2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

MUS1231 Film Music

20 Credits Class Size: 60

Module manager: Dr Toby Huelin
Email: t.huelin@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Mutually Exclusive

MUS1132 Film Music

Module replaces

MUSS1824 Film Music: From Text to Interpretation

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module supports the development of basic skills in analysing and researching music in the context of film and other screen media. The module engages with the various ways that music and screen media can be understood to interact, explored through consideration of relevant historical, cultural and industrial contexts, and equips you with the fundamental tools needed to understand and discuss this relationship.

Objectives

This module introduces you to some of the varied ways that music functions within films and other screen media, and how they have changed and developed within their historical, cultural and industrial contexts. You will learn basic analytical techniques through which you can develop your understanding and interpretation of the relationship between music and screen media.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:

1. Discuss how music in film or other screen media is influenced by appropriate historical, cultural, and industrial contexts.

2. Explain the functions of music in screen media through independent critique.

3. Describe fundamental methodologies to the study of music in screen media.

Skills Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:

4. Independently locate, validate and reference relevant scholarly work and other source materials across a variety of formats and media.

5. Communicate in ways appropriate to the discipline.

6. Use digital tools in an effective and ethical manner to access information and manage your own learning

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Film Screenings 3 3 9
Lectures 8 1 8
seminars 7 1 7
Tutorial 1 0.3 0.3
Private study hours 175.8
Total Contact hours 24.3
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 200

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

‘Watching club’ seminars provide a forum for the exchange of views and opinions based on prior viewing of a film, and a chance for review of understanding and interpretation. Regular discussions within seminars (and lectures) also provide opportunities for continuous feedback and monitoring of progress, as well as preparation for assessment. The seminars and online resources will be used to help students develop specific skills required to complete the assessment (e.g. guidance on how to produce video essays for students choosing to select this format for their final assignment). Each student will attend a group tutorial in week 11 to support their final preparation for the assessment and provide feedback on ideas developed thus far.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Source Analysis Audiovisual scene analysis (flexible format: 1000-1500 words, or 7-10 minutes) 100
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

The assessment is an audiovisual scene analysis (1000-1500 words, or 7-10 minutes) and can take various forms – such as a written blog/website style review, an academic essay, a video essay, a podcast, or a radio-style review – to be decided by the student in consultation with the module tutor(s). The range of possible assessment formats ensures the assignment is accessible and inclusively designed, while still enabling all students to meet the module learning outcomes. All options demonstrate forms of authentic assessment for the discussion and review of film and music (LO2, LO3, SLO5) in either a formal/academic or informal/commercial context. Regardless of the chosen format, the assessment requires students to critique their chosen clip (LO2) and situate it within its relevant contexts (LO1), and to support their views through reference to relevant research (SLO4). The act of analysing also requires the demonstration of secure understanding of relevant fundamental methodologies in the field (LO3). The clip chosen for audio-visual analysis may not come from one of the films screened and discussed as part of the module, and students will be supported to ensure the suitability of their choice.

Reading List

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 8/28/2024

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team