MUSC 0230 Music in Films

In this course, we will explore the evolution of music in cinema, from musical accompaniments during the silent era to early sound film to experimental and popular films in the present day. Students will learn to listen to and analyze various styles of music used in Western and non-Western films, including classical, jazz, and popular music, as well as the sound effects and dialogue that together produce a film's sonic landscape.

Students will become familiar with key concepts in film and media studies and develop an understanding of the musical conventions that work in conjunction with images, often at a subconscious level, to create compelling narratives and evoke emotional responses in viewers. In addition to listening to—and watching— films, we will examine the ways that film music techniques have been modified and repurposed in music for television and video games.