CINE 1250: Screen Icons and Popular Culture (Fall 2012, CRN: 15819)

Class: MW 2:50pm-5:40pm, Snell Library 002 Instructor: Email: Website: Dr. Drew Ayers d.ayers@neu.edu www.drewayers.com Office: 144 Meserve Office Hours: TW 12:00pm-2:00pm and By Appointment

N.B. 1) Blackboard will reflect updates to the course, changes in the syllabus, assignments, etc. Be sure to check it regularly. The course syllabus provides a general plan for the course; deviations may be necessary. 2) Your constructive assessment of this course plays an indispensable role in shaping education at Northeastern University. Upon completing the course, please take the time to fill out the TRACE evaluation. Course Description This course examines the construction of the media star and how s/he functions within popular culture. Using a broad definition of stardom from film and television personalities to sports icons, music idols, media producers, politicians, CEOs, writers, animal stars, and digital synthespians this course conceives of stars not only as complex sign systems that can be read and deconstructed but also as constructions of particular socio-historical, cultural, industrial, and economic moments. In theorizing and analyzing celebrity and stardom, this course seeks to address questions such as: What makes a person a star? Why do stars matter? Why do stars exist and what pleasures do they provide? What do stars say about ourselves and the society in which we live? How has stardom altered over the course of history? From what socio-economic and cultural systems do stars arise? Course Objectives By the end of the course, students will be able to: Read a star image Understand how stars function within a particular historical and cultural context and ideology Place stardom within an economic and industrial system Conduct (historical) research specific to star studies The critical, argumentative, and written skills gained in this course are those required for upperlevel courses as well as for other critical engagements with the world. Required Texts 1) Richard Dyer, Stars. New ed. (London: BFI, 1998). 2) Richard Dyer, Heavenly Bodies: Film Stars and Society. 2nd ed. (New York: Routledge, 2004). 3) Paul McDonald, The Star System (London: Wallflower Press, 2000). 4) Readings on Blackboard

2 5) Course screenings Screenings Screenings will be held during class time as indicated in the daily schedule. Students are expected to attend all screenings, and absences from screenings will count against the attendance/participation grade. If a student cannot attend a screening, s/he must conduct the screening on his/her own time. Some materials are available through the library, and most materials are available through online rental and streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon, and iTunes. Attendance and Participation Attendance for this course is mandatory. My approach to this class will integrate lectures, class discussions, student presentations, and various exercises and activities in order to explore the principles discussed in the readings and lectures you cant participate if youre not there. Attendance will be taken during the first fifteen minutes of each class by using a sign-in sheet. If a student arrives to class after the first fifteen minutes, s/he will be counted as tardy. Each tardy counts as one-half of an absence. Each student will have three personal days during the semester to cover absences from class. These days may be used for any reason you choose and should include time out for illness, emergencies, religious holidays, travel, and family obligations. For each absence after the initial three, the overall attendance grade will be lowered by 10%. If a student has an ongoing situation that requires special consideration, please discuss this with me at the beginning of the semester. Group discussion of course material will comprise a large portion of our in-class activity. It is essential that students have carefully read the assigned material prior to class in order to fulfill their responsibilities as a member of our learning community. Further, students are expected to participate actively in class discussion. Attendance/Participation comprises 10% of the final grade, and the participation grade will be based on both the frequency and quality of a students participation. Everyone is expected to participate in class discussions. Late Assignment Policy If an assignment is turned in late, one full letter grade will be deducted for each day the assignment is late. If a student is unable to attend class on a day that an assignment is due, s/he must contact me prior to the class and make alternative arrangements. Assignments must be uploaded to Blackboard by class time on the day they are due (2:50pm). Assignments uploaded after 2:50pm will automatically be marked as late. When assignments are due, expect the unexpected. Assume that one (or perhaps all) of the following will happen on exam dates and assignment due dates: Your internet connection suddenly stops working Blackboard crashes or experiences some other kind of technical difficulty Your computer crashes and all your data is lost Your car will not run, your T line is undergoing maintenance, busses will skip your stop, and all of your friends will be out of town Please take whatever steps are necessary to prevent these events from affecting the timely submission of assignments and exams.

Additional Sources of Academic Support The University offers a range of support services for students. Among the resources available are: The Writing Center (http://www.northeastern.edu/english/writing-center/) Provides advice and tutoring in composition Office of Academic & Student Support Services (http://www.cps.neu.edu/studentresources/oasss.php) Offers a variety of services, including tutoring, career counseling, and support groups MyNEU Academic Guide (http://www.advising.neu.edu/) Policy for Make-Up Exams Unless we have discussed rescheduling an exam before the exam date, exams may only be madeup in instances of extreme hardship. I will require documentation verifying the hardship, and the option to complete a make-up exam is at my discretion. Special Accommodations Students who wish to request accommodation for a disability may do so by registering with the Disability Resource Center (http://www.northeastern.edu/drc/). Students may only be accommodated upon issuance by the DRC of a signed accommodation plan and are responsible for providing a copy of that plan to instructors of all classes in which accommodations are sought. Assignments There are three primary assignments for the semester. We will talk about each in more detail as the due dates approach. 1) Quizzes and Reading/Screening Responses: Students will complete ten short quizzes/responses over the course of the semester as indicated in the daily schedule. These quizzes/responses are located on Blackboard under the Assessments tab. Quizzes/Responses must be completed by the beginning of the class for which they are due (2:50pm), and each quiz/response is worth 2% of your overall grade. Quizzes/Responses cover the material assigned for the day, and they may be completed using the course text, films, or any other helpful material (in other words, they are open-book). 2) Mid-Term Exam: Students will complete a take-home midterm exam, consisting of short answer and essay questions. The exam is due on October 29, and students will have one week in which to complete the exam. This exam is meant to assess your understanding and synthesis of the course material, and students who keep up with the readings and attend and participate in class discussions and screenings should perform well. 3) On-Going Star Study: During the first two weeks of class, each student will select a celebrity to research and study over the course of the semester, culminating in a final star study that will serve as a synthesis of the class. This project will include a proposal, commentary on others proposals, a first draft, a conference with me, and the final product. See pages 9-10 of this syllabus for more details. All materials must be submitted to Blackboard by the beginning of the class for which they are due (2:50pm), and papers should be typed in 12-point Times New Roman, 1-inch margins on all sides, and double-spaced. Each page should also include your last name and the page number in the upper right-hand corner. The upper left-hand corner of the first page should include your name, my

4 name, the course name, and the date of submission. Use Chicago format for your citations and works cited page. Grading Quizzes and Reading/Film Responses: Midterm Exam: On-Going Star Study: Attendance/Participation: Grading Breakdown Outstanding: Good: Above Goes beyond average expectations B+ B B87-89% 84-86% 80-83% 20% 20% 50% 10% Satisfactory: Meets minimum requirements C+ C C77-79% 74-76% 70-73% Unsatisfactory: Doesnt meet many requirements D+ D D67-69% 64-66% 60-63% Failing: Does not meet requirements or academic dishonesty F Below 60%

A A-

94-100% 90-93%

Regarding Scholastic Dishonesty: I take this matter very seriously and will report any suspected cases of academic dishonesty to the Office of Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution. For details on the Universitys policy on Academic Integrity, please consult the Offices website at http://www.northeastern.edu/osccr/academicintegrity/index.html. The policy prohibits cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration, participation in academically dishonest activities, and facilitating academic dishonesty. The process by which the university handles academic misconduct cases is also very specifically spelled out in the policy. Violation of the policy may result in failing the class as well as disciplinary sanctions. The internet makes it easy to plagiarize, but also easy to track down plagiarism If you can google it, I can google it. Bottom line: Dont plagiarize its not worth it. Cite all your sources, put all direct quotations in quotation marks, and clearly note when you are paraphrasing other authors work.

5
Northeasterns Academic Integrity Policy http://www.northeastern.edu/osccr/academicintegrity/index.html A commitment to the principles of academic integrity is essential to the mission of Northeatern University. The promotion of independent and original scholarship ensures that students derive the most from their educational experience and their pursuit of knowledge. Academic dishonesty violates the most fundamental values of an intellectual community and undermines the achievements of the entire University. The following is a broad overview, but not an all-encompassing definition, of what constitutes a violation of academic integrity. Cheating: The University defines cheating as intentionally using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise. When completing any academic assignment, a student shall rely on his or her own mastery of the subject. Examples: Unauthorized use of notes, text, the Internet, or other aids during an examination. Copying from another students academic work. Unauthorized communication during an examination. Handing in the same paper for more than one course without the explicit permission of the instructor(s). Intentionally viewing a test before it is administered. Storing notes in a portable electronic device for use during an examination.

Fabrication: The University defines fabrication as intentional and unauthorized falsification, misrepresentation, or invention of any information, data, or citation in an academic exercise. Examples: Inventing data or facts for an academic assignment. Altering the results of a lab experiment or survey. Citing a source in a bibliography that was not used. Stating an opinion as a scientifically proven fact.

Plagiarism: The University defines plagiarism as intentionally representing the words, ideas, or data of another as ones own in any academic exercise without providing proper citation. The following sources require citation: Word-for-word quotation from a source, including another students work. Paraphrasing (using the ideas of others in your own words). Unusual or controversial facts not widely recognized. Audio, video, digital, or live exchanges of ideas, dialogue, or information. Students unclear as to whether or not a source requires citation should speak with their professor or consult the Writing Center in 412 Holmes Hall. Unauthorized Collaboration: The University defines unauthorized collaboration as instances when students submit individual academic works that are substantially similar to one another. While several students may have the same source material, the analysis, interpretation, and reporting of the data must be each individual's independent work. Examples: Sharing a take-home examination, case write-up, lab report, or any other assignment with a peer without express permission from the instructor. Completing an academic exercise with the aid of a peer, but unfairly crediting all work to oneself.

Participation in Academically Dishonest Activities: The University defines participation in academically dishonest activities as any action taken by a student with the intent of gaining an unfair advantage. Examples: Misrepresenting oneself or one's circumstances to an instructor. Stealing an examination. Purchasing a pre-written paper. Selling, loaning, or otherwise distributing materials for the purpose of cheating, plagiarism, or other academically dishonest acts. Destroying, altering, stealing, or forging another student's work, library materials, laboratory materials, academic records, course syllabi, or examination/course grades. Intentionally missing an examination or assignment deadline to gain an unfair advantage. Forging information or signatures on official University documents.

Facilitating Academic Dishonesty: The University defines facilitating academic dishonesty as intentionally or knowingly helping or attempting to violate any provision of this policy. Examples: Doing academic work for another student. Making available previously used academic work for another individual with the intention of resubmitting the work for credit.

Guidelines All members of the Northeastern University community share a role in upholding the Academic Integrity Policy. Any member of the community who witnesses a violation of this policy should report it to the appropriate faculty member or the Office of Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution. Cases referred to the Office of Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution will be investigated and, if sufficient evidence is presented, the case will be referred to the University's Student Conduct Board. If a student is found responsible for violating any of the preceding items, a minimum sanction of deferred suspension will follow. A second violation will meet with expulsion from the University. Students who violate Northeastern University's Academic Integrity Policy may also be subject to individual course penalties. This can result in, but is not restricted to, failing the course, in addition to any University penalty. All instructors must reference academic integrity in their syllabi. If a student feels that he or she has been wrongly accused of violating the Academic Integrity Policy, the student has the right to appeal the charge to the body that first issued the sanction.

6 Daily Schedule Why Study Stars? 9/5 Reading: Screening: 9/10 Topic: Reading: Course Syllabus Sunset Boulevard (Wilder, 1950) Introduction to Star Studies Turner, Approaching Celebrity Studies Dyer, Stars, Introduction McDonald, Introduction: Looking at Stars and Chapter 1: Stardom as a System The Extra Special Series Finale (Gervais and Merchant, 2007) Research presentation by Debra Mandel, library liaison The Cheat (DeMille, 1915) deCordova, The Emergence of the Star System in America McDonald, Chapter 2: Making the System Miyao, A Star is Born Quiz #1 Due The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (Ford, 1962) Star Study Proposal Due McDonald, Chapter 3: Controlling the System Dyer, Stars, Part One: Stars as a Social Phenomenon Quiz #2 Due A Star is Born (Cukor, 1954) Dyer, Stars, Part Two: Stars as Images Dyer, Heavenly Bodies, Chapter 3: Judy Garland and Gay Men Quiz #3 Due Last Action Hero (1993) Commentary on Classmates Proposals Due

Screening: A Brief History of Stars 9/12 Topic: Screening: 9/17 Reading: Assignment: Studio System Stardom 9/19 Screening: Assignment: 9/24 Reading: Assignment: Consuming Stars 9/26 Screening: 10/1 Reading: Assignment: Post-Studio Stardom 10/3 Screening: Assignment: 10/8 10/10 NO CLASS Reading:

McDonald, Chapter 4: Rethinking the System Wyatt, Construction of the Image and the High Concept Style

7 Denby, Fallen Idols Polone, Why Stars Dont Matter and Never Have (http://bit.ly/LOT5jD) Quiz #4 Due

Assignment:

The Stars Body: Constructing Masculinity 10/15 Screening: The Expendables (Stallone, 2010) 10/17 Reading: Neale, Masculinity as Spectacle Tasker, Tough Guys and Wise-Guys In Media Res Theme Week, Action Movies & Masculinity (http://bit.ly/cnBMnw) Quiz #5 Due

Assignment:

The Stars Body: Constructing Femininity 10/22 Screening: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (Hawks, 1953) Assignment: Distribute and Discuss Midterm Exam 10/24 Reading: Dyer, Heavenly Bodies, Chapter 1: Monroe and Sexuality Dyer, Stars, Chapter 8: Stars and Performance Petersen, Scandals of Classic Hollywood: The Unheralded Marilyn Monroe (http://bit.ly/s8Y23U) Petersen, Scandals of Classic Hollywood: Rita Hayworth, Tragic Princess (http://bit.ly/tOjCFN) Quiz #6 Due

Assignment:

The Stars Body: (De)Constructing Queerness 10/29 Screening: The Celluloid Closet (Epstein and Friedman, 1995) Assignment: Midterm Exam Due 10/31 Reading: Dyer, Stars, Chapter 7: Stars and Character Holmlund, Cruisin for a Bruisin Petersen, Scandals of Classic Hollywood: Rock Hudson, Hollywood's Most Eligible Bachelor (http://bit.ly/oFsMBc) Halperin, Is there a History of Sexuality? (Recommended) Quiz #7 Due

Assignment:

The Stars Body: Constructing Blackness 11/5 Screening: Princess Tam Tam (Greville, 1935) 11/7 Reading: Dyer, Heavenly Bodies, Chapter 2: Paul Robeson: Crossing Over Scheper, Of la Baker, I Am a Disciple Petersen, Scandals of Classic Hollywood: Dorothy Dandridge vs. The World (http://bit.ly/NPFI7H) Quiz #8 Due

Assignment:

11/12

NO CLASS Steve Jobs: One Last Thing (OConnor, 2011) Sarah Palins Alaska, Mama Grizzly (2010) First Draft of Star Study Due Thimsen, Populist Celebrity in the Election Campaigns of Jesse Ventura and Arnold Schwarzenegger Drake and Higgins, I'm a Celebrity, Get me into Politics Fidelman, Bring Back the Celebrity CEO (http://onforb.es/HxGpS5)

Alternative Stardom 11/14 Screening: Assignment: 11/19 Reading:

11/21

NO CLASS

Synthespians and Animal Stars 11/26 Screening: Rise of the Planet of the Apes (Wyatt, 2011) Making of Clips 11/28 Reading: King, Articulating Digital Stardom Allison, More than a Man in a Monkey Suit Franco on Serkis, http://bit.ly/A8jCg8 In Media Res Theme Week, Animals in Media (http://bit.ly/9OBEmp) Quiz #9 Due An American Family: Anniversary Edition (Gilbert, 1973) McDonald, Conclusion: Stars and Hollywood History Jenkins, Buying into American Idol Brady, This is Why Mainstream America Votes Against Gays, Adam Lambert Quiz #10 Due Final Star Study Due

Assignment: Reality Stars 12/3 Screening: 12/5 Reading:

Assignment: 12/## Assignment:

9 On-Going Star Study 1) Each student will select a celebrity to research and study over the course of the semester. Students may use a broad definition of celebrity and are encouraged to consider historical as well as contemporary celebrities, American as well as international. Additionally, students may select a celebrity from many facets of culture: film, tv, music, sports, business, and politics. 2) Students are expected to use primary documents in their star study, which will require the use of the librarys databases and archives. For example, if a student chooses to study Humphrey Bogart, the supporting documents should, in part, come from the 30s, 40s, and 50s. Trust me, this process is more enjoyable than it might initially appear. a. Sources to consider: Variety, Photoplay, People, The New York Times, Newsweek, Time, The New Yorker, Look, Womans Home Companion, Saturday Evening Post, The New Republic, Vogue, US Weekly, Entertainment Weekly, and McCalls. There are many, many other popular culture publications, so be creative with your searches. b. Make use of our librarys resources, and seek the help of librarians if you encounter difficult. Also make use of our inter-library loan resources. c. See the librarys research guide for more information: http://subjectguides.lib.neu.edu/content.php?pid=30708 3) The goal of the star study is to present a picture of how a particular celebritys image was/is constructed. The study should consider things like how the stars persona is developed in press, advertising, and promotional materials; the stars cultural and historical significance; the overall meaning of the star; the relationship between the stars image and his/her film/TV roles; and the construction of a personal image in relationship to a public image. 4) The star study will consist of five parts: a. An initial proposal b. Commentary on others proposals c. A first draft d. A conference with me e. The final version of the study 5) The proposal is due on September 19 and is worth 10% of the overall course grade. a. The proposal should be 350-400 words in length, and it should state the celebrity selected, justification for why this celebrity is important to study, what aspects of this persons celebrity are going to be examined, and the kinds of research materials that will be used to conduct the study. b. Submit the proposals on the classs Blackboard blog. This will allow feedback from your classmates. 6) Commentary on classmates proposals is due on October 3 and is worth 5% of the overall course grade. a. Using the comment feature of the blog, students must provide commentary on five of their classmates proposals. This commentary should provide constructive criticism, feedback, and advice as to how the project might be made stronger, what aspects of the project seem most interesting, and suggestions for things to consider. 7) A first draft of the project is due on November 14 and is worth 10% of the overall course grade. Although this is a draft, it should be polished and readable.

10 8) 15-minute conferences with me will be held during my office hours and additional times during the week of November 26-30. The conference is worth 5% of the overall course grade. Students will sign up for a conference time before Thanksgiving break. If the times dont work with a students schedule, we will make alternative arrangements. During this conference, we will go over my comments on the first draft of the project. 9) The final project is due on December ## and is worth 20% of the overall grade. The project must be uploaded to Blackboard by ##:##am, and late papers will be deducted one letter grade for each day they are late. a. The final project must be 2000-2500 words in length, and it must include a title page and bibliography. The title page should include your name, my name, the course name, the date of submission, and a title for your paper. b. Students should expand on the work they did in the first draft and should expect to do significant rethinking/revising of the initial argument, incorporating any suggestions I might have provided. Failure to take my revision suggestions into account will negatively affect the grade on this paper. c. The essay should be typed in 12-point Times New Roman, 1-inch margins on all sides, and double-spaced. Each page should also include your last name and the page number in the upper right-hand corner.