Film Music

Module description

This module explores the role of music and sound in perhaps the dominant art form of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries: film. From the live accompaniments of early silent movies to the Oscar-winning soundtracks of today's Hollywood productions, music has been an integral part of cinema from the outset, structuring narratives and shaping audience responses. This module introduces students to key aesthetic concepts and debates surrounding film music as well as providing a historical overview of the development of film sound.

Assessment details

Take Away Exam [40%]

2500 Word Essay [60%]

Educational aims & objectives

• To explore the role of music and sound in film from early silent cinema until the present day
• To develop a critical awareness of key concepts in film theory (such as synchronisation, diegesis, suture, affect, the soundtrack and the acousmatic) and to apply them confidently
• To consider the differing roles of sound in a variety of genres, from film musicals and opera films to realist works and documentaries
• To examine the use of music in related media such as trailers and compilation soundtracks and to explore the changing ways in which audio-visual media have been consumed
• To investigate the changing social history of film and the role that music has played in shaping it

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students will be able to demonstrate intellectual, transferable and practical skills appropriate to a Level 5 module and in particular will demonstrate:

• a broad historical understanding of the shifting practices (and uses) of music and sound across film history from the late nineteenth century to the present day
• ability to draw upon theoretical concepts to articulate the different functions of sound within individual film works
• ability to interrogate the changing social position of film across the twentieth century and the role sound has played in shaping such ideas
• ability to investigate a range of genres, from film musicals to cinema verité, and scrutinise the differing functions of sound within them
• ability examine a variety of sound media from trailers to compilation soundtracks to 21st-century digital media
• their understanding of the above through classroom discussion and written assessment

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.