SHORT TERM SESSION SYLLABUS
Intro to Film TA15- Six Week
Accelerated Online Course
Instructors: James Callner MA (off:741-2456) (james_callner@wvm.edu)
Office Hours: M-Thurs 3-4pm via Email: james_callner@wvm.edu
Reminder to ALL: This class is an accelerated very fast
6-week class of our regular TA15 Intro to Film Class. It is for those that have
the time and energy to go through this material and take three true/false
multiple-choice tests. It is a UC and USC transferable class. SO, if you are
ready for a fast moving 3-unit class that you can complete with four weeks go
for it! Be sure you have the time.
INTRO TO FILM -- AMERICAN CINEMA Online
THEATRE ARTS 015 Online Course (6 week Accelerated Course)
Credit/No Credit Option Available
REQUIRED TEXT:
REQUIRED
TEXT:
American Cinema/American Culture Third
Edition
Author:
Belton/ Publisher McGraw Hill
Available
at the West Valley College bookstore or
Online
Barnes and Nobles www.barnesandnoble.com
and
Amazon www.amazon.com
All 13 programs
available at: (Free)
http://www.learner.org/view_programs/view.programs.html
Or Rent vdieos at: West Valley College: Information below.
How this class works?
First read the syllabus in its entirety.
If you are not already in Angel, login in using your student ID # for the "Username" and your 6 digit birth date for the password. Here is the link to Angel :
http://wvmccd.angellearning.com
Begin each week by doing the following:
1. Click on the Lessons tab.
2. Click on the number of the current week and follow the instructions for that week, clicking on the Weekly Viewing/Reading Assignments. Some weeks have additional links such as extra credit assignments. Make sure you click on these and read the directions.
3. Click on the American Cinema online link and watch the episode for the week (given in the weeks viewing assignment). The first time you do this you will have to create a user ID. Make a record of your user ID and password.
4. Do not click on a test until you are ready to take it, as you only have one chance to take each test. Tests will appear in the appropriate weeks folder during that actual week. If you go into a week with a test early you will not see the test.
5. Remember to check your course e-mail. This is found under the communicate tab.
Note: You have the full week to complete most assignments except for classes that have tests (TA15 and TA19A). It is very important to keep up with the assignments. If you need to Email the instructor please use the Angel Email system.
CONTENT AND PURPOSE: This course explores Hollywood motion pictures as art form, as an industry, and as a system of representation and communication. The course will explore how these films work technically, artistically, and culturally to reinforce and challenge America's national self-image. It also examines the language of film. You will learn the art of filmmaking and its history, as well as the evolution and transformation of the "Hollywood System," and the production of popular genres. Most important, you will learn to become a more active and critical film viewer.
REMINDER: Keep up with the assigned reading and the videotapes (DVDs). You may find yourself in deep trouble if you do not stay on schedule as outlined in the Lessons Tab in the Angel Online program. Also visit the resource website at: www.mhhe.com/cinema2. It contains sample quizzes and chapter outlines that could really help you.
TAKE NOTES ON THE VIDEOTAPES! THIS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT! YOUR THREE TESTS WILL BE OPEN BOOK AND OPEN NOTE. IT IS CRUCIAL THAT YOU TAKE CLEAR AND ORGANIZED NOTES ON ALL MATERIAL.
TESTING AND TEST DATES:
Please refer to the Lessons Tab in Angel. This will tell you when you have test. There are three 50 question multiple choice/True False tests in this course. All are open book and open notes. Note: Because this is an accelerated 6-week class we are opening all three tests for the entire 6 weeks. That means you may take any given test at any time during those four weeks. Be prepared though for you will ONLY have one opportunity per test. The key to a great grade in this course is to keep up with the viewing of the videos each week and reading assignments. Take plenty of notes on the most pertinent information or themes in the videos and reading material. Remember all the tests will be open book and open notes but you need to keep.
Extra Credit Papers:
These can be completed and turned in anytime before the final. Extra credit is to your advantage.
You see in the Lessons Tab that you have the option of doing some extra credit to be sure you get a great grade. Each extra credit paper is usually worth 10 points in our regular semester class but because this is and accelerated 4 week class each paper will be worth 15 points. Please take advantage of these two extra credit papers that may be turned in via Angel ANY time during the four weeks. A one-page essay will meet the requirement. It is crucial that you consider doing these short papers. It can potentially change your grade a full letter. The extra credit is designed to only help you. It's your choice.
Each essay is worth 15 extra credit points. You cannot lose by doing the essays! They can only help you. Here's how to get the most possible points:
Show us that:
1. You can apply your understanding of genre and style to a film that's not heavily covered in the chapter.
2. You can analyze the way in which technical elements of your film support the genre and style. (i.e. Camera angles, shots, lighting, sound, editing)
3. You actually watched the film!!!!
Extra Credit Paper #1:
Be sure to watch (and take notes on...) one film that fits as "Classical Hollywood Narrative," described in Chapter 2. Your film does not have to be in the fillmography at the end of Chapter 2, but it MUST fit in that category. See extra credit essay online for the essay topic.
Note: Chapter 3 offers ways to "technically" analyze the movie you watch. Also visit the resource website at: www.mhhe.com/cinema2
Extra Credit Paper #2:
Be sure to watch (and take notes on...) one film that fits in one of the genres represented in Chapters 8, 9, 11. Your film does not have to be in the fillmographies at the end of these chapters, but it MUST fit in one of the three genres. See extra credit essay Online for the essay topic.
Chapter 3 offers ways to "technically" analyze the movie you watch. Also visit the resource website at: www.mhhe.com/cinema2
Online Handout of Film terms:
There is a short online handout of some basic film terminology. Be sure to download this material for some of it appears in questions in Test #3.
Tests Grading:
They are each worth 50 points and 33.1/3% of your grade.
Total points in the semester 150 Points
Test Scores and Semester Grades
Test Scores are graded as follows:
Total Possible Points = 50
40 - 50 = A
33 - 39 = B
30 - 32 = C
27 - 29 = D
26 or less = F
Semester grades are calculated as follows:
Total Possible Points = 150
120 - 150 = A
99 - 119 = B
90 - 98 = C
81 - 89 = D
80 or less = F
Warning: The instructor does NOT drop students. It is
the studentsŐ responsibility to drop themselves before the drop date. (Try to
stick with it though you can do this!)
How to see each week's video on your computer: It's
free!
Although this is a Online Course and all the programs can be viewed on your home computer by going to: http://www.learner.org/view_programs/view.programs.html Sign up as a first time user in the Online via Video on Demand section.
Once logged in you will then go the drop down under Browse Student (or Teacher) resources and drop down to Arts and Grade
College. Almost done. Find American Cinema and you can click on the VOD to seen the segments Online for Free!
Rather Rent the DVD's?
Now if you would rather rent the videos (DVDs) OR to view them in the WVC Library below is how you do it.
1. Go to the WVC Cashier at ADMISSIONS AND RECORDS and pay the
$50 rental fee for the American Cinema Videos.
2. Get a Student I.D. Card, if you don't already have one.
3. Take your receipt to the A.V. Circulation desk in the WVC Library,
show them your Student I.D. Card and sign the rental agreement.
4. You will receive all of the Online DVDs or 2 VHS videotapes, recorded in the SLP (6 hour) mode, for use throughout the semester.
5. You have agreed, by renting the tapes, to return the DVDs to the A.V. Circulation Desk by the end of the semester. Upon return you will receive a voucher for a $25 refund, obtainable at the Admissions Office.
6. If you do NOT return the DVDs, your grade will be on "hold" until
you do! A $35 per tape charge will be assessed for lost tapes. Unreturned cases will cost you $1 per case... So give 'em back!!!
**REMEMBER, our Licensing Agreement with PBS does not allow us to sell the DVDs. You do not have the option of keeping the rented
tapes at the end of the session. If you do ... NO GRADE!
READING/VIEWING ASSIGNMENTS:
Note: All of this
information is Online in the Lessons Tab section of Angel
READING/VIEWING
ASSIGNMENTS:
Note: All of this information is Online in the
Lessons Tab section of Angel
Video
Program 1 (Classic Hollywood Style)
and
Read Chapter 2
Video
Program 2 (The Studio System)
and
Read Chapter 4
Video
Program 3 (The Star)
and
Read Chapter 5
Also
read Chapters 1 and 3!
-------------------------------------------------------
Video
Program 4 (The Western)
and
Read Chapter 11
Video Program 5 (Romantic Comedy)
and Read Chapter 8
Video
Program 6 (The Combat Film)
and
Read Chapter 9
Also
read Chapter 7 (The Musical)
... and Review Chapter 3!
-------------------------------------------------------
Video
Program 7 (Film Noire)
and
Read Chapter 10
Video
Program 8 (Film in the Television Age)
and
Read Chapter 12
Video
Program 9 (The Film School Generation)
and
Read Chapter 14
Video
Program 10 (The Edge of Hollywood)
and
Read Chapter 15
Student Reminder:
Students may contact the instructor during office hours or
off hours via Angel I check Angel regular for Emails. Students may also wish to
have a study partner whom they can contact if they miss class. Remember the
tests are open book and open notes but you nee to know the material.
Disability Statement
West Valley College makes reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities. Students should notify DESP (Disability & Educational Support Program) located in the Learning Services building (408-741-5085) of any special needs.
Policy on Academic Dishonesty (refer students to the WVC Catalog, p. 181)
Note: The College's policy on academic dishonesty covers in-class cheating, out-of-class cheating, plagiarism, and furnishing false information. I strongly encourage you to reference this policy in your syllabus. In particular, I urge you to include a definition of plagiarism (found in the policy) AND educate your students about plagiarism when appropriate. Purdue University has a good website that explains to students what plagiarism is and how to avoid it. The URL is http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/r_plagiar.html