FILM LITERATURE
FILM LITERATURE
The purpose of this course is to develop critical standards of viewing a film. The assumption underlying the course is that you are aware that there is an art to watching films. The ways in which the class approaches the screening of films will resemble the ways in which you have learned to read and analyze literature in your "standard" English classes. This is not a sit back and let the film roll kind of class; you will be required to give careful analysis and review of the films we watch. In addition to developing your critical thinking skills, this course offers a rational framework that can support your future study of film and other subjects.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
- To further develop and practice critical thinking skills.
- To continue practice of analytical writing skills.
- To develop analytical viewing skills for film.
- To understand the elements of film making
- To practice the art of creating a film via storyboards, script writing and a multi-media project.
There are three central questions that we will strive to answer when we are studying a film:
1. How do we determine what makes a quality film, or why is this film considered to be one of the top 100 films of all time (or should be considered)?
2. What social commentary is the director making in this film, and do we as audience agree with what the director is saying?
3. How does film (in general) promote a greater understanding of ourselves, and the world around us?
COURSE REQUIREMENTS and EXPECTATIONS:
To succeed in Film Literature, your class participation and all that it entails are crucial to that success. When you miss a class you run the risk of missing the screening of the film, the discussion of the film (which will be assessed), your homework, or sometimes all three. If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed and get caught up. If you miss a film, you are responsible for viewing the film on your own time. You may not borrow my copies of the film. You may either rent the movie on your own, or, in some cases you may set up an after-school time, or tutorial time with me to make up the viewing that you missed. That viewing time must be within one week of the film being shown to class.
For the exception of two assignments, all assignments are completed in class. However, if you are absent on the day an assignment is due, it is expected that you hand in the assignment the day after you return to class. Otherwise it is expected that you hand in all your assignments by the due date. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, no work will be accepted after the term is complete. Please note however, that handing in late papers cause problems with my paper-grading schedules, which will mean that you then receive minimum written feedback. This feedback can be very helpful to you in terms of improving on your next assignment, so it is in your best interest to hand in your work on time. I do not deduct points for a paper being late, I do, however, award 5 points for every homework assignment turned in on the due date. Please note that you are required to complete all assigned work.
During the screening of selected films, you will be expected to take notes, answer questions, and apply what you have learned in class to analyze the films to the best of your ability. There will be an occasional quiz on films to ascertain that you are watching the film and understand film elements.
CLASS ASSIGNMENTS
Film Literature Vocabulary/Crib Sheet
The first six weeks:
Movie Quizzes (3)
End of term test on the history of film and cinematic terms
Scene study - storyboard practice
Film Responses (3)
The second six weeks:
Movie Quizzes (3)
Pitch It! (due date TBA)
Story Boards - Creating the storyboards for an actual or missing scene
Film Responses (3)
The third six weeks:
Movie Quizzes (2)
Film Responses (3)
Film Presentation (as per Director’s Cut)
*Director's Cut Response (due date TBA) - This is your most important response for this class and accounts for 130 points of your total grade. You should be exploring ideas and doing research for your final response within the first six week term.
The purpose of this course is to develop critical standards of viewing a film. The assumption underlying the course is that you are aware that there is an art to watching films. The ways in which the class approaches the screening of films will resemble the ways in which you have learned to read and analyze literature in your "standard" English classes. This is not a sit back and let the film roll kind of class; you will be required to give careful analysis and review of the films we watch. In addition to developing your critical thinking skills, this course offers a rational framework that can support your future study of film and other subjects.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
- To further develop and practice critical thinking skills.
- To continue practice of analytical writing skills.
- To develop analytical viewing skills for film.
- To understand the elements of film making
- To practice the art of creating a film via storyboards, script writing and a multi-media project.
There are three central questions that we will strive to answer when we are studying a film:
1. How do we determine what makes a quality film, or why is this film considered to be one of the top 100 films of all time (or should be considered)?
2. What social commentary is the director making in this film, and do we as audience agree with what the director is saying?
3. How does film (in general) promote a greater understanding of ourselves, and the world around us?
COURSE REQUIREMENTS and EXPECTATIONS:
To succeed in Film Literature, your class participation and all that it entails are crucial to that success. When you miss a class you run the risk of missing the screening of the film, the discussion of the film (which will be assessed), your homework, or sometimes all three. If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed and get caught up. If you miss a film, you are responsible for viewing the film on your own time. You may not borrow my copies of the film. You may either rent the movie on your own, or, in some cases you may set up an after-school time, or tutorial time with me to make up the viewing that you missed. That viewing time must be within one week of the film being shown to class.
For the exception of two assignments, all assignments are completed in class. However, if you are absent on the day an assignment is due, it is expected that you hand in the assignment the day after you return to class. Otherwise it is expected that you hand in all your assignments by the due date. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, no work will be accepted after the term is complete. Please note however, that handing in late papers cause problems with my paper-grading schedules, which will mean that you then receive minimum written feedback. This feedback can be very helpful to you in terms of improving on your next assignment, so it is in your best interest to hand in your work on time. I do not deduct points for a paper being late, I do, however, award 5 points for every homework assignment turned in on the due date. Please note that you are required to complete all assigned work.
During the screening of selected films, you will be expected to take notes, answer questions, and apply what you have learned in class to analyze the films to the best of your ability. There will be an occasional quiz on films to ascertain that you are watching the film and understand film elements.
CLASS ASSIGNMENTS
Film Literature Vocabulary/Crib Sheet
The first six weeks:
Movie Quizzes (3)
End of term test on the history of film and cinematic terms
Scene study - storyboard practice
Film Responses (3)
The second six weeks:
Movie Quizzes (3)
Pitch It! (due date TBA)
Story Boards - Creating the storyboards for an actual or missing scene
Film Responses (3)
The third six weeks:
Movie Quizzes (2)
Film Responses (3)
Film Presentation (as per Director’s Cut)
*Director's Cut Response (due date TBA) - This is your most important response for this class and accounts for 130 points of your total grade. You should be exploring ideas and doing research for your final response within the first six week term.