As much as possible, we will try to involve everyone in the process of reading the signs and codes that are the foundations of film as a medium of art and communication. The lectures will be supplemented with discussions, screenings of films, videotapes, or slides. It is an historically based, formalistic introduction to the study of basic concepts and problems in analyzing films. Ten times during the semester, there will be short quizzes in which you will have to explain or define a concept or term discussed in class on the day the quiz is given or a concept discussed in Giannetti in chapters assigned through the date of the quiz. You must answer in complete sentences unless directed otherwise at the start of the quiz.
Legible handwriting is required.
Quizzes that need to be deciphered will be regarded as blank pages. You may use a sequence from any film shown this spring at the Fredonia Opera House or a sequence from any of the films screened on Tuesday evenings from 6-8 in Fenton 105 for the Narrative Film course. You are welcome to attend these film screenings. For a schedule, see the EN 380, Narrative Film, syllabus linked to my home page on the Internet. You may also choose from among several films easily available on videotape.