Course Outline for Theater Arts 12, Page 2

Chabot College Fall 2010

Course Outline for Theater Arts 12 FILM AS ART AND COMMUNICATION

Catalog Description:

12 - Film as Art and Communication 4 units

Introduction to film as art and communication. Analysis of films from various genres, with an emphasis on both technical aspects of filmmaking and story-telling. 4 hours. [Typical contact hours: 70]

Prerequisite Skills:

Expected Outcomes for Students:

Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:

1. analyze a film in terms of genre. 2. analyze a film in terms of technical craftsmanship. 3. analyze a film in terms of character, storyline, and action. 4. analyze the use of music and lighting to enhance the film. 5. compare and contrast film styles and narratives. 6. compare and contrast other art forms and trends to current filmmaking. 7. express their analyses in both writing and speaking. 8. work as a team in analyzing the material.

Course Content:

1. watching representative examples of various genres of film. 2. watching examples of technical craftsmanship in films, including use of lighting, sound, and editing. 3. watching examples of film where character, storyline and action are dominant. 4. watching films with various lighting and music that enhances the film. 5. watching films with a variety of styles and narratives. 6. examining artwork and/or current events as they relate to filmmaking. 7. discussion of the topics listed above, among others. 8. group work that analyzes the material.

Methods of Presentation:

1. Film extracts and whole films will be used for classroom viewing and discussion, analysis, and criticism. 2. Lecture/discussion 3. Group work 4. Homework sharing.

Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:

1. Typical Assignments:

a. Explain the use of lighting to achieve a sense of suspense. b. Plot the action of the story according to a timeline. Chabot College Course Outline for Theater Arts 12, page 2 Fall 2010

c. Compare and contrast the major characters, in terms of motivation and vision. d. Analyze the images in terms of metaphor for the themes and ideas in the film. e. As a group, cast the film with today’s actors and cite why and how you made the decisions. f. Research background information for a director or screenwriter or other aspect of an assigned film, using Internet sources.

2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:

a. Student involvement in the class viewing, analysis, and discussion b. Written essays (critiques or reviews of films) c. Oral Presentations of analysis and/or research. d. Observation of student attitude and respect for others e. Final examination (or project)

Textbook(s) Typical):

Looking at Movies (dvd and website included): Karen Gocgsnic and Richard Barsam, authors; Norton Press, 2009

Special Student Materials:

rev. 11/21/09 rl, cp