Film Analysis 2012 - 2013
Course Description: This is a Film Analysis course. In this course we
will be viewing older film classics and newer films. We will explore and
discuss the imagery, technique, moral and ethical messages, social commentary,
and historical significance of these works of art. Students will demonstrate
their understanding of these themes and their critical thinking skills through
short written critiques/reviews and Socratic seminars.
Course
Objectives:
- Students
will gain a working knowledge of American film history, from the silent
cinema to today.
- Students
will develop cinematic literacy—they will recognize and use the basic
critical and technical vocabulary of motion pictures
- Students
will understand how the technology of the cinema related to film art
- Students
will understand the place of Hollywood film in American popular culture
- Students
will understand the role of genre in American film history
- Students
will increase their ability to watch films actively and critically
Attendance: Good attendance is necessary to succeed in this class. Tardiness will
lower your grade. Work missed due to unexcused absences cannot be made up. Work missed due to an excused absence is due the
next class session after your return.
Materials needed daily:
1. Binder with one section for Film Analysis (or a
separate binder for this class.) Keep all returned homework until the end of
the year.
2. Pens, pencils, paper.
Grading: Grades are based on a simple 3-point scale. The highest possible score
on an assignment is 3, followed by a 2 and a 1. A sincere effort to complete
the assignment will receive at least a 1. A missing assignment receives 0
points. Except for Socratic seminars and class discussions, almost all assignments
can be revisited for a higher score if a sincere first effort was made but
deadlines are strictly enforced. No
late work is accepted due to unexcused absences, and an excused absence means
the work is due the next class meeting. Running totals are kept for each
semester, and your grade a simple average of all your scores. Note that each
semester the single lowest score is dropped from your average.
The Oceana Academic Honesty
will be adhered to. Note that there are no “D”s in this class. If you attend regularly,
participate in class, and make a sincere effort to complete the assignments,
you will get at least a “C”.
A
30
29
28
A-
27
26
B+
25
24
23
B
22
21
20
B-
19
18
17
C+
16
15
14
C
13
12
11
10
C-
9
8
7
6
5
F
Below 5
Your
grade will be based on the following: attendance, written critiques/reviews, worksheets,
Socratic seminars, and class discussions.
In this class,
participation is most important! It is your job to be an active partner in
your education. Class participation is part of the calculation of your grade.
Personal conduct: In addition to schoolwide rules and policies, the
requirements spelled out in the Oceana Tolerance Policy and the 9/10 House
Norms, the following are not allowed in class:
Make-up, lotions, or other personal grooming products
iPods or other music players
Cell phones
You will be allowed to eat
in class (but not during Socratic seminars), but you are expected to clean up
after yourself.
Class Rules:
1. Respect: We will treat each other, and ourselves, with
respect. Raise your hand when you have something to say. Allow others to speak,
and listen with care. We all have a right to work and learn in an environment
that is safe and comfortable. This means that there will be absolutely no
racial or ethnic slurs, no threats or insults, and no sexual harassment.
People’s sexual preferences are private and not a subject for discussion,
rumor, or insult. Disrupting the class violates the rights of others and will
not be tolerated.
2. Clean up after yourself: Do not leave papers,
candy/gum wrappers, drink containers, or other trash for others to clean up. Do
not write on the desks and treat all classroom materials with care.
3. Leaving class: There is a bathroom pass that can be
used by one person at a time for no more than 5 minutes at a time. Be sure to
sign in and out on the clipboard. The only other time you can leave class is by
talking to me first.
The teacher will
> show fairness, respect, and concern for each student
> maintain a learning environment that is safe,
supportive, active, and participatory
> give clear, meaningful assignments using a fair
grading method
> return work promptly
> be sensitive to individual differences among
students
> be open to student suggestions for changing and
improving the class
> be available for additional help or discussion
outside of class
Each student will
> show respect and courtesy to other students and to
the teacher
> come to class on time and ready to learn
> bring all needed materials to class each day
> keep all work organized until the end of the year
> turn work in on time and participate in class
discussions and activities
> talk honestly with the teacher about concerns or
problems in the class
