Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Audio Production (Face-to-Face)

COMM 1560-01

Course: COMM 1560-01
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: COMM
CRN: 32013

Course Description

Effective message design and content marketing through live and digitally pre-produced production. Hands-on introduction to programming, digital editing, and online podcasts, as well as on-air experience. (Fall, Spring, Summer) [Graded (Standard Letter)]

Required Texts

Connelly, Donald W. (2024). Digital Radio Production (4th ed.) Waveland Press, Inc.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to demonstrate: 
  1. Basic working skills and knowledge of audio consoles, interfaces, and associated devices to capture, manipulate, mix, and record audio in live and studio settings.
  2. Single and multi-track audio recording, editing, mixing, and saving in Adobe Audition.
  3. Develop critical and analytical listening skills related to audio production.
  4. Advance creative capacities and practical skills in communicating, writing, creating, and performing.
  5. Develop specific skills, competencies, and points of view needed by professionals in broadcasting.

Course Requirements

PRODUCTION/RADIO PROJECTS: 12 projects, 25 points each, to practice various radio-related skills; completed throughout the semester and submitted via Canvas; 300 points = 30%.
ON-AIR SHIFTS & SHOW PREP: 12 on-air shifts to practice performance and other related skills. Students will submit 10 Show Prep Worksheets worth 30 points each, completed before/during on-air shifts and submitted via Canvas. A successful show requires preparation; failing to prepare is preparing to fail; 300 points = 30%.
  • Missing an on-air shift is NOT an option. If you can’t cover a shift, you must find a qualified replacement and inform the instructor. 
  • One missed air shift will result in a half grade drop (A to A-). A second missed air shift will result in a full letter grade drop (A to B). Three missed air shifts will result in dismissal from the station and a failing grade. Operators must sign operations log, on/off time, and given first and last name in black or blue ink.
AIR CHECK SESSIONS: 2 sessions with instructor, 50 points each, to discuss at least three strengths and three areas of improvement; 100 points = 10%.
QUIZZES: 5 quizzes, 20 points each on various days during the semester, to review the chapters and lectures; 100 points = 10%.
PARTICIPATION GRADE: because this class involves discussion, in-class learning, production, attendance, and participation are vital. Attendance will be recorded and participation evaluated daily. Consistent attendance, engagement, and completion of participation projects will earn students 100 participation points; 100 points = 10%.
FINAL PORTFOLIO: in place of a final examination, students will submit, via Canvas, a final Air-Check, sweeper, and podcast episode. These projects should demonstrate concepts learned throughout the semester; 100 points = 10%.
READING: Content for class discussions, presentations, and quizzes come directly from the textbook and other provided materials. The effort you make with the assigned reading will largely determine the value you get from this course. 

Course Outline

14 Modules - one module per week of instruction
  1. Introduction to Audio Production and Audio Media
  2. Introduction to Adobe Audition
  3. Audio Production: what makes good sound, sound in production
  4. The basics of live performance and more about Adobe Audition: Editing, multi-track sessions and some basic effects
  5. The science of sound and the human ear and Intermediate Adobe Audition: music editing and mixing
  6. Microphones and more Adobe Audition: mixing and mastering
  7. Audio mixers, consoles, and monitoring and more Adobe Audition: mixing and mastering
  8. Digital recording and audio processing, interview techniques and practices, and speech, delivery and using/developing your voice as an instrument
  9. Storytelling and advanced Adobe Audition: mastering, creating sound effects, and equalization
  10. The FCC, media laws and regulations, how to write a 30-second story
  11. Newswriting and an introduction to podcasting
  12. Podcasting in depth
  13. The basics of marketing, branding, and planning promotional events
  14. Sound design and audio production basics for TV, Movie, and Video games

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Meeting deadlines is critical. Late submissions will be accepted but at a loss of 20 percent on the day after a given due date and one additional point for each subsequent day. No submissions will be accepted after 12/7/25 at 11:59 pm.

Attendance Policy

The nature of this course demands a hands-on and face-to-face approach including analysis and discussion of principles and practices. Consequently, punctuality and attendance are critical and required. Please turn off or silence cell phones during class and expect to engage and participate. If you need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy due to a disability, please contact the Disability Resource Center. DRC will work with us to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Additionally, the COMM 1560 Audio Production experience is packed with hands-on practice and performance opportunities on the campus radio station KSUU-FM Thunder 91.1, at suu.edu/ksuu, and at suunews.net. Once students receive training to operate the audio console in the Main Studio, they will have a bi-weekly 50-minute on-air shift to practice the skills and principles learned in class which will help them connect with the audience/listener through one-to-one communication.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.