COMM 3000 FILM APPRECIATION SPRING 2012 PLEASE SIGN THE ROLL AT THE FRONT OF CLASS (ADD YOUR NAME AT THE END IF IT IS NOT ON IT). PLACE ANY COMPLETED FORMS.

COMM 3000COMM 3000FILM APPRECIATIONFILM APPRECIATION

SPRING 2012SPRING 2012PLEASE SIGN THE ROLL AT THE FRONT PLEASE SIGN THE ROLL AT THE FRONT OF CLASS (ADD YOUR NAME AT THE OF CLASS (ADD YOUR NAME AT THE END IF IT IS NOT ON IT). END IF IT IS NOT ON IT). PLACE ANY COMPLETED FORMS AT THE PLACE ANY COMPLETED FORMS AT THE FRONT AS WELL (IF YOU DON’T HAVE FRONT AS WELL (IF YOU DON’T HAVE THEM, DON’T WORRY—I’LL DISCUSS THEM, DON’T WORRY—I’LL DISCUSS THEM).THEM).

IMPORTANT INFOIMPORTANT INFO

DR. BARBARA BAKERDR. BARBARA BAKERPROFESSORPROFESSOR

OFFICE: M136-HOFFICE: M136-H 660-543-8625660-543-8625

Email: Email: [email protected]

TEXT: W. PHILLIPS, TEXT: W. PHILLIPS, FILM APPRECIATIONFILM APPRECIATION 4TH EDITION4TH EDITION

G.A. MR. JUN SAKAHIRAG.A. MR. JUN SAKAHIRA

WHAT FILM APPRECIATION IS WHAT FILM APPRECIATION IS NOTNOT

It is NOT a course where you watch a It is NOT a course where you watch a current blockbuster or your favorite film, current blockbuster or your favorite film, & then discuss if you like or dislike it & then discuss if you like or dislike it (likes & dislikes are irrelevant to the (likes & dislikes are irrelevant to the course)course)

It is NOT a course where you write simple It is NOT a course where you write simple film reviews, with no reference to any film reviews, with no reference to any concepts about filmmaking. concepts about filmmaking.

It is NOT a course where you can sleep or It is NOT a course where you can sleep or catch up on your texting during classcatch up on your texting during class

WHAT FILM APPRECIATION ISWHAT FILM APPRECIATION IS

It is a course that will expose you to films It is a course that will expose you to films you might not have seen elsewhere, or you might not have seen elsewhere, or thought were films you’d like to seethought were films you’d like to see

It is a course that will teach you how to It is a course that will teach you how to appreciate films, whether or not you like appreciate films, whether or not you like them & to understand how films are made them & to understand how films are made (and what they might mean).(and what they might mean).

It is a course that will hone your analytical It is a course that will hone your analytical skills, transferrable to many other skills, transferrable to many other courses.courses.

OBJECTIVES & OUTCOMESOBJECTIVES & OUTCOMES

Higher-order thinkingHigher-order thinking --learning --learning information concerning the art of the film information concerning the art of the film & applying it to analyze specific films. & applying it to analyze specific films.

Valuing--Valuing--examining several theories of examining several theories of film & various criteria for analyzing films, film & various criteria for analyzing films, to develop your own ideas about the value to develop your own ideas about the value of film as an art form. of film as an art form.

Ideally, the course will help you better Ideally, the course will help you better appreciate all kinds of motion pictures-- appreciate all kinds of motion pictures-- historical, independent, foreign-language, historical, independent, foreign-language, etc.etc.

Specific Course Specific Course Objectives:Objectives:

After completing the course, students After completing the course, students should be able toshould be able to

1. Define basic film terms & explain their 1. Define basic film terms & explain their application;application;

2. Explain how filmmakers use tools like 2. Explain how filmmakers use tools like photography, editing, & sound to convey photography, editing, & sound to convey content, themes, & subtexts;content, themes, & subtexts;

3. Identify stylistic elements related to 3. Identify stylistic elements related to genres & types of films;genres & types of films;

4. Analyze the structure of specific films, 4. Analyze the structure of specific films, esp. how structure relates to attitudes, esp. how structure relates to attitudes, themes, subtexts, etc.themes, subtexts, etc.

Course Objectives, con’t.Course Objectives, con’t.

5. Analyze the use of myth, archetypes, & 5. Analyze the use of myth, archetypes, & other elements that increase a film's other elements that increase a film's appeal;appeal;

6. Describe the relationship between 6. Describe the relationship between specific films & the culture within which specific films & the culture within which they were produced;they were produced;

7. Identify important filmmakers & film 7. Identify important filmmakers & film movements (both U.S. & foreign); andmovements (both U.S. & foreign); and

8. Write analytical/critical essays on 8. Write analytical/critical essays on specific feature films.specific feature films.

Important ResourcesImportant Resources Blackboard access is required for this course, and Blackboard access is required for this course, and

will be used for course notes, links to important will be used for course notes, links to important information, practice tests, some assignments (as information, practice tests, some assignments (as described below), etc. described below), etc.

You can also keep track of your grade via You can also keep track of your grade via BlackboardBlackboard

  You also will need access to a source for specific You also will need access to a source for specific feature films for some projects—this can be feature films for some projects—this can be through the Kirkpatrick Library, a video rental through the Kirkpatrick Library, a video rental outlet, a Netflix account, or similar. outlet, a Netflix account, or similar.

You also will be required to use your UCM e-mail You also will be required to use your UCM e-mail account through the duration of the courseaccount through the duration of the course

Film Selection Criteria:Film Selection Criteria:

Feature films are selected as follows: Feature films are selected as follows: It illustrates concepts discussed in class;It illustrates concepts discussed in class;It has innovative and/or influential It has innovative and/or influential

features, themes, or special effects; features, themes, or special effects; It is a recognized "classic";It is a recognized "classic";It fits the time limits;It fits the time limits;It is available on Widescreen DVD;It is available on Widescreen DVD;Ideally, not more than 30% have seen the Ideally, not more than 30% have seen the

film (based on the class survey); andfilm (based on the class survey); andGenerally, it was not shown last semester.Generally, it was not shown last semester.

Note About Film ChoicesNote About Film Choices

Some of the films or clips shown will be Some of the films or clips shown will be R-rated & may be disturbing to some of R-rated & may be disturbing to some of youyou. .

If you have strong objections to R rated films, If you have strong objections to R rated films, you should reconsider taking this class. you should reconsider taking this class.

If you stay, you either must watch the R rated If you stay, you either must watch the R rated films, OR you must see me for an alternative films, OR you must see me for an alternative assignment to view outside of class & answer assignment to view outside of class & answer questions about.questions about.

There will be exam items on the film(s) or clips There will be exam items on the film(s) or clips screened in class (I cannot make individualized screened in class (I cannot make individualized exams in a class this size).exams in a class this size).

ASSIGNMENTSASSIGNMENTS

Feature Film Discussions; 10 pts. each; 60-70 Feature Film Discussions; 10 pts. each; 60-70 pts. pts.

Class & On-line Participation; 5-10 pts. each: Class & On-line Participation; 5-10 pts. each: 40-60 pts.40-60 pts.

Miscellaneous points, 10 pts. Miscellaneous points, 10 pts. Homework on films, 10 pts. eachHomework on films, 10 pts. each 10-20 pts. 10-20 pts. Short paper analyses, 20 pts. each; 20-40 pts.Short paper analyses, 20 pts. each; 20-40 pts.   Quizzes, 5 pts. each (lowest score/s dropped); Quizzes, 5 pts. each (lowest score/s dropped);

20-25 pts.20-25 pts.   Major exams, 100 pts. each. 300 pts. Major exams, 100 pts. each. 300 pts.   Critical analysis paper; 100 pts. Critical analysis paper; 100 pts.   Projected Total Pts.: 560-625 pts.Projected Total Pts.: 560-625 pts.

ASSIGNMENTS, CON’T.ASSIGNMENTS, CON’T. 1. 1. Feature Film Group Discussion ResponsesFeature Film Group Discussion Responses----

Discussions after each feature, in groups selected Discussions after each feature, in groups selected prior to the first in-class screening.prior to the first in-class screening.

2.2. Participation & Miscellaneous points Participation & Miscellaneous points. . a. Participation—in-class written & oral responses a. Participation—in-class written & oral responses

(individual and/or group) to a question or questions (individual and/or group) to a question or questions related to the lectures or film clips for the day; and related to the lectures or film clips for the day; and discussion responses on Blackboard, for points.discussion responses on Blackboard, for points.

bb. Miscellaneous & Bonus Points. Miscellaneous & Bonus Points. 5 points for . 5 points for submitting the Syllabus Checklist on time & 5 pts submitting the Syllabus Checklist on time & 5 pts for the film list. Also up to 10 bonus points (extra for the film list. Also up to 10 bonus points (extra credit).credit).

ASSIGNMENTS, CON’T.ASSIGNMENTS, CON’T.

33. Homework assignments . Homework assignments One written homework assignment will be required One written homework assignment will be required

during the semester, related to the Independent during the semester, related to the Independent film film Warrior WomanWarrior Woman, shown as part of the on-going , shown as part of the on-going Show Me Justice Film Showcase on March 9Show Me Justice Film Showcase on March 9

Other homework may be assigned for any other Other homework may be assigned for any other required outside viewing of a film required outside viewing of a film

Or, such homework may be questions asked about a Or, such homework may be questions asked about a short experimental or other film, about certain clips short experimental or other film, about certain clips on Blackboard, or about material in a particular on Blackboard, or about material in a particular class, or about questions related to text chapters, or class, or about questions related to text chapters, or similar topic, depending on class progresssimilar topic, depending on class progress

ASSIGNMENTS, Con’t.ASSIGNMENTS, Con’t. 4. 4. Short Film Paper AnalysisShort Film Paper Analysis—one or two short (2 —one or two short (2

pages, typed) Film Analysis papers may be pages, typed) Film Analysis papers may be assignedassigned

Each paper will focus on three to five questions Each paper will focus on three to five questions about a particular film watched in class, written about a particular film watched in class, written as an essay and due within a week of the as an essay and due within a week of the assignmentassignment

More specific guidelines for writing this paper will More specific guidelines for writing this paper will be provided at that time via Blackboard be provided at that time via Blackboard

Alternatively papers may be an optional Alternatively papers may be an optional assignment (to help improve scores)assignment (to help improve scores)

ASSIGNMENTS, con’t.ASSIGNMENTS, con’t.

5. 5. Critical Analysis PaperCritical Analysis Paper (100 pts) (100 pts)A more in-depth formal paper that A more in-depth formal paper that

critically analyzes an assigned film that critically analyzes an assigned film that you view outside of class, on questions you view outside of class, on questions that will be given to you that will be given to you

You will be choosing films later in the You will be choosing films later in the semester from lists I providesemester from lists I provide

Each student will write on a different filmEach student will write on a different filmMore guidelines are forthcoming for this More guidelines are forthcoming for this

major assignmentmajor assignment

ASSIGNMENTS, con’t.ASSIGNMENTS, con’t.

6. 6. Exams & QuizzesExams & Quizzes (325 pts. count) (325 pts. count) a. a. Quizzes-- Quizzes--Up to 7 "pop" quizzes (worth up to Up to 7 "pop" quizzes (worth up to

5 points each). Only 20-25 points will count 5 points each). Only 20-25 points will count (the lowest scores will be dropped) (the lowest scores will be dropped)

b. b. Exams–Exams– 3 major exams, each worth up to 3 major exams, each worth up to 100 pts., consisting of items over readings, 100 pts., consisting of items over readings, lectures, class activities & discussions, plus lectures, class activities & discussions, plus films & clipsfilms & clips

c. Exams will consist mainly of objective items c. Exams will consist mainly of objective items (T/F & Multiple Choice); however, each exam (T/F & Multiple Choice); however, each exam may also include short answer/essay questions may also include short answer/essay questions (perhaps based on scenes screened during the (perhaps based on scenes screened during the exam OR on the last part of a feature film)exam OR on the last part of a feature film)

ASSIGNMENTS, CON’T.ASSIGNMENTS, CON’T.

7. Alternative Assignments (alternative assignments 7. Alternative Assignments (alternative assignments will replace points elsewhere)will replace points elsewhere) a.  Available to students who miss an in-class “pop a.  Available to students who miss an in-class “pop

quiz” or discussion or other circumstance that quiz” or discussion or other circumstance that causes you to lose pointscauses you to lose points

bb. Generally, will only be able to do once or . Generally, will only be able to do once or twice in a semester twice in a semester

c. Any alternative assignment must be completed c. Any alternative assignment must be completed by student initiative (e.g. you ask for it, or find it by student initiative (e.g. you ask for it, or find it on-line & do it, see makeup policies, below) on-line & do it, see makeup policies, below)

d. One alternative assignment also might be used d. One alternative assignment also might be used as bonus ptsas bonus pts

GRADING POLICIES (in brief)GRADING POLICIES (in brief)

Any student who fails to complete & submit a Any student who fails to complete & submit a major assignment major assignment will fail the coursewill fail the course regardless of grades on other coursework. regardless of grades on other coursework.

All in-class written assignments & exams All in-class written assignments & exams must be fully completed & turned in when must be fully completed & turned in when due to receive full credit.due to receive full credit.

The normal grade for competent The normal grade for competent (satisfactory) performance is "C"; those who (satisfactory) performance is "C"; those who want to earn higher grades must satisfy want to earn higher grades must satisfy higher expectations.higher expectations.

No grade be given for mere completion of an No grade be given for mere completion of an assignment or for effort; quality is the assignment or for effort; quality is the criterion for grade assessment.criterion for grade assessment.

OTHER POLICIES (IN BRIEF)OTHER POLICIES (IN BRIEF)

Excessive absences (more than 4 Excessive absences (more than 4 class periods) are likely to be class periods) are likely to be detrimental to your final grade. detrimental to your final grade.

Students who miss 10 or more class Students who miss 10 or more class days (1/3days (1/3rdrd of the class) are likely to of the class) are likely to fail the course.fail the course.

If you must miss, you should let me If you must miss, you should let me know & makeup the work promptly.know & makeup the work promptly.

No work will be accepted after class No work will be accepted after class ends (May 3)ends (May 3)

Other policies, con’t.Other policies, con’t.

Students are expected to do original Students are expected to do original work in this class; work in this class; cheating & cheating & plagiarism are not tolerated, & can plagiarism are not tolerated, & can lead to course failurelead to course failure (see the Student (see the Student Handbook).Handbook).

““Pop quizzes" & in-class responses Pop quizzes" & in-class responses CANNOT BE MADE UPCANNOT BE MADE UP directly directly regardless of the reason. Remember 1-2 regardless of the reason. Remember 1-2 quizzes will be dropped at the end of the quizzes will be dropped at the end of the semester (also there are the alternative semester (also there are the alternative assignments on Blackboard) assignments on Blackboard)

Other policies, con’t.Other policies, con’t.

Missed feature-film discussions and Missed feature-film discussions and exams exams MUST BE MADE UPMUST BE MADE UP. Except for . Except for exams, all make-ups will be posted to exams, all make-ups will be posted to Blackboard, or will be available from the Blackboard, or will be available from the instructor. instructor.

ALL makeup work must be completed ALL makeup work must be completed within specified deadlines for full credit within specified deadlines for full credit (see the syllabus).(see the syllabus).

After the deadlines, all makeup work is After the deadlines, all makeup work is late, with different penalties assigned (see late, with different penalties assigned (see full syllabus for specifics).full syllabus for specifics).

Other policies, con’t.Other policies, con’t.

Late work is accepted for a limited period Late work is accepted for a limited period of time, with a penalty that increases of time, with a penalty that increases EACH DAY the work is late. See the EACH DAY the work is late. See the syllabus for the full policy on late worksyllabus for the full policy on late work

Generally, NO WORK will be accepted after Generally, NO WORK will be accepted after the class ends in April, with the exception the class ends in April, with the exception of late final papers and the final exam of late final papers and the final exam

““U” or incomplete grades are not normally U” or incomplete grades are not normally given except for verifiable emergenciesgiven except for verifiable emergencies

Other policies, con’t.Other policies, con’t.

Missed regular examsMissed regular exams can only be made can only be made up with permission, obtained when you (or up with permission, obtained when you (or your agent) notifies me or the G.A. of your your agent) notifies me or the G.A. of your absence (can be by phone or e-mail) either absence (can be by phone or e-mail) either before, during, or within 48 hours of the before, during, or within 48 hours of the exam. exam.

Once you have permission, exam can be Once you have permission, exam can be made up without penalty within 48 hours) made up without penalty within 48 hours) after the original exam date, regardless of after the original exam date, regardless of the reason for the absence; students are the reason for the absence; students are responsible for scheduling this exam. responsible for scheduling this exam.

Other policies, con’t.

After 48 hours, makeup exams will be docked After 48 hours, makeup exams will be docked 10% (unless you provide verification of absence). 10% (unless you provide verification of absence).

No makeup exam can be made up after 2 weeks No makeup exam can be made up after 2 weeks from the original date of the exam.from the original date of the exam.

All makeup exams will be different, more difficult All makeup exams will be different, more difficult exams, such as an essay exam.exams, such as an essay exam.

Final exams will be given on Thursday, December 8, as noted in the Student Calendar/Planner; NO final exam will be given early, regardless of reason

Any makeups for the final exam must be taken by the end of finals week (on Friday, December 9)

Other policies, con’t.Other policies, con’t.

Students scoring Students scoring below 60% below 60% on the 1on the 1stst two exams may two exams may petition for an improvement assignment (which may petition for an improvement assignment (which may be a written paper, an exam retake in whole or part, be a written paper, an exam retake in whole or part, etc.) etc.) Such assignments must be arranged within 48 Such assignments must be arranged within 48

hours of the original exam’s grading & taken within hours of the original exam’s grading & taken within 2 weeks.2 weeks.

NO assignments to improve exam scores are NO assignments to improve exam scores are permitted after 2 weeks from the original exam permitted after 2 weeks from the original exam grading date. grading date.

Anyone who does a makeup exam is NOT eligible to Anyone who does a makeup exam is NOT eligible to do this assignment. Any retakes will be a different do this assignment. Any retakes will be a different (possibly essay) exam.(possibly essay) exam.

Other policies, con’t.

To be eligible for this assignment, students first To be eligible for this assignment, students first must meet with Dr. Baker to go over the old must meet with Dr. Baker to go over the old exam.exam.

Any retake/alternative score will be the one recorded (it will be added to or replace the earlier score).

Generally, students may ONLY do such an assignment for one exam during the semester; the third (final) exams are NOT included.

If you are not doing well, you are encouraged to come to see me for help.

Other policies, con’t.Other policies, con’t. All absences, tardies, & early departures are All absences, tardies, & early departures are

treated the same, whether "excused" or not.treated the same, whether "excused" or not.I do I do NOTNOT need to see documentation unless need to see documentation unless

you can’t makeup the work in the time you can’t makeup the work in the time allotted without penaltyallotted without penalty

See the syllabus for correct documentation See the syllabus for correct documentation (appointment cards, prescriptions, car repair (appointment cards, prescriptions, car repair bills, funeral notices, etc. are NOT bills, funeral notices, etc. are NOT considered acceptable documentation to considered acceptable documentation to waive a late penalty)waive a late penalty)

Note that excused absences do NOT absolve Note that excused absences do NOT absolve you from completing the missed work you from completing the missed work

Other policies, con’t.Other policies, con’t.

Students are expected to act as mature, Students are expected to act as mature, responsible adults in the class.responsible adults in the class.Inappropriate talking to others during Inappropriate talking to others during

lecture or film screenings will not be lecture or film screenings will not be toleratedtolerated

The use of The use of ALL ALL electronic devices is electronic devices is prohibited during class. No phones, no prohibited during class. No phones, no IPods, no texting, no laptops, etc.IPods, no texting, no laptops, etc.

Electronic devices used may be confiscated Electronic devices used may be confiscated during the class periodduring the class period

Electronic devices used in an exam are Electronic devices used in an exam are grounds for failuregrounds for failure

Other policies, con’t.Other policies, con’t.

Although COMM 3000 is introductory, Although COMM 3000 is introductory, it also is a it also is a junior-level coursejunior-level course..It is comprehensive, with lots of It is comprehensive, with lots of

information & jargon to digest & information & jargon to digest & understand. understand.

It stresses critical thinking, requiring It stresses critical thinking, requiring cognitive abilities beyond concept cognitive abilities beyond concept memorization.memorization.

It requires analysis of films that may It requires analysis of films that may be difficult and complex.be difficult and complex.

Other policies, con’t.Other policies, con’t.

Thus, it is NOT RECOMMENDED for 1st year Thus, it is NOT RECOMMENDED for 1st year students, as they sometimes find the coursework students, as they sometimes find the coursework & exams difficult. & exams difficult.

1st year students who remain in class are 1st year students who remain in class are encouraged to seek our help with the concepts & encouraged to seek our help with the concepts & assignments, and to maintain good attendance assignments, and to maintain good attendance

The course also is NOT RECOMMENDED for athletes The course also is NOT RECOMMENDED for athletes during the semester of most activity or any student during the semester of most activity or any student looking for an "easy" A grade or "movies 101." looking for an "easy" A grade or "movies 101."

Students who need further assistance (e.g. going Students who need further assistance (e.g. going through OAS) are strongly encouraged to make through OAS) are strongly encouraged to make regular appointments with the instructor.regular appointments with the instructor.

FILMS SHOWN FALL 2011FILMS SHOWN FALL 2011BAKER’S SECTIONBAKER’S SECTION

Casablanca (1941)Casablanca (1941) In Bruges (2008)In Bruges (2008)Run Lola Run (German, 1998)Run Lola Run (German, 1998)SMJFF film (all 2011 independent SMJFF film (all 2011 independent

films)films)The Omen (1976)The Omen (1976)Do the Right Thing (1989)Do the Right Thing (1989)L.A. Story (1991)L.A. Story (1991)