Honors Seminar: Film Noir

Course Details

Course Number: MWSU 4433  Section Number: 2H1

Spring 2011

Location: Dillard College of Business Administration

Classroom Number: 175

Days & Times:

8:00 to 9:20 a.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays

Course Attachments

Textbooks

The Maltese Falcon
Novel by Dashiell Hammett. Any edition.
Farewell, My Lovely
Novel by Raymond Chandler. Any edition.
Double Indemnity
Novella by James M. Cain. Any edition.
MSU Faculty Member
Tom McNeely   
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Course Objectives

To define and explore film noir, its antecedents, and its descendents.

To apply critical thinking and analytical skills to the the problems of film adaptation, working within the studio system under censorship, and transforming a 1940s film aesthetic to more modern films. 


Course Expectations

Read three crime novels that were adapted into films.

Watch those adaptations plus other noir films to develop an understanding of the noir style.

Demonstrate understanding through responses to questions on two exams.

Generate an original essay on an approved topic.


Grading Standards

Two blue-book exams, each worth 30% of the course grade.

An original essay of suitable quality and length (7-10 pages of text, plus works cited list) for potential use as a conference presentation, worth 30% of the course grade.

Class attendance and active participation in class discussions, worth 10% of the course grade.

A=90-100

B=80-89

C=70-79

D=60-69

F=0-59


Final Exam5/12/2011  8:00 a.m.

Submission Format Policy

Term paper should follow MLA format.

See in-class schedule for due dates for topic, bibliography, and final draft.



Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

Late papers will not be accepted.


Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

Attendance is mandatory, and active participation in class counts for 10% of the course grade.

 

A third unexcused absence may result in dismissal from the class.


Other Policies

See in-class distribution for required films, due dates, and other details.


Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.