Introduction to Film Studies
GREAT BASIN COLLEGE
FIS 100, W01 – Introduction to Film Studies
Fall 2008
Janet Kennedy, Instructor
Course Objectives: At the end of the course, students should be able to:
Employ reasoning and independent thought in assessing films
Identify individual elements of the filmmaking process
Communicate clearly and effectively about their opinions in written
and oral English.
Appreciate the experience of cinematic art.
Text: Understanding Movies, Eleventh Edition, by Louis Fiannetti
Method of Instruction: A combination of lecture and discussion will be used. Both instructor and students will present material pertinent to the films being studied. The viewing of films will be a large segment of the class. Some films may be assigned to view outside of class. Dependent on time, students may present a mini lecture about one of the films to be shown in class.
The Student: Students must complete weekly reading before class. Written assignments must be turned in on time. Attendance is essential, as we meet only one day a week. Students must keep a journal of all films viewed, readings and on class discussions, which will be handed in periodically. A final paper will be handed in at the end of the term.
Tentative Class Schedule
(Instructor reserves the right to change syllabus as necessary during the progression of the course)
Week 1:Course Introduction
Syllabus
Why Study Film?
Viewing: Chocolat
Week 2:Chapter 1 Photography
Special Effects
Viewings: Special Effects DVD
The Matrix (selections)
Week 3:Chapter 2 Mise En Scene
Viewing : War of the Worlds
Week 4 Chapter 3 Movement
Viewing : Almost Famous
Week 5 :Chapters 4 & 5 Editing and Sound
Viewing : Big Fish
Week 6 : Chapter 6 Acting
Viewing : Seabiscuit
Week 7 : Chapter 6
Viewing: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Week 8: Chapter 7 Drama
Viewing: Elizabeth
Week 9: Chapter 8 Story
Viewing: Fight Club
Week 10:Chapter 8 Story
Viewing: Pan’s Labyrinth
Week 11Chapter 9 Writing
Viewing: Chicago
Week 12Chapter 10 Ideology
Viewing: The Kite Runner
Week 13Chapter 11 Critique
Viewing: Documentary DVD
Week 14 Chapter 12 Synthesis
Psycho
Week 15
Citizen Kane
Week 16 Final paper due.
In addition to reading assignments, students are required to keep a journal documenting responses to films, discussions and readings. Journals will be collected periodically for grading purposes.
Grading Policy
Attendance: 30%
Participation: 20%
Journals: 25%
Final Paper 25%
Attendance Policy:
Please review attendance policies as stated in the GBC General Catalog. Attendance is of extreme importance, as is punctuality. We will be viewing films in their entirety whenever possible. Please contact the instructor as soon as possible if you are unable to attend. You are expected to watch the movie you miss during the class period you do not attend.
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