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Policies/Requirements/Grading:
Course Description:
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This course examines film as a complex cultural medium through readings about and discussions of theoretical and
critical approaches. Approaches may include academic theories of realism, genre, the auteur, feminism,
marxism, psychoanalysis, and semiotics, as well as the practical criticism of journalism. The course
combines weekly viewings with lectures, presentations, group discussions, and
written assignments. As an "S" course, students will receive substantial practice in oral presentation.
Course Goals and Objectives:
- To develop a basic knowledge of terms, concepts, and
theories that commonly appear in film criticism and theory
- To strengthen general skills in analysis and interpretation
and become increasingly able to better articulate your thoughts in
both speaking and writing
- To enhance your own pleasure in the cinematic experience by
increasing your appreciation and knowledge of how movies mean
Grading:
- reviews blog
10%
- presentations/group discussions 10%
- out-of-class essay
20%
- mid-term
exam
10%
- final
exam
30%
- work ethic/pop quizzes 20%
Work Ethic:
-
The nature of this class
requires individual responsibility and maturity in participation and
attendance. You
are expected to prepare for class by reading and thinking about those
readings
before you come to class and you will be expected to actively
participate
in class discussions. Please be on time for all classes,
prepared, and ready to listen, think, and contribute. A few
times throughout the semester we will have unannounced short quizzes to
check how well you are absorbing the assigned reading. These will
be factored in to your work ethic (class participation) grade. Missed
screenings are not made up using the class's copies of a film; you are
responsible for getting your own copy and viewing it at your
discretion.
Attendance:
- Attendance is required and more
than
2 absences will lower your final grade. More than six will
result
in failure for the course.
Papers:
- All papers must be word processed (to
be turned in to Becky Palmer in Jackson Hall 307) in proper MLA
format.
Late Work--UNACCEPTABLE. All work is to be completed and turned
in
on time. Late papers will receive one letter grade lower for
every
day late. Late papers more than 3 days late automatically receive
a
failing grade. The only exceptions are extreme circumstances beyond your control.
- The out-of-class essay is to be a short essay of about 1000 words (4-5
pages) in which you analyze a film primarily in terms of a single
formal component of the film (for example: cinematography or
editing or sound or acting, etc.). You will be expected to do
research for this essay, using a minimum of six sources, at least three of which should be sources orignating in print.
You will be given a film on dvd in class on which to write.
The due date for this essay is Monday, October 15 [see calendar
for details].
Schedule:
- The class schedule is dynamic
and therefore
liable to change. The readings will remain constant, but if
something
interesting is happening that we should see, be prepared to handle the changes. It is your responsibility to
check
the online syllabus every couple of days to see what changes or additions
have
occured.
Conferences:
- If you have any questions or
concerns
about the course and its assignments, please feel free to make an
appointment to see me when you need help. This semester my
official office hours are Monday from 10 to 11:30, Tuesday/Thursday
from 9:45 to 10:45, and by appointment. However, I am generally here on
campus
from 9 AM to 5 PM Monday through
Friday. Go to contact
information for this course for specific ways to reach me.
Honor Code:
- Plagiarism is a most serious
offense. Penalties as severe as a zero on an assignment, failure in the
course, or expulsion from
the college are possible. Learn and practice the Centenary Honor
Code and be prepared to write it on every assignment to be turned in.
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