Ms. Rice Spring Semester 2016
Description:
This course presents an introduction to international film history, focusing in particular on certain important moments and themes for technological, aesthetic, social and economic reasons.
This class offers an exhaustive, even if very selective, overview of cinema history, and explores the basic tools for analyzing the art of film.
Throughout the course we will learn how to develop a historical appreciation of film and acquire a critical, technical, and aesthetic vocabulary relating to particular cinematic practices and structures. We will examine how meaning in films is conditioned by the uses of camera, editing, lightning, sound, and acting, explore the impact of technological developments on film production, and evaluate the importance of genre and the legacy of individual directors throughout the history of cinema.
Objectives:
• To examine aspects of film
• To explore how Hollywood reflects history and society and vice versa
• To investigate how the categories of race, class, gender, region, and sexuality are
represented in film
• To compare works in the same genres
• To look at films throughout history and assess their similarities and differences
• To analyze directors and their bodies of works

Ms. Rice Spring Semester 2016
Demonstrating the Competency – Acquiring this competency requires the following elements:
- Assigned Readings
- Short Writing Assignments: reaction statements to films, essay tests and summary pages
- Class Discussions
- One 3-5 page paper or equivalent project
Required Reading:
Students will be required to read articles provided both online and in class. Handouts and websites will be given in class or on my teacher website.
Materials Needed for Class:
Students will need a binder for the handouts and notes that will be given in class. You may want to have a notebook as well or some loose leaf paper in the binder for additional notes and writing assignments in class.
Grading:
 The standard school grading scale will be used
 Writing and class discussions will be an integral part of the class
 Various types of assignments will be completed both in and out of class
 Assignments are due on or before the due dates. Without a legitimate excuse,
late work will automatically be reduced 10% for each day it is late.
 You have the amount of days you were out to make up assignments. If you miss a
test, you will be expected to make it up the day you return to school. See me
ASAP for make-ups.
Expectations:
Students are expected to:
 Perform to the best of their ability
 Be respectful of everyone in class
 Participate
 Be prepared

Ms. Rice Spring Semester 2016
Classroom Policies:
In addition to all the school and district rules, policies, and procedures, these additional policies will be followed in this course:
 Be seated when the bell rings. You must ALWAYS ask permission to leave the room.
 Be on time to class.
 No cell phones or ipods during class—unless the assignment calls for it
 Consequences for breaking any of these policies may include a loss of privileges, a phone call home, and/or an office referral
Contact information
I am available every day before and after school, and I have a plan period 3 rd and 7 th . I can also be reached by email: ricejm@svsd.net
Also, please use my teacher’s website on www.svsd.net
as I will be posting the week’s handouts and assignments on there.

Ms. Rice Spring Semester 2016
Citizen Kane vs. Vertigo vs. Casablanca
Suspense
Psycho
The Birds
Jaws
The Sixth Sense
The History of Special Effects
The Wizard of Oz
ILM Documentary
Star Wars: Episode IV
TBD
Teenage Angst
Discussion of John Hughes and his impact on the 80s and today’s teen films
The Making of Ferris Bueller
Ferris Bueller
Final project: Evaluation of a chosen director and analysis of 3-4 films done by the director