A Social Science Perspective on Film

Foreword:   I am concerned this may look more complicated or difficult than it is. First, don't hesitate to ask your questions. Second, basically what you are doing is reading one book, seeing 11 films, and either considering how "truthful" those films are, or what values they communicate. The rest is "detail" that will gradually become clearer and clearer to you. Personally, I am delighted to have carved out this "unorthodox" way of looking at film study. I hope you will find it very worthwhile!

Dear Film Student:

    This otherwise modest, one unit course is, nonetheless, meant to give you a very special opportunity to pursue your interest in film. I believe the "imaginary experience" of movies give you an unusually good possibility for applying academics in an engaging and personally meaningful way. Truthfully, because the movies are so good, this should be one of your most enjoyable classes. But also understand that I am very serious about the academic intentions. 95% of the time this is not problem, but it seems that every year someone doesn't complete the assignments (yes, you must complete each and every assignment, there is no partial credit) and later I find out that at least one person didn't graduate from Seaver just because of this one unit course. This distresses me very much (and I am hoping that this intro to the course can help stop that from ever happening again).     Thus, the following policies are meant to meet both our needs:

• Plan to finish the course by the last day of scheduled classes.
  
• You should only submit one review at a time and wait until you have had my review of your review before you submit a subsequent one. You may watch and report (via e-mail) on more than one a week, but NOT LESS than once a week (and a quicker pace than even this for summer school). Thus, for example, if by Week Seven you have only seen and reported on six films, do not expect course credit. Any exceptions must have my permission and be arranged prior to the time needed.
  
• This term you have several options for which "course" to take. (You will NOT need to change the section number that you are already in, but you must pick option A, B, C, etc. and let me know (via e-mail) which option you will take.