Course Syllabus
Syllabus Introduction to Podcasting
Welcome
Welcome to Introduction to Podcasting! We’re so glad you’re here.
Every lesson is designed to help you grow as a thinker, problem solver, and global learner. As a Mizzou Academy global student, you will complete lessons and assignments on your own schedule, interacting with course content, participating in interactives, and completing practice activities, as well as drafting and revising assignments, preparing for quizzes and assessments, and taking exams.
To stay on track, we recommend using a pacing guide. You can find more information about pacing in the Course Resources section, along with helpful tools, technology support, and tips for online learning success.
As you begin, remember that online learning requires both independence and communication. Be curious, stay organized, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your teacher if you need support.
We’re excited to learn with you, and we’re happy you’re part of our Mizzou Academy community!
Pacing
This course can be completed in as few as six weeks or take up to 6 months (180 calendar days). The six weeks are counted from the date of the first lesson submission and not the date of enrollment.
This course is asynchronous, meaning you can complete lessons and assignments at your own pace.
Most students spend approximately 10 hours per lesson interacting with course content, participating in interactive activities, and completing practice exercises, as well as drafting and revising assignments, preparing for quizzes and assessments, and taking exams. Your time may vary depending on your goals and learning style.
We encourage you to work at a consistent pace, allowing time to absorb new ideas, build skills, and reflect on what you’ve learned. Use a pacing guide to plan ahead, stay organized, and finish strong.
Course Description
Podcasting introduces students to the creative and technical foundations of podcast production through hands-on practice and critical listening. Across ten lessons, students design, produce, and publish a five‑episode podcast series in a style of their choosing. The course explores key podcast formats, including solo hosting, interviews, and panel discussions, while building core skills in audio recording, editing, and post‑production. Students also gain practical experience with podcast hosting platforms, production software, and RSS technology, preparing them to confidently publish and distribute original audio content.
Course Essential Questions
Outcome 1 Essential Question
- How are podcasts produced to sound professional?
- How can we as a class use tools to produce high-quality audio podcasts by myself?
Outcome 2 Essential Question
- Why are podcasts popular in modern society?
- What is the history behind the development of podcasting as a medium?
- How have podcasts changed the way humans tell stories?
Outcome 3 Essential Question
- How can I use my own voice, tone, and storytelling to engage listeners and keep their attention?
Outcome 4 Essential Question
- How can podcasters incorporate music, interviews, and sources ethically and effectively?
Course Overview
LESSON
OBJECTIVES
QUIZ
ASSIGNMENT
1: Exploring the World of Podcasting
1.1 Describe what a podcast is and summarize key highlights from its history.
1.2 Identify common podcast formats and genres (narrative, interview, educational, roundtable/panel).
1.3 Explain why podcasts matter as a cultural form of media today.
1.4 Reflect on what makes a podcast engaging and determine which styles you might enjoy creating in this course.
10 MCQ
L1 Audio Reflection Assignment
2: Audience & Purpose: Finding Your Podcast’s Voice
2.1 Define the concepts of audience, purpose, and niche in podcasting.
2.2 Analyze examples of successful podcasts to identify how they target a clear audience and purpose.
2.3 Brainstorm and describe your own podcast’s potential audience, style, and big-picture goals.
2.4 Create a Podcast Concept Sheet that includes your podcast’s name, tagline, format, frequency, and possible episode ideas.
2.5 Design a simple mock cover artwork draft that reflects your intended audience and podcast identity.
N/A
L2 Mock Cover Artwork
3: Recording and Tech Basic
3.1 Identify the basic tools and equipment needed for podcast recording (microphone, software, quiet space).
3.2 Demonstrate correct mic technique to achieve clear, consistent audio quality.
3.3 Compare the differences between solo recording and group/interview recording, and explain how setup changes depending on format.
3.4 Practice recording a short audio segment (30–60 seconds) using digital tools such as Audacity, GarageBand, or an online recorder.
3.5 Evaluate your own test recording for volume levels, background noise, and clarity, and make adjustments to improve sound quality.
10 MCQ
N/A
4: Planning & Scripting: Writing for the Ear
4.1 Explain why planning and scripting are important steps in podcast production.
4.2 Identify the key parts of a podcast episode (intro, body, outro) and how they create structure.
4.3 Apply “writing for the ear” strategies to draft a conversational, listener-friendly script.
4.4 Draft and revise a script for a short (3–5 minute) podcast introduction episode.
4.5 Practice aligning tone and pacing in your script with your intended audience and purpose.
10 MCQ
L4 Introduction Episode Assignment
5: Storytelling & Voice
5.1 Identify narrative techniques (such as hook, conflict, pacing, and resolution) that make stories engaging in podcasts.
5.2 Analyze how tone, emotion, and pacing of a speaker’s voice impact listener interest.
5.3 Apply at least two storytelling strategies to revise your podcast script for greater audience engagement.
5.4 Practice using your voice (tone, pitch, emphasis, pauses) to enhance the delivery of your script.
5.5 Record a 5-10 minute episode (Episode 2) that demonstrates intentional use of storytelling and vocal techniques
#10 MCQ
L5 Narrative Storytelling Podcst Episode Two
Midterm Exam
6: Interviewing and Collaborating: Conducting and Editing Podcast Interviews
6.1 Explain the purpose and value of interviews in podcasting.
6.2 Develop open-ended, engaging interview questions that encourage meaningful responses.
6.3 Demonstrate active listening and conversational techniques while recording an interview.
6.4 Apply collaboration skills (scheduling, preparing guests, respecting ethics) in a podcasting context.
6.5 Record and edit a 5–10 minute interview-based podcast episode (Episode 3) that balances clarity, pacing, and dialogue flow.
10 MCQ
L6 Episode 3: Interview Podcast
7: Editing & Post-Production
7.1 Identify the key steps in the post-production process (trimming, leveling, adding music/sound effects).
7.2 Use editing software (Audacity, GarageBand, or similar) to cut unnecessary sections and improve pacing.
7.3 Apply basic audio cleanup techniques such as noise reduction and volume leveling to produce a clear sound.
7.4 Add intro/outro music or simple sound effects to enhance your podcast’s style and professionalism.
7.5 Export a polished podcast episode in the correct format (MP3/WAV) ready for sharing.
7.6 Evaluate your edited episode for clarity, flow, and listener engagement.
10 MCQ
L7 Guided Editing Activity – Practice with Cuts, Fades, and Music
8: Publish Your Podcast
8.1 Identify common podcast hosting platforms (e.g., Libsyn, Anchor.fm/Spotify for Podcasters, podbean, Soundcloud) and explain their purpose.
8.2 Write effective show notes that summarize an episode and attract listeners.
8.3 Create a podcast listing (title, description, cover art) that communicates the style and purpose of your show.
8.4 Compare different strategies for sharing podcasts with audiences (social media, word-of-mouth, communities).
8.5 Publish or simulate publishing a podcast episode by creating a mock upload or private listing.
10 MCQ
L8 Publishing Simulation Activity – Mock Podcast Listing
9: Grow Your Podcast
9.1 Explain how branding elements (title, artwork, tone, tagline) influence audience perception of a podcast.
9.2 Design a simple branding and promotion plan that aligns with your podcast’s purpose and target audience.
9.3 Identify effective strategies for promoting podcasts through social media, communities, and word-of-mouth.
9.4 Interpret basic podcast analytics data (such as number of plays, listener retention, or demographics) to make informed decisions about future content.
9.5 Reflect on the role of branding, promotion, and feedback in sustaining an audience over time.
9.6 ubmit episode four of your podcast series
10 MCQ
L9 Episode 4 Assignment Part 2: Choice-Based Feature Episode
10: Trends in Podcasting/Final Project and Reflection
10.1 Apply storytelling, interviewing, recording, and editing skills to produce a final polished podcast episode (10-15 minutes).
10.2 Demonstrate intentional choices in branding, tone, and audience connection within your final episode.
10.3 Reflect on your personal growth as a podcaster by identifying strengths, challenges, and future goals.
10.4 Evaluate how your podcast communicates effectively and what strategies you would improve for future projects.
N/A
L10 Episode 5: Final Capstone Podcast Episode
Final Exam
Grades
Your final grade will be based on the number of points you earn on submitted work and exams. The available points are distributed as follows:
Source
Available Points
Lesson Assignments
197
Lesson Quizzes
80
Total
277
Textbook & Technology Requirements
To fully participate, make sure you have:
- A computer that meets our Mizzou Academy technology requirements
- A microphone and webcam for recording audio and video assignments
- Any other required textbooks or materials for the course
Accessibility
If you anticipate barriers related to the format or requirements of this course, please let Mizzou Academy know as soon as possible. If disability-related accommodations are necessary (for example, a scribe, reader, extended time on exams, captioning), please contact Mizzou Academy.Canvas Technical Support
Canvas will be used as the primary platform for accessing course materials and assignments for this class.
- Access Canvas through the Tiger Portal https://mizzouacademy.missouri.edu/
- For assistance with Canvas, passwords, or other technical issues, submit a ticket by selecting Help from the Global Navigation menu on the left in Canvas. Additional information is provided in the following Canvas Guide: How do I get help with Canvas as a student?
- For questions about enrollment, access to courses, exam proctoring, or billing, contact our Support Services Team at (855) 256-4975 or mizzouacademy@missouri.edu.
Course Summary:
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