1 Professor Michael Green The Big Sleep (1946) Directed by Howard Hawks Lecture 1 Course Introduction

2 Professor Michael Green Lecturer in FMS at ASU Holds MFA, Creative Writing, MA in Film Studies Teaches courses in Film Studies; Screenwriting; Media and Cultural Theory Writes articles, screenplays. Star Trek article

3 In This Lesson What kind of distance learning course is this? How can you succeed in this course? What do we study in this course? Representation of Los Angeles in cinema and media

4 What Kind of Distance Learning Course is This? Lesson 1: Part I The Glass Shield (1994) Directed by Charles Burnett

5 The Distance Learning Experience This is not an automated course. This is not a self-paced course. This course emphasizes asynchronous interactivity. Participation is key to your success! Clueless (1995) Directed by Amy Heckerling

6 The Advantages of this Course Flexibility – not limited by space or distance Study materials available 24/7 Lectures (streaming audio w/ PowerPoint) Films Websites & other resources Clips Structured like a traditional course Complements multiple learning styles Interactivity

7 The Disadvantages Students that learn best in a classroom can struggle in this environment It can be hard to stay organized/disciplined Arrange for real-time meetings with classmates Keep in touch with the professor Set up a calendar so that you can meet all deadlines Study the PowerPoint on Critical Writing linked to the course Set aside time to work each day

8 How to Succeed in This Course Lesson 1: Part II Blade Runner (1982) Directed by Ridley Scott

9 How do We Define Success? Becoming more knowledgeable in the subject of film studies Becoming more skilled critical thinkers and writers Enjoying ourselves Getting a high grade: A or B

10 Course Organization Each lesson contains: Lecture PowerPoint Screening Reading Website(s) eBoard questions Film clips 10

11 Forms of Interactivity Threaded discussions on the eBoard between classmates Communication with Professor: – –Office Hours (if possible) –Online Chats –Phone calls or Skype

12 Participation (100 points) Participation is worth 25% of your final grade. Your grade is based on: Contributing two posts per lesson to the forum. Keeping up with posts – meeting deadlines. Quality of posts. They should be substantive. See the syllabus.

13 Critical Paper #1 (100 points) You will write a 6-7 page critical paper on the specific topic mandated by the instructions for Critical Review #1 under Assignments. Your paper must use at least four scholarly sources, only two of which may come from the reading.

14 Critical Paper #2 (100 points) You will write a 9-10 page critical paper on the specific topic mandated by the instructions for Critical Review #2. Your paper must use at least six scholarly sources, only three of which may come from the reading. OR…

15 Presentation Project (100 points) Create a digital paper presentation of minutes in length that includes the elements of a critical paper, including a bibliography. This presentation should not just be a recording of you reading your paper. It should include slides, narration, clips, graphics, charts, links, sound effects, etc. As long as you remain scholarly, be as creative as you want!

16 Final Exam (100 points) Final Exam (100 points) The final exam is cumulative. It will consist of true/false, multiple-choice, identification, fill-in-the-blank, short-answer, and essay questions. The short-answer and essay questions will be higher in value, so take care to think through the various concepts outlined in the readings, screenings, and lectures.

17 One Last Important Point To study writing and film we must debate. However this does not require being disrespectful or insensitive. I expect us to discuss writing and film with passion and perspective. I expect us to challenge each other’s conceptions of writing and film with rigor and respect.

18 Representation of L.A. Lesson 1: Part III Chinatown (1974) Directed by Roman Polanski

Course Topics Representation –Race, Ethnicity, Gender, Sexuality, Class, the city itself The L.A. film industry Some social/cultural history of L.A. and Hollywood Genre The Player (1991) Directed by Robert Altman

20 The Cinematic Geography of Los Angeles In this short film, the filmmaker uses maps and graphics to show many real L.A. locations where movies were shot. The film conveys an idea of the sheer number and variety of films staged and shot in and around Los Angeles. –The Cinematic Geography of Los AngelesThe Cinematic Geography of Los Angeles 20

21 Los Angeles Plays Itself Here are two sections from filmmaker Thom Andersen’s celebrated filmic essay, Los Angeles Plays Itself. In the movie Andersen uses his deep knowledge of both L.A. and Hollywood cinema to riff on a number of things related to the representation of the city on film. –Los Angeles Plays Itself Part 1Los Angeles Plays Itself Part 1 –Los Angeles Plays Itself Part 2Los Angeles Plays Itself Part 2 21

22 Alternate Views of the City Movies and media have conditioned us to a certain vision of Los Angeles – usually one of movie stars, famous landmarks, palm trees and rich white people. But L.A. is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse cities in the world. These three shorts provide an alternate view. –Life and Death on L.A.'s Skid RowLife and Death on L.A.'s Skid Row –Hood ToursHood Tours –Welcome to KoreatownWelcome to Koreatown 22

23 Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) Directed by James Cameron Remember, this is 400 level course so… Be ready to work!