Introduction to Film Syllabus for 2015-2016
Return to Syllabus List

Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

COMM-2366-003 Introduction to Film

Prerequisites

Course Description

An introductory course in film studies which surveys the American film industry as an art form, a business and a means of communication. Extensive screenings and analysis of representative films from various genres. An examination of how Hollywood films work technically, artistically and culturally.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

\N

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Looking at Movies, 5^th ed, Barsam and Monaham

Supplies

\N

Student Performance

\ A working knowledge of film history.

\ The ability to recognize technical and critical vocabulary of motion pictures.

\ An understanding of how the technology of the cinema relates to film arts.

\ A fundamental understanding of the economics of the film industry.

\ An understanding of the role of genre in American film history.

\ The development of a more sophisticated conception of “realism” as it relates to film.

\ The ability to question their role as a passive spectator and to increase their ability to watch films actively and critically.

\ Learning Objectives: After studying the material presented in this course of study, the student will be able to do the following as evaluated by the faculty in the theatre department:

\ Define and explain the various types of film genre.

\ Demonstrate knowledge of film history.

\ Define and explain the basic technical and critical vocabulary of motion pictures.

\ Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate a motion picture.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

\N

Grading Criteria

\ GRADING POLICY

\  

\ 90 – 100 = A
\ 80 – 89   = B
\ 70 – 79   = C
\ 60 – 69   = D
\ 59 – 0     = F

Attendance

\ "Attendance"  You need to log in at least twice a week to check assignments, announcements, emails and group discussions.  Yes, your instructor will know when you have --- or have not--- logged in.

\ Any student who fails to log in or who fails to post on the discussion board during the first two weeks of the semester will be dropped from the class.

\ Screenings:  You will be watching four films.  I recommend you watch them all at least once, even those you've seen before.  Read the discussion questions and essay assignments for hints of what to look for.

\ Plan ahead to rent the disc or tape.  Consider purchasing some films.  Most of the older films are inexpensive...and remember, you have no required texts to purchase for American Cinema.

\ Notes:  In order to be an "active participant" rather than a "passive spectator" you will take notes.  Pay attention to sight and sound.  Write things down as you notice them.  You will forget --- Suspension of Disbelief is a goal of the filmmaker.  Rewind and look again when you realize you've become absorbed.  Refer to your notes when writing your review, essay or thesis paper.

\ Discussion forums:  You are expected to contribute an original comment AND provide a response to someone else's comment each week.

\ Annenberg American Cinema presentations:  You will be watching ten.  Two are 30 minutes, the others slightly under an hour.  These programs will provide much of the cognitive course material and are available online at no charge.  In addition, they are available in VHS form at the reserve desk (Lynn Library, 4th floor).

\ You may have noted there are no exams in this class.  You may also note tht there is a good deal of writing.  This is a reading and writing class.  It is recommended that you complete English Freshman Composion I before attempting American Cinema.

\ I am always available to answer questions or help in other ways you may find useful.  Do not hesitate to ask.

Calendar

Additional Information

\N