FILM A104: The Great Directors of the Cinema

Course Outline of Record
Item	Value
Curriculum Committee Approval Date	12/02/2020
Top Code	061210 - Film History and Criticism
Units	3 Total Units
Hours	54 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 54)
Total Outside of Class Hours	0
Course Credit Status	Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee	Yes
Basic Skills	Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable	No
Grading Policy	Standard Letter (S), Pass/No Pass (B)

Course Description

This course offers an in-depth exploration of film history, criticism, and aesthetics through the director's perspective, tracing the evolution of directing from the silent era to contemporary cinema. Students will analyze diverse directorial styles across various genres and historical periods, critically assess films through theoretical frameworks, and investigate aesthetic elements such as mise-en-scene, cinematography, and editing. The course also examines directors' contributions from different cultural and historical contexts, highlighting their influence on global cinematic trends and cultural narratives. Designed for Film & Television majors and students with a strong interest in film, the course includes lectures, readings, film viewings, discussions, and a range of assignments and projects. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

Explore how key historical facts, technological advancements, and trends in film history have influenced directorial choices and shaped the evolution of cinematic storytelling. Analyze this exploration into meaningful observations throughout the class.
Examine the contributions of key directors and their representative styles throughout film history. Class discussions and assignments highlight how these approaches have impacted cinematic techniques, storytelling, and the evolution of film as an art form.
Investigate the differences among various film genres from a director's perspective. Demonstrate how directors adapt their techniques and stylistic choices to convey each genre's unique characteristics and themes effectively.

Course Objectives

1. Identify the origins and milestones of the “Directors Guild of America” Identify and discuss the trademarks of an Erich Von Strohiem Film
2. Discuss and identify the biographical history and filmic style of King Vidor. Identify the milestones of early silent film directing.
3. Identify and discuss the characteristics of the “Western” Genre. Have knowledge of the biographical history of John Ford.
4. Identify and compare the trademarks of John Fords Films. Discuss the various points of view of “Artists Rights”
5. Discuss the origins and milestones of the “Animation” Genre. Have knowledge of the biographical history and trademarks of Walt Disney.
6. Identify and discuss trademarks of a James Cameron Film and the “Science Fiction” Genre.
7. Identify the origins and historical progression of the “Documentary” Genre. Learn and identify the various pioneers of the early Documentary movement.
8. Discuss and identify the filmic style and biographical history of Sir David Lean. Understand and discuss the development and milestones of the “Epic” film.
9. Identify and discuss the visual and story trademarks a Stanley Kubrick Film. Have knowledge of the biographical history of Stanley Kubrick.
10. Identify and discuss the visual and story trademarks of the “Film Noir” Genre Discuss and identify the biographical history and filmic style of John Huston.
11. Discuss and identify the biographical history and filmic style of Clint Eastwood.
12. Discuss and identify the biographical history and filmic style of Frank Capra. Have knowledge of the development and milestones of the “WWII Propaganda” film.
13. Identify the trademarks of a Howard Hawks Film. Understand, identify and discuss the defining elements of the “Screwball Comedy” Genre.
14. Identify the trademarks of the “Samurai” and Akira Kurosawa Film Identify and discuss the pivotal European Directors of the 50s and 60s
15. Identify the trademarks and filmic style of a Vincent Minnelli Film. Discuss the trademarks of the “Hollywood Musical” Genre. Identify the trademarks and filmic style of an Alfred Hitchcock and “Suspense” film.

Lecture Content

Beginnings of Film – Early Directors Early Theater and Film Directing The Directors Guild Erich Von Stroheim D.W. Griffith Silent Film Producers and Directors King Vidor Irving G. Thalberg Dorothy Arzner Rex Ingram The Western John Ford War Films John Ford Darryl Zanuck Animation Walt Disney George Pal Winsor McCay Max Fleischer Social Commentary Billy Wilder Science Fiction James Cameron Documentary Frederick Wiseman Robert Flaherty Barbara Koppel John Grierson The Epic Film David Lean Steven Spielberg The Political Director Stanley Kubrick Noir Film John Huston The Anti-Hero Clint Eastwood Immigrant Views of America Frank Capra The Screwball Comedy Howard Hawks Early Underground Film Maya Deren Foreign Film Akira Kurosawa Federico Fellini Francois Truffaut Igmar Bergman Rise of the Female Director Martha Coolidge Penny Marshall Studio System Alfred Hitchcock - Suspense Vincente Minnelli - Musical George Stevens - Drama Michael Curtiz – Multi-Genre Awards DGA – The Directors Guild of America

Method(s) of Instruction

Lecture (02)
DE Live Online Lecture (02S)
DE Online Lecture (02X)

Instructional Techniques

PowerPoint, film screenings, guest speakers.

Reading Assignments

Writing Assignments

Written outside film review

Out-of-class Assignments

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Tests, film quizzes, film review paper.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration