Telecourse MV#2088 • Fall 2009

Multimedia Design

Lane Community College • 4000 East 30th Avenue • Eugene, OR 97405

Dr. Patrick Lucanio

Office: 210 Bldg. 17 [Forum]

Office Hours: Tuesday/Wednesday 9:30-10:30; and by appointment

Telephone: 463-5136; e-mail: lucaniop@lanecc.edu or cinepat@comcast.net.

Distance Learning Department: (541) 463-5893 Bldg 19 Room 253

Distance Learning Website: www.lanecc.edu/distance

• Belton, John. American Cinema/American Culture (1994). McGraw-Hill ISBN 0-07-004466-X
• Sikov, Ed. Study Guide for American Cinema (1994). McGraw-Hill ISBN 0-07-057605-X (optional)

The American Cinema is an introductory telecourse designed to bring Hollywood filmmaking into clear focus as an art form, as an economic force, and as a system of representation and communication. This telecourse explores how Hollywood films work technically, artistically, and culturally. The American Cinema probes the deeper meaning of American movies—the hidden messages of genres, the social and psychological effects of film style, and the mutual influence of society and popular culture—through encounters with the work of such directors as John Ford, Howard Hawks and Martin Scorsese.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

By completing this course with a grade of "C" or better, you should be able to:

• Identify the major events shaping American film history, from the silent era to the present day.
• Utilize the basic technical and critical vocabulary of motion pictures.
• Discuss how the technology of the cinema relates to film art.
• Describe the fundamental economic structure of the film industry.
• Evaluate your own role as passive spectators, and increase your ability to watch films actively and critically.
• Enhance your ability to think, speak, and write critically in an increasingly visual and technological culture.

The following are significant dates:

Taking a telecourse requires a disciplined and controlled environment. Watching each program will demand your undivided attention. It is recommended that you do the readings in the text and lab manual before viewing the programs. A viewing schedule is included to allow you to keep up with the programs.

Every week one 60-minute lesson will be broadcast on Comcast Cable channel 23 and on Charter Communications Cable channel 9. Each lesson will be cablecast several times during the week. For dates and times, please check the viewing schedule in this syllabus. If you have any technical difficulties call campus cable at (541) 463-5319.

Also, if you have broadband connection you may view the tapes at:

To hear the sound and view the video you should have Windows Media Player, DSL, cable, or LAN connection to a T1 line or greater, and have javascript enabled. There is no charge for the service.

If you miss any programs at home they may be viewed in the LCC library on the main campus (2nd floor,

Center Building, 541-463-5220). Videotapes are also available for a one-week loan at no charge (limited to one tape at a time). When requesting to view or check out a tape in the library, please identify this telecourse by the number MV#2088. RMI Media Productions rents the programs for $55 plus shipping. To order call RMI at (800) 745-5480.

NOTE. Students with access to cable television should watch and/or record the programs at home. This helps make the checkout tapes available for students who don't receive cable.

EXAMINATIONS

You are responsible for completing two examinations, a midterm exam and a final exam. Both exams must be taken as scheduled. All exams will be administered at the Social Science Testing Lab in Center 456. Out of area students can take the midterm and final exams at the LCC Cottage Grove and Florence Outreach. Testing lab schedule is as follows:

Photo I.D. is required in order to take the exams. Your notes must be on a single 3x5 card; otherwise you will not be allowed to use notes to complete the exam. REMEMBER: Photo ID is required, and your notes must be on a single 3x5 card.

While the exams are generally not cumulative, you will find that some topics dealt with in the first half of the course are revisited in the latter half. As such, follow the readings carefully, noting what material you will need to review for the final exam. Both exams are multiple choice. Please be advised that taking exams early ensures timely receipt of exams.

*In the event of an emergency that would prevent you from taking an exam on the date set, contact your instructor promptly to re-schedule the exam. You may be asked to provide a valid and verifiable excuse. Instructor approval for makeup exams is not automatic, but will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Since I appreciate students who are actually interested in their own education, I allow any student to complete an extra credit project or report to compensate for a poor grade on a test (this does not apply to a missed exam). You may earn extra credit by completing one of the following written assignments:

1. Option #1. Choose a single film produced before 1970, and write a one paragraph synopsis of the narrative and then write a brief description—about three or four paragraphs—of a production elements or elements (cinematography, editing, music, acting, etc.) of a single sequence that most impressed you. For example, you may find the "Ecstasy of Gold" sequence from Sergio Leone’s The Good, the Bad and the Ugly a fascinating work of editing. You would first write a synopsis (what the narrative was about) in paragraph one and then discuss editing and, perhaps, the use of music to guide the cutting. Illustrations from the film—screen captures or what we used to call frame enlargements—can be used to enhance your discussion. Information about thinking and writing about film can be found in the study guide, supplemental unit B.

 

2. Option #2. If so inclined, produce your own video. It may be narrative or documentary, color or b/w or a combination, standard or letterboxed, sound or silent. It must be no longer than 10 minutes and it must include a written one-page description of its production methods (how you did it and when and where and with whom, etc.). Your final production must be VHS format or DVD-R format (the latter is encouraged for the sake of quality).

Your written assignment will be graded on the basis of what has been deemed the "3-Cs:" I) Content (film selected and discussed), 2) Coherence (how your thoughts flow and come together), and 3) Clarity (clear thought unencumbered by grammatical and surface errors; this also applies to your video production with regard to "film grammar"). Remember, please give credit to all sources consulted whether quoted or not. A complete explanation of my grading philosophy is attached.

Option #1 must be no more than 3 pages. As always, your paper will be "word-processed" (typed) with double-spacing using 12-point standard Times New Roman font and with 1-inch margins.

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Each assignment will receive a letter grade (A-F). Your grade comes from the exams and, if applicable, the extra credit; hence, the minimum requirement with regard to assignments is the completion of the two exams. Each exam is worth 100% (not cumulative points) and is graded according to the percentage of correct answers; thus, 100-90 equals A, 89-80 equals B, 79-60 equals C (a big spread, I know, but that's because I'm just a swell guy), 59-50 equals D, and any score below 50% assures failure.

Your final grade will be determined solely from the exams. I reserve the right to add a "+" or a "-" to each exam and to the final grade.

Grading Philosophy for Extra Credit Assignment

The underlying assumption is that everyone in class produces C level work; this means that all members of the class are considered average students until they prove otherwise. In this regard, then, the C level project has a clear purpose that is adequately developed. The paper's organization is satisfactory, and the assignment avoids serious errors in the use of English. However, the paper lacks what is referred to as "the vigor of thought and expression" which would entitle it to an above-average rating. Accordingly, the B project is clear, concise, precise, substantial, and free of serious mechanical errors. Moreover, a central purpose is evident and this purpose is logically developed; in addition, the paper displays proper unity and coherence that reflect the organized mind of the writer. Although the writer of the B paper demonstrates competence at all levels, the final product nonetheless lacks the originality of thought and style indicative of the superior, or A, paper. The superior composition, then, is marked distinctly by its originality of thought and style; this is to say that the paper has something important to say and says it in the best possible way. The "way" in this regard refers to the writer's ability to harmonize two essential factors of composition. First, the paper is free of serious mechanical errors; this is to say that, for example, there are no incorrect words, no incorrect spellings, no misplaced apostrophes, no dangling modifiers, no divergent (what is referred to as unparallel) constructions, no dangling pronouns (antecedent clearly understood), and no run-on sentences to detract from the writer's purpose. Secondly, this central purpose (thesis) is clearly stated and logically developed; in addition, the overall paper demonstrates a carefully constructed quality, incorporating the appropriate use of smooth transitions, in order to impart the thesis. As a result, the paper possesses an air of authority and sophistication, and as such the effect of the composition provokes reader response.

On the other hand, the D paper indicates a below average achievement in expressing ideas correctly and adequately. Normally, a D paper contains a number of serious mechanical errors (outlined above), or an abundance of irritating errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation (errors, moreover, that can be often detected by proofreading). It should be understood, however, that a badly organized, confusing, and rambling paper may receive a D grade even if the paper is mechanically correct; this seldom happens, however, because a clear, organized paper is nearly always expressed adequately. An F grade indicates the writer's failure to state and develop effectively a main idea. This failure is often the result of numerous serious mechanical errors combined with an abundance of errors in simple grammar and usage. Also, clarity is hopelessly absent; in other words, the reader hasn't the foggiest notion as to what the paper means or what it is even trying to say. This is often the result of illogical constructions, poorly reasoned conclusions, and just plain, sloppy thinking.

Students must log in to their telecourse in Moodle (http://classes.lanecc.edu) before the end of the first week of classes. Students who do not log in to the course website may be administratively dropped from their telecourse. Students should not assume that the instructor will withdraw them for not logging in and should officially drop any class in which they do not intend to participate. Classes are dropped using ExpressLane. After SUNDAY, October 4, at midnight, no tuition or fees will be refunded. Students withdrawing from a course after the refund period is over will NOT receive a refund. It is the student’s responsibility to officially drop. Students are responsible for all charges for classes not dropped by the full refund deadline. For college policy regarding refunds, see Lane’s website or the current Aspire Magazine.

Distance Learning:

Distance Learning is located in the Workforce Training Building 19, room 253A, 463-5893. Telecourse students may call (541) 463-5319 with cable viewing discrepancies.

Disability Resources Statement:

If you need support or assistance because of a disability, you may be eligible for academic accommodations. Contact Disability Resources at (541) 463-5150, or TTY 463-3079, or stop by Bldg.1, Room 218.

Main Campus Bookstore Hours:

Internet and Computer Access:

Main Campus Student Computer Lab/Student Help Desk (SHeD), Bldg. 4, Room #201 Hours: Mon. through Thurs., 7:30am-7pm; Fri., 7:30am-6pm. Closed Saturdays and Sundays and holidays. Laptop computers are available for 2-hour checkout in the Lane Library and may be used anywhere inside the Library.

Social Science Testing Lab:

Check the website for operating hours: https://teach.lanecc.edu/timmerst/

Student Activity Fee, Photo ID and Transportation Fee Information:

Students only enrolled in distance learning courses (no on-campus courses) are not charged the ASLCC Student Activity Fee. An LCC photo ID is not required to attend Lane. It is available to all currently registered students as an alternate form of photo identification. A card may be purchased at a cost of $5 through Enrollment Services, Building 1 or the Downtown Center. Distance Learning students are not charged the $26 transportation fee and are not eligible for an LTD Bus Pass. DL students are charged a $5 transportation fee.

Proctored Exams With Off Campus Proctors:

Proctored testing is an option available for students who live outside of the local Lane County area. For complete information, please go to: www.lanecc.edu/distance/testing.htm (This does not apply to students enrolled at the Cottage Grove and Florence campuses.)

Grade Reports:

Beginning on Wednesday following the end of the term, students can obtain unofficial transcripts with their grades from ExpressLane. Grade reports are not mailed. Official transcripts may be paid for and ordered through ExpressLane or at Enrollment Services on the main campus or by calling (541) 463-3100.

September 29........................................ Classes Begin
September 30 Orientation

October 4, midnight............................... Last day to receive refund

October 28 Review Session • Live Broadcast

November 11 Veterans Day • College Closed

November 20........................................... Last day for schedule changes

November 26-29 Thanksgiving • College Closed

December 2 Review Session • Live Broadcast

December 8 (10:30 a.m.) Extra Credit Due

December 12.......................................... Fall term ends

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