 Syllabus
Course Information Hybrid
Course title: Introduction to Film Studies Hybrid
FILM 101 Course number:
Course discipline:
Course description:
Film and Television Studies
Location:
Prerequisites: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in ENGL 101 is strongly recommended. Examination of film as an art form and as a social practice with attention given to aesthetics, genre, elements of visual storytelling, and criticism. Course will explore visual composition, movement, sound, editing and ideology in selected American and foreign films.
ICN2304
Monday Meeting day(s):
Meeting time(s):
2:00-3:45
Instructor Information
Name: John Ernst, Ph.D
Email: john.ernst@heartland.edu
Office location:
ICB 2023
Office hours: Monday: 4:00-6:00; T/W/R 1:45-2:45 and by appointment
Phone: (309) 268-8626
Textbooks
Required reading:
Looking at Movies , Richard Barsam and Dave Monahan, Norton, 3rd Edition.
2010, 10:0393-92865-9
Course Goals
After completing this course, students should be able to:
1.Be more active and informed cinematic spectators capable of employing a wider range of critical tools than before having taken the course.
2. Recognize the tension between film as a major industry and film as an art, and between film as a pleasurable experience and film as an ideological expression.
3. To understand and apply major film terms and concepts including mise enscene, dubbing, montage, etc.

4. Identify the differences between the Classical Hollywood Narrative, the Avant-garde and international cinemas.
5. Understand the impact of the historical and cultural backdrop against which motion pictures are constructed.
6. Appreciate a broader spectrum of film (including even those which might have sub-titles!) than before having taken the course.
Course Requirements
Introduction: Following is a list of activities you will engage in during the course of the semester and the manner in which your final grade will be determined. Please check "My Grades" for the point value of each activity.
Requirements: I. Tests.
Three Major tests will be given this semester and can only be taken in class. Each test will be a combination of multiple choice, short answer, true/false and essay questions. You will be asked to respond to questions from the readings, lectures, films screened in class and discussions. More specific information will be given as we approach test dates. Tests can only be taken on the day given unless you have a serious and verifiable reason not to attend (you will need a written excuse from a doctor, for example).
II. Journals: Three times during the semester you will be asked to apply material we are working on to specific film drawn from a list included in the course menu to the left. Each Journal is to be well-written and rich in supporting detail. Journals are to be between 1500-1750 words in length and should be carefully organized with rich detail (a sample journal entry will be available online). Because your journals are to be current with the readings, it's important that you keep up with assignments and obtain copies of the required films as soon as possible.
Generally, you'll be writing about films considered to be very important in film history although I suspect that most of you will be unfamiliar with most of them. These films are often readily available through various sources, including our own library (for which some, for example Citizen Kane and
Night of the Hunter , for instance) will be held at the reserve desk for overnight checkout. More information about Journals will be made available as we approach the due date for the first. Journals will be available to all students and will be submitted via "safe assign."
IIII. Key Items Key Items are assignments which require students to recap and synthesize ideas from recent class discussions and readings. A Key Items
Rubric can be found
IV. Required Reading All reading will come from the course textbook with

reading varying in length from approximately 30-60 pages per class. Reading should be completed before coming to class that day as course lectures and discussion will be derived from assigned material.
Policies
Introduction: These are some general guidelines regarding student responsibilities.
Remember that it is important to contact your instructor whenever you have questions or concerns.
ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION: Any absence over two (for whatever reason) will result in lowering your final grade one full letter for each additional absence. Be sure that any materials due on the day of an absence are posted by the deadline for that week's assignment. A sign up sheet will be passed around the classroom at the start of each class; if you come in late, be sure to sign in after-class because if you're not on the list, you will be marked absent.
IN-CLASS PARTICIPATION: What I'm trying to develop in Film 101 is an active, engaged atmosphere where students contribute regularly and responsibly. Attendance Points are awarded for contributions to the class discussions which are informed by careful reading of the assignments from the textbook. Questions about reading material, in-class and extracurricular application of ideas from the textbook will drive the bulk of class discussion.
You are expected to have done any reading on the calendar BEFORE having come to class and be prepared to talk about it.
This should go without saying, but I'll say it anyway: The simple rules of ethical, academic discourse apply. There is to be no sleeping, no working on homework (including homework for this class), active and respectful listening, etc. You are expected to be on time and stay for the entire time. If you engage in the above activities, I'll call you on them. If there are especially disruptive,
I'll ask you to leave. No fooling. CELLPHONES ARE TO BE TURNED OFF
DURING CLASS TIME AND ANYBODY TEXT-MESSAGING DURING
TESTS WILL FAIL.
IT IS IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO KEEP CURRENT WITH CLASS
ACTIVITIES, SO YOU SHOULD LOG IN AT LEAST THREE DAYS PER
WEEK.
INCOMPLETES: Only in the case of extreme and verifiable illness or extenuating circumstances (a death in the family, for example) will
Incompletes be given. Contracts (available at Students Services) for completion of any work must be filled out by the student and signed by the instructor before the last day of class.
EXTRA CREDIT: Each week you may write a blog of between 500-750

words on a film of your choice that relates that film to work we are currently covering in class. You may submit only one blog per week and these should be mechanically and grammatically sound. It is thus possible to earn up to 80 extra credit points during the semester. Points will not be given to posts which do not relate current class material to the film at hand, which seem dashed off, or which are submitted after May 7th, the last date to submit.
MAKING UP TESTS AND OTHER ASSIGNMENTS: Tests and discussion posts are due on the date noted in the syllabus and calendar. While quizzes are taken online, the three major tests are to be taken in class and can only be taken on the day indicated. Except in the case of extreme and verifiable circumstances, students cannot make up missed work and will loose points for the assignment or test. Assignments are made well in advance (indeed, they are all visible on the course calendar now), so look at the course schedule regularly to familiarize yourself with due dates. Doctor's notes and other documentation are needed to make up material.
Study Groups
Introduction: Toward the beginning of the semester you will be placed (either by choice or designation) into a small group of other students who will sit in close proximity and who may be involved in group activities during the class time.
These groups may be used as study groups outside of class and may be called upon to answer questions, lead discussion, and hold short discussions during any given week.
Additional information:
The idea here is to help students find support from each other in terms of both the course content and in navigating requirements and assignments. Part of your class participation grade will come from your work in these groups.
Points and Grades
Points:
: Following is a list of all assignments and the point value attached to each.
ORIENTATION EXERCISES: 15 points
Assignment, Blog and Journal work each worth 5 points.
Tests: (450 total points)
Test 1: 150 points
Test 2: 150 points
Test 3: 150 points
Journals (225 total points)
There are three journal assignments, each worth 75 points.

Key Items (200 Total points)
There are eight Key Items assignments each worth 25 points.
In Class Participation: 50 points.
TOTAL POINTS: 940
FINAL GRADE:
846-940 = A
752-845 =B
658-751 =C
564-658 =D
563 and below= F
Writing About Film
: None of the written assignments in FILM 101 require research, although you are encouraged to do supplemental reading from film journals such as Film
Comment and from various books on the subject. Generally, you will be asked to apply course readings to specific films. I am looking for you to apply ideas learned from class readings, lectures and discussions to specific shots and scenes from well-known and important films. These papers are to be critical to the extent that they do more than simply DESCRIBE what you see and hear
(although it may include some of that). These papers ANALYZE specific scenes, shots, set designs, etc. and draw critical conclusions about various elements found within the films discussed
I am looking for your application of ideas and concepts from the textbook supported with evidence and detail. Sample assignments will be made available well before deadlines so that you can get a sense of what is expected of you..
I. CITATIONS: Even though we are writing online journals and summary exercises in the Key Items, it is crucial that you cite any material that you use
(including the textbook). If your are using the textbook, just be sure to indicate the author and give the page number. When using the textbook, the easiest way is to simply cite the author and give the page number parenthetically.
EXAMPLE: Barsam notes that jump cuts "often create the impression that something has been left out" (213), a sense we get in Goddard's Breathless in the scene where Belmondo is talking with Jean Simmons in the bedroom."
There is no need to give full publishing information when using the textbook.
When using other sources, however, be sure to give full publishing information

at the end of your post (this may include a web address). EXAMPLE: "In an article in the February, 2011 edition of Film Comment , Paul Nester argues that '
Black Swan simply caters to the tastes of critics, which is why it is the most overrated movie of last year'(33)."
You must cite any ideas that are not your own (direct quotes or paraphrases).
Note that if you ever do outside research on a particular film, you MUST included bibliographic information at the end of your paper and you MUST cite
(by author and page number) individual quotes and ideas. Failure to do so is plagiarism and will result in an F.
IMPORTANT: If you don't know MLA or APA documentation, style sheets are available at the library.
II. FILM TITLES are ALWAYS to be underlined or italicized. For example, use Citizen Kane or Citizen Kane but NOT "Citizen Kane."
III. TENSE: Use present tense when describing action in a film; THUS: "Kane opens the door" NOT "Kane opened the door."
IV. EXAMPLE AND DETAIL: Be sure to support your claims with details.
Break down the scene into individual shots; break down the shots into specific elements of mise-en-scene (costume, lighting, blocking, etc. etc.). Don't assume the reader is seeing the same thing you are; be specific. If you think an particular actor "acts paranoid," provide specific examples of the behavior and other cinematic effects that contribute to your reading of the paranoid behavior.
If you think the set design looks cheap, tell us what contributes to the cheap effect by pointing to specific instances. ELABORATE.
V. NOTES: It is a VERY good idea to take notes during the screening of films.
Remembered dialogue, shots and sequences do not always match what is actually in the film. The wise student will study scenes and shots carefully before writing about them, pausing the DVD to allow for detailed analysis.
VI. Video (online or from library) and DVD quality: If you see the word "This film has been modified to fit your TV screen" or something to that effect, it usually means that you are watching a film that has been altered. This means that you are watching a so-called "pan and scanned" version of the film which is visually incomplete film, one which may be missing as much as half of what was actually shot. For obvious reasons, you want to avoid this. Be sure you are getting "widescreen" versions of the film if you are analyzing anything after
1951 (although not all films were shot widescreen after that time, nearly everything after 1970 has been). Your analysis of a " pan and scanned" film would be as incomplete as the version you are watching and you would be led to make erroneous conclusions. DVDs are generally released in the format in

which they were shot.
Postscript: Writing for a college level course. It is expected that your papers will be free of grammatical errors and written in a clear manner. Papers should be proofread carefully and revised, polished, and honed before turning in. If your teacher has to struggle to make sense of your writing, your grade will suffer. Grammar DOES count.
Help with writing is available in the Writing Center located in our library
If you need or want help with film concepts, etc., and how they might be applied to papers, please feel free to ask questions either via email, the
Instructor's Office, or in person.
Notice of Cancelled Class Sessions
: Cancelled class sessions, for all HCC classes, will be listed under Cancelled
Class Meetings in the A-Z Index and under Academic Information in the
Current Students page on the HCC Web site. Go to http://www.heartland.edu/classCancellations/ to learn what classes have been cancelled for that day and the upcoming week. Be sure to check the last column, which might contain a message from the instructor.

Key Items Rubric
Evaluation
Criteria
Evidence of
Critical
Thinking
Proficient Adequate Not There
Postings characterized by Some critical thinking is clarity of argument, depth of evident. Postings tend to Poorly developed insight into theoretical issues, provide good general critical thinking. originality of treatment, discussion but may not Too heavy a relevance, and sometimes always apply directly to reliance on includes unusual insights. the content of the module. material covered in
Points are well supported and Assertions not supported free of grammatical clearly) (11-13 pts) by evidence. May be a
/mechanical errors. Cites any few grammatical or sources (including textbook) spelling errors and too
10 pts)
(8class and/or not enough material in student's own words. (0-7 pts)
Ideas
Well-developed; shows evidence of reflection and/or
Not as clearly developed; shows need of more
Covers too wide a range of material

Timeliness application; new ideas introduced (11-12 pts) reflection or application.
(8-10 pts) with no detail or too limited a range of material.
Relies too much on teacher's examples or textbook examples. (0-7 pts)
Posted by Deadline: No points deducted. ½ point deducted for each hour past deadline (1 point continues until point value runs minimum deduction)
Point loss out.

Journal Rubric
Evaluation
Criteria
Advanced Proficient Average
Below
Average
Well-developed Ideas a bit underideas; introduces new developed; ideas; stimulates sometimes Under-developed ideas
Does not enter the discussion and
Development provides detailed of Ideas response to stimulates discussion. More detail and prompts. Concluding organization statement is clear and needed but concise.
(33-37 pts) generally strong
(29-32 pts) in need of stronger detail discussion and or clearly organization Needs work organizational and
( 26-28 pts) does not address subject.
(0-27 pts)
Evidence of
Critical
Thinking
Clear evidence of critical thinking-application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation. Postings are characterized by clarity of argument, depth of insight into theoretical issues, originality of treatment, and
Beginnings of critical thinking; postings tend to
Poorly developed critical address thinking which too often peripheral issues. mirrors material
Generally discussed in class or in accurate, but textbook. Needs greater could be originality of thought.
(27-29 pts) improved with
Does not post or simply parrots class or text discussion.
(0-26 pts) more analysis and creative

Timeliness relevance. Sometimes thought. include unusual insights. Arguments
Tendency to recite facts rather are well supported.
( 34-38pts) than address issues.
( 30-33 pts)
Posts well-before deadline
No point loss
Posts by deadline
Loss of 1 point for each hour past deadline.
No point loss
Continue loss of 1 point for each hour past deadline.
Nothing accepted after DQ closes.

Discussion Question Rubric
Availability:
Item is not available.
Evaluation
Criteria
Advanced Proficient Average
Below
Average
Well-developed Ideas a bit underideas; introduces new developed; ideas; stimulates sometimes stimulates discussion and
Development provides detailed of Ideas response to discussion. More detail and
Under-developed ideas
Does not enter the in need of stronger detail discussion and or clearly organization Needs work does not prompts. Concluding concise.
(29-32 pts) organization statement is clear and needed but generally strong
(26-28 pts) organizational and
( 22-24 pts) address subject.
(0-21 pts)
Evidence of
Critical
Clear evidence of critical thinking--
Beginnings of critical thinking;
Poorly developed critical Does not thinking which too often post or

Thinking application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation. Postings are characterized by clarity of argument, postings tend to
Generally accurate, but mirrors material address discussed in class or in peripheral issues. textbook. Needs greater originality of thought.
(22-24 pts) depth of insight into theoretical issues, originality of could be improved with more analysis treatment, and and creative relevance. Sometimes thought. include unusual insights. Arguments are well supported.
29-33 pts)
Tendency to recite facts rather than address issues.
(26-28 pts) simply parrots class or text discussion.
(0-22 pts)
Response to
Interacts at least three
Interacts at least times with other three times with
Other students and/or
Students and instructor and
Instructor stimulates intelligent discussion.
(9-10 pts) other students but lacking in insight or content.
(8 pts)
Interacts fewer than three times with other students or does not engage in a substantive way.
(7 points).
Does not enter discussion
(0 pts)
Timeliness
Posts well-before deadline
No point loss
Posts by deadline
Loss of 1 point for each hour past deadline.
No point loss
Continue loss of 1 point for each hour past deadline.
Nothing accepted after DQ closes.

AUGUST:
19: Introduction to course
*22: All Orientation Exercises Due: 8:00 PM
26: Have read Chapters 1 & 2
*29 Key Items 1 due 8PM
SEPTEMBER:
2: No Class. Labor Day
9: Have read Chapter 3
*12: Key Items 2 Due, 8PM
16: Have read Chapter 4
*19. Film Journal 1 due, 8PM
*23: TEST I in Class
30: Have read Chapter 5
OCTOBER:
*3: Key Items 3 Due 8:00 PM
7: Have read Chapter 6
*10 Key Items 4 due 8:00PM
14: Conclude discussion of mise en scene and cinematography. No Reading
*17:Film Journal 2 due 8:00PM
21: Have read Chapter 7
*24: Key Items 5 due 8PM
*28: TEST II IN CLASS
NOVEMBER
4: Have read Chapter 8
*7: Key Items 6 Due 8:00PM
11: Conclude discussion of Editing
*14: Journal 3 due 8PM
18: Have Read Chapter 9
*21: Key Items 7 due 8:00 PM
25: Have read Chapter 10
*28: Key Items 7due 8:00 PM
DECEMBER
*2: Test 3 IN CLASS
7: Final Exams Week.