Film Composition and Literature

Course Expectations and Policies

Binder Assignment and Projects

AFI Film List

Basic Film Terms

Outside of Class Film Form

Book and Film Comparison Paper

The Artists Novels and Lost Horizon Assignment

Mrs. Paugh

Paly.net

Teaching Periods:
Semester One: 2, 5, 6 & 7- Room 219; Semester Two: 2, 4, 6 & 7 - Room 219

Teacher Advisor (10-12): lunch and by appointment in room 219 and my English department office

Course Objectives:

The purpose of Film Composition and Literature in high school is to introduce students to the narrative aspects as well as the basic technical and aesthetic elements of film. During the semester, students will view and discuss representative films from the Silent Era through the 1990's, including American and some foreign films but primarily focusing on genre films from Hollywood's Classic Age (1930-1960) that most influenced the Modern Era of film. The course will emphasize the history and development of film and also compare the adaptation of literature to film. The subject is designed to be a challenging survey course at the high school level. Students will learn to critically analyze film from a historical perspective and will write about film and how universal themes in film can be applied to their own lives.

Texts:

Flashback, A Brief History of Film, by Louis Giannetti and Scott Eyman, 3rd edition, 1996 and The Critical Eye by Margo Kasdan, Christine Saxton & Susan Tavernetti, 3rd edition, 1998.

These texts will serve as the basis for our study of the development of film from its beginnings in the late 1800's to the present day.

Literature: 1) A selection from novels adapted into Academy Award winning films; 2) A "classic novel" which has been adapted to film; 3) A choice between Lost Horizon by James Hilton and novels about art and artists (Girl with the Pearl Earring, Girl in Hyacinth Blue and My Name is Asher Lev); and 4) October Sky by Homer Hickam, Jr.

Reading:

To supplement the assigned reading from the text, additional reading assignments will given at regular intervals. In addition to the assigned " course core" reading, each student must read at least one book which has been adapted to the screen and write a formal paper comparing the book and its adaptation to film. (See above.) These books will be "free choice" options of a play or novel taken from the "teacher's choice" list of available books.

Writing:

This subject is an English course and satisfies the English department's standards for high school graduation as well as earning UC "b" English credit, therefore, reading and writing will be frequent and varied. As part of the English Department's focus, students will keep a film journal. Topics for this writing will often be provided by the teacher, and students will write both in and out of class. Usually the journal will serve as a film " viewing log" for the students to respond to their experiences with a variety of films in class in addition to other prompt questions. The journals will be included as part of the "film binder" which will be submitted and graded each quarter. In order to stay current, all students should keep a list of required assignments, follow directions (refer to "long term/on-going assignments" list) and pay careful attention in class. Both in-class essays and out-of-class formal essays will be required.

Speaking/Listening/Organizational Skills:

Students will engage in a variety of listening and speaking experiences ranging from informal discussions to formal presentations. Good organizational habits will be stressed. Participation is also a key factor to success in this class. I need to hear each student's ideas, and it is important for each student to express his/her opinion clearly and logically on a frequent basis. There will be a participation grade given quarterly to each student. It is imperative that each student be courteous and attentive to the teacher and other students.

Vocabulary:

There will be assignments on vocabulary words drawn from the film text's glossary of film terminology as well as words from the core literature. A basic understanding of the language of film is part of the course objective.

Media Assignments:

Each student should find five articles each quarter about various aspects of film which interest him/her and include them in the film binder for the class. Specific directions have been provided in the "long term/on-going" assignment packet.

Out of class films:

Students must see ten films outside of class (five each quarter) and write reactions to the films using the "Outside of class film" form/prompts. These films must be viewed in the theaters. At least one must be seen at the Stanford Theater and one must be a foreign film. The write-ups for these films will be part of the major film binder project submitted each quarter. Refer to the specific directions which are provided in the "long term/on-going" assignment packet.

Final Exam/Final Projects:

I am very aware of the disparate interests, talents, expertise and film experience of the students enrolled in this class. The final project will be individualized as much as possible to adapt to those individual interests and talents. All projects will contain both written and performance components and be appropriate for a classroom environment.

Expectations:

Although this course meets UC English requirement standards, this is an English elective. I assume, therefore, that all students have chosen this course because of their interest and/or curiosity about film. I expect all students to be self-motivated and prepared for class every day. All assignments should be submitted on time and in the manner assigned. Effort alone does not necessarily constitute quality work. Students should be courteous to all even when opinions differ. I want all students to succeed and hope they will enjoy the course and gain an increased appreciation for film. It is my goal that this class will be a rewarding and enriching experience for all.

Grading:

Generally, points will be assigned for each assignment and the total points earned will be divided by the total points possible resulting in a percentage grade. The standard percentages will apply for A's (89.6% and above), for B's (79.6% to 89.5%), and so forth.

Attendance and Additional Information:

I will adhere to Paly's "drop policy" for a course if eight tardies or five cuts are accumulated. Please refer to Paugh's "Classroom Information" guide for specific classroom rules regarding behavior, materials needed, absence/tardy policy and grading information. At the beginning of the course, each student received this guide and returned a portion of it signed by both the student and a parent.