FILM 1  
INTRODUCTION TO FILM STUDIES (#52517)

Reedley College – Spring 2014
T/TH 8-9:15 FRM 1
Instructor: Kate Watts
Email: kate.watts@reedleycollege.edu   
Phone: 559-638-3641 (ext. 3406)
Office: HUM 52   
Office hours: T 10-11 W 2-4 F 2-3 (virtual) and by appointment  

Class Description: The purpose of this course is to provide you with important 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 films. First, we will examine various components of filmmaking—the choices filmmakers can make in telling a story in visual and aural terms. We will then consider more conceptual issues in film criticism—what constitutes film authorship, film genres, film ideology and what alternatives exist to mainstream fictional film. Our films come from major directors across a large expanse of time. Some may be in black or white, some may have subtitles—all are worthwhile.

Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successfully completing this class, a student will 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.

Required Texts and Materials:
 Anatomy of Film, Dick
The textbook is REQUIRED. If the bookstore runs out, the book will be available to you within days to arrive. The book is the foundation of the thinking in this classroom. You will be tested on the reading material frequently. 

1 three ring binder or other folder to organize and keep the syllabus, readings, handouts and your writing. It is imperative that you read and annotate the assigned readings carefully. You will be asked to refer to the reading often-having them in one place along with your writing helps to keep you organized and successful in a demanding class.

An electronic system to back up ALL of your writing-flash drive, email or server. Do not rely on blackboard to save your work.

Communication & Conferences
Communication: Please always make sure to check both our course site and your district email for announcements as well as other essential course information. All emails should be sent to kate.watts@reedleycollege.edu NOT through blackboard email. All emails should indicate both your purpose and class section in the subject line and begin with “Dear Mrs. Watts….” Or “Dear Professor Watts……” The language used in emails should be the same kind of language that you would use in an essay-NOT “Yo dude, where u at?” Please note that my Friday office hours are virtual-you will be able to get me online between 2 and 3 every Friday. During my face to face office hours the rest of the week, I might be with another student and therefore unavailable immediately. I will respond to your emails as soon as possible; however, if you email me late in the evening during the week (and sometimes after 8 is late for me!), don’t expect to hear back from me until the following day. I will be available over the weekends, but not in the evenings.
Conferences: I expect you to conference with me often to discuss your performance and progress. 

Decorum & Policies: Do not come late to class. Do not leave early through the back door. If this time does not work for you, drop the class. DO NOT USE YOUR PHONES. If you use your phone, you will be asked to leave. I expect you to take copious notes during screenings. I recommend a pen light or a small flashlight to help you with this. Screenings are a time for serious viewing, not only your entertainment. If there is any talking, or other behavior that is rude to your instructor and your classmates, you will be asked to leave. If you miss a film, it is your responsibility to view the film either on your own, or come to my office. Two absences within the first 9 weeks of class will cause the student to be dropped from the class. 

ACADEMIC HONESTY: The Reedley College English department has a zero-tolerance policy regarding plagiarism. All of the writing done in this class must be your own. This includes all homework assignments, discussion board posts and essays. You cannot use work from another class in this class. Additionally, if, instead of making your own decisions about how to revise, you have someone revise or edit an essay for you, the piece you submit is no longer your own work, and you are plagiarizing. If I suspect you have plagiarized, I reserve the right to require you to meet with me in person in order to perform writing diagnostic in order to determine whether or not you have committed plagiarism. If I determine you have committed plagiarism, I will refer you to the Dean of Student’s office for disciplinary action. In addition, I will email the Dean of Humanities, the Chair of the English department and the Vice President of Instruction with the particulars of your offense.

With that said, because there are instances in academic writing when you are frequently required to use other people’s ideas and language, often students have difficulty understanding how to paraphrase, summarize or use direct quotation without committing unintentional plagiarism. If I feel you are struggling with this issue in your writing, I will communicate with you about this immediately. It is crucial that you understand the ethics of citation in order to pass this class.  You will use MLA citing guidelines for all writing in this class. For MLA citation examples and details on using sources ethically, see the OWL (Online Writing Lab) at Purdue.

Late Essay Policy: You will be docked one letter grade for every day your essay is late. After the third day, I will no longer accept your work. Weekends count as days. Note: this does not apply to the final project and its components or the final exam.  NO MAKEUPS for Quick Writes, quizzes or tests-please do not ask.

Grading:  Grading will be based on a point system. 
      90%A 80%B 70%C 60%D 50%F 

1. Midterm essay 			     100
3. Final In class essay	 	     	     200
4. Tests/Worksheets    		     300		 
5. Quick Writes			     TBD                                  

Accommodations: If you have a verified need for an academic accommodation or materials in alternate media (i.e. Braille, large print, electronic text, etc.) per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, please contact me as soon as possible. This is extremely important. Your need for accommodation MUST be verified by DSPS. If you produce verification of this information in the beginning of the semester any need for extra time etc. will not be available to you retroactively.
Important Dates:
January
Monday the 20th: MLK DAY. 
Friday the 31st: LAST DAY TO ADD FULL-TERM CLASS. LAST DAY TO DROP AND AVOID “W”
February
Friday the 14th: LINCOLN DAY 
Monday the 17th: WASHINGTON DAY
March
Friday the 14th: LAST DAY TO DROP
April
Monday the 14th-Friday the 18th: SPRING RECESS
May
Monday the 19th-Friday the 23rd: FINALS
*The instructor reserves the right to change this material at any time.
NOTES: