HUM C135: History and Appreciation of the Cinema
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| 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),
|
| 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
Formerly: HUM C130. This course explores the world of cinema. Content includes film theory, appreciation and criticism, narrative devices and techniques, the movie-making industry, and film's influence on culture. Among other genres, the rom-com, musical, gangster, western, action, epic, foreign, independent, animated, and documentary will be critiqued. Students also learn the terminology of cinematography. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)
- Demonstrate mastery of the vocabulary of cinematography.
- Distinguish among film genres and compare and contrast selected films.
- Identify major historical movements and cultural periods as they are reflected and expressed in each film.
Course Objectives
- 1. Describe the relationships among the early studio systems, stars, and the Classic Hollywood Style of film-making.
- 2. Analyze the conventions of western, rom-com, action, musical, noir, gangster, foreign, animated, documentary, and other genres of film.
- 3. Employ film diction knowledgeably and accurately.
- 4. Appraise past and current generations of film-makers, including independent directors.
- 5. Recognize film content, stars, shoots, and marketing as international phenomena influencing cultural identities and perceptions of cultures.
Lecture Content
Early Film History and Development Classical Hollywood Narrative Style The Studio System Silents The Star The Western The Romantic Comedy The Musical The Combat Film Film Noir Animation Foreign Films Contemporary Films The Documentary The Gangster Film The Adventure/Epic Film Theories of Criticism Film Aesthetics and Audience The Film School Generation The Edge of Hollywood: Work of Independent Directors Film in the Television Age Film and National / International Cultural Identities Film Language and Terminology
Method(s) of Instruction
- Lecture (02)
- DE Online Lecture (02X)
Instructional Techniques
Lectures, class discussion, workshops, small groups, or one-on-one consultations. Students will submit compositions to external sites such as Turnitin. Audio and video technology appeal to different learning types. Homework.
Reading Assignments
Read a variety of genres and modes from the prescribed humanities textbook, online course lessons, course reader, and web links.
Writing Assignments
Write essays analyzing films. Brainstorm, map, and freewrite prior to outlining. Incorporate instructors feedback into drafts. Integrate research on film criticism into writing.
Out-of-class Assignments
Reading and writing homework is regularly assigned. Instructor may also require watching films, visiting a library or gallery, or doing other out-of-class enrichment activities.
Demonstration of Critical Thinking
Read film criticism and analyze film techniques in writing. Exhibit critical thinking during class discussions about audience, directorial intent, and other cinematographic elements.
Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration
Paragraph-level and essay-level writing tasks, midterm, and final. Individual and/or group presentations.
Eligible Disciplines
Drama/theater Arts: Masters degree or Master of Fine Arts in drama/theater arts/performance OR bachelors degree or Bachelor of Fine Arts in drama/theater/performance AND masters degree in comparative literature, English, communication studies, speech, literature, or humanities OR the equivalent. Masters degree required. English: Masters degree in English, literature, comparative literature, or composition OR bachelors degree in any of the above AND masters degree in linguistics, TESL, speech, education with a specialization in reading, creative writing, or journalism OR the equivalent. Masters degree required. 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. Humanities: Masters degree in humanities OR the equivalent. Masters degree required.
Textbooks Resources
1. Required Belton, J. American Cinema/American Culture, 5th ed. New York: McGraw Hill, 2017
Other Resources
1. Coastline Library