20810250Introduction to Film
Course Information
Description
Examines techniques of film production and explores the relationship between film form and film meaning. Students view films that represent significant movements in the evolution of the medium and learn how to research and write analytical essays about these films.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Differentiate between the roles of the main collaborative players in the production of a film
    Assessment Strategies
    on a written test
    Criteria
    you examine the main responsibility of the producer
    you examine the main responsibility of the director
    you examine the main responsibility of the writer
    you examine the main responsibility of the actors
    you examine the main responsibility of the cinematographer
    you examine the main responsibility of the camera operators
    you examine the main responsibility of the film editor
    you examine the main responsibility of the production designer
    you examine the main responsibility of the distributor
    you examine the main responsibility of the exhibitor

  2. Distinguish between the range of choices that are available to the director and cinematographer
    Assessment Strategies
    on a written test
    Criteria
    you distinguish between extreme closeup shot, closeup, medium shot, long shot, and extreme long shots
    you distinguish between extreme low angle, low angle, eye level, high angle, and extreme high angle, and bird's eye views
    you distinguish between normal, wide angle, and telephoto lenses
    you distinguish between tracking, panning, tilting, and craning camera movement

  3. Examine the functions of sound available to the director and the sound unit
    Assessment Strategies
    on a written test
    Criteria
    you examine sound's function in developing character
    you examine sound's function in developing theme
    you examine sound's function in establishing locale
    you examine sound's function in establishing time period
    you examine sound's function in establishing mood

  4. Analyze how the mise en scene is manipulated to create different effects
    Assessment Strategies
    on a written test
    Criteria
    you analyze costuming as a function of character development
    you examine lighting as a function of creation of mood
    you examine make-up as a function of character development
    you examine make-up as a function of thematic development
    you analyze movement or placement of figures as a function of character development
    you analyze movement or placement of figures as a function of theme development
    you analyze set design as a function of theme development
    you analyze set design as a function of character development

  5. Analyze the principles upon which shots are edited
    Assessment Strategies
    on a written test
    Criteria
    you analyze classical editing
    you analyze realistic editing
    you analyze editing for thematic montage
    you distinguish between the narrative conventions of flashbacks, flash forwards, and internal and external narration

  6. Differentiate between plot and narrative structure
    Assessment Strategies
    on a written test
    Criteria
    you distinguish between plot and narrative structure
    you examine why the director chooses to present events in real time
    you examine why the director chooses to present events in non-chronological order

  7. Compare cinematic realism and cinematic formalism
    Assessment Strategies
    on a written exam
    Criteria
    you summarize the principles of cinematic realism
    you summarize the principles of cinematic formalism
    you critique a film based on these principles

  8. Explain Auteurism
    Assessment Strategies
    on a written test
    Criteria
    you examine the principles of auteur criticism
    you examine two different films of a director in regard to auteurism

  9. Analyze how directors use the conventions of a genre
    Assessment Strategies
    on a written test
    Criteria
    you summarize the conventions of a specific cinematic genre
    you critique two films within the same genre in regard to character development
    you critique two films within the same genre in regard to setting
    you critique two films within the same genre in regard to narrative

  10. Write a film script
    Assessment Strategies
    by writing a film script
    Criteria
    film script includes a 20 shot script
    film script shots include the camera angle
    film script shots include the camera distance
    film script shots include the camera movement
    film script shots include the figures
    film script shots include the movement of the figures
    film script shots include the setting
    film script shots include the sound or music

  11. Write a researched critical analysis
    Assessment Strategies
    by writing a critical analysis
    Criteria
    critical analysis includes an argument
    critical analysis illustrates their stance by referencing specific evidence from a film
    critical analysis includes a summary of five reference sources