I. Course Information
Course Number: DRAM 2366
Course Title: Film Appreciation
Semester Hours: 3
II. Foundational Component Area
A. The course “focus[es] on the appreciation and analysis of creative artifacts and works of the
human imagination.”
Film Appreciation as a course serves two purposes: 1) surveys the film industry as a business, a
means of communication, but most importantly as an art form; and 2) places an emphasis on the
analysis of the visual and aural aspects of selected motion pictures, the dramatic aspects of
narrative films, and the historical growth and sociological effect of film as an art.
B. The course “involve[s] the synthesis and interpretation of artistic expression and enable[s]
critical, creative, and innovative communication about works of art.”
Students gain the ability to describe and critique films through discussions and/or writing
assignments by using the fundamentals of film analysis: summarize, evaluate, analyze, and
synthesize. Major films, directors, and film movements are discussed in class and in the
textbook.
III. Core Objectives
A. Critical Thinking, Aspect 1: “Students will demonstrate creative thinking and innovation.”
Students demonstration the ability to understand the terms and ideas necessary for writing and
speaking about film in a formal manner. Students learn how film has evolved, how it
communicates social and cultural tension, and the ways that film expresses meaning through the
art form. (See Appendix A)
B. Critical Thinking, Aspect 2: “Students will demonstrate effective inquiry strategies.”
Students will demonstrate effective inquiry strategies when choosing topics for presentations and
papers. Students will also learn about research methods and effective search strategies to find
scholarly sources to use in their assignments. (See Appendix A)
C. Communication, Aspect 1: “Students will demonstrate effective development, interpretation,
and expressions of ideas through written communication.”
Students will demonstrate effective written communication through various assignments,
especially Motion Picture Critical Report and final essay. Students will critique a motion picture
and write a paper to communicate their ideas to the instructor. The paper will be in MLA format
and follow general academic writing rules (See Appendix A).
D. Communication, Aspect 2: “Students will demonstrate effective development, interpretation,
and expressions of ideas through oral communication.”
Students will make a presentation in front of the class about genres covered during the semester
(See Appendix B). Oral communication will also be measured during daily discussions in class.
E. Communication, Aspect 3: “Students will demonstrate effective development, interpretation,
and expressions of ideas through visual communication.”
Students will make a presentation that takes a film and turns that into storyboards. (See
Appendix C).
F. Teamwork: “Students will demonstrate the ability to consider different points of view and to
work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal.
Students will be divided into groups of 4-6 in order to work together and prepare a group
presentation on the different roles of members of a film production team (See Appendix D). Each
student will be responsible for contributing to the overall product and presentation.
G. Social Responsibility, Aspect 1: “Students will demonstrate intercultural competence.”
Students will study censorship in films and how different cultures from Western Europe, the
United States, and non-Western countries, throughout history have dealt with the subject matter
As a final essay for the course, the student will demonstrate the cultural shifts that censorship
created in film. (See Appendix E).
APPENDIX A
Film Appreciation Critical Review
Assignment: You are to write a 2-3 page critical review over a live-action narrative film. The purpose of
this paper is to: 1) increase your writing and communication skills and 2) demonstrate your knowledge
of film to the instructor. You may choose any short film from the Disc 2: Short Films DVD that has not or
is not scheduled to be shown in class. Your choices are: Dreamscapes; Kleingeld; Passengers; Spam-Ku; A
Thousand Words; or Two Cars, One Night. Please ensure that your paper is word-processed, edited for
grammar/spelling, is double-spaced, has no greater than a 12-point font, and has standard margins. Cite
your sources; internal citations are adequate (you don’t need to attach a Works Cited page).
Please focus your review on the following ten questions:
1.What is the meaning of the title? (0-3 points)
2. What is the film’s genre? (0-3 points)
3. Describe at least 3 story points that are NOT in the plot. (0-6 points)
4. What nondiegetic elements are present and why do you think they are there? (0-6 points)
5. Who is the protagonist? Other major characters? Are they round or flat? (0-6 points)
6. How does design/mise-en-scene/lighting contribute (or not) to the verisimilitude of the movie? (0-6
points)
7. What patterns do you discern in shot length/types? (0-6 points)
8. How are camera angles used? Are they mostly point-of-view? (0-9 points)
9. What type of composition is used? Describe at least 2 shots that use the Rule of Thirds. (0-6 points)
10. When and why is camera movement used? (0-9 points)
These questions should be answered in your paper, not in question/answer form.
Grading Rubric
0-40 points:
Stylistic elements: The review meets the format guidelines above.
0-60 points:
Content: Appropriate and thoughtful responses to the 10 questions above, as broken
down for each question
APPENDIX B
Film Genre Presentation
Using the genre that you were assigned in class, create a short 5 minute oral/visual presentation
about that genre that will be presented to the class. Your oral presentation must be written out,
but this presentation is not about just reading your paper to the class. The assignment should
include at least one trailer from a movie that represents that Genre. You should cover the basic
tenets of the Genre as well as the clichés. You need to use at least four sources for your
presentation including the book. Presentation must be turn in at the end of the class.
Genre Presentation is worth 60 points
Grading For Presentation:
The reports will be graded on the following scale:
0-10 points – Correctly following the instructions for the assignment.
0-10 points – Did the trailer shown display the attributes of the genre.
0-20 points – Presentation – Was there a definite beginning, middle, and end.
0-20 points – Content – Did the Presentation cover all the material.
APPENDIX C
Storyboard Presentation
Students will pick a scene from a movie. They will then storyboard the film noting all camera
angles, shots, and special effects. The student will then prepare a presentation where he will
present his story boards for the film and then show the scene from the completed film.
Storyboard Presentation is worth 50 points
Grading For Presentation:
The presentations will be graded on the following scale:
0-10 points – Correctly following the instructions for the assignment.
0-20 points – Presentation – Was there a definite beginning, middle, and end.
0-20 points – Content – Did the Storyboards effectively capture the film.
APPENDIX D
Production Staff on a Film Team Assignment
Students will be assigned to a group. The group will need to find a short film, no longer than 15
minutes in length. Watch the film and then each member of the group must be assigned a job on
a typical film (i.e. Screenwriter, Director, Cinematographer, Editor, Actor, Designer, Composer)
The group will be prepare a presentation for the class that will include: Screening of the short
film and then each student presenting what their “job” did on the film.
Presentation is worth 50 points
Peer Review of Fellow Team Members is worth 50 points
Grading for the Presentation:
The reports will be graded on the following scale:
0-10 points – Correctly following the instructions for the assignment.
0-20 points – Presentation – Was there a definite beginning, middle, and end.
0-20 points – Content – Did the Presentation cover all the material.
Appendix E:
Essay Question on Cultural Censorship in Film
Long Answer Essay (25 points):
In 10-15 well developed sentences, discuss how censorship in film has changed as social culture
evolved. Give specific examples from each of the social areas that we studied during the class.
The essay will be evaluated on cohesiveness of idea; relevance to the topic; use of specific
examples; and spelling and grammar.
COURSE SYLLABUS
Course Name &
Number
DRAM 2366
Film Appreciation
Semester & Year
FALL 2013
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
An introductory course in motion pictures which surveys the film industry as a business, a means of
communication, but most importantly as an art form. The course places an emphasis on the analysis of the
visual and aural aspects of selected motion pictures, the dreamatic aspects of narrative films, and the
historical growth and sociological effect of film as an art.
REQUIRED TEXT BOOKS
Looking at the Movies: 4th Edition
INSTITUTIONAL LEARNING GOALS
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A quality general education curriculum in all associate degree programs.
Quality freshman and sophomore level courses in arts and sciences which parallel the lower
division offerings of four-year colleges and universities.
Quality technical programs leading directly to careers in semi-skilled and skilled occupations, and
quality technical education programs up to two years in length leading to certificates and
associate degrees.
Quality programs and services in support of adult literacy and basic skills development as a mean
of workforce enhancement and expanding access to higher education.
PROGRAM PURPOSE STATEMENT
NCTC seeks to implement its goal of offering quality general education curriculum in all associate
degrees by offering a core of general education courses designed to help students achieve academic,
career and lifelong goals. Acquiring knowledge, thinking critically, and utilizing the methodologies of
various disciplines exposed students to experiences that serve to advance their personal growth. The chief
focus of the General Education Core Curriculum at NCTC is to emphasize Exemplary Educational
Objectives and Basic Intellectual Competencies.
STATEMENT OF SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE EXPECTED OF NCTC GRADUATES
NCTC seeks to implement its goal of offering a core of general education courses designed to help
students achieve academic, career and lifelong goals. The chief focus of the General Education Core
Courses at NCTC is to emphasize basic intellectual competencies and broad intellectual perspectives.
FOUNDATIONAL COMPONENT AREA: LANGUAGE, PHILOSOPHY, AND CULTURE
Courses in this area focus on how ideas, values, beliefs, and other aspects of culture express and affect
human experience and involve the exploration of ideas that foster aesthetic and intellectual creation in
order to understand the human condition across cultures.
ACGM LEARNING OUTCOMES
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Describe and explain the basic elements of film structure and its relation to the ways
movies express meaning.
Identify and explain the importance of narrative in film.
Demonstrate a working knowledge of the history of film making. Be able to discuss
film’s evolution through time as well as its participants and innovators.
Demonstrate an understanding of the correlation between film and changes in the
development of society by creating a special project.
Apply the knowledge of what criticism is and what purpose it serves in several written
critical responses to motion pictures.
Understand the role of genre in American film history and to recognize how some of the
most popular genres express American social and cultural tensions.
Identify and explain the different production elements that are necessary for film
production.
Develop the skills necessary to work on a team and then demonstrate those abilities in a
team project.
CORE OBJECTIVES
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Critical Thinking, Aspect 1: “Students will demonstrate creative thinking and
innovation.”
Critical Thinking, Aspect 2: “Students will demonstrate effective inquiry strategies.”
Communication, Aspect 1: “Students will demonstrate effective development,
interpretation, and expressions of ideas through written communication.”
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Communication, Aspect 2: “Students will demonstrate effective development,
interpretation, and expressions of ideas through oral communication.”
Communication, Aspect 3: “Students will demonstrate effective development,
interpretation, and expressions of ideas through visual communication.”
Teamwork: “Students will demonstrate the ability to consider different points of view and
to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal.
Social Responsibility, Aspect 1: “Students will demonstrate intercultural competence.”
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Disability
Accommodations
The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides
accommodations for students who have a documented disability. A
disability is anything that can interfere with learning, such as a learning
disability, psychological challenge, physical illness or injury.
Accommodations may include extra time on tests, tests in a nondistracting environment, note taker in class, etc.
On the Corinth Campus, go to room 170 or call 940-498-6207. On the
Gainesville Campus, go to room 110 in the Administration (100)
Building or call 940-668-7731 ext. 4321.
North Central Texas College is committed to both the spirit and letter of
federal equal opportunity legislation, including the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, ADA Amendments Act of 2009, and
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-112).
Student Success
Center
The Student Success Center is designed to help all students at NCTC
develop tools to achieve their academic goals. This program also links
students to FREE tutoring, including a Writing Center, a Math Lab, and
free 24/7 online tutoring, and helps new students acclimate to college by
providing computer lab services for prospective students. All students are
invited to visit the Student Success Center. On the Corinth Campus, go to
rooms 170, 182, or 188; on the Gainesville Campus, go to rooms 114 or
111; on the Flower Mound Campus, go to room 111; on the Bowie
Campus go to room 124.
Financial Aid,
Scholarships, and
Veterans Services
The Financial Aid Office is responsible for administering a variety of
programs for students who need assistance in financing their education.
The first step for financial aid is to complete a FAFSA. For more
information, please visit your nearest Financial Aid Office.
IMPORTANT STUDENT INFROMATION
Last day to
Withdraw
For the Fall 2012 semester, the last day to withdraw from a course with a
“W” is November 17, 2012.
Student Rights &
Responsibilities
NCTC Board policy FLB (Local) Student Rights and Responsibilities
states that each student shall be charged with notice and knowledge of
the contents and provisions of the rules and regulations concerning
student conduct. These rules and regulations are published in the Student
Handbook published in conjunction with the College Catalog. All
students shall obey the law, show respect for properly constituted
authority, and observe correct standards of conduct.
NCTC Tobacco
Policy
NCTC restricts the use of all tobacco products, including cigarettes,
cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco, on campus property. NCTC is
aware that tobacco use influences underage students, causes the
accumulation of unsightly tobacco litter, and interferes with assuring
clean air for all who come to NCTC. NCTC recognizes the health
hazards of tobacco use and of exposure to second hand smoke.
Information on tobacco cessation programs is available for students,
faculty, and staff who wish to stop using tobacco products. We would
like to thank you for your help in making our campuses tobacco-free. For
questions or concerns, please contact the Office of Vice President of
Student Services at 940.668.4240.
Scholastic Integrity
Scholastic dishonesty shall constitute a violation of college rules and
regulations and is punishable as prescribed by Board policies.
Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but not be limited to cheating on a
test, plagiarism, and collusion.
GRADING
13 Act Quizzes (worth 20 points each.)
18 Discussion Forums Original Posts (worth up to 30 points each)
260
540
30 Discussion Reponses (worth up to 10 points each)
300
Integrity Pledge (10 points) & Syllabus Quiz (20 points)
30
Vocabulary Crosswords
120
1 Online Chats (worth up to 60 point)
60
Genre Analysis Paper
150
(worth up to 150 points)
1 Critical Film Reviews (worth up to 100 points each)
TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS
100
1560
A= 1560-1404 Points; B=1403-1248 Points; C=1247-1092 Points; D=1091-936 Points; F less than
936 Points
Here is my philosophy for grading the content of this course. A “C” grade is a grade earned by doing the
basic elements of a class. You, the student, have demonstrated an average understanding of the
material and have done the bare minimum asked of you in the class. A “B” grade means you have
achieved a basic understanding of the class material and you have demonstrated an ability to take that
material and begin a personal re-interpretation of its lessons. An “A” grade means you have
accomplished the prior two steps and demonstrated an excellent command of the vocabulary,
techniques, and ideas of the class. Additionally, you have shown an advanced degree of analytical ability
and personal discipline. “D” and “F” grades are the result of failing to achieve a basic understanding of
the material and/or a refusal to engage honestly in the intellectual pursuit of the class.
DRAM 2366 –Film Appreciation: Assignments for Fall 2013
Reel One – Opening Credits
August 26 – September 3 at 11:55 PM
Assignment #1: Post in the Projection Room discussion forum: your name, why you chose to take
Film Appreciation online course, what is your first memory in regards to movies, and of course, what is your favorite
movie and why?
Assignment #2: Read the Academic Integrity pledge. Copy and paste the Academic Integrity Pledge into a
Microsoft Word document- -sign it by typing your name and your student i.d.at the bottom then put it in the
Academic Integrity Pledge drop box by September 3. No grades will be entered until I have your Integrity
Statement.
Assignment #3: Read over the syllabus and take the Syllabus Quiz.
Assignment #4: Read over the Critical Movie Review Handout. You will be required to write one critical movie
review during the course of the semester. The first can be over any movie that you have seen outside of class. The
paper needs to be at three pages in length (12 pt. times roman/double spaced) You will use this handout as your
guide. (After this unit closes you can find it in the course document folder.) The Critical Review will be due on
November 19 by 11:55 PM.
Assignment #5: Watch the following YouTube video about This Film Is Not Yet Rate and then respond to the
question on the Ratings discussion forum. You are responsible for one original post and two responses to other's
posts.
Reel Two – Movies: Past and Present
September 2—September 10 at 11:55 PM
Assignment #1: Auguste and Louis Lumiere are credited with the world's first public film screening on December
28, 1895. The showing of approximately ten short films lasting only twenty minutes in total was held in the basement
lounge of the Grand Cafe on the Boulevard des Capucines in Paris and would be the very first public demonstration
of their device they called the Cinematograph which effectively functioned as camera, projector and printer all in one.
Their work consisted mainly of moving images from scenes of everyday life. Ironically as we look back in retrospect
in comparison to what film has developed into today, the Lumiere Brothers believed it to be a medium without a
future as they suspected that people would bore of images that they could just as easily see by walking out into the
street.
Watch the Lumiere Brothers video at and then respond to the question on the Lumiere Brothers discussion forum.
You are responsible for one original post and two responses to other's posts.
Assignment #2: Watch the following Short History of CGI video and then responds to the question on the CGI
discussion forum. You are responsible for one original post and two responses to other’s posts.
Assignment #3: Read the following article by Mr. Roger Ebert: Why I hate 3-D and you should too and then respond to
the question on the 3-D discussion forum. You are responsible for one original post and two responses to other’s
posts.
www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2010/04/30/why-i-hate-3-d-and-you-should-too.html
(Learning Outcome #3)
Reel Three – What is a Movie?
September 9 – September 17 at 11:55 PM
Assignment #1: Read CHAPTER ONE in Looking at the Movies and then take the Reel Three quiz.
Assignment #2: Watch Hugo (2011) and then respond to the question on the Hugo discussion forum. You are
responsible for one original post and two responses to other's posts.
Assignment #3: After watching the movie, take the Hugo Quiz.
(Learning Outcome #3)
Reel Four – Form & Content
September 16– September 24 at 11:55 PM
Assignment #1: Read CHAPTER TWO in Looking at the Movies and then and then take the Reel Four quiz.
Assignment #2: Watch Disney’s Little Match Girl (2006) on YouTube and then post in the Little Match Girl
Discussion Forum. You are responsible for one original post and two responses to other's posts.
(Learning Outcome #1)
Reel Five – Genres in Movies
September 23 – October 1 at 11:55 PM
Assignment #1: Read CHAPTER THREE in Looking at the Movies and then take the Reel Five quiz.
Assignment #2: Watch Cloud Atlas (2012) and then respond to the question on the Cloud Atlas discussion forum.
You are responsible for one original post and two responses to other's posts.
Assignment #3: After watching the movie, take the Cloud Atlas Quiz.
Assignment #4: Look at your calendars and choose the two best days/times, listed below, for you to participate in
an Online Chat Session with instructor and other members of the class. I will divide the class into groups to make this
more feasible to suit everyone's schedules.
310
Thursday, October 10 between 7:00-8:00 PM
Saturday, October 12 between 2:00-3:00 PM
Sunday, October 13 between 5:00-6:00 PM
Monday, October 14 between 8:00-9:00 PM
340
Thursday, October 10 between 8:00-9:00 PM
Saturday, October 12 between 1:00-2:00 PM
Sunday, October 13 between 6:00-7:00 PM
Monday, October 14 between 7:00-8:00 PM
Post your first and second choice for dates on the Online Chat Time Discussion Forum. Please note that there is a
maximum of 10 in each discussion forum.
(Learning Outcome #5)
Reel Six – What is Narrative?
September 30 – October 8 at 11:55 PM
Assignment #1: Read CHAPTER FOUR pg 121-156 in Looking at the Movies and then take the Reel Six quiz.
Assignment #2: Watch the following YouTube video of Maestro (2005) by Geza M. Toth at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbeeoodOeSA and then take the Maestro Diegetic/Nondiegetic quiz.
(Learning Outcome #2)
Reel Seven – Looking at Narrative: John Ford's Stagecoach
October 7 – October 15 at 11:55 PM
Assignment #1: Read CHAPTER FOUR pg 157-166 in Looking at the Movies.
Assignment #2: Watch Stagecoach (1939) and then participate in the Stagecoach online chat session at your
assigned time. . Access the online chat by going to the Communicate Tab. The online chat open approx. 30 minutes
prior to the online chat beginning.
Assignment #3: After watching the movie, take the Stagecoach Quiz.
Assignment #4: The plot of Stagecoach is based on a familiar convention sometimes called ship of fools. The ship
of fools is an allegory that has long been a fixture in Western literature and art. The allegory depicts a vessel
populated by human inhabitant who are deranged, frivolous, or oblivious, passengers aboard a ship without a pilot
and seemingly innocent of their own direction.
In the twentieth century with the rise of films, the ship of fools plot convention took on a new life. In this case, it is a
group of strangers that have been thrown into a situation (usually a confined space: airplane, stagecoach, building,
and yes, a boat) and must work together by revealing or concealing their pasts.
Using YouTube find a trailer from another "ship of fools" movie and post the link in the Ship of Fools discussion
forum. You are also responsible for writing a two to three sentence description of why you think it is a "ship of fools"
movie.
This week instead of posting two responses, I want to you to pick the trailer that best represents the Ship of Fools by
making a simple reponse to the trailer’s post.
(Learning Outcome #2)
Reel Eight – Mise-en-scene: Design
October 14 – October 22 at 11:55 PM
Assignment #1: Read CHAPTER FIVE pg 171-201 in Looking at the Movies and then and then take the Reel Eight
quiz.
Assignment #2: Watch the video at http://www.scorsesefilmfreixenet.com (click on the v.o. English see tab) of the
Martin Scorsese "short film", Key to Reserva (2007), and then respond to the question on the Key to Reserva
discussion forum. You are responsible for one original post and two responses to other's posts.
Reel Nine – Mise-en-scene: Composition
October 21 – October 29 at 11:55 PM
Assignment #1: Read CHAPTER FIVE pg 202-222 in Looking at the Movies and then and then take the Reel Nine
quiz.
Assignment #2: Watch Citizen Kane (1941) and then respond to the question on the Citizen Kane Discussion
Forum. You are responsible for one original post and two responses to other’s posts.
Assignment #3: After watching the movie, take the Citizen Kane Quiz.
(Learning Outcome #1 & #6)
Reel Ten – Cinematography
October 28 – November 5 at 11:55 PM
Assignment #1: Read CHAPTER SIX pg 225-247 in Looking at the Movies and then and then take the Reel Ten
quiz.
Assignment #2: Watch the following YouTube Videos: Parallel Lines: The Porcelain Unicorn, Parallel Lines: The
Engagement; and, Parallel Lines: The Dark Room. Then answer the question in the Cinematography discussion
forum. Remember you are responsible for one original post and two responses.
(Learning Outcome #6)
Reel Eleven – Framing the Shot
November 4 – November 12 at 11:55 PM
Assignment #1: Read CHAPTER SIX pg 248-285 in Looking at the Movies and then take the Reel Eleven quiz.
Assignment #2: Watch Vertigo (1958) and then respond to the question on the Vertigo discussion forum. You are
responsible for one original post and two responses to other's posts.
(Learning Outcome #6)
Assignment #3: After watching the movie, take the Vertigo Quiz.
Reel Twelve – Acting & Aspects of Performance
November 11– November 19 at 11:55 PM
Assignment #1: Read CHAPTER SEVEN in Looking at the Movies and then take the Reel Twelve quiz.
Assignment #3: Watch the following four different film versions of the "To be or not to be" speech from
Shakespeare's Hamlet on YouTube and then respond to the question on the Acting in Hamlet discussion forum.
You are responsible for one original post and two responses to other's posts.
David Tennent
Ethan Hawke
Mel Gibson
Laurence Olivier
Assignment #4: Critical Movie Review due in drop box. Please see Critical Movie Review Handout for criteria for
this report. The paper needs to be at three pages in length (12 pt. times roman/double spaced/1” margins).
(Learning Outcome #6)
Reel Thirteen – The Film Editor
November 18– November 26 at 11:55 PM
Assignment #1: Read CHAPTER EIGHT pg 339-354 in Looking at the Movies and then take the Reel Thirteen quiz.
Assignment #2: Watch Shutter Island (2010) and then respond to the question on the Shutter Island discussion
forum. You are responsible for one original post and two responses to other's posts.
Assignment #3: After watching the movie, take the Sbutter Island Quiz.
(Learning Outcome #6)
Reel Fourteen – Editing: Continuity & Discontinuity
Novemer 25 – December 3 at 11:55 PM
Assignment #1: Read CHAPTER EIGHT pg 355-385 in Looking at the Movies and then take the Reel Fourteen quiz.
Assignment #2: Watch the YouTube video and make a comment in the Continuity and Discontinuity discussion
forum. You are responsible for one original post and two responses to other’s posts.
(Learning Outcome #6)
Reel Fifteen – Sound
December 2 – December 10 at 11:55 PM
Assignment #1: Read CHAPTER NINE in Looking at the Movies and then take the Reel Fifteen quiz.
Assignment #2: Watch A Cat in Paris (2010) and post to Cat in Paris Discussion Forum. You are responsible for
one original post and two responses.
Assignment #3: After watching the movie, take the Cat in Paris Quiz.
(Learning Outcome #6)
The Final Credits – Genre in Films Analysis Paper
Due on December 12 at 11:55 PM
Worth 110 Points (turn the paper in by December 9 and receive 15 extra credit points)
Assignment #1: Choose three films (not sequels of each other) of the same genre. Discuss the genre and how
certain elements are used in all three films. Identify signature forms, icons, or themes that each of the films have in
common. In that particular genre, how is the lighting established, what is the style in music, camera placement etc.
You need to write a minimum of 4 complete pages. This needs to be thoughtful analysis. This is not a research
paper. Make sure that your paper has a beginning, middle, and end. You should discuss all three films and then
discuss them together.
What you are wanting to show with this paper is that you can use the information that you have learn over the last
four weeks in a clear and concise way. Though you do not need to discuss all the topics that we have covered you
need to use enough of them to properly cover the subject matter. This is not a comparison of the plot summaries of
each of the films. You need to dissect them and using examples from each film compare them to the other two films
from a like genre.
Paper must be typed in Microsoft Word, double spaced, and 12 point Times Roman type. Save and label it in the
following format: 2366_Smith_Genre Analysis.doc (course number_your last name_name of the assignment.doc).
Submit it in the drop box marked Genre in Films Analysis Paper in the Final Credits Folder.
The paper must be attached to the drop box. Not pasted. It must be saved as either a Microsoft Word document or
an RTF document. If it is not save in one of these formats, then I will not be able to read it and you will not receive
the points for it.
(Learning Outcome #4)
DRAM 2366: Film Appreciation - Discussion Board
Directions: Most of the Acts in this course will require you to answer a question(s) on the discussion board.
Please answer the question as thoughtfully as possible, after reading the chapter or in some cases watching a video
on YouTube. The other online students will be posting their answers, as well; you should read them.
Remember you are required to respond to at least two of your fellow students postings. This process will take the
place of class discussions, and allow you to see other student’s perceptions and interpretations.
Remember: Each discussion question is worth a possible 30 points. (Late answers will receive 0 points.) Points will be
assigned according to the thoughtfulness of your answer, not by whether it is "right" or not, since sometimes there is
no "right" answer. Just be sure your ideas are supported by the material from the textbook or video. Hint, brief yes
and no answers are not acceptable, and yes grammar matters!
Discussion grades:
Each original post to the discussion question is worth 30 points.
25-30 points = Superior response, in-depth and thorough, treatment of topic gives good critical thought,
sentences and word choice are clear & appropriate.
19-24 points = Good response, demonstrates average ability to relates ideas, reasonably unified, sentences
clear and fluent, few errors.
13-18 points = Average response but lacks distinction, needs more detail, word choice and style appropriate
but shows little effort towards effect, a few grammatical errors.
7-12 points = Response lacks detail, brief, no real analysis of work, grammatical errors.
1-6 points = Weak response to question, trite, grammatical errors, no effort, style and language awkward,
unclear, inexact, and inept.
0 points = Did not make a post to the discussion question.
Each response to the discussion question is worth 10 points.
(Remember that you need to respond to two different posts by your fellow online students.)
7-10 points = Superior response to peers posting good question and points.
3-6 points = Responded carefully to peers posting.
1-2 points = Responded in brief to peers.
0 points =Did not post any responses.
Guidelines and Etiquette for Discussion Boards
(Adapted from Dr. Susan Shaw, Oregon State University)
• Make a personal commitment to learning about, understanding, and supporting your peers.
• Assume the best of others in the class and expect the best from them.
• Recognize and value the experiences, abilities, and knowledge each person brings to class. Value the
diversity of the class.
• Participate actively in the discussions, having completed the readings and thought about the issues.
• Pay close attention to what your classmates write in their online comments. Ask clarifying questions,
when appropriate. These questions are meant to probe and shed new light, not to minimize or devalue
comments.
• Think through and re-read your comments before you post them-check spellings and word choice.
• Sarcasm or jokes can be taken in the worst light. If you are inclined to use them, make the sarcasm
clear ☺ or (hah, hah) for example.
• Some consider all caps to be SHOUTING and take offense, so beware.
• Never make derogatory comments toward another person in the class.
• Do not make sexist, racist, homophobic, or victim-blaming comments at all.
• Disagree with ideas, but do not make personal attacks.
• Be open to be challenged or confronted on your ideas or prejudices.
• Challenge the statements of others with the intent of facilitating growth. Do not demean or embarrass
others.
• Encourage others to develop and share their ideas.
DRAM 2366 –Film Appreciation: Films to Watch for Fall 2013
During the course of the semester you are required to watch six films. It is strongly suggested that you have a
membership in an online video rental service (i.e. Netflix or Amazon Streaming). Some of these films are available at
Redbox or Blockbuster, but don’t count on it. Several of the films are available through Amazon.com’s streaming
rental system. Each of these films are on reserve at the Gainesville, Corinth, and Flower Mound NCTC libraries, but
for library use only. You must watch each of the seven films and do the assignments attached to each.
Hugo (2011)
Must have watched by September 17 at 11:55 PM
Cloud Atlas (2012)
Must have watched by October 1 at 11:55 PM
Stagecoach (1939)
Must have watched by October 15 at 11:55 PM
Citizen Kane (1941)
Must have watched by October 29 at 11:55 PM
Vertigo (1958)
Must have watched by November 12 at 11:55 PM
Shutter Island (2010)
Must have watched by November 26 at 11:55 PM
A Cat in Paris (2010)
Must have watched by December 10 at 11:55 PM