technical contexts of compositional practices. The unit will aim at developing a conceptual design language and individual aesthetic as well as encourage the invention of original sounds. At the completion of this unit you will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the audiovisual language and demonstrate technical and conceptual skills by producing a short sound for a film project.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Arts and Social Sciences
| Study level | Postgraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Sydney College of the Arts |
| Credit points | 6 |
|
Prerequisites:
?
|
None |
|---|---|
|
Corequisites:
?
|
None |
| Prohibitions:
?
|
None |
| Assumed knowledge:
?
|
None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. The ability to conceive, plan and realize a 3min Sound Design piece that demonstrates conceptual sonic delivery and competency in the use of Pro Tools.
- LO2. To be able to critically analyse and problem solve through the production process of a short Sound Design piece.
- LO3. To become proficient in Audio Post Production and Pro Tools.
- LO4. To communicate their sound design ideas creatively and effectively
- LO5. Critically evaluate aesthetics, information & narratives in an ethical and culturally sensitive manner.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Session 2 Early Census 2025
|
Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
|
Find your current year census dates
Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
