Course Requirements

Grade Scale

Attendance & Participation

You are expected to attend all classes and film screenings, to be punctual and attentive, and to be prepared to participate in class discussions of our assignments. Complete reading assignments before the class meeting for which they are assigned so that you may better engage with the weekly films and lecture material, and so that you may raise informed, interesting questions and comments.

It is in your best interest to attend every lecture and screening since this is the best way to learn about cinema. While there is no daily attendance policy for this course, it is your responsibility to initial the class roll during every lecture you attend. Absence from more than 20% of class meetings is grounds for course failure (an F) and/or administrative withdrawal. Excuses for absences are irrelevant. If you find that you must miss a class or a screening, you are still responsible for the material covered and films screened during your absence. Be advised that some of our in-class films may be difficult to obtain outside of class.

Always arrive five minutes early to screenings and to class lectures and tests, 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 so that you interrupt the lecture/film as little as possible. Note that repeated tardiness and/or leaving class early will lower your final course grade. If you find that you must miss a class or a screening, you are still responsible for the material covered and films screened during your absence. Be advised that many of our in-class clips might be difficult to obtain outside of class.

See the Assignments page for a breakdown of the remainder of your overall course grade.