Module overview
In recent years, film culture has become increasingly aware of the film industry’s connections with the music industry. In some cases, critics have decried the use of films as vehicles for the sale of unconnected pop songs as if it were a new development, yet similar processes have been in place since before the advent of sound cinema in the late 1920s. This module will be concerned with the historical development of film and television music as a distinct aesthetic element. It will look into production strategies, commercial, promotional and reception concerns and the place of musical accompaniment in audiovisual products. This will include, among others, sessions focusing on the development of Classical Hollywood film music, the Classical Musical film, television incidental music, MTV and beyond.
Linked modules
FILM1001 or FILM2006 or FILM1027 or FILM1020
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- transcribe sequences of film with music into a tabulated format.
- describe the processes central to music in film and the soundtrack more generally.
- listen analytically to music in film that is often not an object in the foreground of the film experience.
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- analyze the details of audiovisual texts.
- work independently, making effective use of library, archival and Internet resources and demonstrating efficient time management.
- demonstrate the ability to listen to, contribute to, and lead discussion in group environments of varying sizes.
- work productively with others and give an effective oral presentation using a variety of visual aids that engages and informs its audience and generates further debate.
- select, organise and deploy ideas and information in order to formulate cogent arguments and express them effectively in written and oral forms.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- discuss the various techniques and conventions associated with musical accompaniment to film and television programmes.
- critically examine particular uses of music in film and television.
- evaluate and draw upon a range of scholarly and audiovisual sources in order to formulate, structure and justify your own arguments.
- trace the impact of production processes and traditions on film and television music formats.
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- the dominant theoretical approaches that have been taken to music and the moving image.
- the aesthetic affordances of music in combination with the moving image, as illustrated by certain key audiovisual texts.
- various traditional forms of music and the moving image, including scores for dramatic films, film musicals and pop video.
- the history and traditions of production in film and television music, particularly those of European and American film and television.
- some techniques and approaches that might be used in the analysis of music in film and television.
Syllabus
The module syllabus will typically include:
- Sound and terms
- Classical Hollywood cinema and incidental music
- Classical Hollywood and other traditions of incidental music
- Classical Film Musicals
- Post and Pop Musicals
- Pop Music Cinema and Rock documentaries
- Songs and Music Culture in Films
- Music and Television
- Music Video
- Music in Video Games
- Digital audio-visual culture and beyond
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include
- lectures
- seminars
- screenings
Learning activities include
- preparing and delivering presentations
- independent study and research
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Teaching | 48 |
| Independent Study | 102 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Jeff Smith (1999). The Sounds of Commerce. Columbia University Press.
Ian Conrich and Estella Tincknell (eds) (2006). Musical Moments. Edinburgh University Press.
K.J.Donnelly (2006). The Spectre of Sound: Music in Film and Television. BFI.
Rick Altman (ed) (1992). Sound Theory, Sound Practice. Routledge.
Jamie Sexton (ed) (2007). Music, Sound and Multimedia. Edinburgh University Press.
Michel Chion (1994). Audio-Vision. Columbia University Press.
Kay Dickinson (ed) (2004). Movie Music: The Reader. Routledge.
Steve Cohan (ed) (2004). Movie Musicals: The Reader. Routledge.
K.J.Donnelly (ed) (2001). Film Music: Critical Approaches. Edinburgh University Press.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Assessments designed to provide informal, on-unit feedback
- Discussion of essay work
- Feedback on presentations
- Tutorials
Summative
Summative assessment description
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay | 60% |
| Project | 40% |
Referral
Referral assessment description
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External