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Course Information (click
on pictures) Erin Brockovich Norma Rae Burning Walking
One Flew Over the
Cuckoo’s Nest
Additional Films Cool Hand Luke
Time
to Kill
The
Long Walk Home
On the Waterfront
Contact Information
Office: Mercy Hall, 250
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“Hollywood’s Rebels and Justice
Seekers” examines films depicting individuals striving for social
justice. Film classics Erin Brockovich,
Norma Rae, Students will: Ø
develop a personal philosophy of social justice expressed in
written, oral, and other formats Ø
analyze, compare, and contrast the theme of social justice in
the films studied; Ø
compare film adaptations to their historical and literary roots; Ø
define film terms and apply them
to the films studied; Ø
write perceptive critical analysis papers; Ø
respond in writing and orally to critics’ responses to films; Ø
critically analyze readings related to films studied; Ø
write effective film notes; Ø
deliver class presentations and participate actively in class
discussions; Ø
work collaboratively with classmates on course
assignments such as oral presentations; Ø
use multimedia such as websites, PowerPoints,
and online discussions; Ø
participate in campus events; Essential Questions These questions reflect the broad understandings
that students should develop as a result of the course. 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, who work collaboratively
to create a film. The textbook Looking at Movies: An Introduction to Film
and additional reading material provide background on cinematic concepts. We
apply this learning to the films studied to understand how filmmakers use
cinematic techniques to convey their messages. The goal is to develop a critical
perspective on viewing films and an aesthetic appreciation of film as an art
form. þ
How do Hollywood films depict the theme of
individuals fighting for social justices? The theme of
fighting for justice is popular in films; generally film viewers like to see
underdogs win. In the course, we focus
on a variety of films that depict rebels fighting bravely, sometimes alone,
for justice. In each film, the way in which the protagonist rebels and the
concept of social justice begs for interpretations. Some viewers will find the protagonist
altruistic while others will argue he or she is merely egotistical. This
discrepancy makes each of the films intriguing. None of the films present a
one-sided view, and timely issues such as environmental pollution, unfair
labor practices, the fight for civil rights, bureaucratic oppression,
inhumane institutionalization, abuse of power, and capital punishment are
explored. Students will question the
motives of the rebels, the value of their fights, and whether social justice
is served. The meaning of the
term social justice is itself ambiguous, and the course examines a variety of
definitions. (See the quotations below as a start point, and consider how
philosophers, political scientists, and others define both justice and social
justice.) Of note, several
of the films derive from historical events (e.g., Mississippi Burning), while others borrow from literary texts
(e.g., One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest) or both (e.g., Dead Man Walking). The way
filmmakers interpret source material reflects their stance on social justice.
We will study how the filmmakers’ adaptations differ from the source and
hypothesize why changes were made as we seek to grapple with the filmmakers’
positions on social justice and integrate them with our own views on the
issues presented. We will also
consider additional films such as Quotations on the Theme of Justice “Why should there not be a patient confidence in the ultimate justice
of the people? Is there any better or equal hope in the world?” Abraham Lincoln, First Inaugural Address, “I am somehow less interested in the weight and convolutions of
Einstein's brain than in the near certainty that people of equal talent have
lived and died in cotton fields and sweatshops.” Stephen Jay Gould “The moral arc of the universe
bends at the elbow of justice.” Martin Luther King, Jr. “Human progress is neither
automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires
sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate
concern of dedicated individuals.” Martin Luther King, Jr. Course Format Units of study begin by viewing a film over two or three
classes. Following the full screening,
specific sequences are replayed to study cinematic techniques and thematic
elements. Students have access to
copies of films for viewing outside of class.
Notes are taken in and out of class, though students generally prefer
to take notes upon a second and third film viewing occurring outside of
class. Guides provide a structure for writing notes, and students may follow
guides at their discretion. Tips for writing effective notes in a condensed
timeframe are offered. Quizzes,
papers, and oral presentations, as well as a final project, allow for varied
learning opportunities. Course Textbook Barsam, Richard. Looking
at Movies: An Introduction to Film. Prejean, Helen. Dead Man
Walking. New York: Random House, 1994. Course Materials Ø
Three-ring, loose-leaf binder with dividers and pockets Ø
SJC network (U drive) account, SJC e-mail account, and
Blackboard log-in Ø
SJC ID-library card Ø
Books and films on reserve and on the shelves in the College
library Background
about SJC and FYS Saint Joseph College 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, use of online databases, conducting effective
Internet searches, critiquing the credentials and credibility of Internet
sources Collaboration: peer reviews of papers,
oral presentations, quiz reviews, final project, online collaborative
activities (e.g., Blackboard discussions). Selected Bibliography (books available in SJC library) Ball,
Howard. Murder in Mississippi: United
States v. Price and the Struggle for Civil Rights. Lawrence, KS: U. of
Kansas, 2004. Brockovich,
Erin with Mark Eliot. Take It From Me:
Life’s a Struggle But You Can Win. Fireside,
Harvey. The Mississippi Burning Civil
Rights Conspiracy Trial: A Headline Case. Berkley Heights, NJ: Enslow,
2002. Huie,
William Bradford. Three Lives for
Mississippi. Jackson, Miss: U. of Mississippi, 2000. Leifermann,
Henry P. Crystal Lee: A Woman of Inheritance.
New York: MacMillan, 1975. |
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Syllabus ‘ 06
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Grades
’06 | Schedule ‘06
| Email jarzt@sjc.edu | @
Judy Arzt, 2005-2006 | Last revised: |
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