Syllabus
Film Criticism Syllabus
I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with students in the film criticism class this school year. This elective course will expose students to film and cinematography. Students will become active, critical viewers of various film genre by discussing and critiquing acting, directing and production techniques. Students will be required to write various compositions related to the films and complete outside viewing assignments. This course does not take the place of any required English course; however, all activities are correlated with the South Carolina Career and College Ready Standards due to the media literacy elements of this course. No Restricted (rated-R) or higher rated films will be not be shown in this class, and a list of films being shown with ratings of PG/PG-13 will be sent home or posted on my website in advance. If you have concerns about a film shown in this class, please contact me as this arises.
Materials Needed for Class and for Home Use:
Chromebook
Internet Access
Headphones/Earbuds
Behavior Expectations:
1. Be prompt. Be in your desk and ready to begin class when the bell rings. The bell does not dismiss this class; the teacher does. I will dismiss you after the final bell sounds if everyone is seated and quiet and all materials have been put away.
2. Be respectful. Treat everyone in the classroom with the courtesy and respect you wish to receive yourself. Pay attention and do not distract others. Also, respect the property, personal space, and opinions of others.
3. Be considerate. Think about the feelings of others before you say anything. Also, raise your hand so that each person may have a turn to speak; and don’t conduct personal business (doing your hair, gossiping, passing notes, eating/drinking, etc.) during class time.
4. Be prepared. Bring your notebook and a writing utensil to class every day. Complete your homework before coming to class each day.
5. Be present. I expect you to be in class every day! Do not ask to leave the classroom unless it is an emergency. You must have a pass to leave the classroom for any reason. .
All school rules apply in this class. Violations of class rules will result in after school detention and/or referral. Recurring infractions will result in a call home. Violations of school rules and policies will be turned over to the main office.
TARDY POLICY
See School's Tardy Policy
Class Routines and Procedures:
1. In-Class Viewing: You are expected to remain awake and watch each film shown in class— weekly class viewing grades will be reduced for inattentiveness during film screenings. You will have an accompanying assignment with each viewing and will be expected to complete the written aspect by the school day following the end of the viewing. Out of class viewing is mandatory. You must be able to access the films we watch in class while you are home during the quarantine. I will provide links for some of the films. If I do not have a link, you may check out films from the public library, rent from movie websites and apps, or watch on the networks.
2. Tests/Quizzes: Announced tests and quizzes will be on genre notes, in-class viewings, and film vocabulary. Students will have 3 days’ advance notice before a test and 1 day’s notice before a quiz.
3. Reading/Viewing Assignments: You will read informational texts, such as movie reviews, current events in films, etc. You will also view short documentaries and listen to podcasts about films and current events in the entertainment industry. A short assignment will be given to complete while reading, watching, or listening.
4. Late Work: See school make-up work policy.
1.0 Film Language. Students learn to read and interpret visual text by developing a film vocabulary, identifying editing techniques, and analyzing film elements within selected scenes.
2.0 Historical and Cultural Contexts. Students understand that a film is both a historical/social document and a cultural artifact. Students analyze social issues presented in film and form conclusions about the ways in which film influences and is influenced by the society in which it is produced.
3.0 Production and Creative Expression. Students understand that film is an expression of a director’s personal vision produced through a collaborative process. Students understand and distinguish the various filmmaking roles that contribute to the final work of art.
4.0 Viewers’ Response and Aesthetic Valuing. Students understand that a film is a work of art. Students describe, interpret, and analyze a film’s visual design. They respond to and make informed judgments about film, deriving personal meaning from the work. They express their viewpoints through oral and/or written presentations.
5.0 Cross-Curricular Connections. Students first tap their knowledge of other disciplines to study a film. They then apply what they have learned about film to other disciplines, making connections between film and literature/language arts, film and history/social studies, film and other arts, and film and sciences.
Course Description: Film Criticism—This elective course will expose students to film and cinematography. Students will become active, critical viewers of various film genre by discussing and critiquing acting, directing and production techniques. Students will be required to write various compositions related to the films. This course does not take the place of any required English course. The schedule below is TENTATIVE and the dates may be altered due to unplanned school activities.
