Course:LFS400/Assignments

Streeter & Transcript

• Worth: 10%

Each student will create a one minute podcast based on street interviews (i.e., a 60 second-long series of questions and answers recorded and edited by the "student reporter"). The topic/question is decided in advance in consultation with instructors and should connect to the student's academic interests (i.e., a topic within LFS's domain). Students are encouraged to approach at least ten (10) other students on campus to record their comments/opinions/ideas on the questions asked. Once recorded, 10 mins of the material is to be transcribed (this is a tool for characterizing the material you have gathered—from there we will make editorial choices about which audio you will use) and transferred to a digital editing system (e.g., Audacity) and edited for time and content by students. Final "streeters" should demonstrate technical proficiencies as follows:

1. produce good quality audio recordings,
2. edit recordings (e.g., copy/paste, time-shift), and
3. insert introduction and conclusion with relevant fade-ins/fade-outs.

• A note on file naming: For this and all other submitted assignments, please name your file: LFS400_FirstnameLastname_Assignmentname (i.e., LFS400_DuncanMcHugh_Streeter.mp3, LFS400_AndrewRiseman_outline.pdf)

Core Learning: Develop proficiency in technological skills for interviewing, audio recording, editing, and podcast construction.

Voicer

• Worth: 10%

Each student will create a 1.5 minute sound story based on one of their academic interests (i.e., a topic within LFS's domain). Students will write, perform and record material that tells a compelling and complete story (i.e., beginning, middle, and end). Topics will be developed collaboratively. Assistance will be provided for writing, editing and story development. Students will be required to contact and interview at least 1 (one) source/character.  Core Learning: Develop proficiency in audio recording and editing, narration, and story development.

Project Outline for Final Podcast

• Worth: 10%

Each student will submit a completed ‘Project Outline,’ a detailed proposal of your subject matter, possible contacts, rationale and story plan. Additional information will be provided in class.

Group Piece

• Worth: 10%

In groups of 3-4, students will create a short piece on a tight deadline. Additional information will be provided in class.

Draft Podcast

• Worth: 10%

Each student will produce a draft of their final podcast based on the outline. This draft will serve as an opportunity to provide and receive feedback that will be incorporated into the Final Podcast. This draft will be reviewed by instructors and colleagues. This is a collaborative approach to storytelling which will help you to determine which storytelling methods are most effective for the story YOU choose to tell. You must be prepared to defend your editorial choices (e.g., language, characters, scenes developed) and be open to constructive suggestions.

Final Podcast (with description)

• Worth: 25%

We will provide guidelines for storytelling and techniques for audio recording in order for polished projects to be created. Your stories will be compiled and integrated in to a group podcast which will be available for public consumption. Each student will contribute a seven to 12 minute audio story. The subject of the podcast should centre on some aspect of Land and Food Systems. In addition, submit a brief text summary/description (20-30 words max) that is enticing but not exhaustive or complete. This will be used to index your podcast. Additional details will be given in class.

Post-podcast Reflection

• Worth: 15%

Each student will produce a post-podcast reflection in a form and format of your choice. For example, it could be in the form of a video diary, a poem, or an audio essay, as long as at least one digital medium is used.  It should provide us with your story. Specifically, each reflection should include the following:

1. what was it like to participate in this course/on this project?  How was your creative journey?
2. your thoughts about your podcasts including its production and how the final product was different from the ones originally envisioned;
3. identification of opportunities for improvement to your podcast including what you could have done better/different or included if you had more time;
4. a summary of what you learned during the process and what tools or techniques will you apply in your professional life?;
5. a suggestion of what your next foray in to digital storytelling may be...