COURSE SYLLABUS For ENGL 3363 FILM STUDIES: FRANK CAPRA Offered through English Dep't; Chair: Dr. Phyllis Thompson Person responsible for developing syllabus: Louis Markos Frequency of Course Review: This course is reviewed annually Louis Markos Film Studies: Frank Capra Office: ATWD 1, #212 Dillon I Off Phone: 281-649-3000, x2279 M 6:00-10:00pm Off Hours for SPRING 2008: M 1-2, W 4:45-5:45, TTh 1:30-2:30 email: lmarkos@hbu.edu Home Phone: 713-779-8131, NO calls BEFORE NOON or after 11:00 webpage: fc.hbu.edu/~lmarkos Required Texts: The Name Above the Title by Frank Capra Bulletin Description and Purpose of the Course: An introduction to the art of film. Students are provided with a methodology and vocabulary for understanding film and are encouraged to consider how different directors guide and shape our perceptions of reality, how different genres generate their own unique vision of the world and of humanity, how the multi-media aspects of film affect us as viewers, how film provides us with a record of cultural values and cultural change, and how screen writers, actors, directors, and cinematographers translate literary genres into visual terms. Sequence in Curriculum: The student must have completed ENGL 1313 and 1323. This course offers elective hour credit in English for all students; it may NOT be used to fulfill Smith College Requirements. It is designed for non-English majors; though English majors may take it, it will not fulfill the requirements for their major. Relation to University purpose statement: A true liberal-arts education must include at least some training in the medium of film--a medium that is unique in its blending of so many others media (painting, photography, dance, literature, etc.) and that has exerted a great deal of influence on American culture and values. Relation to college goals or purposes: The course seeks to enhance critical thinking and writing skills and to provide the student with a critical arsenal for analyzing film. Film has its own language and grammar, a grammar as distinct as that of poetry; a true humanist should understand the rudiments of this grammar. Relation to goals for major/program: In the early days of film, directors learned many of their techniques from novels. Today, many novelists learn from film. English majors should have some exposure to the language and techniques of film so that they may compare/contrast them with those employed by novelists, dramatists, and poets. Course Objectives: The purpose of this course is to acquaint the student with the basic elements of film. The student will learn the basic cinematic elements of film and learn to understand the visual "grammar" of film. The student will analyze nine classic films along literary and cinematic lines. The student will learn the basic terminology used by directors and film critics. The student will study how film is a reflection of our culture, values, and beliefs. Competencies Reinforced: Students demonstrate proficiency in reading through the assigned reading in the textbook. Students demonstrate critical thinking and analytical ability through the discussion of reading and writing assignments. Students demonstrate proficiency in written communication through writing coherent essays. Students demonstrate proficiency in oral communication through active class discussion. Students are encouraged to use technology to access information for assignments and to write their assignments. CLASS SCHEDULE Mon, Mar 3 Introduction Mon, Mar 10 LADY FOR A DAY—READ Chapters 1-8 Mon, Mar 17 IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT—CH 9-10 Mon, Mar 24 MR DEEDS GOES TO TOWN –CH 11-13—ESSAY #1 DUE Mon, Mar 31 LOST HORIZON—CH 14-16 Mon, Apr 7 YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU—CH 17-18 Mon, Apr 14 1st, MIDTERM—2nd, WHY WE FIGHT Mon, Apr 21 MR SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON—CH 19-20 Mon, Apr 28 MEET JOHN DOE—CH 21-22 Mon, May 5 IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE—CH 23—ESSAY #2 DUE Mon, May 12 FINAL EXAM (at 6 pm) Teaching Strategies: Active class discussion, readings, essays, and exams. Method of Evaluation: There will be four graded assignments: two essays (3 pages in length), a midterm, and a final, each of which is worth 25% of your grade. To determine your final grade, I will average together the four grades and then factor in your class participation grade as a plus/minus factor. However, I am giving you an option. If you are pleased with your grade on your first essay, you may opt not to do the second essay; if you do so, I will simply double-weight your first essay (50%). Needless to say, don't do your 2nd essay, unless you intend to do better. CLASS ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY! Please make sure you attend class and make sure you stay for the entire class. If you miss class, make sure to get the notes! Both exams will be objective (mostly fill-in-the-blank) and will be very specific. If you come to class, take good notes, and study you will do well on the exams; if you fail to do any of these three you will NOT do well on the exams!!! NOTE: before and after showing a film, I will give brief lectures; then, after a break, I will give a longer lecture that will include class participation. On your tests, you will be responsible for material covered in all the lectures. You will also be responsible for material covered on the first day of class as well as material from the textbook and any handouts discussed in class. The midterm will emphasize cinematic details as discussed on 3/3 and the life/work of Capra and discussed in the textbook and illustrated by the films; the final (cumulative) will emphasize all 9 films watched in class. On both the midterm and final you will be responsible for your textbook readings. If you read your textbooks carefully, come to class faithfully, and take good notes, you should do well on the exams; however, if you do not study you will NOT do well on the exams. On a lighter note, you are invited (indeed, encouraged) to bring guests with you to watch the films. (All movies are on reserve in library if you need to watch them again!) ESSAY 1—DUE MON, MARCH 24 At first glance, Lady for a Day & It Happened One Night appear to be very different films; yet, both bear the unmistakable signature of their director, Frank Capra. Write a 3 page essay (no longer than 4 pages) in which you discuss at least three elements of these diverse films that show them to be the work of a single director with a unified vision of man, of society, and of how the camera can be used to reveal this vision. Your essay must use specific examples from both films and should make at least some reference to characters, themes, story, and general cinematic "look." Though your essay may borrow idea from class, do not just give me back a rehash of my notes! Students who plagiarize their essays will automatically
fail the class!! ESSAY 2—OPTIONAL—DUE MON, MAY 5 You will note that Mr Smith Goes to Washington and Meet John Doe are very similar in plot and character to Mr. Deeds Goes to Town. Write a 3 page essay (no longer than 4 pages) on EITHER Mr Smith OR John Doe in which you discuss, first, how your chosen film is similar in plot/character to Deeds, and second, how the hero of your chosen film is finally more manipulated, more hemmed in, and has less freedom than Mr. Deeds. Discuss also how the overall vision of your chosen film is a bit darker than that of Deeds. As before, though your essay may borrow idea from class, do not just give me back a rehash of my notes! Students who plagiarize their essays will automatically fail the class!! Students who plagiarize their essays will automatically fail the class!! Method of Student Appraisal of Faculty: At some point toward the conclusion of the course the University's Student Evaluation Form will be administered. Method of Evaluating Student Response to Course: The instructor will review carefully the results of the Student Evaluation Forms and the quality of student responses in the classroom environment. The Department Chair and College Dean also review the results of the evaluations. Academic Honesty: Any suggestion of plagiarism will result in a failing grade for the course and possible disciplinary action by HBU. Attendance: In order to be eligible to receive credit in any course, a student must be present for at least two thirds of the class sessions. This limitation applies regardless of the ability of the student and the quality of the work he has done. Grievance/appellate procedures: Students should discuss all grievances related to the course with the instructor of the course. If students are not satisfied with the resolution, they may take grievances first to the department chair, then to the college dean and finally to the College Grievance Committee. Policy on learning disabilities and required documentation: Learning Disabilities:~ If you have a learning disability and need special accommodations, consult first with Lisa Search at 281-649-3240.~ She will provide information and schedule an appointment with Dr. Verna Peterson, who will write the appropriate accommodations.~ The Letter of Accommodations will then be sent to the professors of record for that specific quarter.~ The student will also be given a copy of the Accommodations Letters.~ This process must be repeated each quarter. YOU MUST ATTEND CLASS ON EXAM DAYS--only acceptable excuses: 1) you are very ill (with dr's note) or have a family tragedy AND you call me up on my 24-hour voice mail (281-649-3000, x2279) on or before the exam, or 2) you must participate in a mandatory school function (game, concert, etc.) AND you tell me one week in advance so we can schedule a remake-preferably before test date/time court dates, family outings, etc. are NOT acceptable excuses--I've printed on your syllabus, the exact dates of your exams--it's up to you to schedule your commitments accordingly!. If you miss the test and do not fulfill either category 1 or 2, you will be allowed ONE CHANCE to make up the exam; however, your grade on that exam will be DROPPED BY ONE FULL LETTER GRADE. ***I WILL ADHERE TO THIS POLICY 100%--NO EXCEPTIONS!!*** 4 DON'TS FOR MY CLASS (DUE TO ALLERGIES) 1. Don't wear perfume/cologne in class 2. Don't use plastic binders for papers I hold a Bible Study at my house on Thursday nights from 8:15-9:30 PM. This year we will study The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis. You gain 1 convo point/week. All are welcome (NO meeting on March 20 or April 10) 3. Don't use markers/fine-line pens (ball-point only) 4. Don't use white out/highlighters The content of this outline and the attached schedule are subject to change at the discretion of the professor ___________________________________ ___________________________ Instructor’s Signature Date | ||