This course is divided into two main sections. The first section provides learning opportunities to understand the core principles of soundscape studies. The second will apply these principles to enacting some change on an actual acoustic environment, and use the results of subjective listener tests and objective measurement to understand real-world issues. This course will extend your knowledge and understanding of sound and its relation to aural cultural, acoustic environments, psychophysical and cultural perspectives, and, the issues involved for developing research for enacting change within an acoustic environment.

A soundscape is 'an environment of sound (or sonic environment) with emphasis on the way it is perceived and understood by the individual, or by a society. It thus depends on the relationship between the individual and any such environment. The term may refer to actual environments, or to abstract constructions such as musical compositions and [electroacoustic] montages, particularly when considered as an artificial [or virtual] environment.' 1 This course is divided into two main sections. The first section provides learning opportunities to understand the core principles of soundscape studies. The second will apply these principles to enacting some change on an actual acoustic environment, and use the results of subjective listener tests and objective measurement to understand real-world issues.

Students completing this course will have a broad understanding of sound, aural cultural and acoustic environments from physical, psychophysical and cultural perspectives, and the issues involved to develop research and/or bring about change within an acoustic environment.

1. Handbook for Acoustic Ecology, refer http://www2.sfu.ca/sonic-studio/handbook/Soundscape.html.