Catalog Description

Hours: 54 lecture
Description: Entry level film history course covering the birth of cinema to present-day. Also covers cinema’s relationship to new media and digital technology. Students will acquire general knowledge of film language that is the product of its historical and cultural contexts. Historical study begins in Europe and the United States where cinema was first developed and moves across various regions around the world as it relates to cinematic history. (CSU, UC)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Analyze the impact of montage editing on the audience and its historical influence.
  • CSLO #2: Compose coherent, persuasive historical argument using correct academic citation methods.
  • CSLO #3: Investigate and analyze major political, economic and social changes and how they influence filmmaking in America through the ages.
  • CSLO #4: Analyze sound in cinema, and how it impacted the cinematic experience and the direction of filmmaking.

Effective Term

Fall 2020

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

54

Outside of Class Hours

108

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

Through written assignments, exams, student projects and class discussions students will:
1. Examine, discuss and compare the historical development of cinema in Europe, the United States and various regions.
2. Demonstrate the ability to interpret various storytelling techniques developed throughout the stages of cinema.
3. Explain the economical issues in cinema throughout specific decades and cultures.
4. Analyze the political trends, attitudes, conflicts, and events incorporated into cinema and how cinema is ultimately a reflection and product of its society and culture.
5. Analyze the cause and effect of social, political and cultural developments on the development cinema in various societies.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of camera shot types, angles, and movements, how they came to be and their significance in cinema.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of editing, the historical development of editing, the montage, and the psychological impact of editing on the audience.
8. Demonstrate an understanding of sound, the historical development of sound, and the psychological impact of sound on the audience.
9. Demonstrate an understanding of color and the historical development of color in cinema.
10. Demonstrate an understanding of special effects and the historical development of special effects in cinema.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • AA/AS - Fine Arts
  • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
    • CSUGE - C1 Arts
  • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
    • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)
      • IGETC - 3A Arts

    Articulation Information

    • CSU Transferable
    • UC Transferable

    Methods of Evaluation

    • Classroom Discussions
      • Example: Discuss the introduction of propaganda films and documentary films in during World War II in America. Compare and contrast propaganda films from other countries for example: Triumph of the will versus Why We Fight.
    • Essay Examinations
      • Example: German Expressionism was an artistic movement and a reaction against the realist and impressionist movements. German expressionism emphasized feelings, emotions, and mood. Unconventional camera angles, hard and high contrast lighting with stylized sets were very common in the movement. There are well known filmmakers who were heavily influenced by German Expressionism such as Alfred Hitchcock and Tim Burton. Knowing the elements of German Expressionism, choose one a scene from a Tim Burton or Alfred Hitchcock film and compare and contrast its German Expressionism influence. Rubric Grading.
    • Objective Examinations
      • Example: Example: Several technological and social developments paved the way for the feature film. What were they? A. Multiple-reel films, movie palaces, full orchestras B. Longer single-reel films, the movie palaces, full orchestras C. Multiple-reel films, and smaller theaters D. None of the above
    • Projects
      • Example: Using your cell phone, or any other camera you have access to, produce a short film with a duration range of three to five minutes in length. This short film must mimic one of the styles or formats we have discussed in class; choose one of the following: German expressionism, film noir, silent film, or musical. Be sure the film adopts the same lighting, camera movements, shot types and storytelling format and techniques utilized in the historical format listed above. Study the example films from the time period and use them as a guide for the project. Rubric Grading.

    Repeatable

    No

    Methods of Instruction

    • Lecture/Discussion
    • Distance Learning

    Lecture:

    1. Instructor will lecture on the introduction of sound, the technical application of sound in production as well as the psychological impact of sync sound on the audience using historical examples and will conduct the class in a discussion on the impact of sound in filmmaking and storytelling and actively engage in the conversation. (Objective 8)
    2. Instructor will lecture using examples films such as Georges Melies: A Trip to the Moon, and The Great Train Robbery to illustrate the first silent films, and the use of different shot types, and angles. Students are expected to engaged in the conversation and actively participate. (Objective 6)
    3. The instructor will divide students up into small groups and have them compare their summary of assigned reading and their reactions to the rise of the Hollywood Blockbuster film and the rise of the Independent film. (Objective 3)
    4. The instructor will divide students up into small groups and have them discuss and list out the characteristics of Film Noir. (Objective 3)

    Distance Learning

    1. Instructor will provide information on the development of film editing and the psychological impact of editing on an audience from a historical perspective. Students will reply to the prompt by identifying a sequence of shots that interests them the most and researching and discussing which aspects of film editing are utilized in the sequence of their choosing. Students will also explain why they are most attracted to this shot or scene. Students will reply to at least two other student posts with additional relevant information and/or a thought-provoking question. (Lecture/Discussion, Objective 7)

    Typical Out of Class Assignments

    Reading Assignments

    1. Read text chapter on film noir noting the American social and cultural influences as well as the international influences on film noir. Be prepared to discuss the material in class and as a part of written examinations. 2. Read text chapter on Montage Editing, and the learned impact of montage editing on the audience. Be prepared to summarize both orally and in a carefully written paragraph.

    Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

    1. Based upon the readings and class discussions, write a 500-word essay contrasting the rise of the Hollywood Blockbuster film and the rise of the Independent film. 2. After watching the film Metropolis, write a comprehensive film analysis that breaks down the film in great detail and explain its mise-en-scene.

    Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

    1. Using your cell phone, or any other camera you have access to, produce a short film with a duration range of two to three minutes in length. This short film must mimic one of the styles or formats we have discussed in class; choose one of the following: German expressionism, film noir, silent film, or musical. Be sure the film adopts the same lighting, camera movements, shot types and storytelling format and techniques utilized in the historical format listed above. Study the example films from the time period and use them as a guide for the project. The film will be uploaded to YouTube and posted to LMS for submission.

    Required Materials

    • Film History: An Introduction
      • Author: Kristin Thompson and David Bordwell
      • Publisher: McGraw-Hill
      • Publication Date: 2018
      • Text Edition: 4th
      • Classic Textbook?: No
      • OER Link:
      • OER:
    • In the Blink of an Eye
      • Author: Walter Murch
      • Publisher: Silman-James Press
      • Publication Date: 2001
      • Text Edition: 2nd
      • Classic Textbook?: No
      • OER Link:
      • OER:

    Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.