West Hartford, Connecticut 06117 First Year Seminar: “Hollywood’s Rebels and Justice Seekers” INTD. 100.11, Dr. Judy Arzt, Tues. and Thurs. 2:00-3:15 pm Bruyette AV Room, Office Hours: Tues. and Thurs.: 3:15-4:15 pm or as requested; Office: Mercy Hall, Room 250; Telephone: 860-231-5353; Email: jarzt@sjc.edu
Course Information Schedule Grading Class Picks for Academy Awards Additional Information Lauren Titus website on All Course Films Shawna Houston’s website on Erin Brockovich and Norma Rae Erynn Clark’s website on All Film View Class PowerPoints (click on pictures) Erin Brockovich Norma Rae Mississippi Burning One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Shawshank Redemption Cool Hand Luke Additional Films Time to Kill The Long Walk Home On the Waterfront Contact Information Tele: (860) 231-5353 Website: www.sjc.edu/jarzt Email: jarzt@sjc.edu Email tutoring at tutoring@sjc.edu Office: Mercy Hall, 250 Last revised: 7/27/05 2005 All Rights Reserved. J. Arzt	Course Description “Hollywood’s Rebels and Justice Seekers” examines films depicting individuals fighting social injustices. Film classics Erin Brockovich, Norma Rae, Mississippi Burning, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Shawshank Redemption and Cool Hand Luke are analyzed for cinematic techniques, directorial style, acting, and other film elements. Students examine the relationship between cinematic qualities and theme, broadening their aesthetic appreciation of films. Course Objectives Students will be able to: Ø analyze, compare, and contrast themes in films; Ø compare film adaptations to their historical and literary counterparts; Ø define film terms and apply them to the films studied; Ø write effective critical analysis papers; Ø respond in writing and orally to critics’ reactions to films; Ø critically analyze readings related to films studied; Ø write effective film notes; Ø deliver effective class presentations and participate regularly in class discussions; Ø work collaboratively with classmates on course assignments, for example, presentations; Ø develop and use multimedia, for example, websites, PowerPoints, and online discussions; and Ø participate in campus events; Essential Questions þ How do cinematic techniques underscore a film’s theme? We study cinematic techniques (e.g., editing, shot composition) and the role of director, cinematographer, screenwriter, actors, and others in the collaborative production of a film. The textbook Looking at Movies: An Introduction to Film, as well as other readings, provides background on cinematic qualities. We apply cinematic concepts to a film’s themes. In essence, the goal is to achieve an enhanced aesthetic appreciation of cinema as an art form. þ How do Hollywood films depict the theme of individuals fighting for social justices? We view films with rebels fighting societal injustices. Some films derive from historical events (e.g., Mississippi Burning) while others borrow from literary texts (e.g., One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest). We examine how the cinematic adaptation differs from the original and why directors opt to make changes. Course Format Units of study begin by viewing a film over two or three classes. Following the full screening, specific sequences are replayed to scrutinize cinematic techniques and thematic elements. Notes are taken during viewings and completed at home. Guides help students with writing notes. Periodic quizzes, papers, and oral presentations, as well as a final, cumulative project, serve as learning opportunities. Course Textbook Barsam, Richard. Looking at Movies: An Introduction to Film. New York: W. W. Norton, 2004. Course Materials Ø Three-ring, loose-leaf binder with dividers and pockets Ø Functioning SJC network (U drive) account, SJC e-mail account, and Blackboard log-in Ø SJC library card Background about SJC and FYS Saint Joseph College Mission Saint Joseph College, founded by the Sisters of Mercy in the Roman Catholic tradition, provides a rigorous liberal arts and professional education for a diverse student population while maintaining a strong commitment to developing the potential of women. The College is a community which promotes the growth of the whole person in a caring environment that encourages strong ethical values, personal integrity and a sense of responsibility to the needs of society. First-Year Seminar Philosophy First Year Seminar (FYS) introduces students to academic life in a college community setting. The course addresses social, emotional, and academic aspects of the transition to college life. Mercy values and mission, academic honesty, healthy lifestyles, effective communication, critical thinking, collaborative learning, and research skills are addressed in the course. By exploring the purpose of higher education and institutional mission, the students learn about the philosophy and values of the College as the foundation for their learning and for involvement in the College community. Academic Integrity Academic integrity is the responsibility a student assumes for honestly representing all academic work. The responsibility implies that the student will in no way misrepresent her work or unfairly advance her academic status. Furthermore, the student will not assist another student in unfairly representing her work. Academic work includes quizzes, take-home assignments, projects, and all forms of oral and written work. Because academic integrity is inherent in the philosophy of Saint Joseph College, it expected that all members of the College will refer perceived breaches of this code and questions to a member of the Judicial Review Board. General Education Curriculum: Integral Skills Written & oral communication: analytical-synthesis papers, oral presentations, final project (written and oral components) Critical thinking: discussions, critical notes on films, critical readings, quizzes critiquing films, comparisons of film adaptations to historical accounts, analytical-synthesis papers, critical notes on textbook readings Research/scholarship: background research for analytical-synthesis papers, oral presentations, final project, instruction on MLA documentation style, presentation on using online databases Collaboration: peer reviews of papers, oral presentation, quiz reviews, final project, online collaborative activities (e.g., Blackboard discussions, Blogs with comments, etc.) See Grading for additional details Top of page
Schedule | Grading Policy | Email jarzt@sjc.edu | @ Judy Arzt, 2005 | Last revised: 12/12/05