MCA-151: Digital Audio Editing

School
Liberal Arts
Division
Communication & Media
Department
Media Communication Arts
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Course Subject
Media Communication Arts
Course Number
151
Course Title
Digital Audio Editing
Credit Hours
1.00
Instructor Contact Hours Per Semester
16.00 (for 15-week classes)
Student Contact Hours Per Semester
16.00 (for 15-week classes)
Grading Method
A-E
Pre-requisites
Eligible to take ENG 131 at HFC. As this is a computer-based course, some basic knowledge of computer operations is highly recommended.
Catalog Course Description

This course explore the fundamentals of digital audio editing and theory through hands-on projects using professional audio software in the department’s computer lab and podcast studios.

Goals, Topics, and Objectives

Goal Statement

The goal of this course is to provide an introductory tutorial on professional digital audio production software with intermediate to advanced features for multitrack recording, mixing, and output. This software is the key tool for production projects in MCA 251: Audio Production, making this course a co-requisite for MCA 251 and recommended for the first 8 weeks of the semester. Non-MCA 251 students are also welcome to enroll.

Core Course Topics
  1. Overview of editing: definition, goals, major historical approaches
  2. The hardware needed for digital audio editing
  3. The software platform(s) in use: major function and features
  4. Industry standards and ethics in editing
Core Course Learning Objectives (Separated)
  • Explain the basic definition of Editing: Its purpose, goals and historical approaches
  • Describe the necessary hardware and software minimally needed to accomplish professional quality digital audio editing
  • Define and demonstrate the major functional procedure of the computer operating system in use
  • Identify and give examples of the major features of the software program(s) in use
  • Demonstrate a knowledge of the major editing capabilities of the software program in use: such as levels and digitizing, editing voices, working with music, sound effects, processing, editing audio for video, and multi-track mixing
  • Interpret a working knowledge of industry standards and ethics, and justify what is needed for an audio project to be brought to that level

Assessment and Requirements

Assessment of Academic Achievement
  1. Tests, quizzes, or project completion over cognitive areas of hardware, software, and techniques
  2. Digital audio editing exercises: recording, cut & paste/trimming, processing, mixdown, and outputting to various digital formats

Outcomes

Satisfies Wellness Requirement
No
Satisfies Honors Requirements
No

Credit for Prior College-Level Learning

Options for Credit for Prior College-Level Learning
Other
Effective Term
Fall 2025