Film and Literature Syllabus

Montabella Jr/Sr High School 2011-2012

 

 

Ms. Dreyer-Molitor

kdreyer@montabella.com

989-427-5175

 

Mustangs are PROMPT, POSITIVE, POLITE, PREPARED, and PRODUCTIVE!

 

Course Overview:  This course is an in-depth study of films from historical, literary, and genre perspectives.  Students will study the historical and literary perspective of several films and analyze these films through discussion, writing, and producing a variety of projects.  Through questioning and critical thinking, students will become more perceptive viewers of film.

 

Course Objectives:

·         Develop and apply skills and strategies to the reading process.

·         Develop and apply skills and strategies to the viewing process.

·         Develop and apply skills and strategies to comprehend, analyze, and evaluate nonfiction (informational text).

·         Apply a writing process in composing text.

·         Compose well-developed text.

·         Develop and apply effective research process skills to gather, analyze, and evaluate information.

·         Develop and apply effective skills and strategies to analyze and evaluate visual media.

 

Course Films:  (**Parental signature is required to stay in the course and assumes acceptance of the film list).  Also, note that the below list is apt to change if necessary; however, if a film that is not on the list needs to replace another and the film has rating warnings, a note will be sent home for parental approval.

 

 

Genre

Action – The Bourne Identity, Director Doug Liman 2002

Adventure – Into Thin Air, Director Robert Markowitz 1997

Comedy – Roxanne, Director Fred Schepisi 1987 (this movie is based on the novel, Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand)

Crime – Snow Falling on Cedars, Director Scott Hicks 1999

Drama – The Shawshank Redemption, Director Frank Darabont 1994

Horror – Amityville Horror, Director Andrew Douglas  2005

Animation – Animal Farm, Directors Joy Batchelor and John Halas 1954

Science Fiction – The Matrix, Director Andy Wachowski and Lana Wachowski  1999

Thriller – The Pelican Brief, director Alan J. Pakula 1993

Western – True Grit, Directors Ethan Coen & Joel Coen 2010

 

 

We may also travel to a local theater at least one time this trimester.  The film viewed is yet to be determined but additional parent permission will be required.  Such a field trip would quite possibly require a financial donation from students for transportation costs and additional money for the matinee. 

 

Make-Up/Late Work Policy:

·         Films missed because of absence become the responsibility of the student to rent.  The film may not be checked out from the teacher.

·         Attendance/Tardies:  Students are urged to be here daily.  Poor attendance makes the work seem harder, less enjoyable, and puts unnecessary hardship on the students and teacher.  Regular attendance helps you keep up, both in the work itself and understanding the course context.  This class will follow the attendance and tardy policy outlined in the Student Handbook. 

·         Late Work:  Any required work may be submitted up to one week late, but it will be penalized one full grade.  Papers will not be accepted for credit after one week.

·         Electronic Devices:  ONLY upon teacher’s permission will any electronic device be allowed to be used in the classroom.  The purpose, IF it is allowed, will be for educational purposes only.

·         Behavior:  Students are expected to act in an appropriate fashion.  This means that he or she should fulfill his or her responsibilities as a student, treat others with respect and courtesy, and participate in a positive and congenial manner.  Students who cannot control themselves, who disrupt the classroom environment, or who are disrespectful of others will be removed from the class.  Discipline will follow the Student Handbook.

·         Hall Passes:  Students are allowed one hall pass per week.    In order to use a HALL

PASS to the restroom, locker, office, etc., a student must have his/her own Passbook, which the teacher will fill out and initial, before the student leaves the classroom.  They must also sign out and in on the Hall Pass recorder.  The teacher reserves the right to deny a student’s use of a pass.

Special Note: Students are expected to put forth all effort to earn a passing grade.  In order for students to pass this class, they must maintain a 60% average in the class.

*For other classroom participation expectations, see Classroom Rules and Policies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have read and agree to follow the expectations set forth for the course.  I understand the grading scale and the make-up/ late work policy, as well as all other policies in this syllabus.  I have reviewed the predicted movie viewing list.  I understand that, should any questions or concerns arise, I need to contact the teacher immediately.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Student Signature                                                                                                                                               Date

 

 

Student e-mail address

 

 

Parent Signature                                                                                                                                                     Date

 

 

 

Parent e-mail &/or phone number