FILM SURVEY FRANKLIN HIGH
SCHOOL
COURSE OVERVIEW
Film Survey focuses on teaching movies as visual narratives, analyzing all the
aspects of film including cinematography, directing, editing, acting, storytelling, and
ideology. While studying these valuable tools that filmmakers use, students will
better understand how movies are created and appreciate the criteria necessary to
make a film.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The course involves the study of classic and award winning films. Students will
critique both the artistic and technical merits of the films. They will study the
development of theme, plot, characterization, emotion and setting in each film. They
will also learn vocabulary words associated with filmmaking and use this language
when discussing in roundtable discussions or writing about films.
CURRICULUM OJECTIVES
 Students will identify and analyze significant films and directors.
 Students will demonstrate an understanding of the formal and narrative
elements of film.
 Students will demonstrate an understanding of the film production process and
each role of the production team.
 Students will analyze the relationship between films and the realities they
represent in today’s world.
 Students will apply varied criteria in evaluating film.
ATTENDANCE
Film survey screens all of its films in-class; therefore attendance is vital to a
student’s success. Due to the nature of the course, it is strongly recommended that
student’s attend class regularly and are on time for class. It is difficult to replicate
material when students are absent or late for class. Students will lose points off their
grade if they are late or cut class without a valid excuse. If a student misses a
screening he or she will have the responsibility of renting the film and viewing it
independently. If students have an excused and valid absence and are unable to rent
and watch a missed film, students will be excused for only one assignment per
marking period.
GRADING
Students will be graded on the following:
 Roundtable discussions.
 Class participation.
 Film reflections, summary, and critiques.
 Quizzes on films screened, vocabulary, and notes.
 Students will creative and independent or group project for final exam.
Class Rules
 Conduct yourself in a professional manner at all times.
 I will respect others ideas, space and property.
 Follow classroom procedures and obey all school, class rules
 No electronic devices should be used during.
 No Eating during class.
 Do not interrupt instruction.
 Passes are not issued during the first 5 minutes and last 5 minutes of class.
Consequences
Level 1
Warning, Teacher Conference /Action Plan
Teacher Detention
Loose credit for participation grade
Level 2
Incident Referral (Parent Notification)
Conference with Dean/Counselor Teacher Parent
Level 3
Immediate removal from class (Parent Notification)
STUDENT NAME ________________________ SIGNATURE_____________________________
Possible Genres/Films but not limited
Action: Top Gun, The Dark Night, The Matrix
Comedy: Liar, Liar, Trading Places, Tootsie, Ghost Busters
Horror: Friday the 13th Blair Witch Project The Birds, Psychco
Suspense: Captain Phillips, Casablanca
Drama: Finding Forester, Antwan Fisher, Steel Magnolias
Documentaries: Making of a Father’s Dream, The DeSean Jackson Project, When
the Levees Break
Sports: Brian’s Song, Friday Night Lights,
Biography: Historical: The Butler, The Great Debaters, The Social Network
Classics: The Breakfast Club, The Outsiders, Whatever Happen to Baby Jane
Hip Hop Classics: Do the Right Thang, Boyz in da Hood, Fruitvale Station