Clayton State University

History Through Film
HIST 3245 Spring 2010
"Third World History Through Film"
 

                                                                                           
Credit hours: 3
Office: G214D                                                                      
Phone:
E-mail: VictoriaPasley@clayton.edu 
Office Hours:
Instructor: Dr. Victoria Pasley

Course Description:
This course introduces students to critical issues in history and representation, utilizing film to analyze
central historical issues. The specific thematic content is variable. Course may be repeated for up to 9 credits.

In Spring 2010 the course focus is on Third World History through Film.
The rise of cinema in the late nineteenth century coincided with a second wave of European Imperial expansion leading to the colonization of vast areas of Asia and Africa. This was accompanied by increasing US imperialism in Latin America. These powers tended to distort or ignore the histories of the peoples in the areas in which they intervened. In addition, Hollywood films have (and still do)  depict non-Western peoples in a number of erroneous ways. As a result people in the so-called “Third World” have used cinema to try and rewrite their histories and counter colonial image making. This course will examine the history of the development of cinema by Third World filmmakers, as well as Third Cinema, allowing students to better understand the regions’ histories and cultures. We will be watching significant films from directors in  Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and India as well as reading articles and historical documents from major thinkers from these regions.

Pre-Requisites:
See Class Schedule

Required Texts
Third World Film-Making and the West by Roy Armes
University of California Press (1987)
Weekly readings will also be assigned in WebCT
Weekly Readings

Instructional Activities and Methodology
Classes will consist of film screenings, short lectures and class discussions. It is vital, therefore, that students come to class having read the materials and ready to discuss them.  Students will be expected to participate liberally in class discussions as well as make brief presentations on reading assignments and films

Course Objectives
This course meets the following objectives of the history major. After taking this course students will be able to:
Identify and describe basic chronologies in  Third World History and Cinema
Identify and critically evaluate primary and secondary historical sources including film texts. Identify and evaluate conflicting historical interpretations of events and personalities.
Perform historical research using primary and secondary sources.
Write in a clear, analytical, and organized manner, demonstrating appropriate professional documentation methods.
Discuss historical findings in clear and coherent oral presentations  
It also addresses Learning Outcomes 2-5, as adopted by the history faculty at Clayton State University  

Graduates of the history program at  Clayton State University will:

·         Identify and describe basic chronologies of U.S. and world history.

·         Identify and critically evaluate primary and secondary historical sources.

·         Identify and evaluate conflicting historical interpretations of events and personalities.

·         Perform historical research using primary and secondary sources in libraries, archives, and other
    repositories of historical records.

·         Write in a clear, analytical, and organized manner, demonstrating appropriate professional
    documentation methods.

·         Discuss historical findings in clear and coherent oral presentations.

Computer Requirement:
Each CCSU student is required to have ready access throughout the semester to a notebook computer that meets faculty-approved hardware and software requirements for the student's academic program. Students will sign a statement attesting to such access.  For further information on CSU's Official Notebook Computer Policy, please go to http://itpchoice.clayton.edu/policy.htm. 

Computer Use in This Course:
Student notebook computers will not be used in the classroom in this course and all laptops must be off during screenings. Computers will be required to access course materials and to communicate with your instructor. We will also be using Georgia View/WebCT  so please make sure you can access it.
Please make sure you can access both WebCT and CSU e-mail -- both will be used in this course.
General Requirements

• Students must abide by the policies found in the Clayton State University Student Handbook and the Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities   Students are expected to attend class regularly and punctually. Excess absences will lead to loss in grade points. More than three absences will lead to a 5 percent  deduction on final grade.
• Class participation is of primary importance in this class as participation in discussions is part of your grade. Your questions, comments, and analysis are critical to making the class work.  
•   Please do not bring food to class. Drinks are fine.
•  Refrain from conversation during lectures, videos, and reports.
•  To ensure fairness late assignments may not be accepted and will lose grade points. DO NOT write your paper at the last minute. Broken printers and other equipment malfunctions are not an acceptable excuse for lateness. Do your paper well ahead of the due date.
• Students must abide by policies in the University Student Handbook
• Student must keep up with the readings and other assignments.
• University Policy states that NO CHILDREN are allowed in class

CELL PHONES MUST BE SWITCHED OFF BEFORE ENTERING CLASSROOM

Plagiarism
I take plagiarism very seriously. Please refer to student handbook  Clayton State University Student Handbook): No student will represent the work of others as his or her own. Themes, essays, term papers, tests, presentations and other similar assignments must be the work of the student submitting them. When direct quotations are used, they must be indicated and when the ideas of another are incorporated, they must be appropriately acknowledged. As a general rule if you use more than four words of someone else’s writing (including the internet) you must use quotations marks and cite the writer/source. Do not copy and paste from internet sites. It’s very important that you learn to paraphrase and use quotes sparingly.

Academic Misconduct:  Any type of activity that is considered dishonest by reasonable standards may constitute academic misconduct. The most common forms of academic misconduct are cheating and plagiarism. All instances of academic dishonesty will result in a grade of zero for the work involved. All instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Office of Student Life/Judicial Affairs. Clayton State University 's academic misconduct policies can be found at http://adminservices.clayton.edu/studentlife/judicial_affairs.htm.  

Center for Academic Assistance (CAA): The CAA offers a variety of personalized academic services including staff and peer tutoring and multimedia instruction to all  Clayton State University students.  Standardized testing is offered through the Testing Center.  The CAA develops and coordinates online instructional resources, workshops, courses, and external labs teaching interdisciplinary academic skills. The Learning Support Program (COMPASS Testing Program, Regents Testing Program, and Learning Support and Regents Test Remediation courses) is also facilitated by the CAA.

The Americans with Disabilities Act: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), enacted into law, July 26, 1992, guarantees individuals with disabilities in the United States protection form discrimination on the basis of disability. ADA extends civil rights protection for individuals with disabilities to employment in the private sector, transportation, public accommodation, services provided by state and local governments, and telecommunications relay services.  Clayton State University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and will make reasonable accommodations for students and employees with disabilities. Information on ADA for students is available through the Disability Resource Center

University Attendance Policy
Students are expected to attend and participate in every class meeting. Instructors establish specific policies relating to absences in their courses and communicate these policies to the students through the course syllabi. Individual instructors, based upon the nature of the course, determine what effect excused and unexcused absences have in determining grades and upon students’ ability to remain enrolled in their courses. The university reserves the right to determine that excessive absences, whether justified or not, are sufficient cause for institutional withdrawals or failing grades. The purpose of the new policy is to increase retention.   Students who have poor class attendance records often do poorly in our courses.  The new policy is designed to emphasize to students that attending class is important and expected.

In this course attendance is essential. Class participation and attendance are part of your grade. Attendance will be taken in each class and if you are absent (no matter if your absence is excused or unexcused) it could jeopardize your overall performance in this course..  Taking good notes is necessary but not sufficient for doing well in the course.  Thus, if you do miss class, you must get the notes from another student.  You are also encouraged to visit me during office hours to clarify material. Keep in mind that missing one class period is the equivalent of a weeks absence.

Make-up exams will only be given in extreme circumstances. Students must provide written documentation of the reason why they cannot take the exam on time.

Grading
A: 90%
B: 80%
C: 70%
D: 60%
F: Less than 60%

Course Assignments
15% Class participation (May include unannounced quizzes on the reading assignments, short presentations and other projects as assigned)
20% Midterm exam
20% Research Paper: One of this course’s objectives is to improve your ability to write and think critically. Students are required to write a 6-8 page research paper on a film by a Third World filmmaker. Details will be given
10% Presentation on Paper
10% One page weekly reaction paper to film and readings (You will receive a check) total 10 papers
20% Final Exam
5% Discussion Lead. Each student must prepare discussion questions for the film and readings for one of the weekly screenings.

Late papers and work may not be accepted and will be subject to lost points at 5 points per day. All late papers require written documentation explaining the reason for lateness. (Broken printers are not an excuse … make sure you do your paper well before the deadline)

*Term Paper: Each student will choose a film by a filmmaker from the list provided (or off the list with my approval) and should analyze the film in its historical/social/economic context and present your paper in class using clips from your film. The paper should be 6-8 pages double spaced 12 pt. font. It must have Chicago style or MLA style citations throughout the paper – any paper not doing so will automatically receive an F and will be reported to the department.

You must use at least three books related to your topic (8-10 sources in all). You should include journal articles. Please consult with me either by e-mail or in person. In order to achieve an A you must complete all stages of the project on time. DO NOT USE INTERNET SOURCES (Except for Primary Sources with my permission) – do not use Wikpedia or other encyclopedias as sources.  Please e-mail me your topic. Plan early as you will most likely need to use Interlibrary Loan (GIL express) A detailed sheet will be handed out.

      Hand in chosen film
Hand in a list of books, articles and other sources.

Weekly Readings