Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - CA 386 OL01

Film Music: An Overview of the Relationship between Music and Moving Pictures (3)

Class Number: 4292

Delivery Method: Online

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Online

  • Prerequisites:

    60 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

This course examines the role of music in the viewer's experience of moving pictures. Beginning with the early 1900s, the lectures will introduce important composers, directors, films, genres and historical periods. Specific films and other works will be analyzed. Students who have taken this course previously as special topics may not take it again for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

CA386 is about the moving picture and its connection, since film’s inception, with music.

Film Music: An Overview of the Relationship between Music and Moving Pictures surveys the history of music (and sound) in cinema, examines various film genres, time periods, and styles, analyzes specific films, and presents studies of a few selected composers and directors.

This course also explores the idea of music, particularly film music, as a kind of language insofar as it is able to subvert, affirm, and/or direct the expectations of the viewer.

As such, the study of film music leads one to re-examine one’s conceptions of music and sound in both the cinema and other contexts.

Note that this course does not assume that the student has any specific music training.

Grading

  • 4 Quizzes (10% each) 40%
  • 3 Film Analysis Assignments (20% each) 60%

Materials

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.