ART 253/CINEMA II-Sound Era 3 CREDITS FALL SEMESTER 2014 CFA 153 THURSDAY EVENINGS 7 - 10 PM
PROFESSOR HOWARD ROSENBERG/784-6836 [O] 825-1399 [H]
e-mail:
Office Hours: Mondays/Wednesdays: 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Thursdays: 11:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND PREREQUISITES:
History of film from the introduction of sound with specific emphasis on particular time blocks and probable social, anthropological, and psychological relevance and/or influence. Maximum of 6 credits.Pre-requisite or co-requisites(s): ENG 102.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:Analyze the basic elements of film, cinematography, editing, and sound with the goal of identifying technical, mechanical, and conceptual terms and ideas used in the cinema world. Students will be able to apply analytical and critical thinking strategies and techniques to the films screened toward understanding the various narrative strategies employed, genre, authorship, and film theory.This course also investigates the “business” of the film “industry” inviting students to discern the impact of the collision between image, concept, and bottom line.
FINE ARTS CORE OBJECTIVES:
This course satisfies Core Objective 7 (Artistic Composition, Interpretation, and Expression) of the Core Curriculum. It also develops competency in Core Objective 3 (Critical Analysis & Use of Information). Students will apply techniques of critical analysis to study and interpret works of film in the context of culture, society, and individual identity.
This course includes lectures, class discussions, and writing components that will assist students in acquiring Core Objectives.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Students will be able to apply techniques of critical film analysis to investigate and evaluate film in the context of culture, society, and individual identity.
- Students will be able to articulate the relationships between film and its historical, cultural, economic, and technological contexts.
- Demonstrate awareness of one’s own beliefs, concepts, and biases in film interpretation revealed in written examinations and class discussion.
- Produce well-supported positions that thoroughly and respectfully consider alternative viewpoints in written examinations and class discussion.
- Synthesize and integrate information from multiple sources to contribute to the creative and scholarly conversation.
REQUIRED READINGS:
WHAT MAKES MOVIES WORK/Boorstin
A SHORT GUIDE TO WRITING ABOUT FILMS/Corrigan
BEYOND POPCORN: A CRITIC'S GUIDE TO LOOKING AT FILMS/Glatzer
* You have three books. The order in which they are listed is the order in which it is suggested you read the books and read them all as soon as possible. They are not “hard reads” and they will increase your understanding of what you are watching at least ten/fold.
Additional reading and preparation materials will be posted on WebCampus.
ART 253/CINEMAS II FALL SEMESTER 2014
REAL and AUTHENTIC/FAITH in THE MOVIES
FILM SCHEDULE [subject to change]
8.28FIELD OF DREAMS [1989] 1:46
9.04E.T. THE EXTRA TERRESTRIAL [1982] 1:45
9.11GOING MY WAY [1944] 2:06
9.18I CONFESS [1953] 1:35
9.25THE NUN’S STORY [1959] 1:49
10.02MEET JOHN DOE [1941] 2:03
10.09MRS. MINIVER [1942] 2:15
10.16THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL [1951] 1:42 MIDSEMESTER EXAM DISTRIBUTED
10.23AUGUST RUSH [2012] 1:45 MIDSEMESTER EXAM DUE
10.30ON THE BEACH [1959] 2:13
11.06MISSING [1982] 2:02
11.13AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER [1956] 1:54
11.20THE AFRICAN QUEEN [1951] 1:43
11.27 THANKSGIVING RECESS
12.04PHILOMENA [2013] 1:38 FINAL EXAM DISTRIBUTED
12.10FINAL EXAM DUE (BY 4PM)
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Attendance:Attendance at all film showings and participation at/during discussions (which will follow most films,) is mandatory. Class begins promptly at 7:00 p.m. and you are expected to be on time at all times. Lateness will not be tolerated.
There are always unexpected things that “pop” up and, of course,
justifies an absence. I will accept one absence, perhaps two, but
your grade will be lowered one point for every absence of three or more. Conversely, perfect attendance will raise your grade two points; one absence will raise your grade one point.
Mid-Semester Examination: (typically student's choice of three out of six possible questions,) assigned on a take-home basis. This work will be assigned on Thursday, 9 October 2014 and will be due at the beginning of the class period on Thursday, 16 October 2014. This work must be typewritten and submitted on time. Late papers will NOTbe accepted.
Final Examination: There will be a final examination typically student's choice of two out of five possible questions,) distributed in class after the screening of the final film on Thursday, 4 December, 2014, which will be due in Mr. Rosenberg’s Office [CFA 160] on or before 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, 10 December, 2014.Late papers will NOT be accepted.
Grading Criteria: Mid-semester Examination:35% Class Participation: 20% Attendance: 10% Final Examination: 35%
GRADING: Will use the +/- system within a straight scale percentage system.
A : 95-100% / A-: 90-94%B+: 87-89% / B : 84-86% / B-: 80-83%
C+: 77-79% / C : 74-76% / C-: 70-73%
D+: 67-69% / D: 64-66% / D-: 60-62%
ADDITIONAL COURSE INFORMATION:
Additional suggested readings and films suggested for your viewing will be posted on WebCampus.
OTHER OFFICIAL POSTINGS
Statement on Academic Dishonesty:
"Cheating, plagiarism or otherwise obtaining grades under false pretenses" constitute academic dishonesty according to the code of this university. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and penalties can include canceling a student’s enrollment without a grade, giving an F for the course or for the assignment. Academic dishonesty of any kind (plagiarism or cheating) is incompatible with the work and growth of an artist. Plagiarism is defined as submitting the language, ideas, thought, images or work of another as one’s own; or assisting in the act of plagiarism by allowing one’s work to be used in this fashion. Plagiarism or any form of academic dishonesty will result in an F for the assignment.”
The student handbook defines academic dishonesty and its consequences as: “Any form of cheating, plagiarism, falsifying of research data, or assisting another student in cheating. These incidents, if you are found guilty, usually result in suspension!”
In the general catalogue, please see University Code and Policies: Section III. (
Statement on Audio and Video Recording: “Surreptitious or covert video-taping of class or unauthorized audio recording of class is prohibited by law and by Board of Regents policy. This class may be videotaped or audio recorded only with the written permission of the instructor. In order to accommodate students with disabilities, some students may have been given permission to record class lectures and discussions. Therefore, students should understand that their comments during class may be recorded.”
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"Your student fees cover usage of the Math Center (784-4433 or Tutoring Center (784-6801 or and University Writing Center (784-6030 or These centers support your classroom learning; it is your responsibility to take advantage of their services. Keep in mind that seeking help outside of class is the sign of a responsible and successful student."
Student Absences: By NSHE policy in Title 4 Chapter 20 A, Section 3, paragraph 1, there are no official absences from any university class. It is the personal responsibility of the student to consult with the instructor regarding absence from class. In the event that a student misses a class because of an official university function or event or because of serious personal issues, the Office of the Vice President for Student Services may, at its discretion, send an explanation to affected faculty. The instructor shall make the final determination on whether the missed work can be done at a time other than during the regularly scheduled class period.
Religious Holy Days: It is the policy of NSHE (Title 4 Chapter 20 A, Section 3, paragraph 2, to be sensitive to the religious obligations of its students. Any student missing classes, quizzes, examinations, or any other class or lab work because of observance of religious holy days should, whenever possible, be given an opportunity during that semester to make up the missed work. The make-up will apply to the religious holy day absence only. It shall be the responsibility of the student to notify the instructor in advance in writing, if the student intends to participate in a religious holy day that does not fall on state holidays or periods of class recess. This policy shall not apply in the event that administering the assignment at an alternate time would impose an undue hardship on the instructor or the institution, which could not reasonably have been avoided.
Final Week: It is university policy that all classes are required to meet during the final week at the appropriate times and dates indicated in the Final Week Class Schedule. This is in keeping with accreditation requirements for the appropriate number of hours for classes.
Designated prep day. Please remember that the intent of prep day is to allow students a day of preparation for final exams. Therefore, exams or any required classes or activities should not be scheduled on that day. Conducting optional activities like review sessions or specifying prep day as a due date for papers and projects are allowed activities.
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