COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES

ART 2010                                                                       Ken Harmon

Introduction to Film                                                      kenny.harmon@jwu.edu

TR 3:30-4:45 ACAD 425                                                Office: Gateway Center, Suite 530

3 Credit Hours                                                               Office Hours: TR 2:30-3:30pm

Fall 2024                                                                                                 & by appointment

Prerequisite:ENG1020 or ENG1024                            Office Phone: (980) 598-3218

This syllabus contains the expectations established for this course that are intended to create a productive learning atmosphere for all students. Some university policies are posted in the course ulearn site (see Resources & Policies) and are to be considered part of this syllabus. Students should read the entire syllabus carefully and understand that they will be expected to fully abide by these policies and expectations.

Welcome to Introduction to Film!

This course is designed to give students an in-depth introduction to the motion picture medium. Students will gain an understanding of the technical aspects of filmmaking and the ways in which movies express meaning through cinematography, production design, actor performance, editing, sound design, and narrative. The ideology of film and film theory are also explored.

Required Texts:  

Moving Pictures, by Russell Leigh Sharman, Fayetteville, Arkansas, University of Arkansas, 2020. https://uark.pressbooks.pub/movingpictures/front-matter/steal-this-book/

Film Appreciationby Yelizaveta Moss and Candice Wilson.  Open Source.  University of North Georgia. https://alg.manifoldapp.org/projects/film-appreciation

Recommended Items:  

Students are required to have a three-ring binder that will allow them to easily add and remove pages as necessary. This will be used for in-class writing.

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES AND REQUIREMENTS

OUTCOMES:

Upon satisfactory completion of this course, a student should have the ability to:

1.Identify, define and explain basic film styles such as realism, classism, and formalism.

2.Define and describe camera shots, angles, lighting and the use of color.

3.Define the types of camera and character movement

4.Identify, explain and evaluate the elements of mise en scene analysis.

5.Identify, explain and evaluate values of film editing and sound production.

6.Identify, explain, and evaluate aspects of acting, narrative, ideology and film criticism.

CONTENT OUTLINE: 

This course begins with an overview of film history using clips from the beginnings of film through contemporary cinema. Next, the three basic categories of film – realism, formalism and classicism – are discussed. The basics of film photography including shots, angles, use of light and color will be reviewed through the use of cinematic examples. Students will learn to do a mise en scene analysis and to recognize the different types of character and camera movement. The arts of editing, sound and acting will be examined as will the key characteristics of drama, story and writing. The course concludes with a synthesis analysis that focuses on ideology and film theories.

1)Photography (Course Objectives 1 & 2)

    a)Realism, formalism and classicism

    b)Camera shots

    c)Camera angles

    d)Uses of color and light

2)Mise En Scene Analysis (Course Objective 4)

    a)Frame and form

    b)Composition and design

    c)Use of space and proxemics patterns

3)Movement (Course Objective 3)

    a)Character movement

    b)Camera movement including mechanical distortions

4)Editing (Course Objective 5)

    a)Classical cutting

    b)Art of storyboards

5)Acting (Course Objectives 2 & 6)

    a)Expressionistic style

    b)Method acting

6)Drama (Course Objectives 1, 3 & 6)

    a)Elements of costume analysis

    b)Elements of set analysis

7)Story (Course Objectives 1 & 6)

    a)Classical paradigm

    b)Characteristics of realistic versus formalistic narratives

    c)Genre and myth as influences

8)Writing (Course Objectives 1 & 6)

    a)Figurative comparisons in film

    b)Point of view

    c)Types of literary adaptations

9)Ideology and Critique (Course Objectives 1, 4, 5 & 6)

    a)Left/right values in cinema

    b)Impact of political and social issues in film

​DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENTS:

This course will involve several different kinds of assignments in an attempt to reinforce material and give you a chance to flex different kinds of scholarly and creative muscles. Those assignments will include short, fairly informal response papers, more formal analytical writing, a creative project of your choice, a chance to lead discussion, and a final project that may include all of these approaches and others.

1)  FILM JOURNAL ENTRIES (In-Class):  There are very informal responses to questions that I pose in class that ask you to engage in some way with the films or film clips we watch in class.  These are freewrites, and I do not deduct points for grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors.  If you are not present, these cannot be made up; an absence will negatively affect your course average.

2.) VIEWER RESPONSES: These are informal responses to films that you are asked to watch outside of class.  These are an explorations of your ideas, so they do not need to be research-based or make an argument. They should, however, be well thought-out and well-written. You will likely be asked to incorporate course readings. Your response paper might attempt to answer one or more of the questions I have posed on the schedule, or it might draw some connection between the day's clips in class, entire films you are asked to watch on your own, or an assigned reading. Think of these as focused free-writes.  These are very important because they are considered warm-ups for your Film Analysis essay that is due near the end of the term.

3)  Quizzes: Quizzes will be given on lectures in class and assigned readings throughout the semester.  These must be completed by the assigned due date. It's important that you complete all course readings, study the information in the course text, and take detailed notes to do well on these.

4) FILM ANALYSIS: Near the end of the semester, you will write an essay of 4-6 pages premised on an interpretive claim (an argument about a film’s meaning and significance that foregrounds particular themes).  

EVALUATION

Daily Assignments (30%)

Film Journal (In-Class) 80               (20%)             (20@4points each)

Reading Quizzes           40               (10%)             (8@5 points each) 

Major Assignments (70%)

​Response 1:                25                    (6.25%)

Response 2:                25                    (6.25%)

Response 3:                25                    (6.25%)

Response 4:                25                    (6.25%)

Response 5:                25                    (6.25%)

Claim/Subcaim             5                     (1.25%)

First Draft                    10                    (2.5%)

Peer Critique                5                     (1.25%)

Revision Plan               5                     (1.25%)

Film Analysis              80                    (20%)

Final Exam                  50                    (12.5%)

  Final Grades:

  360 - 400 A

  320 - 359 B

  280 - 319 C

  240 - 279 D

  0 - 239 F

NOTE:  You must complete ALL major assignments in order to pass the course.

 Failure to complete any of the required assignments may result in a final course grade of F.

SYSTEM OF RECORD FOR ACADEMIC GRADES:

Official academic grades can be accessed via jwuLink. Grades maintained in the Ulearn course management system are for tracking purposes only and may not reflect all of the criteria considered with calculating a student's final grade.

COURSE POLICIES

MY EXPECTATIONS:  

Taking classes is your job here at the university. Thus, you should treat the work and requirements accordingly. In the workplace things such as absences, tardiness, and not doing your work properly have negative consequences. This is the case in my class as well. Many students’ low grades are a result of not following directions or policies as well as not expending enough effort. It is your responsibility to be aware of the policies on this syllabus. If you miss class it is your responsibility to check with your classmates to find out what you have missed. And though you are always welcome to follow up with me if you are absent, do not ask me if you “missed anything important.”

Your grade is dependent on a number of factors that, together and holistically, inform the evaluation and assessment of your performance. In summary, these criteria include attendance, participation, reading responses/journal entries, reading quizzes, discussion questions, a presentation, and the successful completion of any other reading and written assignments.

Note: The reading load is quite heavy and the pace fast. Also, because writing is a means of discovery and a pathway to understanding, it is an important activity in this class in conjunction with the reading. Indeed, you should think of your writing as a mode of reading that will help you begin to understand the literature at hand. When essays, journals, and in-class assignments are considered together you will be doing some kind of writing assignment every week. Be prepared to spend much time carefully reading, considering, discussing, and writing about the texts in the course. If you cannot devote the time necessary to keep up with the assignments, and to do so in a critical manner, you will not do well in this class and may want to consider if this is the right class for you.

PLAGIARISM: All course assignments ask you to write using what you have learned in the course and using your own thinking and writing skills. If you use any ideas, paraphrases, or exact wording from a source other than yourself (including the textbook), you must document the source using MLA parenthetical documentation style (see handbook or ask instructor). Any source used but not documented will be considered plagiarism, for which you will receive a failing grade for the course. You might also be placed on probation or expelled from the university. If you have any questions about plagiarism, ask before you act. Ask me; also see Best Practices for Avoiding Plagiarism.

 FEW VERY IMPORTANT WORDS ABOUT PLAGIARISM

A. Plagiarism, a SERIOUS, academic violation, which can lead to an F for the course, is the use of WORDS, IDEAS, or STRUCTURES of others (published sources, friends, relatives) without acknowledgment. There is no excuse for willful plagiarism.

B. Except where appropriate (quoting or paraphrasing from primary or secondary sources), your work is presumed to be totally your own writing (i.e. original).

C. When you QUOTE OR PARAPHRASE FROM ANY sources, you MUST cite them with appropriate specific documentation (usually author and page number in parentheses + Works Cited list at end). This includes subject matter of the essay. If you quote or paraphrase precisely from a work of literature, you must cite the author of that work.  

D. If you do not understand the format for documenting sources, see me for help before turning in an essay. Refer to your handbook for further clarification.

https://www.winthrop.edu/uploadedFiles/cas/english/correct-use-of-borrowed-information.pdf

Examples of plagiarism can include, but are not limited to: 

a) Using another student’s work and submitting portions or the entire assignment with your name. 

b) Reusing your own work from a previous assignment or publication without acknowledging the earlier use and obtaining permission for the reuse from the faculty to whom the reused work is submitted. 

c) Failing to include citations, quotations, or works cited pages when using outside sources. 

d) Creating false citations, quotations, or works cited pages that do not correspond to the information you used in your assignment. 

e) Unauthorized collaboration: having another person edit portions of your assignment in their own words. 

Student Expectations include, but are not limited to: 

a) Understanding and complying with the Academic Integrity Policy. 

b) Obtaining clarification if they do not understand whether certain conduct covered by this Policy is permitted or if they do not understand how to properly credit sources. Students acknowledge that not knowing is not an excuse for violating this Policy.

c) Agreeing that by taking courses at JWU, their assignments may be subject to submission to plagiarism detection software (e.g., Turnitin.com) for textual similarity review and/or for the detection of plagiarism. All submitted assignments will be included as source documents in the plagiarism detection database solely for the purpose of detecting plagiarism or misuse of such assignments. Use of any plagiarism detection software service is subject to the usage policy posted on the software website.

COURSE AI POLICY

Artificial intelligence applications have the potential to support student learning and development when used ethically and responsibly. However, inappropriate use can be a barrier to student learning and can pose a significant risk to academic integrity.

The authorization of the use of generative artificial intelligence (GAI tools) in a course is at the discretion of the course instructor, and it is up to the instructor of the course to determine if and how generative artificial intelligence tools can be used and explicitly communicate those expectations to students.

If a student has a question on a particular GAI tool, it is her responsibility to review it with the instructor to be granted permission.

In this class, the use of GAI is a violation of student academic integrity.

Refer to the academic integrity policy:

https://catalog.jwu.edu/handbook/academicpolicies/academicintegrity/

TURNITIN.COM: All major essays written for this course must be submitted electronically to turnitin.com no later than class time on the date that an assignment is due. Essays that are not uploaded to turnitin.com will not be accepted. 

TUTOR.COM TUTOR: Students are required to submit each draft of an essay assignment to the Tutor.com tutor a total of two times per essay for feedback and are expected to use that information to revise each essay assignment. If a student fails to do so, they will lose one letter grade per each assignment not submitted to the tutor. See the Tutor.com link at JWU Link for submission details.

SUBMITTING COURSE ASSIGNMENTS: You are required to electronically submit all assignments to Ulearn for this course with the exception of in-class journal entries. Assignments not submitted in the manner will not be accepted. Any items sent by email will be deleted.

ATTENDANCE: Students are expected to attend all classes, arrive on time and remain for the entire class period, and report to class fully prepared with all required materials. While active learning will take different forms in different classroom contexts, students are expected to demonstrate active engagement in the classroom. Missed in-class assignments will be recorded as a zero and cannot be made up. Your success in this course is tied to regular attendance.

The purpose of the university’s attendance policy is to help students develop a self-directed, professional attitude toward their studies and maximize their educational opportunities. Regular class attendance provides fundamental educational value and offers the most effective means to gain command of the course concepts and materials.

Students are expected to attend all classes regardless of modality (in-person, virtual and hybrid), arrive on time and remain for the entire class period, and report to class fully prepared with all required materials. To meet these expectations, students must arrange course schedules that minimize conflict with other commitments, including personal commitments, work, or participation in athletics or other university-sanctioned events. When students encounter difficulty meeting these requirements, they must actively engage their faculty member to discuss the concern. The university does not issue excused absences from class and students must contact their course instructor directly to discuss past or future absences. 

Since there are writing assignments that can only be completed in class and cannot be made up, any absences will negatively affect your course average.

CLASS PARTICIPATION

Your active, well-prepared participation in class discussions is essential to creating a dynamic (i.e. not boring!) learning environment. 

We may study sexually explicit, political, and otherwise challenging material in this course. These are not included for shock value, but are legitimate investigations of controversial subject matters in media. You are certainly encouraged to explore difficult and complex subject matters in your work, and you should be prepared to consider these issues intellectually, emotionally, and with responsibility. Our class is a safe space in which students can express their beliefs and opinions within the context of the course material. You always have a voice, but please be respectful of others as well. Abusive language and behavior are not tolerated. Open-mindedness is encouraged!

J&W WITHDRAWAL POLICY

It is the student’s responsibility to initiate procedures leading to a formal withdrawal (“W”) in order to avoid a failing (“F”) grade. To receive a W, a student must withdraw prior to December 6, 2024. 

TARDIES: If a student is more than 10 minutes late for class or leaves more than 10 minutes before class is over, they are counted absent for the day. 

ETIQUETTE: Students are expected to respect their classmates’ time and learning environment. Therefore, show up for class prepared and on time. ALL CELL PHONES SHOULD BE SET TO SILENT BEFORE ENTERING THE CLASSROOM. Each time a cell phone disrupts class the entire class will take a pop quiz. Also, if a student leaves the classroom to answer a call, they will be counted absent for the day and not allowed back in the classroom that day. Other disruptive classroom behavior, defined as anything that would interfere with “an instructor’s ability to conduct the class” or “The ability of other students to profit from the instructional program,” is strictly prohibited. This includes texting while the professor is lecturing or during group work when students should be focused on completing the task at hand.

NO FOOD OR DRINK IN THE CLASSROOM

NOTE: Persons other than registered students are not allowed to attend academic sessions, laboratory classes, computer labs, and other University academically supported areas.

LATE PAPER/ASSIGNMENT POLICY: Turn in all your assignments on their scheduled due dates. You must submit the final drafts of all essays and their associated process work (critique, reflection, etc.) in Blackboard. NO PROCESS, NO GRADE. Keep a duplicate copy of all assignments you turn in and save all of your files in several locations (flash drive, hard drive, email, etc.). I DO NOT ACCEPT LATE WORK.  Any missed in-class assignments cannot be made up.

REVISION: You may rewrite one failing essay (original grade of D or F); the rewritten essay may receive no higher than a “C.” Revision must accompany the original graded copy.

GRADED ESSAYS: All essays for this course are graded electronically. Please see the Turnitin Grademark Feedback video in ulearn for instructions to obtain the comments and grading rubric for your essay. 

STUDENT E-MAIL: Students are required to obtain and use a JWU e-mail account for University communication. You must obtain your password to do so. Student accounts are created automatically for those who are active and in good standing. Student email addresses are available through link.jwu.edu. Immediately contact the helpdesk at 1-866-598-4357 if you need assistance. Take care of this the first day of class. Students are expected to maintain an email account throughout the semester and check it daily for important information regarding upcoming assignments, course announcements, etc.

IN-CLASS ASSIGNMENTS: Students will often complete in-class assignments and short writing projects. In-class projects and quizzes are team-based and scheduled for a specific class period and cannot be made up after that class date.

WORKSHOPS/WRITING PROCESS: All essays will be critiqued by peer groups in class. Essays without workshop response will drop one full letter grade.

Scores for major essays are reduced by one full letter grade for each missing item of the writing process: invention/prewriting; late first draft or no first draft; Smarthinking report and revision plan; reflection

PARTICIPATION: Come to class prepared to discuss the assigned readings. Contribute productively to discussion. Quizzes and in-class writings are usually based on the readings.

CENTER FOR ACADEMIC SUPPORT

WRITING CENTER: Located in the academic building, 4th floor (Suite 410), the writing center is open to all Johnson & Wales University students who need help with writing, whether they are taking an English course or not. Students are encouraged to seek assistance with essays, research projects, and related assignments. Students are asked to make an appointment with a Writing Center staff member in order to receive prompt assistance. The center provides 30 minute appointments and is staffed from 8:30-4:30 M-R. Consultants work with students on any part of the writing process -- planning, drafting, focusing, organizing, revising, or editing, and with papers from all disciplines. Please do not hesitate to use the tutor’s assistance. Remember to bring a copy of your assignment and your drafts to any Writing Center conference.

Going to the Writing Center does not guarantee you a good grade because tutors will not proofread your papers. The Writing Center’s goal is to improve your overall writing skills (organization, thesis & supporting paragraphs, audience/assignment issues, as well as teaching punctuation and grammar rules after reviewing big picture issues), which sometimes takes several sessions, depending on your existing writing skills. For more information, you may contact them at acadsupport.clt@jwu.edu

You may also visit the Center for Academic Support website at:  

https://academicsupport.jwu.edu/charlotte.html

You may book an appointment by calling them at 980-598-1500 or dropping by Academic Center 410 during these hours.

You may also book an appointment online using these steps:

  Go to JWU Link. 

  Go to Academics. 

  Go to USucceed. 

  Click on “Courses”. 

  Click on the link beside your English class to schedule an appointment

ALTERNATIVE CONTENT FORMATS IN ULEARN:

Alternative format options are available for many types of content in ulearn course sites. You can download course content in formats that work best for you, such as tagged PDFs (for screen readers), HTML, ePub (eBooks), electronic Braille, audio (mp3), and BeeLine reader versions. Download alternative formats by clicking the icon of an "A" with an arrow next to any item in ulearn. See the Alternative Content Formats webpage for more details.

These alternative formats are not a substitute for accommodations. If you need an accommodation for this class, see below.

ACCOMMODATION STATEMENT: 

Johnson & Wales University supports all students’ academic needs. Students with documented disabilities interested in accommodations and/or auxiliary services must contact Accessibility Services, meet with an Accessibility Services advisor, and together complete an Accommodation Agreement. Students are encouraged to speak privately with their professors regarding their academic accommodations. Check the Academic Support website for campus-specific information including office location and contact number.

NOTE: Some policies, and the Student Handbook, are posted in the course ulearn site (see Resources & Policies) and are to be considered part of this syllabus. Students should read the entire syllabus carefully and understand that they will be expected to fully abide by these expectations.