ENGL 0037. American Film Masterpieces
Units: 3
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Development of a critical appreciation of the motion picture as art and literature. Emphasis on American films. (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)
ENGL 0037 - American Film Masterpieces
http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/engl-0037/
Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENGL 1A Hours: 54 lecture Description: Development of a critical appreciation of the motion picture as art and literature. Emphasis on American films. (CSU, UC-with unit limitation) Units 3 Lecture-Discussion 54 Laboratory By Arrangement Contact Hours 54 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Identify, interpret, and analyze different genres, types, periods, and critical responses for cultural, social, political, and critical contexts as well as theme, and style in cinematic form across time, thematic periods, and various filmmakers. Identify, analyze, and evaluate research in film studies in both primary and secondary sources and apply to analytical writing. Identify, analyze, and evaluate research in American film studies in both primary and secondary sources and apply in clear and effective in-class and/or outside of class analytical discussion and writing. Course Content Outline I. History A. Primitives B. Pioneers C. Silent Film D. Sound Film II. Film Context A. Cultural B. Social C. Political D. Critical III. Genres A. Screwball Comedies B. Gangster C. Musical D. Romantic E. Western F. Film Noir G. Animated H. Independent IV. Cultural and Cinematic Form V. Cinematic Techniques A. Actors B. Directors C. Cinematographers D. Screenwriters E. Editors F. Art Directors VI. Sources A. Primary B. Secondary VII. Thematic Periods VIII. Modern Critical Response Course Objectives Course Objectives 1. identify, interpret and analyze American films in cultural, social, political, and critical contexts; 2. identify and analyze differences and similarities between different genres, types, and periods of American film; 3. interpret, analyze, and evaluate primary and secondary sources in American film; 4. analyze the relationships between culture and cinematic form and function of American films; 5. identify, interpret, and apply knowledge of cinematic techniques to the analysis of individual American films; 6. identify, interpret, and apply knowledge of cinematic techniques to the analysis of individual American actors, directors, cinematographers and screenwriters; 7. synthesize and generalize about themes and styles of American films across time, across thematic periods, and across films by various American filmmakers; 8. describe modern critical response to American films in the 20th century; 9. conduct independent research in American film studies; 10. communicate analyses, interpretations and critiques of single American films or several American films by the same filmmaker, or to several closely related American films in class discussion and in required essays and exams. Methods of Evaluation Classroom Discussions Essay Examinations Objective Examinations Projects Reports Reading Assignments 1. Read the essay by Neal Gabler on "Losing Our Narrative--and Ourselves" and the essay by David Thomson on "A Time for Movies to Matter Again, If They Can" and be prepared to discuss in class. 2. Read the essay by David Robinson and James Agee on the cinema of Charlie Chaplin and the cinema of Buster Keaton. Be prepared for a discussion comparing and contrasting the essay's. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. After watching the American silent film masterpiece (SUNRISE) write a critique of the film. I do not want a plot synopsis of the film. I want comments on the direction, camera placement, camera movement, composition, lighting, the use of color or black and white cinematography, editing, and interpretation of the screenplay. Be as critical and analytical as possible. 2. Keep a journal of the American film masterpieces that you see outside of class and submit this journal at mid term and final examination time. Comment on the direction and acting in the films. Compare and contrast themes of the films. Discuss the directorial concept and the use of narrative in each film. Be as critical and analytical as possible. 3. Choose one of the films we've watched this semester. Using ProQuest or Roger Ebert's film review website (www.rogerebert.suntimes.com), write a response to a criticism of the film and the film itself. Your criticism should include the following: -A brief summary of the film -A brief summary of the criticism you've chosen -A brief argument about the film based on the criticism -Your response to the film 4. Write an analysis of a film from the semester. Please include a proper introduction, a thesis, and thoughtful organization and coherence. The strength of your paper must reside in its thesis. You must create an original argument about the film – no summaries. An original argument means that you critique the film for its "message" or central idea. Also, in order to make your argument, your analysis must focus on specific film terminology (consider what you studied for your midterm). You must include this terminology as part of your analysis. For example, you could focus solely on camera movement and positioning, using several scenes as examples of this (medium-shots, establishing shots, etc.). Or, you could focus on editing techniques, music, or any other film technique as they apply to an analysis of the film. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) Methods of Instruction Lecture/Discussion Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course. Subscription to a streaming service (eg: Netflix, Amazon) in order to view films.
Humanities
http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/departments/humanities/
...ENGL 0034 Introduction to the Novel ENGL 0035 Introduction to the Short Story ENGL 0037...
