“Video Killed the Radio Star”: the History and Analysis of Music Videos
TDM 167MV
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
With the U.S. launch of MTV on August 1, 1981, the media landscape for popular music production and consumption changed irrevocably. With an increased emphasis on visual aesthetics and novel modes of storytelling, the creative expectations of artists and audiences changed in response to new technologies. In this course, we will trace the history of the music video (which began long before the 80s) to understand the evolution of the commercial music industry from early animation and music television through the advent of YouTube and social media. Students will develop an analytical toolbox for interpreting music videos with attention to their visual, sound, and cultural context. The course will cover artists from Madonna and Michael Jackson to Lady Gaga and Kanye West, and media platforms such as MTV, VH1, MySpace, and TikTok. Students will present their own analyses in class, and the semester will culminate in a final project that either presents more in depth analysis or involves the production of their own music videos.
Course Notes
No experience required. This course satisfies the “Critical" requirement for TDM concentrators and Secondary Field students.
Class Notes
More details about the course and petition process are on the Canvas course site.
Available for Harvard Cross Registration
