Introduction to Film Syllabus for 2015-2016
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

COMM-2366-001 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.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

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

Supplies

\ Each student must be able to rent, buy or check out movies from a rental store or possibly a library

Student Performance

\ Objectives and Goals of the Course:  This course is designed to give students a broad understanding of the role of Film Making since its inception and until the current time.  It will provide students with:

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• \   A working knowledge of film history
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• \   The ability to recognize technical and critical vocabulary of motion pictures
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• \   An understanding of how the technology of the cinema relates to film arts
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• \   A fundamental understanding of the economics of the film industry
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• \   An understanding of the role of genre in American film history
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• \   The development of a more sophisticated conception of “realism” as it relates to film. 
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• \ The ability to question their role as a passive spectator and to increase their ability to watch films actively and critically.
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\ 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:

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• \   Define and explain the various types of film genre.
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• \   Demonstrate knowledge of film history.
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• \   Define and explain the basic technical and critical vocabulary of motion pictures 
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• \   Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate a motion picture.
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Students Rights and Responsibilities

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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

\ Entering Class Late:  This can happen to all of us at one time or another for a number of reasons.  Coming in late will not affect one’s grade, but coming in late consistently will.  The attendance chart will be put up as soon as class begins, or as soon as a movie begins.  If you are late, you must tell me after class so I can adjust the attendance sheet, or you will be counted as absent.

\ Make up Policy:  Exams may only be made up if severe emergencies have occurred.  The student must email or call the instructor before the next class day if problems occur, or if your grade appears to be in error.  This means that it is the students responsibility to check their grades in AConline on a regular bases, especially immediately after an exam.

\ Students must turn off their cell phones before entering class.  Text messaging is not allowed in class.  If you are caught text messaging in class you may be subject to dismissal.

Grading Criteria

• 25% - Attendance/Participation
• 30% - Exams
• 30% - Reviews
• 15% – Assignments

Attendance

\ Attendance: Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class.  This course requires participation and viewing of different films and film clips, so attendance is absolutely necessary since many activities cannot be duplicated.  The Grade for Attendance will be figured as:

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• \ 2 absences – Free! (no grade deductions)
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• \ 3 absences – 80
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• \ 4 absences – 70
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• \ 5 absences – 60
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• \ 6 absences – 50
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• \ 7 absences – 40
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• \ 8 absences – 0
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• \ Night Class – each absence is X2, so 2 absences would count as 4, and 3 as 6 etc…
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\ It is the responsibility of the student to initial beside their name on the roster sheet each class day.  If you do not initial beside your name you will be counted as absent, whether you were in class or not.

Calendar

Additional Information

\ Exams:  There will be two exams: midterm and final.  These exams will be taken online.

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\ Withdrawal from the course: No administrative withdrawals will be initiated by the instructor.  It is the responsibility of the student to withdraw from the class before the last day deadline.