CQUniversity Unit Profile
MUSC12375 History of Film Music 1
History of Film Music 1
All details in this unit profile for MUSC12375 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

In this unit you will study the structure of film music from the beginning of the twentieth century to the end of the 1950s. You will analyse various primary source materials as you study the various stylistic changes that occurred with the film music and contextualise these developments within the important technological, social and political movements of this period.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 2
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

There are no requisites for this unit.

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 1 - 2021

Online

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Written Assessment
Weighting: 30%
2. Written Assessment
Weighting: 30%
3. Written Assessment
Weighting: 40%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Unit Evaluation

Feedback

Assessment items assisted in developing skills necessary for film music analysis.

Recommendation

Continue providing assessment tasks that develop a range of essential analysis skills through the study of various genres/periods.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Describe the principal stylistic characteristics of film music from the beginning of the twentieth century to the end of the 1950s
  2. Analyse the aural characteristics of film music from the beginning of the twentieth century to the end of the 1950s
  3. Contextualise the developments in film music within the important technological, social and political movements from the beginning of the twentieth century to the end of the 1950s

N/A

Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3
1 - Written Assessment - 30%
2 - Written Assessment - 30%
3 - Written Assessment - 40%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 - Written Assessment - 30%
2 - Written Assessment - 30%
3 - Written Assessment - 40%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Reel music: Exploring 100 years of film music

Edition: 2nd edn (2017)
Authors: Roger Hickman
W.W.Norton
New York New York , USA
ISBN: 9780393937664
Binding: Paperback

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Jason Smyth-Tomkins Unit Coordinator
j.smyth-tomkins@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 08 Mar 2021

Module/Topic

Topic 1: Exploring Film and Music

Chapter

Chapter 1: Exploring Film and Music
Chapter 2: Elements of Music

Hickman, R. (2017). Reel music: Exploring 100 years of film music. New York, NY: USA

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 15 Mar 2021

Module/Topic

Topic 1: Exploring Film and Music

Chapter

Chapter 3: Listening to Film Music
Chapter 4: Forerunners of Film Music

Hickman, R. (2017). Reel music: Exploring 100 years of film music. New York, NY: USA

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 22 Mar 2021

Module/Topic

Topic 2: The Silent Film Era

Chapter

Chapter 5: A New Art Form
Chapter 6: The Foundations of Modern Filmmaking

Hickman, R. (2017). Reel music: Exploring 100 years of film music. New York, NY: USA

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 29 Mar 2021

Module/Topic

Topic 2: The Silent Film Era

Chapter

Chapter 7: Breaking the Sound Barrier

Hickman, R. (2017). Reel music: Exploring 100 years of film music. New York, NY: USA

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 05 Apr 2021

Module/Topic

Topic 2: The Silent Film Era

Chapter

Chapter 8: Europe after World War I

Hickman, R. (2017). Reel music: Exploring 100 years of film music. New York, NY: USA

Events and Submissions/Topic

Odessa Steps Montage Due: Week 5 Monday (5 Apr 2021) 11:45 pm AEST
Vacation Week Begin Date: 12 Apr 2021

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 19 Apr 2021

Module/Topic

Topic 3: The Golden Age of Sound

Chapter

Chapter 9: The Classical Hollywood Film Score
Chapter 10: Lighter Musical Scores

Hickman, R. (2017). Reel music: Exploring 100 years of film music. New York, NY: USA

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 26 Apr 2021

Module/Topic

Topic 3: The Golden Age of Sound

Chapter

Chapter 11: Hollywood and World War II

Hickman, R. (2017). Reel music: Exploring 100 years of film music. New York, NY: USA

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 03 May 2021

Module/Topic

Topic 3: The Golden Age of Sound

Chapter

Chapter 12: International Filmmaking: A Golden Age Interrupted

Hickman, R. (2017). Reel music: Exploring 100 years of film music. New York, NY: USA

Events and Submissions/Topic

Classical music and the 'talkies' Due: Week 8 Monday (3 May 2021) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 9 Begin Date: 10 May 2021

Module/Topic

Topic 4: New Challenges for Hollywood

Chapter

Chapter 13: The Post-War Years

Hickman, R. (2017). Reel music: Exploring 100 years of film music. New York, NY: USA

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 17 May 2021

Module/Topic

Topic 4: New Challenges for Hollywood

Chapter

Chapter 14: Expanding Modern Music

Hickman, R. (2017). Reel music: Exploring 100 years of film music. New York, NY: USA

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 24 May 2021

Module/Topic

Topic 4: New Challenges for Hollywood

Chapter

Chapter 15: Country, Rock and All That Jazz

Hickman, R. (2017). Reel music: Exploring 100 years of film music. New York, NY: USA

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 31 May 2021

Module/Topic

Topic 4: New Challenges for Hollywood

Chapter

Chapter 16: The Revitalisation of International Filmmaking

Hickman, R. (2017). Reel music: Exploring 100 years of film music. New York, NY: USA

Events and Submissions/Topic

Post-war trends, modern styles and the birth of the blockbuster Due: Week 12 Monday (31 May 2021) 11:45 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 07 Jun 2021

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 14 Jun 2021

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Odessa Steps Montage

Task Description

Length: 1500 - 2000 words*

Task: Complete a film music analysis of the Odessa Steps montage from Battleship Potemkim (1925). A link to the Youtube clip can be found on the Moodle course website. 

Task description:

  1. Begin with a brief overview of the work of film director Sergei Eisenstein and his innovations in film technique.
  2. Describe the term 'montage', and how this is demonstrated in this film sequence - the Odessa Steps montage.
  3. Provide a brief synopsis of the film and where this scene comes.
  4. Create a plot and music cue list to describe the events in the film clip (the Odessa Steps montage) and the type of music used. You may use the template from page 81 of the textbook and download here.
  5. Discuss how the musical elements are used with this film clip (the Odessa Steps montage). Using specific examples from the plot and music cue list, consider how the choice of instruments, tempo, volume, rhythm, dissonance are used to:
    • establish the varying moods of the montage
    • support the plot and the various plot changes
    • establish character
  6. You may use your own words to describe the musical elements, but be as precise and musical as possible.
  7. Include a reference list and use in-text referencing to acknowledge your information sources.

Assignment presentation:

  • Include your name, student number and topic title
  • Must use 12 point Times New Roman font
  • Must use 1.5 spacing for the body of the assignment
  • You may use sub-headings to organise your assignment clearly
  • You may refer to Youtube clips to demonstrate aspects of your discussion and reference appropriately
  • Include in-text references
  • Include a comprehensive reference list, adhering to the CQUniversity APA Style Guide
  • All excerpts from URLs for music scores or recorded audio/video examples should include an in-text reference, and full details included in the reference list.
  • Submit Microsoft Word (.docx) documents only.

*The word count is considered from the first word of the introduction to the last word of the conclusion. It excludes the cover page, abstract, contents page, reference page and appendices. It includes in-text references and direct quotations.


Assessment Due Date

Week 5 Monday (5 Apr 2021) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 7


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

10% - Accuracy and depth of treatment of director profile
10% - Discussion on the structure of the montage
5% - Accuracy of film synopsis and identification of scene
25% - Accuracy of plot and music cue list, and use of appropriate descriptors
30% - Discussion on use of music to establish the mood, support the plot and establish character
10% - Implementation of appropriate presentation and technical requirements
10% - Correct use of academic referencing conventions


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit this assignment online through the unit Moodle site.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Describe the principal stylistic characteristics of film music from the beginning of the twentieth century to the end of the 1950s
  • Analyse the aural characteristics of film music from the beginning of the twentieth century to the end of the 1950s
  • Contextualise the developments in film music within the important technological, social and political movements from the beginning of the twentieth century to the end of the 1950s


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy

2 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Classical music and the 'talkies'

Task Description

Length: 2000 words*

Task: Write an essay to discuss the use of classical music in five 'talkie' films from late 1920s to the end of the 1930s. This is referring to classical music that has been included in a film score by composers such as Mozart, Beethoven etc. These pieces have not been written especially for the film, and were originally written for the concert hall.

For each of the five films, find one Youtube clip demonstrating the use of a piece of classical music, identifying it by title, composer and timing within the clip. Consider the following points:

  • What purpose does the music play at that point in the film?
  • How does the music inform the viewer about character, plot, point of view and mood?
  • For each film score extract discuss whether the music is diegetic or non-diegetic and how this alters its purpose in the film.

Assignment presentation:

  • Include your name, student number and topic title
  • Must use 12 point Times New Roman font
  • Must use 1.5 spacing for the body of the assignment
  • You may use sub-headings to organise your assignment clearly
  • You may refer to Youtube clips to demonstrate aspects of your discussion and reference appropriately
  • Include in-text references
  • Include a comprehensive reference list, adhering to the CQUniversity APA Style Guide
  • All excerpts from URLs for music scores or recorded audio/video examples should include an in-text reference, and full details included in the reference list.
  • Submit Microsoft Word (.docx) documents only.

*The word count is considered from the first word of the introduction to the last word of the conclusion. It excludes the cover page, abstract, contents page, reference page and appendices. It includes in-text references and direct quotations.


Assessment Due Date

Week 8 Monday (3 May 2021) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 10


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

25% - Accurate identification of five film clips and the classical music used
35% - Appropriate discussion of the purpose of the music
20% - Ability to synthesise information in a precise and relevant manner
10% - Implementation of appropriate presentation and technical requirements
10% - Correct use of academic referencing conventions


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit this assignment online through the unit Moodle site.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Describe the principal stylistic characteristics of film music from the beginning of the twentieth century to the end of the 1950s
  • Analyse the aural characteristics of film music from the beginning of the twentieth century to the end of the 1950s
  • Contextualise the developments in film music within the important technological, social and political movements from the beginning of the twentieth century to the end of the 1950s


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy

3 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Post-war trends, modern styles and the birth of the blockbuster

Task Description

Length: 2500 words*

Task: Considering the period from 1945 to 1959, discuss the way film music is used in each of the following film genres:

  • drama
  • film noir
  • thriller
  • epic
  • horror
  • romance
  • western
  • comedy
  • animated feature

For each genre:

  • Give specific examples of films and film music for each genre and find relevant Youtube clips that support your argument about how film music is used in that genre in various films and by various composers.
  • The examples can be either diegetic or non-diegetic music examples.
  • For each Youtube clip provide a Cue sheet guide that links the description of the action to the description of the music. You may not replicate any of the Viewer Guides that are provided in the textbook, but use these as a template for your own analysis.

For each film music example discuss:

  • What purpose does the music play at that point in the film?
  • How does the music inform the viewer about character, plot, point of view and mood?
  • How does this music link to the usual conventions of this film genre?

Assignment presentation:

  • Include your name, student number and topic title
  • Must use 12 point Times New Roman font
  • Must use 1.5 spacing for the body of the assignment
  • You may use sub-headings to organise your assignment clearly
  • You may refer to Youtube clips to demonstrate aspects of your discussion and reference appropriately
  • Include in-text references
  • Include a comprehensive reference list, adhering to the CQUniversity APA Style Guide
  • All excerpts from URLs for music scores or recorded audio/video examples should include an in-text reference, and full details included in the reference list.
  • Submit Microsoft Word (.docx) documents only.

*The word count is considered from the first word of the introduction to the last word of the conclusion. It excludes the cover page, abstract, contents page, reference page and appendices. It includes in-text references and direct quotations.


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Monday (31 May 2021) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

End of term


Weighting
40%

Assessment Criteria

10% - Appropriate introduction and conclusion
30% - Appropriate discussion of the purpose of the music within each genre
20% - Appropriate choice and discussion of film music examples
20% - Ability to synthesise information in a precise and relevant manner
10% - Implementation of appropriate presentation and technical requirements
10% - Correct use of academic referencing conventions


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit this assignment online through the unit Moodle site.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Describe the principal stylistic characteristics of film music from the beginning of the twentieth century to the end of the 1950s
  • Analyse the aural characteristics of film music from the beginning of the twentieth century to the end of the 1950s
  • Contextualise the developments in film music within the important technological, social and political movements from the beginning of the twentieth century to the end of the 1950s


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?