Film Studies Program - University of Missouri-Columbia

German 2810
(= Film Studies 2810)
WS 2006

Instructor: Roger Cook
CookRF@missouri.edu
phone: 882-9452
office: 451 GCB
office hours:
Monday 1:45-2:30
Wednesday 1:45-2:30

Screenings:
Tuesday evenings,
7-9:30 GCB 105

Class hours:
M and W 12:30-1:45
GCB 114

German 2810 Home :: Course Information :: Course Schedule

Film Studies 2810 - Introduction to Film Analysis

jump to: Course Description | Grade Distribution | Required Texts | Course Policies

Instructor: Roger Cook
Email: CookRF@missouri.edu
Telephone: 882-9452
Office: 451 GCB
Office Hours: Monday 1:45–2:30 and Wednesday 1:45–2:30

Screenings: Monday evening, 7 - 9:30 (GCB 105)
Class hours: Monday/Wednesday 12:30-1:45 (GCB 114)

Course Description [ top ]

Starting with an introduction into the formalist aspects of film art, this course explores how films function as cultural texts. We will view feature films in conjunction with the study of an introductory film text. The films will provide an opportunity to apply the knowledge of formal elements gained from the text to important works from the last 70 years of American cinema. Our discussion and analysis of these films will provide a broad overview of the genres, traditions, styles, and formal techniques that have evolved over the first 120 years of cinema. While this introduction can only hope to scratch the surface of a rich cultural form, it will add to your enjoyment and appreciation of film and deepen your understanding of the relationship between cinema and social practice.

Each week we will view one full-length film outside of class that will serve as an example of the aspect of film being studied that week. In class, we will view a selection of film clips (from both that week's film and other films) that enable us to analyze the featured film technique more extensively.

Course Meetings:

The films will be shown in the regularly scheduled Tuesday evening slot (7 – 9:30 pm, in GCB bldg., room 105). Attendance at these screenings is mandatory, whether you have seen the film previously or not. If you will not be able to attend a Tuesday screening, you must let me know well ahead of time and we will arrange an alternative opportunity to view the film prior to the Wednesday class.

Attendance:

Attendance at both the screenings and the class sessions is required. Missing classes will result in the loss of attendance points and reflect badly on your participation grade.

After two unexcused absences from the class and/or the screenings, you will lose 10 points for every other unexcused absence.

Grade Distribution [ top ]

analytical film essay	25%	250 points
2 sequence analyses (6 pts. each)	12%	120 points
writing assignment week 5	10%	100 points
writing assignment week 10	8%	80 points
mid-term test	20%	200 points
second test	15%	150 points
class participation	10%	100 points
TOTAL		1000 points

Participation grade: You will be graded not on the basis of how much you say in class, but rather of the quality of your participation. Quality participation will reflect that you are watching the films attentatively and reading the assignments. Questions about something you do not understand may contribute more to a positive participation grade than statements designed to show your familiarity with the readings or films. Opinions or views that oppose my own (or those of other students) will not be detrimental to your participation grade. To the contrary, an exchange of differing or opposing ideas usually helps to clarify the meaning of a concept or the issues surrounding a theme. All that is required is that you treat participants in the discussion with respect. I am much more interested in your own thoughts and questions than in hearing you repeat what I have said or saying what you think I might want to hear.

Required Texts [ top ]

The Film Experience: An Introduction. Timothy Corrigan and Patricia White. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2004.

Supplementary texts that discuss the films we view in the context of the relevant chapter of The Film Experience. These texts are on the course web site and accessible by links on the "Course Schedule" page.

Additional Readings on the Films in the Course

Click here for a list of additional readings on the films we are viewing in the course.

Course Policies [ top ]

Academic Dishonesty:
Academic honesty is fundamental to the activities and principles of a university. All members of the academic community must be confident that each person's work has been responsibly and honorably acquired, developed, and presented. Any effort to gain an advantage not given to all students is dishonest whether or not the effort is successful. The academic community regards academic dishonesty as an extremely serious matter, with serious consequences that range from probation to expulsion. When in doubt about plagiarism, paraphrasing, quoting, or collaboration, consult the course instructor.

Americans with Disabilities Act:
If you have special needs as addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and need assistance, please notify the Office of Disability Services, A048 Brady Commons, 882 4696, or the course instructor immediately. Reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate your special needs.

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