RTVF 2353\2354 - Introduction to Film Studies  

3 Semester Hours

Credit Hours: 03
Instructor: Ms. Jennifer McCullars
Email: mcculj1@auburn.edu
Phone: 334-844-1610
Prerequisites: Sophomore Standing and a minimum 2.3 GPA

Delivery Systems:

This class is designed as an introduction to film analysis, modes of film practice and critical approaches to the study of cinema.

The course is divided into two parts. The first part is designed to instruct the student into the narrative (e.g. story, plot, narration) and stylistic (e.g. editing, cinematography, mise-en-scene, and sound) elements of filmmaking. The second portion of the class is designed to introduce you to various critical approaches to the study of film and the various modes of film practice.

Almost everyone enjoys going to the movies but few, in comparison, ever learn much about the art of filmmaking or the critical approaches to explaining films. For the general public the study of film is primarily learning trivia about their favorite motion pictures, entertainers and directors. However, the serious study of how movies make meaning is a challenging and interesting endeavor. We are constantly exposed to information about the latest movies and their budgets, stars, directors and reviewers’ evaluations of the films but the most exciting and interesting aspects of film are left to those of us who are willing to commit to film studies on a more rigorous (and in this case academic) level.

Undertaking the challenge of film studies will require you start at the beginning and learn the basics of the discipline and then as you proceed you will have to synthesize new material with the old. The work is not easy and it is not always exciting but the end result is rewarding and enjoyable.

In order to help you with your studies the text books talk about many films that you can view on your own. I suggest that you do this as supplemental material. Understanding that everyone will have different video-rental options available to them several selections are used. As you read the text you will be able to identify these films and decide if you would like to view them. As regular assignments I ask you to view a film of your choice. When deciding what film to see do not feel that you are limited to rental options because many films are screened weekly on television and in theaters.

1) To study film techniques in order to understand how movies produce meaning. This involves reading from the texts and viewing assignments as well as exercises which will require you to watch films and apply the information from the readings to the everyday day experience of movie going. This objective is designed to first expose you to the information and secondly help you to understand and apply this new knowledge. Even though you will only participate in the course for a limited time you will probably watch movies for the rest of your life and so this course seeks to help you develop skills that you will use whenever you experience cinema.

2) To see how films may be analyzed critically using the knowledge obtained in the first objective. Almost all of us are exposed to film critics. Sometimes we agree with the critics and sometimes we disagree with the critics on a particular film. There are many types of film criticism and knowing about them makes it easier to analyze films and to understand other's evaluations of motion pictures. Films move us emotionally and learning about film criticism is a powerful tool in understanding movies. This objective is accomplished by text readings, viewing assignments and exercises that will require you to take the information and use it to analyze films on your own.

3) To learn to understand and appreciate all modes of film practice. We know the kinds of films we like and probably some that we dislike. Part of enjoying a film is understanding the film. This part of the course is designed to expose you to different modes of film practice and to help you to understand how and why they are different. In this way you will be better able to understand and appreciate a wider variety of films. That is a reward that may enrich your life for many years.

Ms. Johnson is available to answer questions or assist students with problems associated with the course. Please feel free to contact Ms. Johnson in her office or by e-mail.

Bordwell, David and Kristen Thompson. FILM ART: An Introduction. 6th Edition. New York: McGraw-Hill, Inc., 2000. Bywater, Tim and Thomas Sobchack. INTRODUCTION TO FILM CRITICISM: Major Critical Approaches to Narrative Film. 1st Edition. New York: Longman Inc., 1989.  

Division I: Film Form

I. Introduction to course
II. Film Form
III. Narrative and Narration
IV. Mise-en-scene
V. Cinematography
VI. Editing
VII. Sound
VIII. The Midterm Exam

Division II: Modes of Film Practice and Critical Approaches

IX. Genre Approach and Journalistic Approach
X. Humanist Approach
XI. Documentary and Animation
XII. European Art Cinema and the Auteur Approach
XIII. The Final Exam  

A NOTE ON USING THE OUTLINE:

The outline section is not simply an outline of the readings. It is a guide to the most important concepts and terms from the readings; it contains additional information, examples, and clarifications. I have designed it to aid you in the successful completion of the course.

I suggest that before you do the readings you scan over the outline in order to get an idea of what you are about to read. Then, after reading, check your understanding of the material by again going over the outline. If parts of the material seem confusing to you then you will have a good indication of what you need to review in the reading. The outline is not a substitute for the reading. It is a tool to help you better understand the material. Having taught this course for several years, I have learned that the reading often needs to be condensed and clarified for the student. It also helps to relieve some of the stress involved with learning many new concepts and terms.  

The course units are divided into five basic elements: The reading/viewing assignment, the discussion section, the outline, the learning objectives and the written assignment. I've designed the discussion sections to serve several functions. Never rush through a unit. Remember you have accepted the challenge of film studies so each step is important to your goal. Therefore, I suggest that before you do the readings you scan over the discussion section and assignment in order to get an idea of what you are going to be reading and viewing. Some of the reading assignments are very long and include many examples from films you may not have seen. After reading them you may wonder if you have mastered the material. In these cases the discussion section should help you to realize if you need to review the reading. Other times they will present new material designed to supplement the reading/viewing assignment or stimulate a more thoughtful critical reading of the assigned material. The Learning Objectives/Self-Tests should help you to focus your study and understanding of the material.

Film Studies is a challenging endeavor. It requires you to learn many technical aspects of filmmaking as well as the historical, cultural, artistic and critical aspects of motion pictures. You should not expect to receive a high grade for this course unless you are prepared to spend the required time on the course. You will have to spend time reading and understanding the text materials, going over the assignments thoroughly and most importantly learning the material, and (then the real work begins) you will have to take the information and skills you have acquired and apply them to your film experiences and use them to answer the questions on the final exam. This course should take no longer than the time required for the on-campus course, however, remember the students on campus spend several hours per week in class and that does not include all the out of class time they spend on this material.

Your grade for this class will be computed from your performance on thirteen assignments. These assignments include written assignments for each unit, a midterm exam, and the final exam. The written assignments are short answer and essay based questions. The midterm and final exams include both multiple choice questions and essay questions.  

The final course grades are determined by the following scale:

If you score...

• 90-100 points = A (Superior)
  
• 80-89 points = B (Good)
  
• 70-79 points = C (Acceptable)
  
• 60-69 points = D (Passing but unsatisfactory)
  
• below 60 points = F (Failure)  

The following criteria is used in assessing the letter grades:

A.) Shows that the work is superior and exemplary. You have demonstrated that you have mastered the material and have successfully conveyed your mastery in your answer.

B.) Shows that the work is good. You have demonstrated that you have a good understanding of the material and can apply that understanding.

C.) Shows that you have satisfactorily answered the question. An answer that meets the basic requirements of the question will receive a C grade.

D.) Shows that you have answered the question but unsatisfactorily. F You have failed to satisfactorily answer the question.

Your course grade is calculated according to the following percentages:

• 11 unit assignments each worth 3 points = 33 points
  
• The midterm = 27 points
  
• The Final= 40 possible points

Auburn University is committed to providing accommodations and services to students with documented disabilities. Any learner with a qualified disability which requires accommodations should contact The Program for Students with Disabilities, 1244 Haley Center, Auburn University, AL 36849, 334-844-2096 PH, 334-844-2099 FAX. More information is available on their website at www.auburn.edu/disability. The office will fax or mail the required forms to learners to apply for services. Learners who have questions to participate in this course should contact the above office in advance to ensure proper accommodations.  

Dr. J. Emmett received his Ph.D from the Department of Communication at the University of South Florida in 1999. He is an active film scholar and movie buff. Dr. Winn is an Assistant Professor of Communication at Auburn University and teaches a variety of courses in the fields of film studies and mass communication. He has twice been honored with teaching awards as the 1996-1997 International Communication Association Graduate Teacher of the Year at the University of South Florida, and as the 1998-1999 Student Government Association’s Outstanding Liberal Arts Faculty member at Auburn University.

Dr. Winn has published articles in several national and international journals including: The Journal of Broadcasting and Electronic Media, Kinema: A journal for Film and Audiovisual Media, Asian Cinema, and the Journal of Popular Culture. Likewise, Dr. Winn has presented numerous scholarly papers at national and regional conferences throughout the United States.

Dr. Winn is also the faculty advisor for the Auburn Film Society and is very active in helping with that organization’s annual student video contest and film festival. At home, he enjoys watching movies and doing home improvement projects.