Overview
This course involves the study of classic and award-winning American films. Using the Annenberg video series American Cinema as well as the accompanying text American Cinema/American Culture by John Belton, Students will study the cultural history and relevance of the American cinematic tradition. We will begin the course with an overview of the beginnings of movie-making, basic film techniques, and the rise and fall of the Hollywood Studio System. We will then progress into a study of the popular genres of film, including the western, the romantic comedy, film noir, combat films and science fiction/horror films. Finally, we will conclude our course with a study of some of today’s most influential films and directors, including those from the world of foreign film. As we examine these topics, we will examine not only the structure of films but also how these films serve as a powerful economic and cultural force.
Common Core Standards
In accordance with the Common Core Standards, students will also study the development of theme, plot, characterization, and setting in each production. They learn the vocabulary associated with film and use this vocabulary when discussing or writing about films. The series American Cinema connects subjects such as history, business, and English with the study of film. In addition, the series is a perfect vehicle for developing visual and media literacy skills as well as analytical and argumentative writing skills.
Course Materials
Video Series: American Cinema
Using clips from more than 300 of the greatest movies ever made, this series explores film history and American culture through the eyes of over 150 Hollywood insiders, including Clint Eastwood, Steven Spielberg, and Michael Eisner. In-depth treatments present film as a powerful economic force, potent twentieth-century art form, and viable career option. (Produced by the New York Center for Visual History in association with KCET/Los Angeles and the BBC, 1995)
Accompanying Text: American Cinema/American Culture, John Belton, Fourth Edition, 2011.
Course Requirements
Film Journals (40 %) - You will be responsible for taking notes as we watch each segment of American Cinema and the representative films that accompany our topic of study. Additionally, you will also be required to complete journal prompts as we discuss each film and topic.
Film Reviews (40 %) - You will be responsible for writing film reviews for our viewed films. Generally, you will have a choice of films that we have viewed to complete a review. All reviews must be typed, 12 point, Helvetica or Times New Roman. Guidelines, samples, and a writing rubric will be provided in class.
Class Attendance/Class Work (10%) - We will screen all of our films in class; therefore, attendance is vital to your success. Due to the nature of the course, it is strongly recommended that you attend class regularly. If you miss a film, you will be required to schedule a viewing time on your own time (lunch) to complete the notes. Additionally, late arrival to class will cause you to miss valuable viewing and discussion time. After the first three tardy arrivals, you will lose three points for each day you come to class late without a written pass from another teacher.
Class Participation (10%) - As we view these films, we will discuss their meaning, techniques and implications regarding our topic of study in partners, small groups and as a large class.
Contact: Please feel free to see me to discuss the course (or movies) during your free period. I can also be contacted at [email protected] should you be absent or have additional questions.
This course involves the study of classic and award-winning American films. Using the Annenberg video series American Cinema as well as the accompanying text American Cinema/American Culture by John Belton, Students will study the cultural history and relevance of the American cinematic tradition. We will begin the course with an overview of the beginnings of movie-making, basic film techniques, and the rise and fall of the Hollywood Studio System. We will then progress into a study of the popular genres of film, including the western, the romantic comedy, film noir, combat films and science fiction/horror films. Finally, we will conclude our course with a study of some of today’s most influential films and directors, including those from the world of foreign film. As we examine these topics, we will examine not only the structure of films but also how these films serve as a powerful economic and cultural force.
Common Core Standards
In accordance with the Common Core Standards, students will also study the development of theme, plot, characterization, and setting in each production. They learn the vocabulary associated with film and use this vocabulary when discussing or writing about films. The series American Cinema connects subjects such as history, business, and English with the study of film. In addition, the series is a perfect vehicle for developing visual and media literacy skills as well as analytical and argumentative writing skills.
Course Materials
Video Series: American Cinema
Using clips from more than 300 of the greatest movies ever made, this series explores film history and American culture through the eyes of over 150 Hollywood insiders, including Clint Eastwood, Steven Spielberg, and Michael Eisner. In-depth treatments present film as a powerful economic force, potent twentieth-century art form, and viable career option. (Produced by the New York Center for Visual History in association with KCET/Los Angeles and the BBC, 1995)
Accompanying Text: American Cinema/American Culture, John Belton, Fourth Edition, 2011.
Course Requirements
Film Journals (40 %) - You will be responsible for taking notes as we watch each segment of American Cinema and the representative films that accompany our topic of study. Additionally, you will also be required to complete journal prompts as we discuss each film and topic.
Film Reviews (40 %) - You will be responsible for writing film reviews for our viewed films. Generally, you will have a choice of films that we have viewed to complete a review. All reviews must be typed, 12 point, Helvetica or Times New Roman. Guidelines, samples, and a writing rubric will be provided in class.
Class Attendance/Class Work (10%) - We will screen all of our films in class; therefore, attendance is vital to your success. Due to the nature of the course, it is strongly recommended that you attend class regularly. If you miss a film, you will be required to schedule a viewing time on your own time (lunch) to complete the notes. Additionally, late arrival to class will cause you to miss valuable viewing and discussion time. After the first three tardy arrivals, you will lose three points for each day you come to class late without a written pass from another teacher.
Class Participation (10%) - As we view these films, we will discuss their meaning, techniques and implications regarding our topic of study in partners, small groups and as a large class.
Contact: Please feel free to see me to discuss the course (or movies) during your free period. I can also be contacted at [email protected] should you be absent or have additional questions.