CCBC Dundalk

MCOM 150/HIST 150 – The Movies: History and Art

SEC DO1 (crn94046, 93786) TR2:20-4:05

I. Basic Course Information

  1. Fall 2013
  2. Instructor: Carr Kizzier
  3. Office: Essex - Arts and Humanities Hall 325
  4. Phone: 443-840-1638 Email:
  5. Website:
  6. Office Hours: T,R 9:30-11am, 12:45-1:30pm; W 1:45-2:15pm; or by appointment

Emergency Closings: For school cancellations, call 443-840-4567 or listen to local radio and television stations like WBAL.

Course-related concerns:Students should first attempt to take concerns to the faculty member, Mr. Kizzier.If students are unable to resolve course-related concerns with the instructor they should contact Ms. Sheri Trivane, Coordinator of Mass Communication.The CCBC Student Concerns Policy can be found in the 2011-2012 CCBC College Catalog at Concerns Policy.html.

II. Course Goals

A.Overall Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to

1.Assess the magnificence and power of the motion picture as an art form and propaganda tool.

2. Differentiate the production styles used by Western and non-Western culture in the lensing of a motion picture.

3. Develop a sense of filmmaking aesthetics and vocabulary

4. Recognize, analyze, and discuss the history of film.

5. View and analyze film and the filmmaking process with a more discerning eye and ear. Render a critical evaluation.

6. Differentiate the essential contributions of the producer, director, cinematographer, editor, screenplay writer, and film composer; describe the collaborative nature of motion picture production.

7. Prepare two researched writing assignments that utilize film vocabulary and discuss production concepts from specific periods in the historical development of film.

8. Recognize, analyze, and discuss the social impact of film and the relevance of

the motion picture industry in general.

9. Assimilate effective film language in formal class discussions on cinematic

style and motion picture production techniques.

III. Evaluation

  1. Requirements

1. Papers: One of the stated course objectives is to write two research papers, which will be based on lecture topics and formal screenings. In each case the essay must contain both summary and analysis, and each research project must draw upon outside scholarly research.Please note: all research essays must be typed, completed on time, and presented in standard MLA format (double-spaced, one-inch margins, 12-point font).

2. Exams: There will be two comprehensive exams during the semester, the material on which will come from class lectures, discussions, readings, and screenings.

3. Screenings: Students are required to attend all screenings. Production concepts and techniques from screenings will be discussed in class both before and after each individual film. On screening dates, films may begin promptly at the beginning of class time. Late admittance will result in a grade reduction for the course.

4. Reading/Viewing Assignments: In this class, the assigned readings and screenings will form the basis of our discussion, analysis, and writing. With this in mind, then, you will be assigned some reading material for every week.You are required to read thoroughly and be prepared to discuss each of these readings before you come to class.

5. Discussion Postings to the Blog: The goal here is to write thoughtful responses to the texts we read and the films we screen in class. To facilitate that, each student will create a personal blog (on blogger, tumblr, etc) where you will post your responses at least once a week. Each student will also lead the discussion one week of the semester, either alone or in a small group.

6. Class preparation/participation: MCOM/HIST 150 may seem like a class to sit back and let the information come to you, but learning is a participatory activity. In order to develop your analytical skills, you must write, read/view, and rewrite, and we will be doing all three in class. It is essential, then, that you come to class prepared, which involves the following:

a.Bepunctual. Entering late is distracting to the entire class.

b. Please bring your work – texts, journals, reviews, dictionary, pens or pencils, flash drives, and blank paper – to every class. ** Students who do not bring their texts and/or assigned work will be asked to leave and will be marked absent.

c. Complete all assignments – particularly your paper drafts – on time, before you come to class. If reading is assigned, be prepared to discuss it or take a quiz on it as soon as you enter class.

d. Participate fully in all class activities: discussions, peer workshops, presentations, etc. Each student should participate at least oncein every class.

  1. Grading Policy

1. Final Grades: The final grades will be determined by the following formula – assuming the attendance requirements are met:

30% -- Research Essays

40% -- Exams

10% -- Blog Postings

20% -- Class Prep/Participation and Quizzes

2. Late Work: Assignments are due at the beginning of the class.Late essays will not be accepted. Exams are given on the specified date. Exams may not be made up. If you know you will have to miss a class when something is due, please arrange with me beforehand to take your exam early. You may always submit essays electronically.

  1. Attendance Policy

Regular attendance is crucial to success in this course. Many of the activities we engage in during class time – the discussions, screenings, workshops — can’t be “made up”, with the result that students who miss class may submit weaker papers and exams. In the end, poor attendance almost always results in a disappointing outcome for the student.

That said, there are always circumstances in which you will find yourself unable to attend class. If you know ahead of time that you will miss a class, let me know in person, email me, or leave a message on my phone.

Keep in mind, however, that poor attendance can also directly affect your grade. Missing one class might not affect your grade. Students having 2absences, however, generally receive no better than aB for their final grade. Students with3-4absences generally receive no better than a C for their final grade. Finally, students who missmore than four (4) classes generally receive a failing grade and should consider withdrawing. Please note: There is no distinction among absences. There are no excused or unexcused absences.

Remember to be on time for screenings.Latecomers for screenings will have their participation grade reduced by 10% for each incident. Missing a screening will result in a 25% reduction in participation grade.

IV. Course Procedures

  1. Texts and Materials –
  • Flashback: A Brief History of Film ed. Giannetti and Eyman (required)
  • Becoming Film Literate: The Art and Craft of Motion Pictures by Vincent LoBrutto (ebook on reserve at library)

Class Materials: binder or folder for papers, notebook, writing implements, flash drive with USB connection (required)

  1. Other Procedures
  2. Classroom Etiquette – It is expected that adult college students will exhibit courtesy, respect, and cooperation during class toward the instructor and toward fellow students. Please remember the sacrifices that others make to attend college, and that everyone is entitled to an orderly and scholarly environment. With this in mind, then, please turn off all cell phones before entering the classroom. Students texting in class outside of assignments will be dismissed and marked absent.

I encourage you to bring a drink with a lid to class, but please do not eat in the classroom.

  1. Academic Honesty Policy – Academic honesty is expected of all students. Work submitted by students as their own must be their own, and materials taken from any other source must be clearly identified as such. Intentional falsification of source materials, plagiarism, obtaining advance information about exams, and other violations of academic honesty are not acceptable. The usual penalty for academic dishonesty is failure of the course. A student may appeal any action taken under this policy.

Please consult the link at MyCCBC:

CCBC Academic Integrity Policy

  1. Extra Assistance –
  2. Instructor Office Hours: If you are having a problem with an assignment, need some extra help, or simply want to discuss class-related topics, please feel free to schedule an appointment with me for time outside of class. I am available to help. JUST ASK.

Appendix I: Important Dates

Note: Please check Mr. Kizzier’s faculty webpage regularly for an updated schedule of readings, screenings, and assignments:

Exam 1 – Tuesday October 15

Exam 2 – Week of Dec10-12tbd

Essay 1 – Workshop Thursday October 3

Final Thursday October 10

Essay 2 – Workshop ThursdayNov 21

Final Tuesday December 3