FILM 1  
INTRODUCTION TO FILM STUDIES (#59864)

Reedley College – Spring 2010
Kate Fourchy – 8:00-9:15 am – TTH   FRM 1
Contacts: kate.fourchy@reedleycollege.edu   559-638-3641 (ext. 3406)
Office: HUM 52   Office hours: M 12-1 Tues 12-2     Final: May 18 8:00-9:15am 

Class Description: The purpose of this course is to provide you with some basic analytical tools for viewing film. In acquiring these tools you will discover that developing a more sophisticated, analytical eye and mind enhances rather than detracts from the pleasure of watching movies. There will be more to consider and discuss with your friends than merely restating the plot, quoting a few lines, and describing a few favorite scenes. The films chosen for this class are a tiny sampling of what is available. They are not an attempt to include the most popular or the greatest films, but an attempt to present essential concepts addressed in your textbook through several genres and directors. 

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: Phillips, William H. Film: An Introduction, notebook, writing implement

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 (10% 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, and possibly the entire course. 

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)			     50
(1)       2. Midterm essay 			                  100
(1)       3. Final essay		 		                  250
             (3-5)    4. Quizzes/tests					     200		 
              ?         5. Quick Writes                                                         100		

Final drop date: March 1
*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.