CM 315 • Development of Cinema
Brian Fuller • Fall 2002
Class Policies & Syllabus
Catalog Description
A survey of American film history with an emphasis on principles of critical viewing. Includes study of important thematic genres, stylistic movements, and technological developments. Two hours of lecture and four hours of lab per week.
Course Rationale and Context
The ubiquitous moving image dominates our society as history's most popular and persuasive medium. It is incumbent on the current generation of scholars and artists to employ this tool in the effective transmission of messages
. The first step toward that end is a comprehensive understanding of how film communicates.

Because films of all types line the path to that understanding, "PG"-, "PG-13"-, "R"- and un-rated films have been scheduled for viewing in this class. These films are not exhibited solely for their entertainment value. Therefore, only those students who are registered for the course will be admitted to class screenings.

Course Objectives
Through the work of this course, the student will...
  1. become familiar with the major historical, ideological, technological, and aesthetic developments of American and related foreign cinemas.
  2. decipher communicative techniques of the moving image.
Office Hours
The classroom setting is such that not all needs can be met within it. I encourage you, therefore, to visit my office often.

It is my pleasure to discuss grades, attendance, notes, lectures, or anything else which will make you a better student. Your grades can only benefit from regular communication with your professors.

Though I have posted office hours, I will gladly work with you to arrange meeting times convenient to us both. Feel free to contact me...

  1. by phone or voicemail at extension 3201.
  2. by e-mail at bfuller@montreat.edu.
  3. in person at room 101 of the McLeod Building [Campus Map].
Academic Honesty
In a policy approved by the faculty on 18 April 2000, professors of Montreat College carefully and exhaustively defined academic dishonesty.  They have crafted a document which provides for the discipline, punishment, exoneration, and appeal of those students accused of violating the fundamental trust underlying all academic work.

In a case of proven academic dishonesty, the college gives professors the option of failing the student either for the assignment or for the entire course.  I will always choose the latter.

If you are uncertain about how to avoid plagiarism or other forms of academic dishonesty, please consult the most recent edition of The Little, Brown Handbook, quiz a Writing Center staff member, find an English professor, or ask me.

Attendance
This class will usually meet in Room 306 of the Belk Campus Center, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. In addition, several meetings may be scheduled outside the classroom (i.e., "field trips" to a local movie theater or the professor's home.)

Classes will not be held on holidays officially recognized by the college. All other days of the semester are fair game for lectures, quizzes and assignments. Those students who plan to leave early for or return late from holiday breaks may not reschedule exams or other work. Students will be penalized for late arrivals and early departures.

Strict attendance is required. Film viewings are very difficult to make up for the following reasons...

  1. Many films scheduled for screening in this course have been borrowed from obscure sources and are not readily available in the commercial video market.
  2. The original aspect ratios of films are often distorted during video-tape transfer.
  3. The experience of watching a film in a group differs significantly from the experience of watching a film alone.

Common courtesy is expected of class members during class meetings. Specifically, students should not carry on conversations or make disturbing noises during lectures or screenings.

Since films are the primary texts of this course, the viewing experience should be respected by all. If you must get up during a film, please do so quietly and unobtrusively. Never walk in front of a television or in the throw of a movie projector during a screening.

Instructional Fees
You may be required to pay...
  1. admission prices for theatrical screenings as part of scheduled class trips.
  2. video tape rental fees as you research assignments for the course.
  3. for materials used in the completion of a group project.
Grade Scale
The grade for the course will be based upon the following:
Midterm Exam 16.666 %
Final Exam 16.666 %
Take Home Exam 16.666 %
Research Paper 16.666 %
Quizzes & Assignments 16.666 %
Class Participation 16.666 %
Assignment grades will be based on the following scale:
94-100 A
85-93 B
75-84 C
65-74 D
0-64 F
Grade Appeals
Because there are no "right" and "wrong" answers in this field of study, I am open to a certain amount of discussion with regard to the grade awarded any given assignment. Challenges should be made in a timely fashion, within two class periods of grade notification. Appeals should be offered with rhetorical and presentational clarity.