PerryHigh School

Dr. Valerie Dopp

Perry High School

dopp.valerie@cusd80.com

FILM STUDIES I (1888 – 1962)

Course Description:

This course offers a panoramic overview of the development of film from the first celluloids and silent shorts with icons like Charlie Chaplin, to the technological advancements of sound and color, on into the studio boom of the 1930s-1960s. Students will learn film vocabulary and concepts while formulating rich interpretations in analysis through written and verbal critiques. Students will examine the fundamental elements of film including narrative form, sound, color, cinematography, and various film genres. Students will also examine the cultural aspects of film and be able to relate these aspects to the growth of the industry.

Films:

You can see the list of film titles we may view at the end of the syllabus. All films are rated G to PG-13.

Grades:  

Grade point values will be assigned for film notes, projects, quizzes, and writing assignments. There will be occasional opportunities for extra credit, but it is always best to keep current with classwork and assignments – since watching films is very time consuming, getting caught up on many assignments is more work than quickly making up work from an absence. There will be several creative projects. Grades will be updated regularly online. Grade categories and weights are as follows:

Film Notes & Analysis: 30%

Projects: 15%

Quizzes: 40%

Written Assignments: 15%

Rules & Expectations:

• Students are expected to participate fully in all class activities and discussions: watch films, view PowerPoint presentations, turn in film notes, participate in projects, take quizzes.
• Students will remain awake and attentive during films.
• Student will be respectful of the teacher and of one another. There will be NO TALKING during a film.
• No gum, food, or drink is allowed in the classroom (other than water in a closed container).
• No cell phones or headphones/ear buds are allowed during class time, except for camera related projects.
• Students will follow the school dress code.
• Students are expected to keep an open mind and learn from the films in the course.

If a student violates any of the above rules, he/she will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include a conference with the teacher, standing for the remainder of the class period, cell phone placed on teacher desk, a parent phone call, a disciplinary referral or any combination of the above. If a student continues to violate the rules, a parent conference with an administrator will be scheduled to determine whether the student should remain in the class.

Film Study Notes: Some Guidelines

1. Answer questions completely. You will not be given credit for incomplete answers.
2. Use complete sentences or phrases – no one-word answers.
3. Be specific. Explicit examples from the film are required to prove you actually paid attention.
4. Write in a legible and reasonable size. Text that is too big makes you appear lazy. Text that is microscopically small just irritates the teacher (and gives her a headache!). Scribbling is wasted. If I cannot read it, you do not get credit for it.
5. Support your opinions. If you did not like a film, give specific reasons as to why you didn’t like it. If you loved a film, give specific examples as to why it was good. Responses such as: “I didn’t like it because it wasn’t in color” or “I liked it because it was funny” say NOTHING! Think and come up with a reasonable answer.
6. Keep it relevant. Every good work of art imparts a message, often of cultural significance. Always make a serious effort to determine how a film may relate to you personally and culturally.
7. Always keep in mind the historical setting of a film. Think about what was going on in the world at the time and how the film reflects the values, struggles, and hopes of the people of the era. Just listing “it was during the war” is not applying it to the time. There must be some cause and effect.
8. Turn work in on time. Film notes are due when the film ends. Film notes handed in late will only receive half credit.

Make Up Work and Absences:

Some absences are unavoidable and necessary. However, please understand that it is impossible to replace the experience of actually seeing a film. It is vitally important that you keep your absences at a minimum. If you have 11 absences, no matter what your grade in the class, you will not receive credit unless the hours and movies missed are made up online.

Make up work will be granted for EXCUSED absences only. Assignments missed due to unexcused absences will receive a score of a ZERO. If you miss a film due to an excused absence, the following procedure may apply:

1. At home or in the library, go to www.imdb.com and look up the film. This internet movie database is an excellent source of information about the film. Read the complete synopsis of the movie. Use this information to create your notes.
2. If possible, rent or stream the movie and watch the part you missed. Again, nothing can replace the experience of actually seeing the film.
3. Complete your notes and hand them in the next day. Turn them in on time within the make-up period in order to receive full credit. For example, if you are absent on a Monday and we finish the film on Monday. You have Tuesday to make up your notes and turn them in on Wednesday at the beginning of the class. You will receive a “0” until make-up work is turned in & graded.
4. Most of the course material, including lecture slides and assignments, can be accessed on Google Classroom.

Film Studies Compliance Agreement

Please complete the following information and return this page for a grade.

My student and I have read and understand the rules, policies, and expectations as they apply to

Dr. Dopp’s class. By signing this agreement, we agree to abide by and uphold the rules set forth.

Parent Consent

My student and I have read the syllabus and the current film lists thoroughly and understand that all the films listed may be partially viewed, viewed in full, and/or discussed at length.

Syllabus and film lists can be accessed on Dr. Dopp’s website Film Studies page.

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns regarding curriculum and/or supplemental materials, please don’t hesitate to contact me via email at dopp.valerie@cusd80.com

Printed Student Name ____________________________   Class: ______________ Period _____

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