WEA Course Information Sheet 2014-15

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Course title: Film and Film Music
Course reference: C2221577 / Tutor(s): Laurence Staig
Venue: Connaught Hall (ATTLEBOROUGH) / Fee: £48.00
Start date: 06/01/2015 / End date: 17/03/2015 / Day(s)/time(s): Tues 10:00
Number of sessions: 7 / Hours per session: 2 (+1) / Level: 3
Title of qualification to be gained (if any): n/a
Awarding body (if any): n/a
Essential materials e.g. books and equipment to be provided by the student
None.
Course aims:
Do you love cinema and especially film music? If so you should enjoy this course. You will engage with a wide range of different kinds of films, developing skills of observation, critical analysis and personal reflection on how sound and in particular music is employed to underscore and make meaning in film. You will also learn about some of the techniques employed by film composers and directors.
Course description:
A course which explores the role of music in film, with reference to key composers such as Ennio Morricone, Bernard Herrmann and John Barry. This is an appreciation course but will be anchored in the study of film and technique.
Any prior knowledge or entry requirements?
There are no particular skills requirement other than an interest in films and cinema and a willingness to develop critical skills. The level of the course will be somewhere between a general introduction and an A level, through to a first year undergraduate course. An enjoyment and/or interest in film and music – especially music, together with a curiosity to discover and appreciate film makers intentions is all that is required for this course. Many films and film scores are recommended and suggested and this often means an open door to a whole new range of experiences and encounters with what Godard called “The beautiful fraud.”
Course content: what topics will the course cover?
You will develop skills in Micro analysis of Film pertaining to the use of sound. Extracts from films demonstrating particularly memorable and imaginative uses of music will be examined and discussed. The course will focus on how music has been used to heighten the experience of film in the genre – some examples will include Horror/Thriller films and the unique use of music in particular film genres. We will look at the work of several important Film Music composers including Ennio Morricone and John Barry. The course will also cover an overview of the History of Film Music.
Teaching, learning and assessment methods: tick those to be used ü
Demonstration / Discussion / ü / Group work / ü / Individual work / ü
Project work / Research / ü / Role play / Written work
Question and answer / ü / Activity outside class time / Observation / ü / Practical work / ü
Presentation / ü / Field trip / Other (state) Textual analysis
How will I receive feedback on my learning progress and achievement?
There will be opportunities to discuss and test the development of your knowledge, appreciation and analytical skills, through open discussion, frequent plenaries and question and answers. You should also start to develop an enquiring mind as to how film makers make meaning. As you develop confidence your skills of evaluation and appreciation will develop also.
Learning outcomes: these are the intended outcomes and may be revised in discussion with the class. Students are encouraged to think about and identify their own individual outcomes.
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
1.  De-construct and analyse a film sequence using technical language in micro detail with particular reference to sound.
2.  Examine the work of some major film music composers.
3.  Evaluate the ingenuity of the integration of music and drama in creating film texts.
4.  Produce a storyboard and or step outline or film script of your own with a soundtrack.
5.  Critically analyse how the Film Music industry works, and the mechanism of the support of the Fan base.
Reading and information sources:
Suggested reading:
There are many books on film study, film music and film composers. However, it is not necessary to read any before the course as hand-outs and information will be provided.
Suggestions for progression to further study or for using the skills and knowledge gained:
The course could be a starting point for another course of film study with the WEA or another provider. Your course tutor would be happy to devise a course which explored film analysis further! You could join a film appreciation group – just like a Book Reading circle or pursue your own course of studies. You may even consider pursuing film study at a higher academic level as there are many courses available throughout the UK. You may also increase your CD collection of Film Music having discovered many new film scores.
You can read about your entitlements and responsibilities as a WEA student in our leaflet, Services for Students here http://www.wea.org.uk/courses/information This includes information on fees, learning support and financial support.
As part of your first course you accept a learning agreement. This applies to all courses you take in this academic year. You should have a copy of the learning agreement (the tear-off portion of your enrolment form), but if not please ask for a copy from your tutor.
You can enrol online for some courses http://www.wea.org.uk/courses
WEA Eastern Region, 3rd Floor Cintra House, Cambridge CB2 1JP
Tel: 01223 417320 Email: Website: wwww.eastern.wea.org.uk

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