CMS 2100: Introduction to Film

Course Objectives

Film is an art form with a language and an aesthetic all its own. Indeed, in CMS 2100 we will approach film as the public literature and graphic art of our time. Through lectures, readings, screenings, and discussions, you will become familiar with the formal and stylistic, aesthetic and ethical elements of cinema. We will study a range of great movies from international film history. You may not love every film we study, but you will definitely become a more informed, sophisticated film viewer.

Course Format

We will spend approximately the first half of the course studying the formal techniques and terminology of film art. During the second half, we will explore how various filmmakers have employed these cinematic techniques to achieve different historical effects. Note that our reading load will be heaviest during the first half of the course, becoming considerably lighter during the second half.

You MUST check your CSU email account regularly for important notices and updates; this is especially important if you are enrolled in an online version of the course, since we do not regularly meet in person. "I didn't check my email for a few days so I only just got your message" and "I never check that account" are not a valid excuses for missing important course updates, and your grade may suffer as a result.

Film Screenings

Please note that the film screenings are mandatory, and this material will be on exams. If you do not plan to view the screenings or make-up missed screenings, you should drop this course. We will view additional excerpts from selected films during class lectures, and this material will be on exams as well. (See the In-Class Screening List for the full list of film clips that we'll be seeing in class.)

You do not need to purchase these films on DVD. Some may be rentable at your local video store, but all of our assigned films are available on reserve in the CSU library for free or via the DVD rental service Netflix for very reasonable rates. Just sign up for one or two months’ subscription & then you can cancel it whenever you like; it will be less expensive than buying the DVDs or even renting them locally. I’ve used Netflix for years and can vouch for the quickness and efficiency of their shipping and also for their great selection of DVDs and instant downloads too. There are other DVD subscription options too, like Greencine.

Always arrive five minutes early to on-campus meetings, screenings, and class lectures, not only because we will start promptly but also because late arrivals are extremely disruptive. If you must arrive late, always use the back door to enter the room quietly and then sit quietly on the aisle; do not step over people to get to a favorite seat, since this blocks the view of the screen for others. Do not eat loud foods, sleep, answer cell phones, operate computers, check email, talk with classmates or talk back to the screen loudly, or leave the room for food or other non-emergencies during class meetings, lectures, and screenings; these are a time for serious study of our film texts so you should be taking copious notes during each film to prepare for your quizzes, class discussions, and exams. You may wish to bring a penlight to classes and screenings to help you take notes in the dark. Anyone behaving disruptively during a screening or class will be asked to leave.

Required Texts (Available at the campus bookstore or online retailers)

1.    Bordwell, David and Kristin Thompson, Film Art: An Introduction, 8^th Edition. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2006. ISBN: 0073310271 (FA)

2.    Film Art CD-ROM (included free with textbook) (CD)

3.    Selected supplemental readings (online hyperlinks located on reading schedule)

Course textbooks & most of our films are on free reserve in the CSU library. If you purchase your textbook online, be SURE to purchase the 8th edition with CD-ROM.

Note for on-campus classes: If you have added this course during the schedule change period and/or were not present for the syllabus review/orientation the first day of class, you are required to meet with me the following week immediately after class or during my office hours to review course requirements and policies.