RTVF 4383\4384 - The History of American Film Industry

1. Course Information
2. Required and Supplemental Course Material
3. Overview
4. Information for Students with Disabilities
5. Course Author
6. Course Requirements and Evaluation
   

Credit Hours: 03
Prerequisites: RTVF 3300, COMM 3500, COMM 3600, sophomore standing or departmental approval and a minimum 2.3 GPA
Instructor: Ms. Jennifer McCullars
Email: mcculj1@auburn.edu
Phone: 334-844-1610

Delivery Systems:

This course requires a computer with Internet access. You will need to be able to adjust settings, install software and plug-ins, and be able to create files on the computer you will be using. Please be advised that public\lab computers often prevent these types of activities. You should check to ensure that you have these capabilities before participating in this course.

Required Course Material:
Belton, John. American Cinema/American Culture. McGraw Hill, 1993. (ISBN: 007004466X) (Used book - $42.50)
The American Cinema video collection
Corrigan, Timothy. A Short Guide to Writing About Film. 4th Edition. Longman, 2000. (ISBN: 0321081145) (New book - $20.80)

Supplemental Texts (Optional):
Bordwell, David, Janet Staiger, and Kristin Thompson. The Classical Hollywood Cinema: Film Style and Mode of Production to 1960. New York: Columbia University Press, 1985.
Sikov, Ed. Study Guide for American Cinema. New York: McGraw-Hill, Inc. 1994.
Thompson, Kristin, and David Bordwell. Film History: An Introduction. New York: McGraw-Hill, Inc., 1994.

This class is designed as a history of the American film industry and its relationship to U.S. society.
The course is only available through the Internet using WebCT, an integrated learning environment. The minimum system requirements for using WebCT are the following:

Auburn University is committed to providing accommodations and services to students with documented disabilities.  Students who have questions or need special accommodations to participate in distance education courses should contact The Program for Students with Disabilities, 1244 Haley Center, Auburn University, AL 36849; PH: (334) 844-2096; FAX: (334) 844-2099; E-Mail: haynemd@auburn.edu; URL: http://www.auburn.edu/disability.  

Dr. J. Emmett Winn received his Ph.D. from the Department of Communication at the University of South Florida. He is an Associate Professor of Communication at Auburn University where he teaches a variety of courses in film studies and mass communication. He is the proud recipient of several teaching awards. Dr. Winn has published articles in several regional, national and international film journals and has presented numerous scholarly papers at conferences. He is also the faculty advisor for the Auburn Film Society and is active in directing their annual student video contest and film festival.

There will be two major examinations (mid-term and final) for this course, thirteen unit self-tests, thirteen written assignments, and a research paper. The examinations may be taken in the Distance Learning Office, Petrie Annex, Auburn University. Make arrangements for taking these examinations by contacting JoAnn Qualls at 334-844-3106.

If you cannot come to Auburn, you may request to take these examinations under the supervision of a proctor. Please review the information on the Examination Proctor Form to find out more information about this process. If you have any questions not covered by the Examination Proctor Form, contact JoAnn Qualls at 334-844-3106.

Assignment Submissions

There will be thirteen assignments that you will submit through the assignment dropbox. If you have problems or questions about submitting assignments, contact Bradley Morgan at 334-844-3120.

Self-Tests

There will be thirteen self-tests that you will take online using WebCT. Review the section "Taking a WebCT Quiz" in the Introduction to WebCT on the course home page. If you have problems or questions about taking an online quiz, contact Bradley Morgan at 334-844-3120.

RESEARCH PAPER: You must complete an independent research paper. In general, topics may come from a wide range of interests that include historical, technical, critical, economic, and cultural approaches. Likewise they may focus on specific films, industry matters, social concerns, individuals and groups who were important to the American film industry, and other matters that pertain to our subject.

Evaluation: Your course grade is determined according to the number of points you earn on the various graded work:

585-650 = A (Superior)
520-584 = B (Good)
455-519 = C (Satisfactory)
390-454 = D (Passing but unsatisfactory)
0-389 = F (Failure)