Movies and Music - MUS525

Movies and Music - MUS525

Learning Recommendations: None; no prior movie or music analysis experience is required.

General Description: Movies and Music explores the critical role of music in film, examining how it shapes mood, emotion, and storytelling. Through viewing a variety of films, students analyze how musical elements contribute to cinematic and emotional impact. This course introduces basic sound design concepts, music theory concepts, historical context, and composer studies, enhancing students' appreciation of film music.

Content: 

• Analysis of film scores across genres such as jazz, classical, world music, and musicals
• Study of influential film composers, including John Williams, Hans Zimmer, Danny Elfman and others
• Weekly assignments focused on music vocabulary and analysis of film music
• Student presentations/writing assignments of selected film scenes with discussion of musical impact

Homework: Weekly Movie Music Analyses; additional project work may require viewing or research outside of class

Course Fees / Materials: No course fee or required materials.