3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

This course is an overview of the American movie musical, one of film’s most durable—and arguably most innovative—genres, from the advent of sound to the present. We’ll explore the evolution of the musical as it adapted to the unique properties of film, pioneered technological innovation, and daringly addressed social and cultural change beneath the guise of its purportedly conservative form. Mostly, we’ll closely examine a wide range of films and the essential elements of the genre: dance, music and lyrics, and the performers who bring them to life. We’ll study how and why the popularity of musicals has waxed and waned (and waxed) over time and speculate on what the future portends for the form. Students will discuss, present and write about particular musicals throughout the semester, and will work together as a group to produce a short musical as the final project. AS.061.140 or AS.061.141 are preferred but not required