3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

Music and film have always shared an intimate relationship. From its inception, film has been injected with pre-existing music, including chant, traditional Western composers from Beethoven to Bartók, and more contemporary artists from the Beatles to Beyonce. This music has influenced American and international film industries alike, shaping the look and sound of film. Through close viewings—and listenings—of film, we will investigate the meaning(s) these musical works can acquire as they are re-used and re-purposed. Similarly, we will explore how, through film, pre-existing music can live on, change, and reify the past through contexts beyond the concert consumption with which we may be more familiar. During this course, we will hone your skills as an academic writer by learning to critically evaluate and craft arguments about the roles of music/sound in film. Some of the topics covered include: canonical works from the 18th and 19th centuries, the use of 20th-century avant garde music in horror, representations of jazz, chant and other medieval genres, anachronistic uses, and popular song. Your work will include studying film clips and full-length films; readings; short writing responses (100-200 words); four short papers focused on close readings of scenes or other supplied prompts (1000-1500 words); and a midterm project. Paired with writing workshops and peer review exercises, you will develop the skills necessary to contribute to the greater academic community, write clearly and logically for your intended audience, and formulate original, persuasive arguments.