Film music: ideologies, functions and theoretical perspectives

The course is a freestanding course

Admission to the course requires the completion of courses totaling at least 180 higher education credits, equivalent to the requirements for a bachelor's degree in the humanities or social sciences, or an equivalent qualification. Additionally, English 6/English B from Swedish upper secondary school or an equivalent level on an internationally recognized test, such as TOEFL or IELTS, is required.

The course is thematically structured around central concepts and questions in contemporary film music research. Throughout the course, these concepts and questions are studied from various theoretical, methodological, analytical, and critical perspectives. The term film music refers both to music originally composed for a specific film and to pre-existing music (e.g., folk music, Western art music, and popular music) used in film. The course addresses issues related to the central functions of film music, the interplay between music and other aspects of a film's soundtrack (spoken dialogue, sound effects, etc.), and the moving image. Additionally, the course covers theories on how film music affects the viewer, reinforces stereotypes and ideological messages, and how film music relates to the narrative and fictional worlds of films.

After passing the course, students shall be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

•  explain central methods and analysis strategies in contemporary film music research,
• explain central theories and concepts in contemporary film music research,

Competence and skills

• describe and analyze the ideological role and function of film music in various types of films,

• apply central concepts and analysis strategies in contemporary film music research to selected films and film scenes,

Judgement and approach

• critically evaluate the relevance of theories, concepts, and analysis strategies in relation to films and film scenes from various genres, time periods, and locations.

Teaching is conducted through lectures and seminars.

Language of instruction: English

The examination is conducted in written form as a take-home exam and through examination seminars, or alternatively through written assignments

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U)

The results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who participated in the evaluation and students who are starting the course.

Aspects of gender equality and equal treatment will be considered in the content, the literature, the teaching, and the evaluations of the course.

This is a translated version of the Swedish original. In case of differences between the Swedish version and the English translation, the Swedish original shall prevail.