A115 | SPRING | 2022
16 - Weeks | 15 - ZOOM Meetings
8 - Feature Films
CRN. 30436
Mondays | 3:40 pm - 6:55pm
CRN. 36028
Wednesdays | 3:40 pm - 6:55pm
2001: A Space Odyssey | Directed by Stanley Kubrick | 1968
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THE ART OF FILM
This introductory course explores film as an art form, its basic components, and its relation to the styles and movements of other visual art forms. An understanding of cinematic language is emphasized by focusing upon film’s manipulation of time and space, its use of visual metaphors, montages, and explicit/implicit messages. The collaborative nature of filmmaking is studied by examining the role of cinematography, lighting, film editing, visual effects, art direction, and the use of sound and music to enhance the script and create style. Through discussion and written assignments, students develop the ability to analyze the impact of films viewed both in and out of class. This course is appropriate for any student interested in film, art, media studies, or culture, and for those seeking to fulfill general education requirements in fine arts and humanities.
COURSE WORK
The following work is required:
• Watch assigned movies outside of "class", in their complete full length format.
• Watch assigned movies outside of "class", in their complete full length format.
• Complete chapter readings, chapter quizzes, 'key videos', and
readings found on this blog.
• Demonstrate understanding and skillful usage of key terms.
• Participate in discussions and exercises about course content (see Class Policies).
readings found on this blog.
• Demonstrate understanding and skillful usage of key terms.
• Participate in discussions and exercises about course content (see Class Policies).
• Demonstrate ability to visually identify film clips with the correct understanding of
film form and principles.
• Proficiency on 2-exams (NO make-up exams will be given. See Class Policies).
film form and principles.
• Proficiency on 2-exams (NO make-up exams will be given. See Class Policies).
• Proficiency on 8-online quizzes based on textbook chapter readings and videos.
• Complete 1-"PowerPoint" Presentation (ex.Google docs...5-7 minutes), on a filmmaking
professional (whom you will be given the opportunity to select from an index).
• Complete 2-Writing About Film assignments related to 'Key Videos' and feature
films viewed as part of this class.
films viewed as part of this class.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK
LOOKING AT MOVIES
An Introduction to Film, 7th ed. Barsam, Richard.
The required textbook is available for purchase or rent at the Rio Hondo College bookstore. An eBook version can be purchased at the publisher's website.
W.W. Norton & Co.
Inc, New York, NY
The required textbook is available for purchase or rent at the Rio Hondo College bookstore. An eBook version can be purchased at the publisher's website.
W.W. Norton & Co.
Inc, New York, NY
ISBN: 978-0-393-88582-8
The purchase or rental of the 7th edition includes all access
to the required quizzes (online) and tutorial videos.
For $35.95 you can purchase an e-book version.
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ASSIGNMENTS - POINTS-SCALE
Multi-Media Presentation | 1x, 40 points
Writing About Film | 2x, 40 points
Quizzes | 8x, 80 points
Mid Term | 1x, 50 points
Final Exam | 1x, 50 points
◼︎-------------------------------------------------------
Total Possible Points | 260 points
GRADE SCALE
260-249 A
248-210 B
209-170 C
__________
169-136 D
135-below F
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LEARNING OUTCOME
Techniques & Terminology
Given a film still or short film clip from a motion picture:
1. Students will be able to identify and describe (using relevant terminology) similarities and differences with respect to framing in movies, paintings, and photography.
2. Students will be able to identify and describe (using relevant terminology) the basic elements of composition, including proximity, depth, camera angle and height, and scale.
3. Students will be able to identify and describe (using relevant terminology) the type of camera movement used in making the shot.
4. Students will be able to identify and describe (using relevant terminology) types of editing transitions between shots.
5. Students will be able to identify and describe (using relevant terminology) types of sound design that help the viewer understand the difference between sounds coming from the movie world and sounds intended to frame the movie world, but are not "heard" by the movie's characters.
Form & Content
Form & Content
6. The successful student shall be able to explain how works of art communicate visual meaning.
7. The successful student shall be able to describe the principles and formal elements of visual art.
8. The successful student shall be able to express an understanding of the roles and functions of art in society.
9. The successful student shall be able to discuss works of art representative of diverse cultures and regions within a historical and social context.
10. The successful student shall be able to apply art historical terminology and methodology in analyzing and interpreting works of art.
9. The successful student shall be able to discuss works of art representative of diverse cultures and regions within a historical and social context.
10. The successful student shall be able to apply art historical terminology and methodology in analyzing and interpreting works of art.
11. The Successful student shall be able to critique artistic works, evaluating elements relevant to the given work (e.g. texture, form, timbre, color, conflict, rhythm, etc.) and how these are effectively integrated in the work as a whole.
CLASS POLICIES
1. Please make note of the dates of the two required exams.
NO MAKE-UP EXAMS WILL BE GIVEN.
2. ANY STUDENT WHO IS ABSENT DURING THE 1st TWO WEEKS OF CLASS WILL BE DROPPED. After this period, students may be dropped for non-participation but it is always the student's responsibility to officially withdraw from class if no longer attending.
3. Non-participation: Absences, missing 20% or more of any class meeting (same as an absence), and non-performance on quizzes, assignments, or exams all constitute non-participation. Non-participation can result in a grade of “F” for the class. It is the student's responsibility to officially withdraw from class if no longer fully participating in class.
4. Students who miss 30% of the class meetings during the semester may receive a grade of “F” in the class (appx: 4.8 Meetings).
5. Students who stop attending class after the last day to drop and before the last day of the semester without contacting the instructor to verify the reason for his/ her failure to attend class will be placed on a fraud alert list.
6. Some of the content covered in class lectures cannot be found in the textbook. Each student is responsible for content missed due to an absence. I recommend exchanging contact information with a classmate to keep one another up to date.
7. Class discussion is encouraged when it enriches the topic under consideration and is conducted in a way that benefits the entire class. Refrain from side conversations during lectures.
8. Laptops and other electronic devices may not be used in class. Cell phones must be turned off and put away. Your cooperation is important. Lack of cooperation in this matter may result in dismissal from class meeting.
9. The above schedule may change should unforeseen circumstances call for it. It is the responsibility of each student to remain alert to announcements made at each class meeting.
10. It is the instructor’s responsibility to maintain an environment that is conducive to learning. Students with persistent disruptive behavior will be dismissed from class.
11. Read the attached Standards of Conduct for Rio Hondo College students (Administrative Procedure 5500).
