Podcasting & Audio Narratives

This is a class where we will listen hard to the best audio journalism in the business in order to strengthen skills that apply to every medium. We will do an overview of really great listening projects interspersed with practical knowledge of how to shape and tell an audio story. And we’ll also dive deep into how the ancient practice of storytelling is very much alive in the work we make today. Students should expect to leave this class with a knowledge of what makes good radio/audio and how to find good tape against all odds. Students that take this class will be able to think critically about the audio and podcasts they hear and shape the stories they want to tell into audio by thinking practically and developing their sensibility for what makes an evocative and interesting audio story.

Learning Outcomes

• By the successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
• Know the elements that go into creating a podcast and identify how it is done.
• Be familiar with a wide range of different podcasts and high-quality audio narratives across the audio landscape.
• Listen critically to a work of audio and identify what makes something compelling to them; know what they don’t like and why.
• Thoughtfully consider the structure, storytelling, style and substance of an audio narrative.
• Articulate an opinion on the larger audio/media landscape as it pertains to diversity and apply that knowledge to their own future work.

Course Requirements, Assignments, and Graded Activities

Listening Journals

Throughout the semester you will be asked to complete a total of five journal entries about a podcast or radio show you listened to, answering one of the prompts provided. Journal entries should be thoughtful, 200-500 word examinations that show you listened closely to the piece you’re engaging with. Please create a Google Doc titled: “YOUR NAME – Listening Journal” and share it with me. You’re expected to listen as widely as possible, and to give everything a chance even if you don’t enjoy it!

Class Discussion

Each week, students are expected to attend class with at least 2 discussion questions that are pertinent to the week’s assignment and, if relevant, isolate specific time codes to listen to as a class. You will be expected to engage with the material, with our guest speakers and with your fellow students each week.

What to Listen To

As the semester goes on, we will create a database of interesting, provocative, and compelling things we listened to throughout our time together. Students are expected to contribute at least 5 links to the spreadsheet throughout the semester. Links added should not be on the syllabus, in the document more than once, or part of your listening journals.

Zine Final Project

Students will be expected to create a zine about a podcast or audio narrative that means something to them. Zines can be created using the program/software/online tool that the student prefers or by hand, but must be submitted either digitally or via mail by the due date.

Course Readings and Materials

Book

Out on the Wire: The Storytelling Secrets of the New Masters of Radio

Selected Listenings

Everything is Alive: Soda Can
This American Life: The Show of Delights
Snap Judgment: Counted
Hold up! Time For an Explanatory Comma by NPR’s Code Switch
School: parts I and II by How to Be a Girl
Au:Ra: The Chemistry of Sound by Paolo Pietropaolo
The Lobby by Trump, Inc

Selected Readings

Walter Murch’s manifestos Womb Tone and Dense Clarity – Clear Density
Pauline Oliveros Quantum Listening: From Practice to Theory (to Practice Practice)
Chenjerai Kumanyika’s The Whiteness of Public Radio Voice
Stephanie Foo’s Transom manifesto
Rona Akbari’s How to make a zine

Course Policies

Students must keep up with their listening journals and participate in class discussions. When listening in class, do it with your full attention, e.g. no checking email/devices.

Show Up

This means more than just attending class (which is expected as much as possible under the current circumstances!). Showing up means participating in class discussions, listening with your full attention and being present and focused. If there is a reason you cannot participate in class, please email me to speak about it — I am here for you. What you get out of this class is directly related to what you put into it, so you will be expected to try your best. When we have a guest speaker, please treat them with utmost respect and gratitude for the time they’re taking.

BE KIND, BE BRAVE

This class is a safe place for everyone to be vulnerable to learn new things and share their experiences. Some of the pieces we’ll be listening to will deal with difficult themes — if you are unable to engage with material because of past trauma, please let me know via email, it will not affect your grade. You are expected to listen generously, share openly and be good to both yourself and your fellow classmates. Operate under the belief that everyone in the class is doing their best.

Technology / Accessibility

You are expected to be present for class to the best of your ability. However, I understand that there are about a zillion extenuating circumstances right now. If you cannot participate fully or attend a class, just let me know — communication is key. If you are not able to access something, I will do my best to accommodate your needs if you communicate them to me.

Why is this course important?

Being a good listener with a critical ear for storytelling will help you as a human in the world, no matter what. This course is intended to open your ears, your mind and your heart to the stories of other people. Your listening journal will serve as a documentation of your practice of opening yourself up to new texts, new perspectives and a development of your taste. Participating in class discussion will strengthen your critical ear and create a community with your fellow students.

Final Project Guidelines

FINAL ZINE PROJECT

• Read this piece on How to make a zine / the history of zines
• Each zine must have a central, specific idea that answers the question “what is this zine about” in one sentence/about 10 words (this is helpful for when you do reporting or need to pitch something)
• The zine should be about audio/radio/podcasting in some way (interpret that how you feel)
• Zines must have at least one act of reporting in them (for example: do a Q and A with an audio maker, or go into the world and ask everyone “what is your favorite podcast” – get out of your comfort zone!)
• Needs to have some kind of images, original or otherwise
• Zines should have at the very least 1200 words, but ideally closer to 2000
• During the last week, we will go around the room and talk briefly about our zines, so be prepared to introduce them to the class and say what they are etc.

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Final Grade Calculation

Line Item	% of grade
Class Participation	30%
Listening journals	30%
What to listen to	20%