Advanced Film Analysis
Course Syllabus
Second Quarter -- 2008-09 -- Third Period
Students in this course will explore popular film as an art form by analyzing it through the literary, dramatic, and cinematic gazes. That means looking at all the “picky” details like lighting, camera angles, background setting, symbolism, actor choices, costuming, music, etc. Be prepared, I will ask you to look for detail as I would with print material consumed in my classes. We will also be looking at film as a medium that carefully and purposely presents important and often controversial issues to a viewing audience. The picky details and film production elements will help us to understand the filmmakers’ intentions and messages and form our own interpretations of the final visual product. In other words, we will be viewing these films not as simply an entertainment medium, but as a text for cultural exploration and voice. Issues to be discussed may be from a variety of socio-political and literary areas. If time permits, we may also analyze how the historical context of the film’s production and first-run release may impact the interpretation of the cinematic product.
Students will be expected to actively and respectfully view the films in class. What that means is NO SLEEPING or talking through a film! Many feel that once the lights go out, it is nap time or social hour. Think again! It isn’t often that we have the opportunity to have a class devoted to film, so please enjoy it respectfully. Students will need to pay close attention to these films to recognize and analyze elements to be discussed in class.
Students will be expected to think about and respond to the films and social issues through note taking, formal written assignments, and strong, consistent discussion. You may need to finish written film responses outside of class time. Written work is expected to be in line with assignment guidelines, thoughtful, organized, and well edited. Papers not meeting expectations will be returned to students for revision.
Respectful and active participation in discussions is a course requirement! Allow and encourage your classmates to share their views. Challenge yourself to speak out more if you tend to hold back in class discussions. Participation on discussion days is considered an assignment. If you miss more than one full-film discussion session (fieldtrips only will be accommodated), you may only be eligible for “elective” credit in the class.
Homework Alert!!!!!
Viewing and Discussion of First Run Film
Students must go see a movie in the theatre over Winter Break, read current reviews, and be prepared to discuss the film following our return to classes after WB. If this is a financial concern for any of you, please talk with Denise during the first week of class so accommodations can be made prior to Winter Break.
Formal Cumulative Film Analysis Assignment
As a main course assignment, students will write a formal film analysis paper to be turned in on or before December 12. Paper guidelines will be distributed during the 3rd week of class. Students will make their film choices during week one with a short post-choice period allowing for changes. A small number of films may be available for student check out and use for this project. The chosen movie must present an important social issue and be on Denise’s approved choice list. To be eligible for credit, analysis papers must be typed, edited, and within the guidelines provided. Students will have very limited class time to type their reviews. Any students needing revision assistance with the content only of their papers must submit an edited, typed draft to me on or before December 5
General Classroom Policies
Late Work:Students must make a sincere effort to meet due dates in this class to allow for appropriate curriculum development and scaffolding of information. Students must complete ALL written assignments to be eligible for credit. Grace periods may be possible in certain circumstances. Those decisions will be made on a case by case basis. Any missed deadlines, for any reason, will result in a community support contact.
Students may miss only one full-film discussion session and still be eligible for English credit. There will be no opportunity to make up discussion sessions. The only possible exceptions are fieldtrips, and you must negotiate those with me in advance.
Attendance:
Beware of absences. Save your absences for when you really need them.The Shabazz attendance policy will be strictly enforced. Generally, students who arrive for class more than 15 minutes late will earn an absence for that day. On full-film viewing days, you may not be more than 5 minutes late without a note or escort from a staff member. If you miss part or all of a film due to absences, it is your responsibility to rent the film promptly and view it on your own at your own expense. You will still be responsible for completing acceptable written responses if required. All films viewed in class should be available from any major video rental location. Do not count on the Madison Public Library to have copies of the films on the shelf.
DATES TO REMEMBER
(Not all minor assignments are noted below.)November 14 – Make title choice for Independent Film Analysis project
December 5 – Optional -- Draft of formal film analysis due if you want content assistance
December 5 – Required -- Outline of Film Analysis Paper Due
December 12 – Required -- Formal Film Analysis Paper Draft Due
December 18 – Required -- Peer Review of Film Analysis Paper
December 19 – Required – Final Day to turn in final draft of Film Analysis Paper
January 5 – Required -- Discuss the first-run film seen during Winter Break
January 5–9 – approval week for student clips
January 12-15 – Required – Student-led clips viewing and analysis in class
Other assignment deadlines will be announced in class and on the assignment board.
Films that we will view as a class:
Twelve Angry Men (Lumet)
Visions of Light (Documentary on Cinematography)
The Cutting Edge (Documentary on film editing)
Schindler’s List (Spielberg)
The Godfather II (Ford Coppola)
Ghost Dog, The Way of the Samurai (Jarmusch)
Run, Lola, Run (Tykwer)
Student-Led Clips (to be approved in advance)
