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film 18

Instructor Name

Ira Rothstein

Class and Contact Information

415-239-3651

Course Description

An introductory course in film studies bringing Hollywood filmmaking into clear focus as an art form, as an economic force, and as a system of representation and communication. Explores how Hollywood films work technically, artistically, and culturally to reinforce and challenge American's national self image.

Prerequisites/Co-requisites: None

Objectives:

• Upon completion of this course a student will be able to:
• Summarize American film history from the silent era to present day movies.
• Compare the developing technology in film to its evolving aesthetics.
• Interpret the basic technical and critical vocabulary of motion pictures.
• Evaluate the changing economic structure of the film industry.
• Assess the different genres, film grammar, and editing and lighting styles used in films and rate how successfully these techniques are employed.
• Appraise their role as moviegoers and increase their ability to watch films critically.
• Examine how the tools of camera angles, lighting, editing and sound manipulate how we feel about a filmed subject.
• Distinguish and contrast the styles of different filmmakers.

Required Reading/Materials

Belton, American Cinema/American Culture , 1 st . Ed., 1994

Sikov, Study Guide for American Cinema , 1 st . Ed., 1994

Ability to view the introductory video series on American cinema, American Cinema Telecourse series

Additional Reading/Materials

Technology Requirements:

• Fast-speed computer with at least a 14.4 modem
• Internet access
• Web browser with graphics capability
• Word processing software (MS Word or WordPerfect)
• E-mail capability
• Other hardware or software (CD-ROM player, Real Audio, etc.)

Grading/Evaluation

Evaluation: Grades are based on a combination of methods to assess a student's comprehension of course objectives. These will include:

• Quizzes online (25%)
• An online midterm essay (25%)
• Weekly online postings (25%)
• Incorporates material in the text, broadcast and other web sites

Contribution to a group web page dedicated to a film genre (25%)

Make-Up Policy:

A student must submit a written reason why he or she missed a deadline by the day of the deadline.

The student and instructor will then select a mutually agreed upon new deadline for the work, which the student will then confirm in writing. If the student does not turn in the late work by the second deadline, the instructor then may give a failing grade on that missed assignment.

Other Notes

Compentencies and Evaluation:

CCSF Online Skill Assessment

Assignments:

Students are expected to view the 13 Telecourse programs outlining American Cinema as an art form, economic system and cultural commodity.

Students are expected to read a standard text and study guide on American Cinema.

Written assignments are also required. These include:

• Film Reviews of classic Hollywood films (1920 - 1970)
• References to text and other web sites
• Term paper that incorporates the course objectives

Additional assignments include:

• Field trips to large screen theatres that showcase classic Hollywood cinema
• Viewing suggested films referenced in the text
• Weekly participation in online discussion
• Participation in class designed web page
• Taking self-test online quizzes

Withdrawal Policy:

Students may withdraw from the class up to the accepted withdrawal deadlines in the college. Students may write and ask the instructor to sign a late withdrawal slip and the instructor will sign the form if the withdrawal is requested before the mid-term. Withdrawing from the class after the mid-term is at the discretion of the instructor.

Note: it is the sole responsibility of the student to withdraw from the class. The instructor will not drop a student who is not participating, but rather give a low or failing grade to a student who is not submitting work.

Academic Honesty:

Policy Number: 6Hx28: 10-16

Netiquette Rules:

• Short and concise messages
• Include a clear subject line
• Include signature at the bottom of your message
• Use CAPS sparingly
• Disagree with an idea with respect
• Do not forward chain mail
• Do not attach a file to a message if you can paste in into the body of a note

Weekly Assignments

see syllabus pdf