Term: Fall 2010 (Sept. 7-Dec. 18, 2010)
Course Number:
MFA 373X
Instructor:
Mr. Walter Skiba
Office Phone:
219-473-4270, (Illinois) 773-721-0202, ext. 270
E-mail:
wskiba@ccsj.edu
Office Hours: MF—10 a.m.-4 p.m., immediately be=
fore
and after class
Course Time: T—3:30-6:30 p.m.
Instructor Background: Education: Bachelor of A=
rts
in speech and theater, St. Joseph’s College Calumet Campus; Master of Arts =
in Theater,
University of Connecticut; Master of Music, Roosevelt University.
P=
ositions
at CCSJ: Associate Professor of sp=
eech,
music and theater; chairperson, Department of Liberal Arts. Length of service: 1971-present. Regular contributor to the Times—feature
articles on music, theater and art events, books, people, travel. Cantor at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Activities: vegetable gardening and
walking. Residence: Whiting. Wife: Mary. Children: Frank (2=
9),
Jessica (22).
Textbooks:
Belton, John. American Cinema/American Culture, =
Third
Edition. McGraw-Hill, 2009.
Sikov, Ed. American Cinema Study Guide, Third
Edition. McGraw-Hill, 2009.
Optional components: Ten one-hour and three half-hour video
programs from PBS. VHS tapes or DV=
Ds can
be rented from ACT/RMI Media (application forms available in bookstore).
Supplement: Blackboard is used as an online
supplement. Go to www.ccsj.edu/blackbo=
ard and follow login procedures.
Class Policy on Attendance: Regular attendance is expected; roll wi=
ll be
kept. Missing more than 3 classes will adversely impact one’s final grade a=
nd
may incur an administrative withdrawal.
Class Policy for Assignments:
Students taking American Cinema as their first =
course
will be expected to
--write 2-3 page reports/reviews of 11 films vi=
ewed
in coordination with Study Guide units, plus one film seen at a theater (12
reports in all), addressing discussion questions in handout for each film
studied in class. Two additional films studied in class and one live play m=
ay
be reviewed to make up missing reports (except the film seen at a theater) =
or
to earn additional points. Reports=
are
due the class immediately following the screening.
--complete all 11 self-tests in the Study Guide
including the essay questions, with the following exceptions. In place of t=
he
questions in Lessons 4-8, students are asked to describe genre characterist=
ics
and conventions such as storylines, characters, settings, cinematography and
other film techniques. For Units 10 and 11, students are asked to write an
essay about a director listed in each unit. Essay responses should be writt=
en
competently in complete sentences and paragraphs. Ideas should be stated clearly, develop=
ed in
sufficient detail, and presented in a logical order. Responses should inclu=
de
information from the textbook as well as the study guide. Self-tests are du=
e at
the beginning of the class in which the unit is covered.
--complete the take-home final.
--follow the study plans given in the guide for
each unit. Read the study guide, t=
hen
read the textbook, and then watch the PBS video.
Students who have completed Cinema II as the fi=
rst
course will be expected to
--write 11 reports/reviews of films studied in =
class,
plus one seen at a theater (12 in all)
--complete an 8-12 page paper on an
instructor-approved topic or 4 additional 2-3 page reports on films chosen
according to a theme or genre(s), with instructor approval
--complete the take-home final
Student Outcomes
This course will enable students:
1.=
To acquire knowledge of major developments=
in
American film history, from silent films to the present day, and explore th=
eir
connections with the broader historical context.
&n=
bsp;
To recognize and use basic technical and critic=
al
vocabulary of motion pictures.
&n=
bsp;
To understand how film technology and art are
connected.
&n=
bsp;
To understand the fundamentals of economic
structure of the film industry.
&n=
bsp;
To understand the role of genre in American film
history and to recognize how some of the most popular genres express social=
and
cultural tensions.
&n=
bsp;
To develop a more sophisticated conception of
“realism” as it relates to motion pictures.
&n=
bsp;
To question their own role as passive spectator=
s,
and to increase their ability to watch films actively and critically.
&n=
bsp;
To think, speak and write critically about films
viewed.
Assessment:
100 points total
For students taking American Cinema as their fi=
rst
course:
--11
self-tests—3 points each, 33 points total (4 points for submissions with ve=
ry
good expanded essays)
Self-tes=
ts
assess knowledge of unit content. Essay questions may also assess the abili=
ty
to summarize and interpret content, draw conclusions, make connections and
arguments.
--12 film
reports/reviews (including one seen at a theater)—4 points each, 48 points
total
Respondi=
ng
to discussion questions and guidelines, reports assess the ability to
interpret, make connections, analyze and evaluate films.
--Take-h=
ome
final test—12 points
The final
assesses the ability to discuss a topic chosen from a list of questions rel=
ated
to Study Guile units and selected films in some depth.
--Class
participation—7 points
Class
participation includes arriving on time at the beginning and after the brea=
k,
attending regularly, not engaging in any irritating or disruptive behavior,
engaging in viewing activities, listening and taking notes, contributing to
discussions, completing small-group and individual in-class assignments.
For students who have taken Cinema II
--12
reports/reviews—5 pts each, 60 total
--8-12 p=
age
paper or 4 additional reviews—20 pts
--Take-h=
ome
final—12 pts
--Class
participation—8 pts
Note:
Additional film or play reviews will not replace the film-at-a-theater assi=
gnment
or the take-home final.
Note: La=
te
assignments will be accepted with instructor approval up to one week past t=
he
due date.
Grading scale:
A: 92 – 100, A-: 90 –
91
B+: 88 – 89, B: 82 – 87=
, B-: <=
/span>80
– 81
C+: 78 – 79, C: 72 – 77,
C-: 70 – 71
<=
/span> =
D+: 68 – 69, D: 62 – 67,
D-: 60 – 61
F: 59 and below
Format for Written Assignments: Movie and play reports/reviews must be =
typed
and double-spaced, 12 or 14 pt. font preferred.
The following items should appear in the upper right-hand corner of =
the
first page:
--(for movie reports) student’s name, title of =
film,
Study Guide unit number, date
--(for play report) student’s name, play title,
date
--for self-tests) student’s name, Study Guide u=
nit
number, date
An optional attention-getting title in the upper
center of the page can add to reader interest.
Class Meetings and
Assignments
Sept. 7—Introduction to course; Tape 111—Film
Language: the Director’s Choice, discussion; “Film: Twentieth Century Legac=
y,”
discussion
Sept. 14--The Hollywood Style
SG—Unit
1: Textbook (T)—Chapters 1, 2 and 3
Tape
101; Doubt (2008)
Sept. 21--The Hollywood Style (continued)
--Freedom Writers (2007)
Sept. 28--The Studio System
SG—Unit
2; T—Chap. 4
Tape 102=
; Meet Me in St. Louis (1944), Swing Time (1936), 42nd Street (1933), Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939=
), The Grapes of Wrath (1940), The Band Wagon (1953)
Oct. 5--The Star System
SG—Unit
3; T—Chap. 5
Tape 103=
; City Lights (1931), Our Hospitality (1923), Safety
Last (1923), Seven Chances
(1925), The General (1927),
Oct. 12--The Western
SG—Unit
4; T—Chap. 11
Tape 104=
; Stagecoach (1939), Shane (1953), The Searc=
hers (1956), Red River (1948), High Noon (1952), The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
Note:
Oct. 19—The Musical
SG—Unit
5; T—Chap. 7
No PBS
video; Singin’ in the Rain (195=
2), The Band Wagon (1953), Carmen Jones (1954), Viva Las Vegas (1964), Grease (1978), Hairspray (2007)
Oct. 26--American Comedy
SG—Unit
6; T—Chap. 8
Tape 105=
; The Lady Eve (1941), It Happened One Night (1934), A Night at =
the
Opera (1935), Bringing up Baby (1938), The Shop Around the Co=
rner
(1941), Adam’s Rib (1949), Some Like It Hot (1959)
Nov. 2—War and Cinema
SG—Unit
7; T—Chap. 9
Tape 106=
; Casablanca (1942), They Were Expendable (1945), Sands
of Iwo Jima (1949), Hearts and =
Minds
(1974), In the Valley of Elah (=
2007),
Glory (1989), The Hurt Locker (2008), Re=
strepo
(2010)
Nov. 9--Film Noir
SG—Unit
8; T—Chap. 10
Tape 107=
; The Maltese Falcon (1941), Double Indemnity (1944), Detour
(1945), Out of the Past (19=
47), In a Lonely Place (1950), Laura (1944), Strangers on a Train (1950), Kiss
Me Deadly (1955)
SG—Supp.
Unit 2; Tape 112
Nov. 16—Attendance at Education Seminar with gu=
est
speaker(s) from Freedom Writers
Nov. 23—Science Fiction
T—Chap.
12, no self-test
King Kong (1933), The Day the Earth Stood Still (1950), Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956), 2010: a Space Odyssey (1968), Close
Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), Blade
Runner (1982), Contact (199=
7)
Nov. 30--Hollywood in the Age of Television
SG—Unit
9; T—Chap. 13-14
Tape 108; Rebel Without a Cause (1955), On the Waterfront (1954), Written on the Wind (1956), 12 Angry Men (1957), Vertigo (1958), Imitati= on of Life (1959), Anatomy of a Murde= r (1959), Dr. Strangelove (1964)<= o:p>
Take-home final
distributed, due Dec. 14
Dec. 7--The Film School Generation
SG—Unit
10 T—Chap. 16
Tape 109=
; Manhattan (1979), Back to the Future (1985), Mean
Streets (1973), Raging Bull 1981),
Goodfellas (1990), The Age of Innocence (1993), Field of Dreams (1989)
Dec. 14—Into the 21st Century
SG—Unit
11; T—Chap. 17
Tape 110
(Independent Films)
Eight Men
Out (1988), The
Illusionist (2006), United 93 <=
/i>(2006), Chop Shop (2007), The Great Debaters (2007), Sugar
(2008), Capitalism: A Love Story
(2009), The Class (2008), American Violet (2008), An Education (2008)
Film rep=
ort
due Friday, Dec. 17.
The above schedule is subject to change, with
notice given in class and on Blackboard.
Other films may be substituted for titles listed.
Some movies studied in class will be on room-use
reserve in the Specker Library. These films may also be available through v=
ideo
rental stores, services, or public libraries. Call ahead or check online.
Ticket stubs and programs (plays), ticket stubs
(movies) must accompany reports of events students see on their own apart f=
rom
a class outing.
Note: =
It’s
very important that you keep up with assignments on a weekly basis. If you =
get
behind, do the current assignments first and then the catch up.
Study tips: Create a semester-long schedule with
blocks of time set aside for reading, viewing and writing. Make weekly and
daily adjustments for special events, obligations, priorities, etc. Take no=
tes
during class.
Class Policy on Electronic Devices: Mobile phon=
es
and other electronic devices are to be turned off put away during class.
Classroom decorum:
Classroom decorum is a necessary component of group dynamics,
constructive participation and effective learning. Students should act toward one anot=
her in
a cooperative, civil manner with respect for different viewpoints. Comments=
and
questions are encouraged during film introductions and discussions, but only
one person talks at a time. Students are expected to arrive in class on tim=
e.
Leaving and re-entering the room during class is not allowed except in unus=
ual
circumstances. Socializing or sleeping is out of place during class. Eating=
may
be allowed with some restrictions. A 10-15 minute break will be given midway
through the class period.
The instructor will give a student who engages =
in
any inappropriate or disruptive behavior a verbal warning. (Disruptive behavior interferes with the
normal operation of the class.) If=
the
offending behavior persists, the instructor will ask the student to leave t=
he
class and notify the Dean of Students, athletic coach or academic advisor.<=
span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> To be allowed back into class, the stud=
ent
must first meet with the instructor, acknowledge the inappropriateness of t=
he
behavior, and agree not to engage in it again.
If any kind of unacceptable behavior continues, the instructor will
request that the student withdraw voluntarily or be withdrawn administrativ=
ely
from the class. The instructor
determines what is considered unacceptable classroom behavior.
Students who are
unwilling to live with this policy should change their class schedule. Stud=
ents
are responsible for maintaining eligibility requirements for financial aid =
or
athletics.
Disability Services
The Student Support Services Office is the prim=
ary
office to guide, counsel and assist students with disabilities. If you have reasonable accommodation ne=
eds
(e.g., extended time needed for tests, note taking assistance, special test=
ing
arrangements, etc.) because of a disability, contact the Student Support
Services Office at 219-473-4388. S=
tudent
Support Services staff will require documentation pertinent to your
disability. If you already receive
services through the Student Support Services Office and require accommodat=
ions
for this class, make an appointment as soon as possible to discuss your
needs. Calumet College of St. Jose=
ph
will hold any information you share in the strictest confidence unless you
request that it be shared.
Tutoring Center
The Tutoring Center is dedicated to supporting
Calumet College of St. Joseph students.
Students work with tutors to develop course competencies and study
skills such as time management, test preparation, and note taking. In addition, students are provided with
tutoring support to help pass courses, to improve grade point average, and =
to
promote continuing education and career advancement. Tutors have a specific charge: to help
students learn how to master specific subject matter and to develop effecti=
ve
learning skills. Tutoring is open to all students at Calumet College of St.
Joseph at no charge and is available to support most introductory courses.<=
span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> Tutoring in support of some other cours=
es is
available as well. The Tutoring Ce=
nter
is located in Room 413. The teleph=
one
number is 219.473.4287 or 800.700.9100 ext. 287.
Statement of Plagiarism:
If an instructor or other Calumet College of St. Joseph personnel fi=
nd
that a student has plagiarized or been involved in another form of academic
dishonesty, the instructor or other personnel may elect to bring the matter=
up
for judicial review. The maximum penalty for any form of academic dishonest=
y is
dismissal from the College. The procedures for judicial review are listed u=
nder
the section of CCSJ handbook that addresses student grievances.
Please note:
Calumet College of St. Joseph subscribes to SafeAssign as a component of
Blackboard, and all papers can and may be submitted for checks on plagiarism
from Internet/Electronic sources/Databases.
Citation Guidelines:
Calumet College of St. Joseph adheres to citation guidelines as
prescribed by the particular discipline (i.e., MLA, APA, and Chicago Manual=
of
Style or Turabian.). All of these
guidelines are available in the Calumet College of St. Joseph library or
bookstore. These texts outline how=
to
cite references from a variety of sources, including electronic media.
Withdrawal from Classes Policy:
After the last day for class changes has passed (see College calenda=
r),
students may withdraw from a course in which they are registered with
permission from the faculty member conducting the course. A written request
detailing the reason(s) for the withdrawal must be filed with the Registrar.
The Registrar must receive written request for withdrawal by the last day of
classes prior to the final examination dates specified in the catalogue.
Written requests may be mailed to the Registrar or faxed to the College fax
number 219-473-4259. Students are to make note of the refund schedule when
withdrawing from courses. The request is forwarded to the faculty member, w=
ho
makes the final determination to accept or deny the request. If the request=
is
honored, the student will receive notification of official withdrawal; if
denied, the notification will indicate why the withdrawal is disallowed.
An official withdrawal is recorded as a "W" grade on the
student's transcript. Dropping a course without written permission
automatically incurs an "F" grade for the course (see Refund
Schedule).
CCSJ ALERT
Emergency Communications System—the college
utilizes an emergency communications system that transmits messages via tex=
t,
email, and voice platforms. In the event of an emergency, of weather related
closings, or of other incidents, those students who are registered for the
system shall receive incident specific message(s) notifying them of the
situation. Please sign-up for this important service at any time on the col=
lege’s
website. Alternatively, you can register at the time you register for class=
es.
This service requires each user to register once per academic year. Therefo=
re,
at the beginning of each academic year, please remember to re-register for =
the
system.
School Closing Information:
Internet:
http://www.ccsj.edu http://www.EmergencyClosings.com Facility: Calumet College of St. Joseph Phone: 219.473.4770 Radio: WAKE
– 1500 AM WGN - 720 AM WIJE – 105.5 FM WLS – 890 AM WZVN – 107.1 FM WBBM NEWS RADIO 78