Cinema 100: Art of Cinema  Instructor: Brandon Cesmat, M.F.A. Summer 2011,

Syllabus

COURSE DESCRIPTION
“An aesthetic study of the film. Areas of investigation include symbolism, characterization, imagery, and uses of realism and fantasy. Criticism of important films will be in terms of thematic coherence, structural unity, technical achievement, and visual beauty. Off-campus programs may be required. CSU; UC.” --from Palomar Community College Catalog

COURSE WORK
Class meetings will often consist of lectures and screenings with the remaining time given to class discussions. On occasion, students my be required to view screenings outside class. Two assigned out-of-class screenings will be required for your movie response journal.

Worksheets will be handed out before and collected after most screenings. Students will take notes during the screening to help them answer questions on the worksheets. Because this course requires careful observation of detail, students will be required to take notes during movies. Although writing in the dark may sound difficult, the skill can be developed with practice, and a good set of notes will provide a student with the specific evidence needed to answer accurately.  Most importantly, the act of deciding what to take notes on during a movie makes you an active--rather the passive--moviegoer.

COURSE GRADE

• Art of Moviemaking exams: 30%
• screening worksheets: 20%
• group presentation on moviemaking element: 10%
• movie response journal: 30%
• attendance 10%

COURSE POLICIES
1. Arrive and depart on time. Although we all have unexpected things happen that throw us off schedule, a student who continually detracts from the class by walking in late or leaving early will find it reflected in his or her grade.

2. Attendance is required. Absences, tardiness and leaving early will affect your grade.

3. Respect your education and the education of those around you by turning off electronic equipment during class, with the exception of using laptops to take notes.

4. Meet your deadlines. You cannot turn-in nor will the professor accept late assignments except in documented cases of medical emergencies or bereavement. Missed assignments will only be accepted in the event of documented emergencies.

5. The professor reserves the right to modify the syllabus in the best interest of the class.