|
English
14
Purpose and Rationale for
the Course
The objective
of this course is to better understand how film is constructed to
create meaning. Through lectures, readings, screenings, discussions,
and writing assignments, you will learn the basic principles and
vocabulary of film theory and aesthetics. Understanding these fundamental
ideas will help you to analyze film with a critical approach that
considers stylistic, historical, and ideological issues.
 Return to Top
Texts
and Supplies
 Required texts--Film Art: An Introduction,
8th edition, by David Bordwell and Kristin Thompson and Breathless
edited by Dudley Andrew.
 Supplies--one 10x12 or larger clasp envelope; photocopies
of your work as needed; formatted 3.5" floppy disk; 200 page
notebook
Return to Top
Projects
A Two
out-of-class papers that will focus on a variety of topics including
but not limited to classical narrative design, mise-en-scene, cinematography, and editing.
Essays will be three to five pages in length and require that one
follow MLA guidelines. In-class responses should include thoughtful
reactions to assigned readings and screenings. For all out-of-class
papers, the first draft will be (re)viewed by at least two classmates.
(Peer review will be graded.) The next draft will be graded. Students
will be allowed either one rewrite or one late paper, but only if
s/he has turned in all drafts, which fulfill all essay requirements,
of that particular essay. The late paper must be turned in
no later than one week after the final draft due date. Any other
late papers or assignments will not be accepted. All assignments
must be keyboarded. Failure to turn in a paper will prevent a
student from passing this class.
B A midterm
and final both which will include short essay, identification, and
application problems.
C An
individual presentation in which the speaker presents biographical,
historical, and/or critical information pertaining to an author
and/or his/her film. The instructor will provide topics.
D Written reactions to films, 250 words per reaction. These will be collected periodically.
Return to Top
Attendance
Regular attendance
is expected. I do not distinguish between excused and unexcused
absences, and I do not allow make-up work except for the aforementioned
late paper. Also, I do not tolerate tardiness or early departures;
if a student departs early regularly or arrives late consistently,
s/he will be dropped.
Return to Top
Grades
|
Papers - 400 points |
Film Reactions - 100 points |
Midterm
- 100 points |
|
|
Presentation - 100 points |
Peer Revision - 50 points |
Final - 150 points |
|
|
Return to Top
Professionalism
Students are
expected to act in a collegiate manner. Thus, cell
phones, iPods, and other electronic equipment
will not be tolerated. Make sure these devices are inoperable during
class time. Disruption of class will result in appropriate disciplinary
action. Additionally, children are not allowed in class, for it
is against the law. Students should also be prepared to be challenged,
intellectually and morally, by the books we read and the ideas we
discuss. If a student finds something in this class offensive, I
suggest s/he find another class or transfer to a college whose ideas
mirror his/her own. Furthermore, cheating in any of its forms, using
another person's answers, plagiarizing, et cetera will be reported
to proper officials. Finally, regular attendance, participation,
and engagement are instrumental to your success in this class.
|
