THEATRE 40: INTRODUCTION TO FILM SAN JOSE CITY COLLEGE, SPRING 2009 INSTRUCTOR: DANIEL HENDEL DE LA OSECTION: 50509TIME/PLACE: M/W: 1:10-3:00 PM, LITTLE THEATRE, WGHS EMAIL: dhdelao@gmail.com BLOG: threepointeau.blogspot.com COURSE OVERVIEW Introduction to Film Composition is modeled on an upper-division film analysis course; its goal is to acquaint you with a wide variety of films from cinema’s varied history. We will analyze major cinematic landmarks, movements, and genres, in both American and international film. In addition, we will study the various components that make up the medium of film, including acting, direction, narrative technique, and design. In viewing film as a craft, we will develop a critical, rather than passive, relationship with cinema. This semester, you will view a diverse group of films; an open and inquisitive mind will serve you well in this course.
COURSE WORK By semester's end, you will have composed:
- 6 In-class Screening Reflections (ISRs)
- 6 Outside Screening Reflections (OSRs)
- 1 Research Paper In-class Screening Reflections
(ISRs): You will be responsible for six ISRs. These are 2-page reflections on one film from each of the units we will view in class: The Films of Baz Lurhmann, Musicals, Documentary Film, Gay Cinema, Classic American Cinema, Independent Cinema. These are NOT reviews of the films we watch; instead, they are reflections of your thoughts on the films. ISRs are designed to promote critical thinking about films viewed in class, so explore any aspect of the film you wish, including lectures and discussions. I will provide an example early in the semester.
Outside Screening Reflections (OSRs): You will also be required to write six OSRs. These typed 2-page reflections function in the same manner as ISRs, with the primary difference being that they are based on film you view independently. Again, these are not film reviews; OSRs are also designed to promote critical thinking about films of your choice. Write one 2-page reflection for any six of the following periods or genres:
- Silent Era-1939
- 1940-1959
- 1960-1979
- 1980-Present
- Foreign Film
- Documentary Film
An OSR Screening List will be posted online in the first week to guide your viewing. Auteurship
Research Paper: Focusing on one director, this 8-page research paper will analyze a director's body of work as defined by Francois Truffaut's concept of auteurship: works which bear the distinctive imprint of their "author." A list of preapproved directors and their works will be provided early in the semester.
Comprehensive Final Exam: Your final will consist of information from the readings, lectures, and in-class screenings. Be sure to take extensive notes throughout the semester.
GRADING Simply put, the grade you earn is the grade you will receive. There may be little or no opportunity for extra credit in this course, so stay it is important you stay on top of assignments. Also, grades will never be rounded up unless mathematically appropriate.
Grading Breakdown:
Attendance and Participation: 10 pts
ISRs: 60 pts
OSRs: 60 pts
Auteurship Research Paper: 4o pts
Comprehensive Final Exam: 30 pts
Total: 200 pts
EXPECTATIONS Being that class is conducted in theatre-style, my expectations of you are as follows:
- Attend class regularly
- Adhere to classroom rules and etiquette
- Arrive in class each day prepared to work
- Engage in the learning process by thinking critically about the various films and discussion topics in class
Little Theatre etiquette:
- No food or drink, except water
- No legs or feet on chairs
- Hats off
- Cell phones/laptops must be turned off
- Do not disrupt lectures and screenings
ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION It is important you come to class regularly to fullfill. All films are screened only once, and many of the films we will watch in are hard to find, and once viewed, will not be shown again. Please note that four absences will result in an automatic drop from the class.
POLICY ON LATE WORK Unless previous arrangements are made with me, I will not accept any late work. If you must miss class on the day an assignment is due, email your work to me by 5PM. Please note that because of the nature of some work, not every assignment can be made up. Remember, the responsibility of staying up-to-date with your assignments is yours, not mine.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY Plagiarism is the act of misrepresenting someone else’s ideas or work as your own. Copying ideas or text from your classmates, the Internet, books, or any other published content is unethical and against the law. This class will strictly adhere to SJCC policies on plagiarism. Violations will result in an automatic “F” for the assignment/test and/or failure in the course. Plagiarism will be a major issue during your time in college. Therefore, you cannot be too conscientious about it. Take this issue seriously, and hold yourself to a strict standard.
STANDARDS FOR PRESENTATION OF WORK All typed work must be in MLA format. Look for online samples of presentation standards early in the semester.
Unstapled work will NOT be accepted.Please follow this heading for all typed work:
Name
Theatre 40
Assignment
Date
Also, films should be cited as follows: Title (Director's Last Name, Year Country). Example:
Jurassic Park (Spielberg, 1993 USA).
THREEPOINTEAU I have created this class blog as a centralized location for assignments, reminders, important dates, links, and general class information. It also contains an easy to reference archive of the course work. At times there will also be information that only appears on this Website, so it is important to check it regularly.
FILM SCREENING SCHEDULE Please note:
- Films are subject to change
- Refer to ThreePointEau for the most up-to-date information and schedule
- Accompanying readings will be posted on the website
- Unless otherwise noted, all assignments are due on Wednesdays
M 1.26/W 1.28
An Introduction to Film
Lecture: Syllabus review; Why Study Film?; Sharon Old’s “The Death of Marilyn Monroe”
Screening:
Jaws (Spielberg, 1975 USA)
M 2.2/W 2.4
Spectacular Spectacular: The Films of Baz Luhrmann
Lecture: Introduction to Auteurship, Pt. 1
Screening:
Strictly Ballroom (Luhrmann, 1992 Australia)
M 2.09/W 2.11
Spectacular Spectacular: The Films of Baz Luhrmann
Lecture: Introduction to Auteurship, Pt. 2
Screening:
Moulin Rouge (Luhrmann, 2001 USA/Australia)
Due: OSR 1 (Silent Era to 1939)
M 2.16
No Class (Presidents’ Day)
W 2.18
Razzle Dazzle ‘Em: Musicals
Lecture: Musicals—An Overview, Pt. 1 Due: OSR 2 (1940-1959)
M 2.23/W 2.25
Razzle Dazzle ‘Em: Musicals Lecture: Musicals—An Overview, Pt. 2
Screening:
Sweeney Todd (Burton, 1007 USA)
M 3.2/W 3.4
Razzle Dazzle ‘Em: Musicals
Lecture: Musicals—An Overview, Pt. 3
Screening:
Mamma Mia! Due: OSR 3 (1960-1979)
M 3.9/W 3.11
Point and Shoot: Documentary Film
Lecture: Introduction to Documentary Film, Pt. 1
Screening:
The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (Gordan, 2007 USA)
M 3.16/W 3.18
Point and Shoot: Documentary
Film Lecture: Introduction to Documentary Film, Pt. 2
Screening:
Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son about His Father (Kuenne, 2008 USA)
Due: OSR 4 (1980-Present)
M 3.23/W 3.25
Out of the Celluloid Closet: Gay Cinema
Lecture: History of Gay Cinema, Pt. 1
Screening:
Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss (O’Haver, 1998 USA)
M 3.30/W 4.1
Out of the Celluloid Closet: Gay Cinema
Lecture: History of Gay Cinema, Pt. 2
Screening:
Transamerica (Tucker, 2005 USA)
Due: OSR 5 (Foreign Film)
M 4.6/W 4.8
No Class (SJCC Spring Break)
M 4.13/W 4.15
No Class (WGHS Spring Break)
M 4.20/W 4.22
You Must Remember This: Classic American Cinema
Lecture: An Introduction to Silent Film
Screening:
City Lights (Chaplin, 1931 USA)
M 4.27/W 4.29
You Must Remember This: Classic American Cinema
Lecture: Classics of American Film—An Overview
Screening:
It’s a Wonderful Life (Capra, 1946 USA) Due: OSR 6 (Documentary Film)
M 5.4/W 5.6
The Indies: Independent Cinema
Lecture: Introduction to Independent Cinema, Pt. 1
Screening:
El Laberinto del fauno (
Pan’s Labyrinth) (del Toro, Mexico,/Spain/USA 2006)
Due: ISRs 1-3 (The Films of Baz Lurhmann, Musicals, Documentary Film)
M 5.11/W 5.13
The Indies: Independent Cinema
Lecture: Introduction to Independent Cinema, Pt. 2
Screening:
The Fall (Tarsem, India, UK/USA 2006)
Due: Research Paper
M 5.18/W
5.20 Closing Lecture: Course Review
Test: Comprehensive Final Exam (W)
Due: ISRs 4-6 (Gay Cinema, Classic American Cinema, Independent Cinema)
