MU250:
Meeting Times, Location, & Course Delivery Details
Contact Information
The objective of this course is to gain an appreciation of musical composition in cinema. Identification of musical techniques used in not only film, but also in opera, musical theater, and ballet. Students will be able to identify compositional techniques when presented in film and identify where these techniques originated. A minimum of 2 hours of out-of-class work is expected for each hour of in-class time. This can range from listening and studying music/films discussed in class, to researching on the early forms of film and music.
Tentative Schedule
Subject to change during the semester. Adequate notice of changes will be given.
DATES | TOPIC | ASSIGNMENTS |
Week 1 | Purpose of Music in Film
This week will be going over the reasons we use music in cinema and the effects it provides the audience. We also will be learning about the various types of ensembles and sound effects used in films. | Complete a questionnaire on current knowledge of film music.
|
Week 2 | Origin of Film Music
This week we will discuss the origins of where we see stories and film originate. For this course, we will learn about Opera and how it compares to films today. We will also compare the types of ensembles they use. | Quiz on Opera
|
Week 3 | Wagner & the Leitmotif
We will learn about the composer Richard Wagner and the technique he was credited for, the leitmotif. This week will dive into examples of the leitmotif from his opera The Ring Cycle. | Short Answer Assignment:
What is the leitmotif? Does it play a role in todays media? |
Week 4 | Classical Music that Inspires: Music from Classical Composers that Inspire Scenes and Scores
Learn about key famous composers of classical music and their select works. Compare how these selections are similar to the music we see in modern film. | Opinion Assignment:
Of the composers we have discussed this week, who’s music do you think had the most influence on modern film scores? Do you have a favorite of these composers we listened to? Why or why not? |
Week 5 | Before Star Wars & Superman
Learning and listening to the music of Gustav Holst and Aaron Copeland. How these compositions influenced the works of John Williams. | Compare and Contrast Listening Assignment:
Listen to both Gustav Holst’s Mars: The Bringer of War and John Williams’ Imperial March and describe the similarities of the two works. What are some key similarities? |
Week 6 | The London Symphony
We will learn the history and importance the London Symphony Orchestra has on movie music. Learn about the early films they were on and some of the famous films. | Listening Assignment:
In the films we discussed in class, identify 3 leitmotif themes that John Williams uses. You can use three themes from one film or one from each. |
Week 7 | Leonard Bernstein: Iconic Music from an Iconic Composer
Analyze the famous West Side Story and the musical techniques used in the musics score. | Opinion Assignment:
While we have seen West Side Story become a film twice in history, do you believe what happens on the live stage influences what we see and hear on the big screen? Defend your answer. |
Week 8 | Underscoring
We will discuss what is underscoring and its uses in films. Along with discussion we will also listen to some examples of underscoring used in movies. | Opinion Assignment:
Now that you have an understanding of what underscoring is, what are some films that you think utilizes this technique effectively? |
Week 9 | Review for Midterm | MIDTERM EXAM 10/17 |
Week 10 | John Williams
In this week we will learn about one of the most famous composers of all time, John Williams. We will go over his life and his credits to films. | Brainstorm List:
Submit a list of films and the composers for those films that you are considering using for your final paper. |
Week 12 | Danny Elfman & Alan Silvestri
In this week we will learn about the film composers Danny Elfman and Alan Silvestri. We will go over their lives and credits to films. | |
Week 13 | Hans Zimmer & Michael Giancchino
In this week we will learn about the film composers Hans Zimmer and Michael Giancchino. We will go over their lives and credits to films. | Bibliography:
Submit a bibliography consisting of 5 sources you are using or are thinking of using for you final paper. |
Week 14 | John Powell & The Modern Movie Composer
In this week we will learn about the film composer John Powell. We will go over his life and his credits to films. This week we will also discuss how one becomes a modern composer and what kind of work they can expect to find. | Final Paper:
Rough Draft of Final Paper is Due. |
Week 15 | Star Wars
We will go over the specific leitmotifs and themes used throughout the various movies. This will be an example on how to analyze your movie of choice for the final paper. | |
Week 16 | The Avengers
We will go over the specific leitmotifs and themes used throughout the various movies. This will be an example on how to analyze your movie of choice for the final paper. | |
Week 17 | Help Analyzing Your Project
This weeks courses will be designed to be scheduled meetings for 1 on 1 help with the final research project. | Final paper is due during finals week exam time. |
Assignments consist of discussion posts and short answer assignments on Blackboard.
For the research paper for Music in Film, you will pick a film (one that is not discussed or used in class) and will show how the techniques discussed throughout the semester are used. You will discuss the life and career of the composer to the score of your film. Identify some other noteworthy works by the composer of your film. Describe how your films score enhances the plot or themes of the film using the techniques discussed throughout the semester. Discuss how effective the scoring is and if you believe that this composer enhances the cinematic experience through his/her/their music. This paper should be approximately 3 to 4 pages in length (excluding a cover page and bibliography), has proper citation throughout the paper, and is structured in an effective manner.
The grading scale will be as follows:
Grades for this course will be determined based on attendance, class participation/discussion, assignments, and exams. The breakdown of the overall grade is as follows.
Grading will us a +/- scale:
- 20% - Attendance
- 20% - Class Participation/Discussion
- 25% - Assignments
- 35% - Exams/Presentations
All weekly assignments are due Sunday nights at 11:59pm.
Instructor Course Policies
Attendance for each class is highly encouraged, however there are events in life that happen and can not be avoided. Each student will be given 3 unexcused absences before they begin to affect their grade. There will be a sign in sheet by the door for the duration of class. In the case of planned absences, please email me 24 hours prior to class. If there is an emergency, please do what you must. I just ask you communicate it at your earliest convenience.
See the current Student Handbook for the college’s Academic Integrity policies as they pertain to examinations, plagiarism, classroom behavior, and the process for handling academic misconduct charges. Use of appropriate Artificial Intelligence will be discussed throughout the course.
Institutional and Program-Level Policies
All exams will follow the Final Exam Schedule. Students scheduled to take three or more final examinations on one day may request to arrange their examination schedule, so no more than two exams occur on one day.
Requests for early or late exams are considered only under extreme circumstances. Prior to the exam period, the student must file a written request on the Early/Late Exam Form available in the Student One Stop Center, Academic Records, and on the WC portal. The form must be signed by the Instructor and the Academic Dean, approving the alternate exam time. This process must be completed prior to the scheduled exam period.
Undergraduate: SP25 Final Exam Schedule Graduate:
Out-of-class Work Expectation A minimum of 2 hours of out-of-class student work is expected for each hour of in-class time for traditional face-to-face courses. For online and hybrid courses, the combination of face-to-face time and out-of-class work should be equal to 3 hours per credit hour per week. |
Instructional Course Delivery |
Academic Integrity Policy The use of generative AI is prohibited except where expressly allowed in assignment instructions. |
Class Attendance Policy |
Accessibility and Disability Services
Accessibility and Disability Services
Wilmington College provides accommodations and services for student with a variety of disabilities, including chronic illnesses, psychological, physical, medical, learning, and sensory disability amongst others. If you anticipate or experience barriers based on disability and feel you may need a reasonable accommodation to fulfill the essential functions of this course, you are encouraged to contact:
Spencer Izor, Associate Vice President of Compliance - Title IX/ADA Coordinator at spencer.izor@wilmington.edu or 937-481-2365 or Nathan Flack, Academic Resource Manager at 937-481-2208 to learn more about the process and procedures for requesting accommodations, or by visiting College Hall Room 306a or the Robinson Communication Center, Room 103.
Religious Accommodations
Wilmington College strives for an inclusive climate and welcomes students from all backgrounds, faiths, and experiences. If religious observance impedes your ability to participate fully in classroom activities or a principal holiday from your religious tradition occurs during the semester and conflicts with class meetings or activities, please make the professor aware of this immediately to determine if a reasonable accommodation is possible.