FILM101 – Introduction to Film

Syllabus - Fall 2010

Instructor: William Kelly
Email: wkelly@howardcc.edu
Facebook Group: HCC American Cinema Fall 2010
Mailbox: HPVA 210

Required Materials
Textbook – Looking at Movies: An Introduction to Film 3rd edition by Richardd Barsam & Dave
Monahan

Course Description
• Study the vocabulary, methods of analysis and standards for criticism of various types of
film.
• This course will explore the technical aspects of how films are constructed as well as some
elements of film history.
• Some material may be offensive to some viewers.

Course Policies
1. Attendance: Students who attend class regularly usually perform better than those who do
not. If you are unable to attend class it is your responsibility to obtain class notes and other
information from your classmates. The instructor will not provide notes if you miss a class.
2. Lateness is disruptive to the instructor and your classmates. Please be on time.
3. Late Assignments: Will be accepted up to one week late for half credit. No assignments will
be accepted that are more than one week late. If you miss class the assignment is still due,
email the assignment or leave it in my mailbox by the end of class.
4. Plagiarism: Any assignment found to be plagiarized in whole or in part will receive a zero
grade and the issue will be referred to administration.
5. Exam: You must take the exam in the classroom on the date scheduled and at the time
scheduled. You may not make up the final exam if missed. If you know you will miss the
exam, you must contact the instructor in advance to arrange a makeup date.
6. Extra Credit: You may complete up to two extra credit assignments per semester.
7. Classroom Communication: Students are to treat the instructor and classmates with the same
interest and respect they expect for themselves. Some of each class will involve discussion,
students are expected to actively participate in classroom discussion.
8. Written Communication: All written assignments must be typed, double spaced, Times New
Roman, 12 pt font, 1 inch margin all around, black ink, clear copy.
9. Email Communication: Please include your class day(s) in the subject line
10. Electronic Devices: Use of any electronic devices is prohibited in the classroom. Please turn
off your cell phones upon entering the class. If you expect to receive an important call,
silence your cell phone and please sit near the door. Take the call outside of the room so as
not to disturb the class. If you must text during class, don’t take this class.

I reserve the right to add or alter this syllabus as the need arises. Significant changes will be
provided in writing.
 Assignments and Grading

Classwork/Homework Assignments – 20 points each

Project – 100 points

Exam – 200 points

Class Participation - In the event of a borderline final grade, class participation will be used to
determine if a student merits the higher grade.

Extra Credit – 20 each

Overall Grade
90%-100%=A, 80%-89%=B, 70%-79%=C, 60%-69%=D, below 60%=F

Students With Disabilities

Contact Disability Support Services or Student Support Services to request special
accommodations. All accommodations must be documented.