Film+Lit+Syllabus

**Fall 2010** English Dept., Rm. 22 Semester One (541) 790-8056 Room 408 bodtker_i@4j.lane.edu Office Hours: p.3 & p.7
 * Film Literature** Ms. Bodtker

Welcome to Film Literature. During this one semester class we will look at the differences and similarities in visual and verbal story structure; we will discuss issues of structure, genre, characterization, plot, and theme and discover how these are presented differently in visual and verbal media. We will read about making films and we'll read film reviews; at the same time we will also read books and stories that are thematically connected to each unit. We will learn about film editing, shots, angles and why directors make the choices they do and how those choices compare to the choices made by writers. We will go over the early history of film and some of the biggest changes that have happened to the art over time. We will also discuss the extensive job opportunities in the film industry. Students will analyze both books and films in essays as well as small group and class discussion.

**Primary Texts** In addition to watching films and reading books, we will read short stories and articles and watch a variety of film clips. Films will include some of the following: //Run, Lola, Run//; //Singin' in the Rain//; //The Magnificent Seven//; //Casablanca//; //Boyz n the Hood//; //The Frighteners//; //The Conversation;// and //Big Fish.// Readings will include short stories on time travel, technology change, and risk-taking, and some Salinger short stories. We will also read //How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accent// by Julia Alvarez, a Louis L'Amour western novel, and //Cat's Cradle// by Kurt Vonnegut. While some of these films are difficult to watch or controversial, we will be discussing the effectiveness of the choices the director made and whether or not another choice could have conveyed each theme as well.

**Attendance** Attendance is critical to your success in this class. If you are ill, or your absence is excused for another reason, be sure to have your parent or guardian call the attendance office. Students who accrue five or more unexcused absences will receive partial credit for the class. You will not be able to make up quizzes or work from any days you miss unless the absence has been excused.

**Grading and Assignments** Scores of quizzes, tests, homework assignments, group work, class work, and essays will be compiled to reach a final grade. Reading quizzes and quizzes based on the previous day's class discussion may be unannounced. Therefore, it is very important to pay attention to the class discussion and to keep up with the reading. Grades will be figured in the traditional manner: A= 90 – 100%; B= 80 – 89%; C= 70 – 79%; D= 60 – 69%. Please note that a grade of 60% is required to pass the course. All assignments have deadlines. Late work will be accepted only after an excused absence. Plagiarism, the use of another person's work or wording without attribution, will result in zero points for that assignment. Do your own work in your own words on all assignments. Any person assisting another to plagiarize will also lose credit. The Pass/ No Pass option is not available in English classes. Appropriate modifications and accommodations will be made for identified special needs.

**Classroom Expectations** Be on time and ready to work when the bell rings. Come to class prepared! Bring a pencil, black or blue pen, paper and the text. Failure to be prepared may result in a tardy. Participate in the day's discussion. Listen to others and let them hear your perspective. Electronic devices that are seen or heard or used will be confiscated. Students may pick them up from a school administrator at the end of the day.

** Office Hours ** I am available for individual help periods 3 and 7 in room 22, the English Department office. Make an appointment if you want to be sure to find me. Let me know if something in the class is not going well for you. We can usually find a solution. It's going to be a great semester! ---

I have read the course information and understand the classroom expectations. In signing this, the student's parent or guardian is giving permission for the student to watch the films listed in the syllabus.

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