Course syllabus

2016, Semester 1

(15.0 points)

 

Description

Although films have been an important part of our cultural experience for more than 120 years, they have not always been considered a legitimate or worthy object of serious study.

Sure, films are entertaining and sometimes they can even be deeply moving but they also potentially tell us much more.  They reflect and shape attitudes about sexuality, gender, class, race, identity, changing social attitudes, technology, industry and how we view and value creativity.

This course introduces students to the formal techniques and conventions of feature filmmaking. In order to place these techniques and conventions into context and investigate their relations to each other students will study a set of films. These films provide a comparative perspective and also help students acquire the technical vocabulary required to study and make films.

FTVMS 101 and FTVMS 100 are currently the two prerequisites to advance to Stage 2 study in Media, Film and Television and Screen.

 

Course Convenor

Dr. Sarina Pearson
Email: s.pearson@auckland.ac.nz
Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 86030
Semester 2 office hours: Tuesdays 12:30-2:00
Office: 407, Arts 2 

 

Tutors:

All office hours are conducted in Arts 2, Room 310

Callum Freeman   cfre694@aucklanduni.ac.nz     office hours Monday 12-1:30

Ahmed Ghazal      agha547@aucklanduni.ac.nz   office hours Monday 10-11 & 2-3

Lilian Hanly           lhan622@aucklanduni.ac.nz    office hours Wednesdays 4-5

Susan Nemec       snem001@aucklanduni.ac.nz  office hours Wednesday 9-10

 

 

Class Reps:

Elizabeth Louw  elou635@aucklanduni.ac.nz

Charles Suligan csul986@auckland.ac.nz

Ilie Mardiono  amar477@aucklanduni.ac.nz

Isabelle Cohen icoh753@aucklanduni.ac.nz

 

 

Lecture Times: 

Wednesdays 1-3 pm in OGGB Room 098 

 

Lecture Topics: 

Week 1  Course Introduction, Early cinema

Week 2  Mis-en-scene  Do the Right Thing

Week 3  Cinematography In the Mood For Love

Week 4  Editing Vertigo

Week 5 Sound  Singin' in the Rain

Week 6 Mid-term test

Week 7 Genre I  Far From Heaven 

Week 8 Genre II True Grit

Week 9 National Cinema/Feminist Film Theory Mad Max Fury Road

Week 10 Documentary & the Avant Garde The Thin Blue Line

Week 11 Animation Spirited Away

Week 12 Course wrap up

 

Screenings/workshops:

Tuesdays 2-5 pm in Library B10

 

Tutorial times:

Check SSO for details

 

Assessment breakdown:

1. Tutorial Participation: 10%
2. Online Reading Quizzes: 10%
3. Midterm Test: 10%
4. Analytical Essay Trigger Assignment: 5%
5. Analytical Essay Assignment: 25%
6. Exam: 40%

 

Your overall course mark is the sum of these 6 assessments.  There is no plussage on this paper. A total of 50% (C-) is the minimum pass mark and you MUST sit the exam to pass this course. Details of the assignments and deadlines will be posted under ASSIGNMENTS.

 

Required Textbook:

The Film Experience: An Introduction (4th Edition) with Launchpad.

(instructions were given about this in the first lecture)

Deadlines and extensions:
Deadlines for coursework are non-negotiable. In extreme circumstances, such as illness, you may seek an extension but you will require a doctor’s certificate. In such cases, extensions must be personally negotiated with your Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) before the assignment is due. Extensions must be approved in writing (e.g. via email) by your GTA. You should write "Extension approved by [GTA's name]" at the top of your assignment. All late assignments without a pre-approved extension will be penalised one mark per day late. An assignment submitted after the marked assignments have been returned to students, but before the end of the teaching semester will not be marked. However, it may be used for consideration of final marks. It is better to hand in a late assignment by the end of the teaching semester (Friday 21 October) than no assignment at all.

Final exam:
You MUST SIT THE FINAL EXAM in order to pass this course. You will be given guidance on the exam and how to prepare in the final lecture of the course. It's essential you attend this exam preparation lecture (it may not be recorded). Exam timetables are published nearer the time. You will need to visit Student Services Online to get this information. Information about exam regulations, what to do if you are late for or miss and exam, how to apply for aegrotat or compassionate consideration etc. can all be found at the Examinations website.

Academic integrity:
This University (and the staff teaching this course) take any form of academic dishonesty (e.g. plagiarism) extremely seriously and it is compulsory for all incoming students to complete a short academic integrity module — see here for details [NB It is essential that you read this: ignorance of the requirements will not be considered a defence in cases of academic misconduct].

Workload:
As with other 15-point courses, the University of Auckland’s expectation is that students spend 10 hours per week on this course. You should manage your academic workload and other commitments accordingly. Students attend a two-hour lecture each week. They take part in a one-hour tutorial each week from August 1 onwards. This leaves 7 hours per week outside the classroom to study for tutorials, assignments and the exam.

Lecture recordings:
While we will post lecture recordings on Canvas (see individual lecture topics in Modules), this is never a substitute for lecture attendance. We cannot guarantee that the recording technology will work smoothly each week or that recordings will be made available before the relevant tutorial (at which you will be required to discuss issues raised in the lecture). You will learn more effectively by using recordings to supplement your in-class learning e.g. for clarifying or revising specific material.

Tutorials:
Tutorials will begin the week starting Monday August 1. You will need to check your timetable on SSO for times and rooms. 

Tuākana Mentoring Programme: please click here for details.

First Year Experience: First Year Experience works to quickly integrate first year students into campus culture, making the transition to university study smoother. Please visit their website for further information.

Library Services: This course will require you to make use of the University library and so it's essential you familiarise yourself with the services offered (including books, journals, audio-visual resources, research and referencing support). Please visit the library website for further information.

Student Learning Services: SLS provides opportunities for students to improve their academic performance and study skills through workshops, advisory sessions and online resources. Visit their website for further information. All students are strongly encouraged to make use of these resources (they cater for all students, not just those who are struggling with academic work).

English Language Enrichment (ELE): Those who are already aware (or whose DELNA results reveal) that they need help with English reading, listening, speaking or writing should enrol at the English Language Self Access Centre in the Information Commons. You will be able to direct your own learning with help from staff, who will help you get started, and monitor your progress. Click here for more information.

DELNA Screening: The University DELNA programme is designed to assist students by providing a profile of their abilities that can then be used as a basis for their further development of academic skills. All incoming students are required by the University to complete the DELNA screening in their first year of academic study, irrespective of their language background. If you did not complete your DELNA screening during Orientation Week, you need to book a time via the DELNA website to get it done as soon as possible. Since tutorials do not run in the first week of semester, you are encouraged to use this time to do your DELNA screening.