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Syllabus contents:
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Introduction
to
Film Analysis
Comparative Literature 270 Winter 2010 |
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Professor
James Tweedie Teaching
Assistants: Sections meet Friday at 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, or 1:30 (beginning Jan. 15) |
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Course
Description: This course is intended to provide an introduction to cinema as an artistic medium, as a source of entertainment, as the inspiration for influential cultural and philosophical writing, and as a group of social institutions with significant political and economic power. The course will be structured around three major topics: first, the basic elements of film production and reception, or the devices and strategies used by the filmmakers and the formal features of the text we eventually experience; second, crucial theoretical approaches to cinematic representation; and, third, film history, which establishes the various contexts in which these formal and conceptual developments take place. After successfully completing the course, students should be able to: • understand and use the specialized vocabulary developed by filmmakers and critics; • analyze film texts according to artistic and ethical criteria; • locate films within the historical and cultural contexts in which they are created and received; • communicate their understanding and evaluation of a film or series of films in discussion and in writing. Course Requirements: Readings: The readings will be drawn primarily from the course textbook, but they also include online essays with links noted in the syllabus and available on the course website. (Some of the URLs referenced in the syllabus are accessible only if you use a campus computer or log in through the home page of UW Libraries). These readings introduce crucial moments in film history, influential approaches to film criticism and theory, and basic elements of film form and style. Each category is equally important, and you should consider each element of the course reading—from the chapters devoted to the medium’s historical development, to those constructing theoretical and conceptual frameworks, to those explaining fundamental formal and technical terms—in dialogue with every other element. In other words, try to bring to bear your knowledge of film history or theory on your experience of the formal elements of a movie, and vice versa. Because these readings will provide background for and supplement the lectures, they should be finished before the first class meeting each week, unless they contain “spoilers” (usually marked with an asterisk). Those readings should be completed immediately after the relevant screening. Screenings: The films screened for the class will provide a point of departure for the lectures and readings. They will illustrate some of the important historical and conceptual issues raised in the course; but, if viewed closely and attentively, they will also compel us to rethink some of those same categories. If we see a film advertised as “expressionist,” for example, you should try to understand how and why critics and filmmakers have attached that term to the film. Try to identify the expressionist elements of the film and arrive at a working definition of cinematic expressionism. But, at the same time, never take these critical vocabularies for granted or treat them as received truth. Historical movements, film theories, and stylistic distinctions are always subject to revision. While you will be encouraged to work through and understand the more abstract and general ideas presented in the textbook and the lectures, you should also engage intensely with the films themselves, with what you see and hear. The readings should allow you to see the films in a new way, and the films should allow you to challenge the readings and eventually begin to develop your own approach to film analysis. Assignments: There will be three written assignments for the course: two in-class midterms (each 25% of the final grade) and one sequence analysis paper (shot breakdown plus 4-5 pages; 30% of final grade). Quizzes at section meetings (10% of final grade) and participation in section (10%) make up the remainder of the graded component of the course. The midterms will be designed to determine the extent of your engagement with the required readings, the material presented in lecture, and the films viewed in class. Although I will review some of the important information in class, the best preparation for the exams will be regular attendance and careful reading. The sequence analysis assignment will be explained in a forthcoming handout. Because deadlines are a regular and necessary part of academic and everyday life, late papers are only barely acceptable and may be penalized by one quarter grade point for each day late. Students are required to complete all evaluated assignments. Non-fulfillment of any individual assignment listed above may result in a non-passing grade for the course as a whole. Participation: You will be expected to participate actively in discussions about the readings and films. Screening and Class Etiquette: Please
refrain from any activity that may diminish the enjoyment or detract
from the learning experience of the people around you. This is
especially
important during the screenings, and you should treat the classroom as
you
would a movie theater by silencing your cell phones and not talking
unless
absolutely necessary. You may use laptops to take notes during class,
but
please take the steps necessary to limit “blue screen” pollution and
perhaps
lower the brightness on your screen. Please do not use your computer
for other
purposes during class meetings. It is unlikely that you will need to
use your
laptops during screenings, and cell phones will almost certainly be
unnecessary
during both lectures and screenings. Because the sound of tapping keys
and the
light from the screen can be annoying to other students watching the
film,
please do not use them at all once the room is dark.
Plagiarism: Plagiarism is a serious offense. It undermines the fundamental mission of the university and sanctions are therefore severe. For information about the definition of plagiarism and the mandated UW penalties, please see the following website: http://depts.washington.edu/grading/issue1/honesty.htm. Disability-Related Needs: The University of Washington is committed to providing access, and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. For information or to request disability accommodation contact: Disabled Student Services (Seattle campus, matriculated students) at (206) 543-8924/V, (206) 543-8925/TTY, (206) 616-8379 (FAX), or e-mail at uwdss@u.washington.edu. |
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Contact the instructor at: jtweedie@u.washington.edu
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