PROJECTS
FILM
INTRODUCTIONS
Groups of 3-4 students will be asked to prepare a creative introductory
presentation to the class each Wednesday prior to that eveningÕs film
screening. A handout study guide should be developed and distributed
to the class. Appropriate web links should be forwarded to the instructor
prior to class for inclusion on the course site. Project groups will
be assigned in the first full week of class and presentations will begin
with The Birth of a Nation on January 16.
FILM
ACCOMPANYING PROJECT
On reserve at the Media Union library (second floor) are two copies
of a VHS tape with three segments from THE JAZZ SINGER (1927). Check
out one of these tapes and make a copy at Groundworks (lower level,
Media Union). Choose one of the segments and develop a live musical
accompaniment, using whatever sonic resources you wish. If you prefer,
you may choose to develop a compiled score, making a collage of pre-existing
recordings on CD or tape. A mixture of approaches including live music
and pre-recorded sound is also welcome. Let your creativity go. Due
January 29.
FILM
MUSIC CUE ANALYSIS (MIDTERM PROJECT)
You may choose to analyze any film cue (a more or less continuous sequence
of music associated with a scene or series of scenes) from any of the
films to be seen in the course up to spring break. Your analysis will
take the form of two integrated components. The first is a chart describing
the sequence of dialogue, imagery, sound, and music in the cue. The
second will be a written analysis up to five pages long of the relationships
among these various components. Accuracy is the primary goal of the
descriptive chart, while the goal of the discussion is to suggest the
function and interpretive stance of the music in relation to the other
components of the scene and the film overall. Due February 19.
FINAL
PROJECT
For your final project you may choose any analytical project concerning
any film. Your topic should be developed in consultation with the instructor
and should combine research with analysis. You may also choose a collaborative
project to create music for a student film. Proposals for your final
project will be due following spring break. Due April 9.
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