Film and Literature Syllabus
Mrs, Bartel
440-268-5538
Course Objectives:
Students will analyze literature and film in class as well as film as literature, which will be a semester class worth .5 credits. This course will be offered to juniors and seniors. This course is to be considered a college prep course. A high level of reading texts, film journal articles and film reviews will occur. Students will be required to be active participants in film viewings and discussion. Student writings will include their own reviews of films, analysis of the dramatic, cinematic, narrative aspects of films, and comparisons of literary works and their cinematic adaptations. This course will also implement technology, research of history, the use of Socratic seminars after film viewing, and student presentations.
Films and literature for course (we may not get through all the selections):
American Film Institute’s Top 100 Films of All TimeArgo (R)
The Birds (PG) One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (R)
Legend of Sleepy Hollow (R)The Blind Side (PG-13)
The Hobbit (PG)Casablanca (PG)
Shawshank Redemption (R) Citizen Kane (NR)
Psycho (R) The Deer Hunter (R)
The Theory of Everything (PG-13) It’s a Wonderful Life (NR)
Requirements:
Students are responsible for information presented in class lectures, discussions and assigned readings provided by instructor. Tests and quizzes will be given based on readings, lecture notes and films viewed. Daily assignments including response journals and film analysis papers will be regularly assigned. Participation points will be awarded periodically for discussion, journal, or activity participation. Research will be required as well. All assignments must be word processed and handed in on time, or emailed, on time, to the instructor in MLA format.
Films:
Films viewed in class cover a wide range of subject material; genres range from musical to suspense to drama and cover a time span from 1930 to the present. Since many films with a MPAA rating of "R" (not suitable for those under the age of 17 without a parent or guardian) may be shown, parents must give permission for students to view films. Films for class viewing are specifically chosen to illustrate the learning goals of this class and alternate selections are not provided.
Attendance/Discipline Policies:
Students are expected to on time and prepared for class. All attendance and behavior policies outlined in the Strongsville High School student handbook will be enforced. Attendance and behavior expectations specific to this class are as follows:
1. No food or beverages except water are allowed in class and must be left outside the classroom or kept in bags. Violation of this policy will result in discipline according to regular school procedures.
2. Cell phones and electronic devices such as iPods and iPads must be turned off and left in bags or outside the classroom. Students using phones or electronic devices in the classroom without permission will be warned first. If the cell phone is used again, a referral to the appropriate administer will be issued
3. Film projects and assignments must be in accordance with copyright law and regulations. No parts of full-length feature films, including footage and/or script materials may be used in a student film without consultation with instructor to assure legal compliance. Written material for screenplays, film analysis and other papers must be the student's own work; any ideas or concepts taken from published work must be cited in correct MLA format. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary procedures according to the Strongsville High School plagarism policy.
4. Student-made films featuring students other than the film's creators must have permission of those students to include them in the film. Student films must be posted on password-protected YouTube accounts or given to instructor in another format to ensure privacy of students appearing in those films.
Late and Make-up Work:
All assignments, notes and film information sheets are posted on the Film and Literature web page that is accessible from the SHS Home page. A section titled “What We Did in Class Today” is on the website to assist absent students in keeping up with class work. Upon returning from an excused absence, it is the responsibility of the student to check with teacher concerning missed assignments or discussion notes. Students missing portions of films being viewed are responsible for obtaining a copy of the film and viewing sections missed. Film viewing, alternate participation assignments, tests and other assignments must be made up within the school’s attendance policy, unless other arrangements are made with the teacher. If a student is absent from film class only, the work must be turned in upon return to school on the same day the assignment is due. It must be left in my mailbox or emailed to me by the end of the day it is due.
All work not turned in due to unexcused absences will not be accepted. Participation points for unexcused absences may not be made up. No work will be accepted late. Extenuating or special circumstances will be considered only if student conferences with instructor prior to the assignment due date.
Evaluation:
All test, quizzes, written assignments and major projects will be assigned point values. Students will receive copies of assessment information at the time assignments are given. Progress report and semester grade will be based on percentage of total points earned. Grades given are in accordance with Strongsville High School’s grading scale published in the handbook.
------Detach and Return to Mrs. Bartel:
My student and I have read and understand this syllabus and the list of films, short stories, and novels that will make up this course. We understand that all these films will be approached in an analytical and academic frame of mind. My son/daughter will consult with me on the choice of his or her independent film report or review. By signing, I approve of my son/daughter taking this class.
Student Name (please print)______
Parent signature______