FILM 1  
INTRODUCTION TO FILM STUDIES (#59864)

Reedley College – Spring 2009
Kate Fourchy – 8:00-9:15 am –  TTH   FRM 1
Contacts: kate.fourchy@reedleycollege.edu   559-638-3641 (ext. 3406)
Office: HUM 60   Office hours: T/TH 2-4TBA    Final: Thursday, May 21 8-9:50 am

Class Description: There is a difference between the casual movie going experience and taking a class in film studies. The “studies” denotes a certain level of examination and rigor that elevates “seeing a movie” to experiencing and understanding film on a completely different level. This class aims to expose students to a wide range of films in order to better understand techniques in direction, cinematography, sound, editing, and lighting. We will view and examine entire films (as well as scenes) in order to better understand historical and social context and genre development. 

Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successfully completing this class, a student should be able to observe and analyze various elements of a film, critique films through discussion and writing with regard to social and historical context, and demonstrate a basic knowledge and application of various film theories.

Requirements and Textbooks: Film: An Introduction

Policies:  3 absences allowed without penalty. Subsequent absences result in a loss of participation points. Absences totaling more than two weeks (four classes) within the first 9 weeks of class may cause the student to be dropped from the class. Late work will be accepted for partial credit with instructor’s approval (5% deduction for each class day late). Note: this does not apply to the final project and its components or the final test. If a test in not taken on the date of the test, a make-up test may be arranged at the discretion of the instructor and may be subject to a late penalty.

Tardiness should be avoided but in the rare event of coming to class late, it is the student’s responsibility to make sure the roll has been updated. In the event of plagiarism (see Schedule of Courses for more information) the student will fail the assignment or the class at the discretion of the instructor (depending on the nature and severity of the offense).

Grading:  Grading will be based on a point system. 
90%A 80%B 70%C 60%D 50%F (of total points available in class)	
(1-2)    1. Response essay (in class)			     5
(1)       2. Midterm essay 			                  10 
(1)       3. Final essay		 		                  25
             (3-5)    4. Quizzes/tests					     5-20		 
                         5. Participation                                                          10		

Final drop date: Oct. 17, 2008
*instructor reserves the right to make changes in this syllabus as deemed necessary or appropriate.
*Accommodations for Students with Disabilities:
If you have special needs as addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including alternate media requests, please notify me immediately. Reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate your special needs.