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Overview

A critical examination of film music from the late nineteenth century to present day, including film music genres, composers and styles.

Students will explore music styles in film, techniques of scoring, and the commercial side of film music. This paper examines the relationship between sound and image, while developing critical skills in listening and viewing. Students are introduced to key theoretical literature, works and composers.

About this paper

Paper title Film Music
Subject Music
EFTS 0.15
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 2 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,318.20
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Prerequisite
18 200-level MFCO or MUSI points
Restriction
MUSI 266
Schedule C
Arts and Music
Notes
(i) Students who have not passed the normal prerequisite may be admitted with approval from the Head of Department. (ii) No prior musical knowledge required.
Eligibility
No prior musical knowledge in music notation and theory is required.
Contact

spa@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Paper Co-ordinator: Professor Henry Johnson

Teaching Staff: Professor Henry Johnson
 

Teaching Arrangements
One 1-hour lecture, one 2-hour screening and one 50-minute seminar per week.
Textbooks

Please contact the School of Performing Arts office for information about required readings.

Course outline

Please contact the School of Performing Arts office for a copy of the most recent paper profile.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Scholarship, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the paper will:

  • Develop a critical understanding of the role of music in film
  • Gain familiarity with the characteristics of the sound-image relationship
  • Develop an understanding of film music within broader social and cultural contexts
  • Gain an awareness of famous film composers and their works
  • Develop an understanding of the role of technology in the development of music and film
  • Gain the ability to identify diverse types of film music
  • Develop skills in interdisciplinary research
  • Develop skills in the critical appraisal of diverse types of film music
Assessment details

Three worksheets worth 20% each and one essay (40%)

Overview

A critical examination of film music from the late nineteenth century to present day, including film music genres, composers and styles.

Students will explore music styles in film, techniques of scoring, and the commercial side of film music. This paper examines the relationship between sound and image, while developing critical skills in listening and viewing. Students are introduced to key theoretical literature, works and composers.

About this paper

Paper title Film Music
Subject Music
EFTS 0.15
Points 18 points
Teaching period Not offered in 2027 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Prerequisite
18 200-level MFCO or MUSI points
Restriction
MUSI 266
Schedule C
Arts and Music
Notes
(i) Students who have not passed the normal prerequisite may be admitted with approval from the Head of Department. (ii) No prior musical knowledge required.
Eligibility

No prior musical knowledge in music notation and theory is required.

Contact

spa@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Paper Co-ordinator: Professor Henry Johnson

Teaching Staff: Professor Henry Johnson
 

Teaching Arrangements
One 1-hour lecture, one 2-hour screening and one 50-minute seminar per week.
Textbooks

Please contact the School of Performing Arts office for information about required readings.

Course outline

Please contact the School of Performing Arts office for a copy of the most recent paper profile.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Scholarship, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the paper will:

  • Develop a critical understanding of the role of music in film.
  • Gain familiarity with the characteristics of the sound-image relationship.
  • Develop an understanding of film music within broader social and cultural contexts.
  • Gain an awareness of famous film composers and their works.
  • Develop an understanding of the role of technology in the development of music and film.
  • Gain the ability to identify diverse types of film music.
  • Develop skills in interdisciplinary research.
  • Develop skills in the critical appraisal of diverse types of film music.
Assessment details

Three worksheets worth 20% each and one essay (40%).

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