Film Studies Course Outline

Film Studies Course

http://jmarzofilmstudies.blogspot.com/

The task which I am trying to achieve is to make you see. (D.W. Griffith)

Film is a fascinating way to discover the world and to develop an understanding of its politics, its
psychology, its structure, and its language. (James Monaco)

The cinema is an eye wide open on life, an eye more powerful than our own and which
sees things we cannot see. (Germaine Dulac)

So many movies, so little time. (April Kilinski and Chuck Maland)

Introduction and Overview:

You will notice things in films you never noticed before. Indeed, many students in film claim it becomes difficult
to "watch a movie" like they did before learning about film techniques. On the other hand, this class should provide you with a vocabulary and a grammar of film that will enable you to read what the actors, writers, designers, directors, and producers are saying. My personal goal is to help you prepare for advanced courses in film and to provide you with the wherewithal to
say more about film than "I liked it!"

Since this is an introductory course and since I am well aware that certain types of movies are extremely popular, I assume that you have seen plenty of movies but that you lack a conceptual understanding of cinema. In other words, I assume that your
awareness of films far exceeds your vocabulary for describing them. Hence, I hope that you will regard this course as (1) an opportunity to experience a broader range of movies than you are, perhaps, used to seeing, and (2) as an occasion to learn and practice a more analytical--precise and elaborated--language for talking and writing about film.

Although we shall attend to historical problems associated with cinema, this course is not organized as a
history of the movies. Neither is it a production course a guide to filmmaking. For although we will not shy away from the technical aspects of film production or resist situating movies in their historical context, our ultimate goal is to
learn something about the construction of movies and the role cinema--and, especially, narrative film--plays in relating individuals to the values and assumptions of their culture.

Some of the films will contain graphic and controversial materials. If you find representations of sexuality,
violence, politics, race, and/or other potentially controversial subjects objectionable, you may either drop the class NOW or see me and we can try to come to some compromise. Understand that you will not be excused from class work but will receive an alternative viewing.

Parent Permission slip required for this course because we will be viewing R-rated movies (see attachment).

Below are some suggestions for viewing films in this class:

• Take notes during the entire film. Do not sit passively; these are not “popcorn” viewings.
  
• Keep your notes in your notebook, and bring this notebook to every class meeting.
  
• Review the guiding questions below before each viewing, and write down responses and
  relevant details as you watch the film, after you’ve thought about it for awhile, and before the next class.
  
• Preview any questions given in class before the film begins.
  
• Write down all significant characters’ names & a brief character analysis.
  
• Write down the significant plot events, in case you might not remember the next week
  or after viewing more films.
  
• Write down memorable, significant, or interesting quotes.
  
• Write down an analysis of the title.
  
• What are the various journeys in the film: the external (geographical, physical) movement? the internal
  (mental, emotional, psychological, intellectual, spiritual) movement?
  
• Where do these journeys begin, both externally and internally?
  
• What causes the journey to begin?
  
• Where do these trips end, or do they? What changes have occurred in the character(s)?
  
• Is this journey linear (straight from A to Z), or are there significant stops and/or tangents along the way? What is the function or role of these stops or tangents?
  
• Connect the specific path of this film to archetypal or commonly known journeys.
  
• Connect the film to previous films & themes.

Instructional Methods and/or Strategies:

• Direct instruction consists of lecture, discussion, and interactive media.

• Films are viewed in class and at home. Class attendance and participation are required. Active viewing is required.
  Taking notes is required.


• Formal papers and essays must be typed.


• Memorization is necessary for vocabulary and film terms.


• Small and large-group discussion is a vital part of the learning process. Critical thinking skills are developed
  through class discussions.


• Students will make individual and group presentations in class.


• Students will submit journal entries in which they apply course materials and concepts to films of their choosing.

Grades:

90% and above A

80% and above B

70% and above C

60% and above D

Remember this course is a UC approved course and your grade
in this class does matter if you’re planning on attending any college.

Assessment Methods and/or Tools:

The student performance in this course will be assessed in the following ways:

• Writing: The course requires a writing portfolio that
  will contain journals, film analyses, screening reports, film reviews,
  essays, and research papers demonstrating an understanding of filmmaking
  techniques and conventions.
  
• Projects: Small projects demonstrating an understanding of
  design composition, storyboarding, screenwriting, advertising posters, etc.
  
• Internet Exercises: Interactive websites with questions and activities to help students
  grasp concepts and enrich their understanding.
  
• Oral Presentations: An analysis of a film to be presented to the class. Students complete research and a
  comprehensive analysis and present their thesis, evidence, and examples to the class. Outstanding instances of film technique are noted and key scenes are analyzed. Students use several strategies and media to communicate information to the class.
  
• Film Production: Short student films, produced on video, demonstrating an understanding of concepts discussed in class such as lighting, sound, framing, and editing techniques.
  
• Objective Tests: Tests and quizzes, at least one per unit of instruction, demonstrating a working knowledge of industry terms and film history. Midterm and Final Exams each semester.
  
• Essay Tests: To demonstrate knowledge, mastery, and application of significant elements and concepts covered in each unit.
  
• Final Project: A short production, typically a video presentation designed by the student that shows his ability to synthesize ideas from two or more units of the course.
  
• Extra Credit: Many opportunities will be given for students to earn extra points outside of class by going above and beyond the requirements to allow students to delve deeper into the areas they enjoy.

Students will demonstrate their understanding by:

• Writing analytical essays and film critiques that discuss concepts such as
  genre, period, mood, style, and pacing. (Standards 1.0, Artistic Expression and 4.0, Aesthetic Valuing)


• Writing short screenplay sequences, designing film sets that complement dramatic action,
  and using storyboards to plan film sequences. (Standard 2.0, Creative Expression)


• Reading about, writing about and discussing Film history, its reflection of society and
  its impact on society and world culture. (Standard 3.0, Historical and Cultural Context)


• Creating a final project that synthesizes ideas from various units. (Standards 1.0,
  Artistic Expression, and 2.0, Creative Expression)


• Analyzing plots and plot devices in films, looking at linear and non-linear time lines,
  genres, etc. (Standard 4.0, Aesthetic Valuing)


• Comparing a film with the novel from which it was adapted. (Standard 5.0, Connections, Relationships, Applications)


• Creating advertisement—including short trailers and movie posters—for the films
  they create. (Standard 5.0, Connections, Relationships, Applications)


• Analyzing the uses of filmmaking within the Hollywood framework, the business framework,
  education and personal use. (Standard 5.0, Connections, Relationships, Applications.)
  
  
  Define terms related to the elements of film and use the vernacular and technical
  terms related to film when explaining the film watching experience.
  (Standard 1.1 Development of Vocabulary for Theatre/Film)

• Identify and explain the elements of the filmmaking process. (Standards 1.0, Artistic Expression)


• Analyze the form and content of a film using literary devices such as plot, climax, conflict, theme, tone, imagery, symbolism, point of view and foreshadowing. (Standards 1.2 and 1.3 Comprehension and Analysis of Elements of the Theatre/Film)


• Identify the central ideas of a film and develop this interpretation in a coherent and organized manner.
  (Standard 4.0, Aesthetic Valuing)


• Analyze a film’s relevance to our time as well as its own. Compare and contrast films of the same genre in different historical periods. Discuss a remake and the changes made for the contemporary audience. (Standards 3.0, 3.1, 3.4 Historical and Cultural Context)


• Create short original screenplays and adaptations (in groups) using story boards and other media. (Standards 2.1 Development of Theatrical skills, 2.2 and 2.3 Creation and Invention in Theatre/Film).


• Create short films on video that involve conscious artistic choices (Standard 2.0, Creative Expression)


• Discuss the film as art. Develop criteria for what makes a film good. Discuss the function of film in our culture.
  (Standards 4.1, 4.2 Creative Assessment of Film and 4.3 Derivation of meaning from works of Film)


• Synthesize the ideas presented in various units of the course. (Standards 1.0, Artistic Expression, and 2.0, Creative
  Expression)


• Identify storytelling techniques common to both film and other forms of art, such as literary works. (Standard 5.0,
  Connections, Relationships, Applications)


• Identify the way films are sold to the public and the impact they have on the world economy. (Standard 5.0, Connections, Relationships, Applications)


• Explore career paths in the film industry by researching, job shadowing, interviewing people in the industry, reading trade magazines, and creating real world simulations and projects that require shooting schedules, rehearsals,
  directing, producing, editing, lighting, and other skills needed in the real world. (Standards 5.1 Connections and Applications and 5.2, 5.3, 5.4 Career and Career Related Skills)

Films that might be screened in this course:


HERE IS A LIST OF CONTROVERSIAL OR R RATED FILMS
THAT MAY BE SCREENED AND/OR DISCUSSED IN CLASS:

Gladiator
A Very Long Engagement
Road to Perdition
The Godfather
L.A. Confidential
Sin City
Alien
Apocalypse Now Redux
Saving Private Ryan
Schindler's List
Taxi Driver
Pulp Fiction
Reservoir Dogs
Kill Bill: Vol. 1
Memento
A Clockwork Orange
The Shawshank Redemption
The Usual Suspects
Goodfellas
The Silence of the Lambs
American Beauty
The Pianist
Se7en
Requiem for a Dream
Crash
American History X
Raging Bull
Amadeus
Braveheart
Donnie Darko
Fargo
Blade Runner
Full Metal Jacket
Fast Times at Ridgemont High
A Fish Called Wanda
Easy Rider
Psycho
The Matrix
Adaptation
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Once Upon a Time in America
The Elephant Man
Unforgiven
The Deer Hunter
Glory
Platoon
Die Hard
The Conversation
Short Cuts
Brazil
In America
The Exorcist
21 Grams
Shakespeare in Love
Miller's Crossing
Akira
The Shining
Chinatown
A Fish Called Wanda

The MPAA film rating system is a system used in the United States and instituted by
the Motion Picture Association of America to rate a movie based on its content.
It is one of various motion picture rating systems used to help patrons decide
which movies may be appropriate for children.

// posted by The Great Lawgiver @ 2:01 PM