CONTACT INFORMATION
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed to introduce the student to the elements of cinematic art through analysis of key films. Students will critically view film as a literary work with respect to authorship, setting, character, plot, theme, symbolism and cultural significances. Students will participate in listening and speaking activities including class discussions, informal responses, formal presentations and projects. Students will read a variety of writings dealing with film theory and film review. A substantial written component of the course consists of informal personal responses, film review, and formal analytical essays. More than just a class for movie watching, this course is designed for those who are serious about learning to listen, speak, read and write better through the study of film.
Film Study Disclaimer:
Films will have various ratings used by the Motion Picture Association of America’s film-rating system and ALL films have been reviewed and deemed appropriate for our class. These films explore sociocultural, artistic, political and scientific endeavors. We will also view films as art, propaganda, communication and analyze the effects of film on society in general. Scenes that portray nudity or are sexually graphic will not be viewed. You will NOT be permitted to watch any R Rated movies until you return the parent permission form.
CLASS MATERIALS:
Film Viewing Notebook -- a spiral/composition notebook that you use ONLY for this class. We will use these DAILY. You should also always have pen/pencil in class.
CLASSWORK & HOMEWORK
Grades will be based on:

Informal writing assignments before/after viewing movies

Vocabulary Quizzes

Analytical Essays & Film Reviews

Viewing Guides

Group Projects

Participation
Participation points will be deducted for students who sleep, talk, use their cell phones, do homework for other classes, etc. while we’re viewing movies in class.

ATTENDANCE, LATE WORK, & MAKE-UP WORK
Attendance is VITAL because of the amount of footage shown in class. Almost all these films can be ordered through Netflix, Amazon, etc. if an absence occurs. It is the job of the student to find out the work missed and to order the film if needed. I will not lend out my films for students to watch.
All makeup work is the student’s responsibility. Students or parents are encouraged to email me (OR check the class website) to find out what assignments were missed due to an absence. If students don’t check in via email, then they need to see me at an appropriate time (before/after school, before/after class) on their first day back in class to find out what they missed while not at school.
GRADING
Grading Scale Grading Categories
100 – 92 A Category 1 (Formative) - Classwork and Homework 40%
91 – 83 B Category 2 (Summative) - Tests, Quizzes, Projects, Essays, Etc. 45%
82 – 74 C Category 3 - Semester Exam/End of Course Exam 15%
73 – 65 D
64 – 0 F
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
1.
Arrive On-Time & Prepared
2.
Communicate: Share & Listen
3.
Engage: Be Present & Participate
4.
Be Positive, Polite, & Respectful
5.
Follow Directions
NOT FOLLOWING GUIDELINES & EXPECTATIONS WILL RESULT IN:
1.
Verbal Warning 2. Student Conference 3. Parental Contact 4. Office Referral
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:
All forms of academic dishonesty including plagiarism, cheating, copying, sharing work, etc. will result in a zero (no credit) on the assignment for all parties involved. In addition to no credit being given for the work, no opportunity to make up or redo the assignment will be given, the student(s) in violation will receive disciplinary action
(including a notation on their transcript) and parents will be contacted. Unless otherwise designated, all assignments for my class are INDIVIDUAL work.
Please keep in mind this class is meant to be enjoyed. Essentially, it’s a time for us to come together and watch movies and have thoughtful discussions about them. Yes, there will be assignments to carry out, but think of them as opportunities to look at film in a new and interesting ways. You will never again view movies the same way after leaving this course!