Syllabus

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