Appreciation of Film (Honors)

Course Details

Course Number: MCOM 2213  Section Number: 001

Spring 2013

Location: Fain Fine Arts Center

Classroom Number: C111

Days & Times:

Wednesdays (5:30-8:20 p.m.)

Course Attachments

Textbooks
MSU Faculty Member
James A.  Gorham   
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Course Objectives

In this course we will view, discuss and write about a wide variety of films; we will also read about characteristics of the film medium and see how they apply to films studied in this course. emphasis will be on film aesthetics, film genres, history of the cinema and viewer responses to film.


Course Expectations

 

Grade Breakdown

 

Tests and Quizzes                                              40%

Weekly  Assigments                                           40%

Film Attendance Paper                                       10%

Research/Review paper                                     10%

 

Class Conduct Requirements: Students are expected to be in attendance and on time for all class sessions. It is completely unacceptable to walk into this class late when a film is running. Cell phones should be turned off and put away. If any phone goes off during class or during a film you will be asked to leave. If this occurs a second time you may be dropped from the class. Do not infringe on the learning of others. You will make entries into a journal after each film or film clip that we watch. If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to procure the film(s) and view them on your own time. I will not loan out any movies from my video library.


Submission Format PolicyNote: 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

All homework assignments need to be turned in at the beginning of class. At  5:35 p.m. they are late and the appropriate points will be deducted.


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

This class meets once a week so any absence will affect the final grade. After the second absence, the professor may drop you from the class. In short, be in class and be on-time.


Other Policies

 

 

Plagiarism:

 

Plagiarism comes from the Latin word plagiarius, which means kidnapper. Webster’s defines plagiarize as to take (ideas, writings, etc.) from (another) and pass them off as one’s own.

 

Plagiarism includes deliberate as well as inadvertent failure to properly attribute:  1) material taken directly from a source (including work done by other students); 2) paraphrasing of a source; 3) use of the same or similar organizations of source material; 4) any submission that contains the thoughts or work of others. Copying of a substantial portion of material without acknowledgment is plagiarism and a violation of copyright law. Plagiarism applies to print sources, electronic/digital sources, and materials obtained through the internet.

 

Ignorance is no excuse. Do your own work. Violation of this policy will result in the student receiving a failing grade for the course.  All students should refer to the MSU Student Handbook for university policies, student responsibilities, rights and activities.  Students in this course are expected to follow the MSU Student Honor Code.  Journals are NOT a group activity. Three students last semester failed this course because they worked together on their journals—that is plagiarism and it will not be tolerated.

 

 

Privacy: Federal Privacy law prohibits me from releasing information about students to certain parties outside the university. Thus, in almost all cases I will not discuss your academic progress, academic matters, or grades with anyone including your parents. Do not have them call me! You are college students and adults and therefore will be treated as such. Also, I will only correspond with you via email if your name is in the email address.

 

Final Caveat: The professor reserves the right to change any part of this syllabus for any reason.  Sufficient notice will be given if changes to the syllabus are deemed necessary.


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.