FILM A109H: Science Fiction Film Honors
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Curriculum Committee Approval Date | 09/23/2020 |
| 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 | No |
| Basic Skills | Not Basic Skills (N) |
| Repeatable | No |
| Grading Policy | Standard Letter (S) |
| Associate Arts Local General Education (GE) |
|
| Associate Science Local General Education (GE) |
|
| California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) |
|
| Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) |
|
| California State University General Education Breadth (CSU GE-Breadth) |
|
Course Description
Participants will explore the long history of Science Fiction film starting in early 1900s to the modern era, to gain a deeper understanding of the genre, its social significance and underlying meaning for symbols and characters. Successful structure of a Science Fiction film, as well as key figures in the development of the genera, will be explored. Enrollment Limitation: FILM A109; students who complete FILM A109H may not enroll in or receive credit for FILM A109. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)
- Analyze and evaluate the historical development and impact of significant Science Fiction works in film and television.
- Evaluate the historical and cultural contexts that influenced the production and thematic development of Science Fiction films.
- Recognize genre trends within decades and how they align with the social and political climate.
Course Objectives
- 1. Identify the importance of the Science Fiction genre in film and television.
- 2. Recognize decade by decade trends in story structure.
- 3. Analyze how the genre has been a mirror for social awareness or change.
- 4. Discuss meanings behind plots and charters in select films.
- 5. Explain the evolution of ideas on specific themes or topics
- 6. Analyze future trends in Science Fiction film.
- 7. Critique Science Fiction films with a personal thesis behind analysis and critique.
Lecture Content
1. Introduction/Establishing the genre a. What is Science Fiction film. b. Why was it one of the first genres created c. Why is it a powerful medium/genre today2. Pre-1940 Science Fiction Films3. Disaster and alien films of the 1950s4. 1960s mind expansion films and their relation to Science Fiction literature5. Box office success of the 1970s Science Fiction Film6. Cyborgs of the 1980s7. Feminism in Science Fiction film8. Technology in the genre9. Episodic Science Fiction television10. Science Fiction as a mode of social change
Method(s) of Instruction
- Lecture (02)
Instructional Techniques
Lectures Slide presentation Film screenings Critique of selected films Guided class discussions
Reading Assignments
Reading: 45 hrs (3 hr/wk) Reading assignments: Readings specific to lecture topic or film screened. Students interpret meaning and subtext from selected filmic works. Weekly discussions the relative to the genre of Science Fiction.
Writing Assignments
Written projects of specific area of study in Science Fiction film. Demonstrating theories and personal observations about selected works. Film critiques and critical analysis of multiple class screenings
Out-of-class Assignments
Out-of-class Assignments 75 hrs (5 hr/wk) Written projects of specific area of study in Science Fiction film. Demonstrating theories and personal observations about selected works. Film critiques and critical analysis of multiple class screenings Research and construct presentations (assigned by the instructor) of a specific topic related to the course.
Demonstration of Critical Thinking
Multiple choice tests Written film critiques In class discussions as well as online discussion topics Special topics paper assigned by the instructor on topic relating to course. Class presentation on special topics paper.
Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration
Written film critiques Online discussions as well as in class discussions Special topics paper assigned by the instructor on topic relating to course. Class presentation on special topics paper.
Eligible Disciplines
Film studies: Masters degree in film, drama/theater arts, or mass communication OR bachelors degree in any of the above AND masters degree in media studies, English, or communication OR the equivalent. Masters degree required.
Textbooks Resources
1. Required Booker, M. Keith. Alternate Americas: Science Fiction Film and American Culture : Science Fiction Film and American Culture, ed. Praeger, 2006 Rationale: This selection is being used to cover films from the 1950 to the 1990s. It has the ciritcal information about Science Fiction Film within these decades. The books listed are ones that we can provide to the students for free. 2. Required Cornea, Christine. Science Fiction Cinema : Between Fantasy and Reality, ed. New Brunswick, N.J. : Edinburgh University Press, 2007 Rationale: This selection is used specifically to illustarte the difference between the masculine blockbuster era of science fiction film in the 1980s and the rise of the feminine science fiction hero of the 1970s and 1980s. 3. Required Telotte, J. P. 2008 . The Essential Science Fiction Television Reader, ed. The University Press of Kentucky, 2008 Rationale: This reading was selected to highlight the importance of science fiction television spaning from the 1960s to 2005. The books listed are ones that we can provide to the students for free.
Periodicals Resources
1. . Survivor, Warrior, Mother, Savior: The Evolution of the Female Hero In Apocalyptic Science Fiction Film of the Late Cold War, Implicit Religion Volume Vol. 19 Issue 3 2016 2. Sladek, Karel. FUTURE ETHICAL CHALLENGES AS PORTRAYED IN SCIENCE FICTION FILMS, Komunikácie Volume Vol. 20 Issue 1A 2018