1. COMM 3000 FILM APPRECIATION SPRING 2012 PLEASE SIGN THE ROLL AT THE FRONT OF CLASS (ADD YOUR NAME AT THE END IF IT IS NOT ON IT). PLACE ANY COMPLETED FORMS AT THE FRONT AS WELL (IF YOU DONT HAVE THEM, DONT WORRYILL DISCUSS THEM).

2. IMPORTANT INFO DR. BARBARA BAKER DR. BARBARA BAKERPROFESSOR OFFICE: M136-H 660-543-8625 660-543-8625 Email: bbaker@ucmo.edu Email: bbaker@ucmo.edubbaker@ucmo.edu TEXT: W. PHILLIPS, FILM APPRECIATION TEXT: W. PHILLIPS, FILM APPRECIATION 4TH EDITION 4TH EDITION G.A. MR. JUN SAKAHIRA G.A. MR. JUN SAKAHIRA

3. WHAT FILM APPRECIATION IS NOT It is NOT a course where you watch a current blockbuster or your favorite film, & then discuss if you like or dislike it (likes & dislikes are irrelevant to the course) It is NOT a course where you watch a current blockbuster or your favorite film, & then discuss if you like or dislike it (likes & dislikes are irrelevant to the course) It is NOT a course where you write simple film reviews, with no reference to any concepts about filmmaking. It is NOT a course where you write simple film reviews, with no reference to any concepts about filmmaking. It is NOT a course where you can sleep or catch up on your texting during class It is NOT a course where you can sleep or catch up on your texting during class

4. WHAT FILM APPRECIATION IS It is a course that will expose you to films you might not have seen elsewhere, or thought were films youd like to see It is a course that will expose you to films you might not have seen elsewhere, or thought were films youd like to see It is a course that will teach you how to appreciate films, whether or not you like them & to understand how films are made (and what they might mean). It is a course that will teach you how to appreciate films, whether or not you like them & to understand how films are made (and what they might mean). It is a course that will hone your analytical skills, transferrable to many other courses. It is a course that will hone your analytical skills, transferrable to many other courses.

5. OBJECTIVES & OUTCOMES Higher-order thinking --learning information concerning the art of the film & applying it to analyze specific films. Higher-order thinking --learning information concerning the art of the film & applying it to analyze specific films. Valuing--examining several theories of film & various criteria for analyzing films, to develop your own ideas about the value of film as an art form. Valuing--examining several theories of film & various criteria for analyzing films, to develop your own ideas about the value of film as an art form. Ideally, the course will help you better appreciate all kinds of motion pictures-- historical, independent, foreign-language, etc. Ideally, the course will help you better appreciate all kinds of motion pictures-- historical, independent, foreign-language, etc.

6. Specific Course Objectives: After completing the course, students should be able to After completing the course, students should be able to 1. Define basic film terms & explain their application; 1. Define basic film terms & explain their application; 2. Explain how filmmakers use tools like photography, editing, & sound to convey content, themes, & subtexts; 2. Explain how filmmakers use tools like photography, editing, & sound to convey content, themes, & subtexts; 3. Identify stylistic elements related to genres & types of films; 3. Identify stylistic elements related to genres & types of films; 4. Analyze the structure of specific films, esp. how structure relates to attitudes, themes, subtexts, etc. 4. Analyze the structure of specific films, esp. how structure relates to attitudes, themes, subtexts, etc.

7. Course Objectives, cont. 5. Analyze the use of myth, archetypes, & other elements that increase a film's appeal; 5. Analyze the use of myth, archetypes, & other elements that increase a film's appeal; 6. Describe the relationship between specific films & the culture within which they were produced; 6. Describe the relationship between specific films & the culture within which they were produced; 7. Identify important filmmakers & film movements (both U.S. & foreign); and 7. Identify important filmmakers & film movements (both U.S. & foreign); and 8. Write analytical/critical essays on specific feature films. 8. Write analytical/critical essays on specific feature films.

8. Important Resources Blackboard access is required for this course, and will be used for course notes, links to important information, practice tests, some assignments (as described below), etc. Blackboard access is required for this course, and will be used for course notes, links to important information, practice tests, some assignments (as described below), etc. You can also keep track of your grade via Blackboard You can also keep track of your grade via Blackboard You also will need access to a source for specific feature films for some projectsthis can be through the Kirkpatrick Library, a video rental outlet, a Netflix account, or similar. You also will need access to a source for specific feature films for some projectsthis can be through the Kirkpatrick Library, a video rental outlet, a Netflix account, or similar. You also will be required to use your UCM e-mail account through the duration of the course You also will be required to use your UCM e-mail account through the duration of the course

9. Film Selection Criteria: Feature films are selected as follows: Feature films are selected as follows: It illustrates concepts discussed in class; It illustrates concepts discussed in class; It has innovative and/or influential features, themes, or special effects; It has innovative and/or influential features, themes, or special effects; It is a recognized "classic"; It is a recognized "classic"; It fits the time limits; It fits the time limits; It is available on Widescreen DVD; It is available on Widescreen DVD; Ideally, not more than 30% have seen the film (based on the class survey); and Ideally, not more than 30% have seen the film (based on the class survey); and Generally, it was not shown last semester. Generally, it was not shown last semester.

10. Note About Film Choices Some of the films or clips shown will be R- rated & may be disturbing to some of you. Some of the films or clips shown will be R- rated & may be disturbing to some of you. If you have strong objections to R rated films, you should reconsider taking this class. If you have strong objections to R rated films, you should reconsider taking this class. If you stay, you either must watch the R rated films, OR you must see me for an alternative assignment to view outside of class & answer questions about. If you stay, you either must watch the R rated films, OR you must see me for an alternative assignment to view outside of class & answer questions about. There will be exam items on the film(s) or clips screened in class (I cannot make individualized exams in a class this size). There will be exam items on the film(s) or clips screened in class (I cannot make individualized exams in a class this size).

11. ASSIGNMENTS Feature Film Discussions; 10 pts. each; 60-70 pts. Feature Film Discussions; 10 pts. each; 60-70 pts. Class & On-line Participation; 5-10 pts. each: 40- 60 pts. Class & On-line Participation; 5-10 pts. each: 40- 60 pts. Miscellaneous points, 10 pts. Miscellaneous points, 10 pts. Homework on films, 10 pts. each10-20 pts. Homework on films, 10 pts. each10-20 pts. Short paper analyses, 20 pts. each; 20-40 pts. Short paper analyses, 20 pts. each; 20-40 pts. Quizzes, 5 pts. each (lowest score/s dropped); 20-25 pts. Quizzes, 5 pts. each (lowest score/s dropped); 20-25 pts. Major exams, 100 pts. each. 300 pts. Major exams, 100 pts. each. 300 pts. Critical analysis paper; 100 pts. Critical analysis paper; 100 pts. Projected Total Pts.: 560-625 pts. Projected Total Pts.: 560-625 pts.

12. ASSIGNMENTS, CONT. 1. Feature Film Group Discussion Responses-- Discussions after each feature, in groups selected prior to the first in-class screening. 1. Feature Film Group Discussion Responses-- Discussions after each feature, in groups selected prior to the first in-class screening. 2. Participation & Miscellaneous points. 2. Participation & Miscellaneous points. a. Participationin-class written & oral responses (individual and/or group) to a question or questions related to the lectures or film clips for the day; and discussion responses on Blackboard, for points. a. Participationin-class written & oral responses (individual and/or group) to a question or questions related to the lectures or film clips for the day; and discussion responses on Blackboard, for points. b. Miscellaneous & Bonus Points. 5 points for submitting the Syllabus Checklist on time & 5 pts for the film list. Also up to 10 bonus points (extra credit). b. Miscellaneous & Bonus Points. 5 points for submitting the Syllabus Checklist on time & 5 pts for the film list. Also up to 10 bonus points (extra credit).

13. ASSIGNMENTS, CONT. 3. Homework assignments 3. Homework assignments One written homework assignment will be required during the semester, related to the Independent film Warrior Woman, shown as part of the on-going Show Me Justice Film Showcase on March 9 One written homework assignment will be required during the semester, related to the Independent film Warrior Woman, shown as part of the on-going Show Me Justice Film Showcase on March 9 Other homework may be assigned for any other required outside viewing of a film Other homework may be assigned for any other required outside viewing of a film Or, such homework may be questions asked about a short experimental or other film, about certain clips on Blackboard, or about material in a particular class, or about questions related to text chapters, or similar topic, depending on class progress Or, such homework may be questions asked about a short experimental or other film, about certain clips on Blackboard, or about material in a particular class, or about questions related to text chapters, or similar topic, depending on class progress

14. ASSIGNMENTS, Cont. 4. Short Film Paper Analysisone or two short (2 pages, typed) Film Analysis papers may be assigned 4. Short Film Paper Analysisone or two short (2 pages, typed) Film Analysis papers may be assigned Each paper will focus on three to five questions about a particular film watched in class, written as an essay and due within a week of the assignment Each paper will focus on three to five questions about a particular film watched in class, written as an essay and due within a week of the assignment More specific guidelines for writing this paper will be provided at that time via Blackboard More specific guidelines for writing this paper will be provided at that time via Blackboard Alternatively papers may be an optional assignment (to help improve scores) Alternatively papers may be an optional assignment (to help improve scores)

15. ASSIGNMENTS, cont. 5. Critical Analysis Paper (100 pts) 5. Critical Analysis Paper (100 pts) A more in-depth formal paper that critically analyzes an assigned film that you view outside of class, on questions that will be given to you A more in-depth formal paper that critically analyzes an assigned film that you view outside of class, on questions that will be given to you You will be choosing films later in the semester from lists I provide You will be choosing films later in the semester from lists I provide Each student will write on a different film Each student will write on a different film More guidelines are forthcoming for this major assignment More guidelines are forthcoming for this major assignment

16. ASSIGNMENTS, cont. 6. Exams & Quizzes (325 pts. count) 6. Exams & Quizzes (325 pts. count) a. Quizzes--Up to 7 "pop" quizzes (worth up to 5 points each). Only 20-25 points will count (the lowest scores will be dropped) a. Quizzes--Up to 7 "pop" quizzes (worth up to 5 points each). Only 20-25 points will count (the lowest scores will be dropped) b. Exams– 3 major exams, each worth up to 100 pts., consisting of items over readings, lectures, class activities & discussions, plus films & clips b. Exams– 3 major exams, each worth up to 100 pts., consisting of items over readings, lectures, class activities & discussions, plus films & clips c. Exams will consist mainly of objective items (T/F & Multiple Choice); however, each exam may also include short answer/essay questions (perhaps based on scenes screened during the exam OR on the last part of a feature film) c. Exams will consist mainly of objective items (T/F & Multiple Choice); however, each exam may also include short answer/essay questions (perhaps based on scenes screened during the exam OR on the last part of a feature film)

17. ASSIGNMENTS, CONT. 7. Alternative Assignments (alternative assignments will replace points elsewhere) 7. Alternative Assignments (alternative assignments will replace points elsewhere) a. Available to students who miss an in-class pop quiz or discussion or other circumstance that causes you to lose points a. Available to students who miss an in-class pop quiz or discussion or other circumstance that causes you to lose points b. Generally, will only be able to do once or twice in a semester b. Generally, will only be able to do once or twice in a semester c. Any alternative assignment must be completed by student initiative (e.g. you ask for it, or find it on-line & do it, see makeup policies, below) c. Any alternative assignment must be completed by student initiative (e.g. you ask for it, or find it on-line & do it, see makeup policies, below) d. One alternative assignment also might be used as bonus pts d. One alternative assignment also might be used as bonus pts

18. GRADING POLICIES (in brief) Any student who fails to complete & submit a major assignment will fail the course regardless of grades on other coursework. Any student who fails to complete & submit a major assignment will fail the course regardless of grades on other coursework. All in-class written assignments & exams must be fully completed & turned in when due to receive full credit. All in-class written assignments & exams must be fully completed & turned in when due to receive full credit. The normal grade for competent (satisfactory) performance is "C"; those who want to earn higher grades must satisfy higher expectations. The normal grade for competent (satisfactory) performance is "C"; those who want to earn higher grades must satisfy higher expectations. No grade be given for mere completion of an assignment or for effort; quality is the criterion for grade assessment. No grade be given for mere completion of an assignment or for effort; quality is the criterion for grade assessment.

19. OTHER POLICIES (IN BRIEF) Excessive absences (more than 4 class periods) are likely to be detrimental to your final grade. Excessive absences (more than 4 class periods) are likely to be detrimental to your final grade. Students who miss 10 or more class days (1/3 rd of the class) are likely to fail the course. Students who miss 10 or more class days (1/3 rd of the class) are likely to fail the course. If you must miss, you should let me know & makeup the work promptly. If you must miss, you should let me know & makeup the work promptly. No work will be accepted after class ends (May 3) No work will be accepted after class ends (May 3)

20. Other policies, cont. Students are expected to do original work in this class; cheating & plagiarism are not tolerated, & can lead to course failure (see the Student Handbook). Students are expected to do original work in this class; cheating & plagiarism are not tolerated, & can lead to course failure (see the Student Handbook). Pop quizzes" & in-class responses CANNOT BE MADE UP directly regardless of the reason. Remember 1-2 quizzes will be dropped at the end of the semester (also there are the alternative assignments on Blackboard) Pop quizzes" & in-class responses CANNOT BE MADE UP directly regardless of the reason. Remember 1-2 quizzes will be dropped at the end of the semester (also there are the alternative assignments on Blackboard)

21. Other policies, cont. Missed feature-film discussions and exams MUST BE MADE UP. Except for exams, all make-ups will be posted to Blackboard, or will be available from the instructor. Missed feature-film discussions and exams MUST BE MADE UP. Except for exams, all make-ups will be posted to Blackboard, or will be available from the instructor. ALL makeup work must be completed within specified deadlines for full credit (see the syllabus). ALL makeup work must be completed within specified deadlines for full credit (see the syllabus). After the deadlines, all makeup work is late, with different penalties assigned (see full syllabus for specifics). After the deadlines, all makeup work is late, with different penalties assigned (see full syllabus for specifics).

22. Other policies, cont. Late work is accepted for a limited period of time, with a penalty that increases EACH DAY the work is late. See the syllabus for the full policy on late work Late work is accepted for a limited period of time, with a penalty that increases EACH DAY the work is late. See the syllabus for the full policy on late work Generally, NO WORK will be accepted after the class ends in April, with the exception of late final papers and the final exam Generally, NO WORK will be accepted after the class ends in April, with the exception of late final papers and the final exam U or incomplete grades are not normally given except for verifiable emergencies U or incomplete grades are not normally given except for verifiable emergencies

23. Other policies, cont. Missed regular exams can only be made up with permission, obtained when you (or your agent) notifies me or the G.A. of your absence (can be by phone or e-mail) either before, during, or within 48 hours of the exam. Missed regular exams can only be made up with permission, obtained when you (or your agent) notifies me or the G.A. of your absence (can be by phone or e-mail) either before, during, or within 48 hours of the exam. Once you have permission, exam can be made up without penalty within 48 hours) after the original exam date, regardless of the reason for the absence; students are responsible for scheduling this exam. Once you have permission, exam can be made up without penalty within 48 hours) after the original exam date, regardless of the reason for the absence; students are responsible for scheduling this exam.

24. Other policies, cont. After 48 hours, makeup exams will be docked 10% (unless you provide verification of absence). After 48 hours, makeup exams will be docked 10% (unless you provide verification of absence). No makeup exam can be made up after 2 weeks from the original date of the exam. No makeup exam can be made up after 2 weeks from the original date of the exam. All makeup exams will be different, more difficult exams, such as an essay exam. All makeup exams will be different, more difficult exams, such as an essay exam. Final exams will be given on Thursday, December 8, as noted in the Student Calendar/Planner; NO final exam will be given early, regardless of reason Any makeups for the final exam must be taken by the end of finals week (on Friday, December 9)

25. Other policies, cont. Students scoring below 60% on the 1 st two exams may petition for an improvement assignment (which may be a written paper, an exam retake in whole or part, etc.) Students scoring below 60% on the 1 st two exams may petition for an improvement assignment (which may be a written paper, an exam retake in whole or part, etc.) Such assignments must be arranged within 48 hours of the original exams grading & taken within 2 weeks. Such assignments must be arranged within 48 hours of the original exams grading & taken within 2 weeks. NO assignments to improve exam scores are permitted after 2 weeks from the original exam grading date. NO assignments to improve exam scores are permitted after 2 weeks from the original exam grading date. Anyone who does a makeup exam is NOT eligible to do this assignment. Any retakes will be a different (possibly essay) exam. Anyone who does a makeup exam is NOT eligible to do this assignment. Any retakes will be a different (possibly essay) exam.

26. Other policies, cont. To be eligible for this assignment, students first must meet with Dr. Baker to go over the old exam. To be eligible for this assignment, students first must meet with Dr. Baker to go over the old exam. Any retake/alternative score will be the one recorded (it will be added to or replace the earlier score). Generally, students may ONLY do such an assignment for one exam during the semester; the third (final) exams are NOT included. If you are not doing well, you are encouraged to come to see me for help.

27. Other policies, cont. All absences, tardies, & early departures are treated the same, whether "excused" or not. All absences, tardies, & early departures are treated the same, whether "excused" or not. I do NOT need to see documentation unless you cant makeup the work in the time allotted without penalty I do NOT need to see documentation unless you cant makeup the work in the time allotted without penalty See the syllabus for correct documentation (appointment cards, prescriptions, car repair bills, funeral notices, etc. are NOT considered acceptable documentation to waive a late penalty) See the syllabus for correct documentation (appointment cards, prescriptions, car repair bills, funeral notices, etc. are NOT considered acceptable documentation to waive a late penalty) Note that excused absences do NOT absolve you from completing the missed work Note that excused absences do NOT absolve you from completing the missed work

28. Other policies, cont. Students are expected to act as mature, responsible adults in the class. Students are expected to act as mature, responsible adults in the class. Inappropriate talking to others during lecture or film screenings will not be tolerated Inappropriate talking to others during lecture or film screenings will not be tolerated The use of ALL electronic devices is prohibited during class. No phones, no IPods, no texting, no laptops, etc. The use of ALL electronic devices is prohibited during class. No phones, no IPods, no texting, no laptops, etc. Electronic devices used may be confiscated during the class period Electronic devices used may be confiscated during the class period Electronic devices used in an exam are grounds for failure Electronic devices used in an exam are grounds for failure

29. Other policies, cont. Although COMM 3000 is introductory, it also is a junior-level course. Although COMM 3000 is introductory, it also is a junior-level course. It is comprehensive, with lots of information & jargon to digest & understand. It is comprehensive, with lots of information & jargon to digest & understand. It stresses critical thinking, requiring cognitive abilities beyond concept memorization. It stresses critical thinking, requiring cognitive abilities beyond concept memorization. It requires analysis of films that may be difficult and complex. It requires analysis of films that may be difficult and complex.

30. Other policies, cont. Thus, it is NOT RECOMMENDED for 1st year students, as they sometimes find the coursework & exams difficult. Thus, it is NOT RECOMMENDED for 1st year students, as they sometimes find the coursework & exams difficult. 1st year students who remain in class are encouraged to seek our help with the concepts & assignments, and to maintain good attendance 1st year students who remain in class are encouraged to seek our help with the concepts & assignments, and to maintain good attendance The course also is NOT RECOMMENDED for athletes during the semester of most activity or any student looking for an "easy" A grade or "movies 101." The course also is NOT RECOMMENDED for athletes during the semester of most activity or any student looking for an "easy" A grade or "movies 101." Students who need further assistance (e.g. going through OAS) are strongly encouraged to make regular appointments with the instructor. Students who need further assistance (e.g. going through OAS) are strongly encouraged to make regular appointments with the instructor.

31. FILMS SHOWN FALL 2011 BAKERS SECTION Casablanca (1941) Casablanca (1941) In Bruges (2008) In Bruges (2008) Run Lola Run (German, 1998) Run Lola Run (German, 1998) SMJFF film (all 2011 independent films) SMJFF film (all 2011 independent films) The Omen (1976) The Omen (1976) Do the Right Thing (1989) Do the Right Thing (1989) L.A. Story (1991) L.A. Story (1991)