Course Syllabus: CINEMA AS LITERATURE



2005-06 CINEMA AS LITERATURE SYLLABUS

Mr. Haefer, Room EE 13

Phone: 951-894-5750 Ext. 6503

Email: rhaefer@murietta.k12.ca.us

Course Description:

Cinema as Literature meets the district graduation requirements for elective credit. The class is designed to show students how film is like a form of literature. By viewing classic and modern films, students will learn that good films, like good literature, have certain elements in common. Students will be expected to understand motifs, symbols, metaphors, allusions, plot, theme and other literary elements as they relate to both film and literature. In addition, students will develop an appreciation for the interaction of film elements such as scripting, directing, acting, producing, editing, cinematography, music, lighting, sound, special effects, set design and costuming. Students will learn to recognize such film genres as drama, comedy, western, musical, science fiction, mystery, action/adventure, and animation. Students will use their knowledge of the various elements of cinema to analyze and critique each film studied in class discussions and in compositions. Students will use a variety of writing forms that include note taking, paragraphs, and formal essays.

Expected Student Learning Results:

Students will:

1. Identify literary concepts in film such as motifs, symbols, metaphors, allusions, and plot elements.

2. Identify and critique the elements of film.

3. Define and distinguish the various film genres.

4. Analyze and critique films orally and in written composition.

5. Demonstrate the ability to compose critical and analytical essays.

6. Utilize the writing process to compose, revise and edit compositions.

7. Utilize multi-media projects for demonstrating understanding of the elements of film.

Instructional Strategies (may include):

1. Lecture and audio-visual material presented by instructor, peers, and guest speakers.

2. Large and small group discussions.

3. Cooperative group work in conjunction with major units of study.

4. Critical writing on a regular basis.

5. Short and long term group and independent projects.

6. Independent and group presentations.

7. Quizzes and tests.

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Methods of Evaluation:

Class Participation = 30 %

Composition, Projects, Tests, Quizzes = 30 %

Student Notebook = 30 %

Semester Final = 10 %

• Students who have no unexcused tardies for this class throughout the entire semester are exempt from the semester final exam. Such students must attend the class on the day of the final, but do not have to take the test.

Student Notebook: The student notebook is not only an important part of each progress report, but it also influences performance on other assignments. Most tests are open notebook, so thorough note taking is essential. Additionally, instructions for completing critiques and projects are to be kept in notebook for future reference. I provide a list of all required materials prior to notebook checks. If you are absent, you may obtain notes from other students; however, if you do not take notes during lectures, you may NOT make up those notes by acquiring them from another student. Therefore, it is important that you take notes on a consistent basis and attend class regularly. The notebook grade is based on the quality and thoroughness of the note taking, the completeness of notes, and neatness.

Class Participation / Preparation: Your grade in this category is based on your participation in class discussions, responses to oral questions, involvement in all class activities, including note taking, group and individual assignments, and coming to class prepared with all necessary materials and supplies. Since you are given points for every class meeting, you must make up the points if you are absent. You must obtain a class participation/preparation makeup form, and all missing activities must be made up within one week of your return from the absence. This may require you to rent and view the portions of the film(s) you missed during your absence. Remember, frequent absences and tardies may adversely affect student class participation grades, so it is essential that you maintain a good attendance and promptness record.

Hall Passes: Students are allowed two (2) hall passes for each six-week grading period. Students who use hall passes are missing valuable class time. Therefore, students who are gone more than five (5) minutes will be charged for using an additional hall pass for each five minutes he or she is late. In addition, students who use more than the 2 allotted hall passes per grading period will have 5 points deducted from their class participation grade for each trip. On the other hand, each hall pass students do not use is worth 5 points for each of the progress reports.

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Attendance: Because each class begins promptly, students are expected to be in their seats prior to the bell. The VMHS tardy policy will be strictly enforced. After the first unexcused tardy of the semester, students are required to take the semester final exam. For each unexcused tardy that follows, 5 points will be deducted from the student’s class participation grade. Students who have unexcused absences lose 20 points for that day’s participation grade. You must bring a readmit slip from the attendance office to clear an absence. No Exceptions!

Make-up work: You may only make up work for the current grading period. Therefore, it is essential that you not get behind in your work. Make up work that is accepted will be penalized by half the points you would have otherwise earned. If you’ve had an excused absence, you must make up the work within one day of your return in order to avoid the late penalty. Make up work will not be accepted following unexcused absences or truancies. Tests and quizzes may be made up only following an excused absence, and must be completed during lunch or after school within two (2) days of your return. No make up work is accepted for credit following the end of any progress report period.

Supplies: Students must bring their three-ring notebooks to each class, along with an adequate paper supply and writing utensil. Failure to do so will result in a 5-point reduction from the class participation grade. All assignments must be completed in blue or black ink, or typed, following formatting requirements given for the particular assignment.

Citizenship: The highest standards for good citizenship are expected at all times. This standard can be best summed up in one word: RESPECT. While it entails a great deal, it means you must respect the right of the teacher to do the best possible job teaching you, and the right of the other students to learn in the best possible environment. For students who choose to violate the principles of respect, one or more of the following consequences will be applied at the teacher’s discretion, but not necessarily in the order listed here:

1. Verbal warning

2. Meet with teacher during student’s free time.

3. Report to parents.

4. Administrative referral.

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