Syllabus for FIL-110

AMERICAN CINEMA


COURSE DESCRIPTION

For over a century, audiences around the world have learned about America by watching American motion pictures. American Cinema is an introduction to the history and language of this most influential art form. Filmmaking involves both art and craft (industry), and a deeper understanding of each creates a more critical viewer. Films, as with any artistic creation, are reflections of the culture in which they are created; they are also a reaction to change and an expression of people’s relationship to the world around them. In this course, you will study the significance of the invention of the motion picture camera, the rise of the studio system, the Hollywood style, and the production of popular genres such as  the Western, the comedy, the combat film, and horror films/science fiction. Even a casual moviegoer’s experience is deepened by a greater understanding of and appreciation for the technical and social makeup of American cinema.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

After completing this course, you should be able to:

CO 1        Discuss key developments of American film history from the silent cinema to present day.

CO 2        Apply the basic technical and critical language of motion pictures.

CO 3        Identify the relationship between film technology and art.

CO 4        Describe the role Hollywood plays in American popular culture.

CO 5        Explain the fundamental economics of the film industry.

CO 6        Discuss the role of genre in American film history and recognize the connection between some of the most popular genres and American cultural and social tensions.

CO 7        Discuss assigned viewing using appropriate film terminology.

COURSE MATERIALS

You will need the following materials to complete your coursework. Some course materials may be free, open source, or available from other providers. You can access free or open-source materials by clicking the links provided below or in the module details documents. To purchase course materials, please visit the University's textbook supplier.

Required Textbooks

ISBN: 978-0393674699

ISBN: 978-0393664898

Students please note: The publisher of these texts has provided a special package price to Thomas Edison students.

The title and ISBN for this package are:

ISBN-13: 978-0393434019

Web Resources

Required Films

You are required to view and comment on films in Modules 2 through 5 and view and write about a different film for your final project.

The required screenings are listed below, followed by the list of films from which you will choose for your final project.

Final Project Film List (choose one)

The films that you are required to screen in this course are widely available. You may want to explore services such as JustWatch.

This is a free service that allows you to search across the most popular streaming, rental, and purchasing services to find where a movie or television show is available. The service will also tell you if a movie is available through subscription services.

Most or all of these films may also be available at no charge from a public library.

COURSE STRUCTURE

American Cinema is a three-credit, online course consisting of six modules. Modules include objectives, study materials and activities.  Module titles are listed below.

Course objectives covered in this module: CO 1, CO 2, CO 3, CO 4

Course objectives covered in this module: CO 1, CO 2, CO 3, CO 7

Course objectives covered in this module: CO 1, CO 2, CO 3, CO 6, CO 7

Course objectives covered in this module: CO 1, CO 2, CO 3, CO 4, CO 6, CO 7 

Course objectives covered in this module: CO 1, CO 2, CO 3, CO 5, CO 7 

Course objectives covered in this module: CO 1, CO 2, CO 3, CO 6, CO 7

ASSESSMENT METHODS

For your formal work in the course, you are required to participate in online discussion forums, complete written assignments, take quizzes, and complete a final project. You are also required to view and write about various films as assigned. See below for details.

Consult the Course Calendar for assignment due dates.

Promoting Originality

One or more of your course activities may utilize a tool designed to promote original work and evaluate your submissions for plagiarism. More information about this tool is available in SafeAssign.

Discussion Forums

You are required to complete six graded discussion forums. The discussion forums are on a variety of

topics associated with the course modules.

Communication among fellow students and with the mentor is a critical component of online learning. Participation in online discussions involves two distinct activities: an initial response to a discussion question and at least two subsequent comments on classmates' responses.

Meaningful participation is relevant to the content, adds value, and advances the discussion. Comments such as "I agree" and "ditto" are not considered value-adding participation. Therefore, when you agree or disagree with a classmate or your mentor, state and support your position.

You will be evaluated on the quality and quantity of your participation. Responses and comments should be properly proofread and edited, professional, and respectful.

Written Assignments

American Cinema requires you to submit nine written assignments. The written assignments are on a variety of topics associated with the course modules.

Quizzes

You are required to take six quizzes, one in each module. Each quiz consists of 20 multiple-choice items. All quizzes are untimed, and you may use any materials that you like while taking the quizzes. You may take the quizzes multiple times for additional practice; the result of your most recent attempt will appear in your gradebook.

Final Project

American Cinema requires you to produce a final project due at the end of the semester. For details about this requirement, see the Final Project area of the course website. The project is a film reaction paper on a film you have chosen to view from a list provided in the course.

GRADING AND EVALUATION

Your grade in the course will be determined as follows:

All activities will receive a numerical grade of 0–100. You will receive a score of 0 for any work not submitted. Your final grade in the course will be a letter grade. Letter grade equivalents for numerical grades are as follows:

A

=

93–100

C+

=

78–79

A–

=

90–92

C

=

73–77

B+

=

88–89

C–

=

70–72

B

=

83–87

D

=

60–69

B–

=

80–82

F

=

Below 60

To receive credit for the course, you must earn a letter grade of C or better (for an area of study course) or D or better (for a course not in your area of study), based on the weighted average of all assigned course work (e.g., exams, assignments, discussion postings).

STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS

First Steps to Success

To succeed in this course, take the following first steps:

Study Tips

Consider the following study tips for success:

ACADEMIC POLICIES

To ensure success in all your academic endeavors and coursework at Thomas Edison State University, familiarize yourself with all administrative and academic policies including those related to academic integrity, course late submissions, course extensions, and grading policies.

For more, see:

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