Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

NB: Information in this Unit Outline is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

In ancient cultures music was mainly part of an integrated whole, incorporating all performance elements as well as being situated firmly in the culture in which it existed. Today a significant portion of most people's exposure to music will be through visiting the movies, the theatre, dance or other electronic home media such as television or multimedia.
This wealth of vocal, instrumental and electronic music is studied within the context of various interdisciplinary genres. The role and function of these musical forms will be investigated along with their cultural context, through listening, watching, reading and discussion.

Aims

In this unit we explore the role and function of music in various art forms and how we are influenced and manipulated by the interaction of narrative, text, moving images, music, soundscapes and our imagination. Through our discussion of classic and contemporary art forms, you will develop your critical understanding and appreciation of the relationship between sound, image and text in a variety of art forms.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:
- Understand the role, function and interaction of music with sound and text, with reference to the musical characteristics of style and form from many of the following genres: film sound and music, music video, music on the internet, multimedia events, opera and music theatre, songs, music for dance, music for interactive computer games, incidental dramatic music, performance art and sound for installations.
- Understand and be aware of the cultural, political, economic, technological and social contexts in which music making occurs when combined with other arts.
- Apply critical skills to review and evaluate the use of sound in a variety of art forms.

Content

Lectures will explore the role, function and interaction of music, sound and image through an examination of the musical characteristics of style and form selected from the following genres: film music, music video, music on the internet, multimedia events, opera and music theatre, music for dance, music for interactive computer games, incidental dramatic music, performance art and sound for installations.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Regular lecture/demonstrations and guest lectures.
Audio and video recording exemplars.
Student-centred learning through self-directed projects.
Reading and listening.

Assessment

LATE ASSIGNMENTS
An assignment submitted after the due date without an approved extension will not be marked. If you are unable to complete your assignment on time, you should submit on time whatever work you have done.

Faculty Assessment Information
To access complete Creative Industries Faculty Assessment Information please refer to the Blackboard site for this unit.FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
You will receive formative feedback on your progress in this unit during tutorials and discussions throughout the semester. Weight: 0%

Assessment name: Written analysis; presentation
Description: 10-minute in-class presentation and discussion of a creative work that relates to an aspect of the lecture material plus a 1000-1500 word written analysis of the short example of a creative work from your presentation. Your short example (max. 3 mins) should be chosen from one of the following: a song or piece of music, music video, film, advertising, theatre, dance, sound installation, computer game or visual music. You can choose to analyse an original work or the work of another artist.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2 & 3
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid-late Semester

Assessment name: Take-home exam
Description: A written test, dealing with concepts and ideas explored in lectures during semester (1500 to 2000 max.). The written test will be a take-home test and include short-answer questions and analyses of audiovisual examples.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2 & 3
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Examination Period

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

There is no set text for this unit.

Recommended References
Bandt, Ros. Sound Sculpture: Intersections in sound and sculpture in Australia. Sydney: Craftsman House, 2001.
Barthes, Roland. Image, Music, Text, London: Fontana Press, 1987.
Brook, P. The Empty Space, Pelican Books, 1988.
Brophy, Philip. 100 Modern Soundtracks, London: BFI, 2004.
Brown, Royal S. Overtones and Undertones: reading film music, Berkeley: University of California Press, 1994.
Chion, Michel. Audio-Vision, Sound on Screen, New York: Columbia University Press, 1990.
Cook, Nicholas. Analysing Musical Multimedia, Oxford University Press, 1998.
Cook, Nicholas. Music, Imagination and Culture, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1990.
Donelly, K. J. (ed.) Film Music: Critical Approaches, Edinburgh University Press, 2001.
Donelly, K. J. The Spectre of Sound: Music in Film and Television, Edinburgh University Press, 2001.
Fiske, J. & Hartley, J. Reading Television, London: Methuen, 1989.
Kahn, Douglas. Noise, Water, Meat: a History of Sound in the Arts, Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press, 1999. (available as an e-book)
LaBelle, Brandon. & Roden, Steve. (eds) Site of sound: of architecture and the ear, Los Angeles: Errant Bodies in association with Smart Art Press, 1999.
Millar, Simon. Visible Deeds of Music: Art and Music from Wagner to Cage, New Haven: Yale University Press, 2002.
Monaco, J. How to Read a Film, New York: Oxford University Press, 2000.
Reay, Pauline. Music in Film: Soundtracks and Synergy, London: Wallflower Press, 2004.
Weis, E. & Belton, J. (ed.) Film Sound: Theory and Practice, New York: Columbia University Press, 1985.
Vernallis, Carol. Experiencing Music Video: Aesthetics and Cultural Contexts, New York: Columbia University Press, 2004.
FilmSound.org: Learning Space dedicated to the art and analyses of Film Sound Design http://www.filmsound.org/
Media Art Net http://www.medienkunstnetz.de/sitemap/en/

Risk assessment statement

Excessive noise in confined spaces can damage hearing. Exposure to such noise should be brief and controlled.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 03-Apr-2013