fall term
Course Meeting Times
Lectures: 2 sessions per week, 2 hours per session
Course Goals
Develop the theoretical tools to construct and interpret meaning in film.
Obtain greater insight into compositional elements and narrative structures that lead to transition and transformation of audience perspectives and contemporary aesthetics in film.
Acquire understanding of practical and creative challenges undertaken by artists and professionals in the making of motion pictures.
Engage in discussions with a spirit of openness and collaboration.
Contribute new ideas to the classroom. Explore perspectives. Competently field questions. Reflect on what is learned and think of ways to make improvements.
Instructor Expectations
Learn and have fun! Respect varying points of view. Be present for class. Arrive prepared with finished work and all appropriate materials. Embrace academic integrity. Take responsibility for your own learning.
Grading
Reflective Writing 70%
(Used as a basis of continuous assessment.)
Final Paper 20%
Participation 5%
(In-class contribution and interaction with other students and the instructor. Asking questions, offering answers, sharing opinions and ideas are all ways of demonstrating participation.)
Attendance 5%
(Punctuality counts. Attendance is taken sharp at the start of class.)
*Papers turned in late will receive one letter grade lower per day.
**Independent reading and media viewing are vital components of the course and to be completed outside of class.
***Drinks are permitted in the classroom. Students are expected to pick up after themselves.
****Plagiarism, cell phone use, text messaging during class…hmmm.
Calendar
Week Topics Key Dates
1 Course Introduction
Communication Theory
2 Film Narrative and Meaning Making
Story and Script
3 Cinematic Language Reflective Writing
Plot and Theme
4 Images and Space
Filmic Time
5 Montage Reflective Writing
Structural Editing
6 Film and Reality
Cinematic Analysis
7 Use of Titles Reflective Writing
Transitions and Optical Effects
8 Editing Movement
Actor and Light
9 Relational Editing Reflective Writing
Pace and Rhythm
10 Cinematic Analysis
Set Ups
11 Asynchronism Reflective Writing
Incongruity and Contradictions
12 The Ensemble
Expressive Movements and Objects
13 Rosenblum & Karen Reading Topics Reflective Writing
Rosenblum & Karen Reading Topics—Part 2
14 Color Correction
Special Effects
15 Peculiarities of Material
Director/Editor Relationship—Guest Speaker
16 Student Selected Topic(s) Final Paper Due
Course Review
