Exploring Cinema
Mr. Liguori
2010 - 2011
“To be what we are, and to become what we are capable of becoming, is the only end of life.” Robert Louis Stevenson
Welcome to Exploring Cinema! Organized by genre, this course highlights some of the revolutionary films in America and abroad as well as their modern counterparts. In fact, many of the most successful American directors and movies have been inspired by their predecessors. Students should be prepared to think critically, discuss enthusiastically and write passionately about movies throughout this semester. Just think, this could be the start of a career as a film critic, director or producer! Lights, camera, action!
In order to navigate through this course, it is important that you adhere to the following:
If a student impedes the facilitation of the educational process in any way – frequent outbursts, repetitive cross-talk, disrespectful behavior, inappropriate commentary and so on- Mr. Liguori reserves the right to quell the behavior in an effort to uphold the communal integrity of this classroom. Your cooperation and open-mindedness are paramount to the cohesion of this group and your individual success as well.
Technology Update: Cell phones are not permitted in class. In conjunction with the district policy, they should be incapacitated prior to entering the school building. If a student’s cell phone rings, vibrates or causes any distraction whatsoever, Mr. Liguori will confiscate the cell phone indefinitely. The student can expect disciplinary action from Mr. L. and his or her house principal.
This semester the student will be expected to satisfactorily complete the following:
1. Survey of cinema as organized by genre (action/adventure, thriller/suspense, western, crime, science fiction, comedy, romantic comedy)
2. Movie Reviews – students will be required to submit 3 to 6 movie reviews throughout the course of the semester. Additionally, they may select 1 to 2 out of that group to be submitted for a grade. Students will be permitted to review a combination of films currently in the theater, currently on DVD and taken from one of the AFI lists (not already viewed in class).
3. Film terminology – essential to understanding the true impact of a film, a discussion of film terms will be a critical part of developing an astute eye for cinema. It is your responsibility to record these terms and be prepared to prove your knowledge at any time.
4. Viewing Guides – distributed before each film and collected after each viewing for a grade (regardless of completion), viewing guides aid students in assessing each film or scene studied in this course. They are designed to be used with any film so students can use them as a template when assessing movies outside of class.
5. A Closer Look – distributed before each film, these handouts highlight important scenes and sequences of a specific film. These will be turned in for a grade.
6. Internet Access – At times, students will be required to complete homework using the Norton online resources (the publisher of the textbook). Since this is an elective and the students meet every other day, they have ample time to complete this work at home or at school. See me at the end of class or during directed study if you do not have a reliable internet provider.
7. Film Projects – Students will be given the opportunity to create a theme song with a podcast for one of the movies covered in class. In addition, students will write, direct and star in an alternate ending of a film covered in class this year. Obviously, your attendance is critical for the above projects.
HOMEWORK GUIDELINES
1. Homework must be submitted directly to me the day that it is due. Otherwise, the student will receive a zero. Again, late work will not be accepted.
2. When absent, it is the student’s responsibility to find out about the work he or she missed. Check the Classroom Log to find out what you have missed. Work must be completed and handed directly to me the day after return. (Exceptions, of course, are long absences.)
3. All papers must be typed and double-spaced, with the exception of the heading. It should appear in the upper left hand corner and be single-spaced and contain the following information: student name, date, class period and cycle (A,C,E or B,D,F) and teacher name. If you do not type or do not have access to a computer, there are many options at school. Waiting until the last minute to notify me of this problem will not be an acceptable excuse. Daily homework assignments must be hand written neatly and in ink.
4. Similarly, long term projects and papers (Viewing Guides, Closer Look worksheets and Movie Reviews) must be submitted on the due date or will not be accepted without penalty. Major assignments receive a 15% point deduction for EACH day late, up to three days (-15, 30, 45% respectively). This does NOT mean three class periods. The work is not accepted after the 3rd day and the student receives a ZERO.
GRADING PROCEDURES
1. Movie Reviews and Criticism – They must follow the proper format in order to receive full credit. Further, compositions and projects will not be accepted late without the point deduction mentioned above. Additionally, I will not accept computer discs in place of papers; you must hand me a hard copy! If you have problems with your printer at home, see me prior to the start of the school day or during directed study if your class is after lunch in order to print out the assignment in my room.
2. Tests and Closer Look exercises – They are expected to be made-up within three days (not class periods) of an absence. Failure to do so will result in the student earning a zero for that assignment. It is your responsibility to come to me and schedule an appointment to make up the work. Remember to print your name, the work needed and time of arrival on my desk calendar after we agree on a make-up date.
3. Cooperative Learning – Students will receive extra points for excellent work done in group situations. At the culmination of a group project, all members of the group will anonymously grade each member of the group on a scale of one to ten. Cumulatively, these grades will seriously impact your class participation grades.
4. Final Presentation – The project must be completed by the due date; otherwise, the student will earn a zero and risk failing the course.
5. Participation Grade – Each student will receive a grade for his or her contributions to the class and the learning process. Class Participation will be based on the following:
1. Daily class preparation – appropriate materials (textbook, notebook, pen/pencil) in class everyday, ready to go when the bell rings (class materials on desk)
2. Willingness to participate and volunteer on a daily basis – provide meaningful input without displacing quality discussion time
3. Contributions to group work (considerate, helpful, respectful, active)
4. Working silently and independently when required
5. Quality of daily work and long term assignments (were they prepared the night before?)
6. Effective use of class time
7. Citizenship, integrity, cooperation
8. Consistent daily attendance (excessive absences severely squander opportunities for both academic and personal growth)
9. Lateness will not be tolerated. Whether you saunter into class or sprint to class after the bell has sounded (and without a pass), you will be considered late. Accumulating three “lates” will result in one class cut, which will be addressed by the house principal. Please be prompt.
10. Bathroom and water fountain use – Each student will be given four bathroom passes per marking period. He or she can use all four passes or select to cash them in at the end of the semester for points (1 point per pass).
Below you’ll find a list of the films used in this class. Some films will be seen in their entirety while excerpts of others will be viewed. All films are subject to change and new films or excerpts may be added to suit the interests or needs of the teacher or students. Additionally, all resources available through W.W. Norton & Company, Inc (Looking at Movies: An Introduction to Film, CD ROM and website) will be used as well.
· Psycho
· Rear Window
· The Birds
· Jaws
· Signs
· The Village
· Unforgiven
· Raiders of the Lost Ark
· Seven Samurai
· Star Wars
· Godfather
· The Untouchables
· This is Spinal Tap
· Casablanca
· Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner
· Citizen Kane
· Some Like it Hot
· Shawshank Redemption
· Lord of the Rings (Fellowship)
· The Matrix
· Whale Rider
(Please continue)
FINALLY!
I am looking forward to working with you this semester! Exploring Cinema will prove to be an exciting course. If you have any questions or concerns throughout the semester feel free to come see me. I will be happy to help you. This is your education; it is up to you! Let’s work hard, explore the evolution of cinema and enjoy ourselves too!
I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST! GOOD LUCK!
Please tear off this portion and return to Mr. Liguori (Exploring Cinema) after you have read the course outline.
______
Exploring Cinema: Mr. Liguori
Student Name______
Parent/Guardian Signature______