MGM musicals: a new kind of musical

Sing and dance and study your way through the studio, the genre and the stars of MGM's perfect pitch pictures of Americana just before the end of the studios. Serious learning was never this fun.

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Key course information

Dates
02/11/11 - 14/12/11

Day(s)
Wed

Duration
7 weeks

Time
18:30 - 20:30

Fees
Full fee: £73
Senior fee: £73
Concession: £22

Venue
OS - Off site

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Course code
HF040

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
humanities@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2652

Course outline

What is the course about?

The history of MGM studio and of the musical genre and how the two became linked and almost synonymous. This course is part of a major MGM retrospective at the BFI and so considerably more time will be given to viewing particular scenes because we are meeting in a cinema and because we will have access to materials that form part of the MGM season.

What topics will we cover?

comparison of musical output from other studios to MGM’s musicals
consideration of particular stars associated with this genre
the conventions of the musical genre.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

understand the place of musicals in the MGM studio structure.
analyse particular scenes
debate, list and vote both the key musicals and the key MGM musicals
discuss common themes or styles of the musical genre
list the conventions of the musical genre.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

From entry level to advanced, this short course is designed for both BFI viewers and City Lit learners.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Programme notes and handouts, opening lecture, screening of film and clips, discussion, Q & A.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Please bring pen and paper.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Key Films of the 20th Century, Classic Cinema, The Hollywood Studio System: 1915-1965.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.