GE3401 Exploring English Cinema

Part I Course Duration : One Semester Proposed Area: Arts and Humanities (GE English Requirement) Credit Units: 3 Level: B3 Medium of Instruction: English Prerequisite(s): Nil Precursors(s): Nil Equivalent Course(s): Nil Exclusive Course(s): EN2808 Introduction to English Film Studies Part II Abstract: “Exploring English Cinema” will introduce students to the fundamental concepts and terminology needed to analyze English-language films. Beginning with a focus on the technical aspects of film-making, the course provides students with the basic vocabulary to discuss films in speaking and writing. Building upon this formal foundation, it then guides students to “read” the meaning of films as texts situated in their social, political, and cultural contexts. Through close analyses of films in writing and oral discussions, students have many opportunities in this course to sharpen their critical thinking. Course Aims: This course aims to: Provide students with opportunities to improve their English communication skills in the context of their own interests, disciplines and/or future career aspirations. Give students further opportunities to explore how to use English as a tool for inquiry, learning, thinking and communicating within their chosen fields or areas of interest. Help students to master the conventions associated with communicating in English in their particular fields or areas of interest. Develop students’ critical and evaluative thinking within their disciplines or areas of interests. Develop students’ capacity to become self-directed English language learners within the context of their chosen fields or areas of interest. Help students to understand the role of English communication in the development of professional identities and membership in disciplinary communities or interest groups. 2b. Aims specific to this course This course aims to: Provide students with the basic concepts and terminology needed to analyze English language films. Guide students to discover the art of film through a comprehensive introduction to film language. Give students an opportunity to reach  deeper understandings of films on their own through critical written analyses. Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs) Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to: No. CILOs Weighting (if applicable) 1 Correctly and effectively recognize and use film terminology and apply basic film concepts to the analysis and evaluation of a given English language film or scene from an English language film.  n/a 2 Examine multiple interpretive possibilities of and formulate arguments about English language films.  n/a 3 Apply analytical and critical skills when viewing and writing analyses of English language films.  n/a Teaching and Learning Activities (TLAs) (Indicative of likely activities and tasks designed to facilitate students’ achievement of the CILOs. Final details will be provided to students in their first week of attendance in this course) CILO No. TLA No. TLAs Hours/Week  (if applicable) 1, 2 1 The instructor delivers interactive multimedia lectures in which the use of film terminology and analysis techniques are explained and illustrated.   1-3 2 Students watch film and film excerpts and discuss these using the appropriate terminology and concepts.   1-3 3 Students discuss various interpretations of films and the implications of these interpretations, including their social, cultural and historical contexts.   1-3 4 Students participate in two interactive, small-group workshops, one for each paper.  The structure and content of each paper will be discussed in detail, together with sample papers for each assignment (i.e., scene analysis and film analysis).    Assessment Tasks/Activities (Indicative of likely activities and tasks designed to assess how well the students achieve the CILOs. Final details will be provided to students in their first week of attendance in this course) ILO No. AA No.   Weighting (if applicable) Remarks CILOs 1-3 1 Essay: Students will write a scene analysis paper, applying the skills of close film analysis and essay writing learned in class. 30 % Individual work; assessed individually CILOs 1-3 2 In-class quizzes : Q uizzes will measure understanding of the material presented in the readings, lectures, or class discussions. 15 % Individual work; assessed individually CILOs 1-3 3 Film response journal and participation: The assigned readings and films will be discussed and engaged critically and creatively. Short in-class writing assignments will promote active learning. Students will keep a journal of in-class writing activities. 25 % Indivudal work; assessed individually CILOs 1-3 4 Creative video production assignment: In groups, students will create a 5-minute video in English, seeking to apply the basic concepts of film form learned in the course, and will present the video in class. Each student will then write a personal reflection paper that critically reflects on the process and production of the group video. 30% Group work; assessed as a group and individually Grading of Student Achievement : Refer to Grading of Courses in the Academic Regulations (Attachment) and to the Explanatory Notes. Grading pattern: Standard (A+, A, A-….F). Grading is based on student performance in assessment tasks/activities. Grading criteria for the scene analysis paper Grade Descriptor A Critically and accurately analyzes multiple aspects of the scene in question (e.g. elements of narrative; mise-en-scène; cinematography; acting; editing; sound) using appropriate terminology, presenting a cogent argument supported with ample and relevant evidence.  Excellent organization and language.  B Accurately analyzes multiple aspects of the scene in question (e.g. elements of narrative; mise-en-scène; cinematography; acting; editing; sound) using appropriate terminology, supported with sufficient and relevant evidence. C Accurately analyzes multiple aspects of the scene in question (e.g. elements of narrative; mise-en-scène; cinematography; acting; editing; sound) using sufficient terminology and supported by sufficient evidence. D Analyzes only a few aspects of the scene in question (e.g. elements of narrative; mise-en-scène; cinematography; acting; editing; sound) with some accuracy, using limited appropriate terminology, and minimal relevant evidence. F Unable to analyse the scene in question and express ideas using appropriate terminology.  Grading criteria for the film analysis paper Grade Descriptor A Strong argumentative thesis statement that is appropriate for the film in question and supported with ample appropriate evidence from the film.  Excellent organization and language.  B Good argumentative thesis statement that is appropriate for the film in question and supported with appropriate evidence from the film.  C Sufficient argumentative thesis statement that is appropriate for the film in question and supported with sufficient and appropriate evidence from the film.  D Weak argumentative thesis statement that is somewhat appropriate for the film in question and supported with minimal and not entirely appropriate evidence from the film.  F Thesis statement not argumentative or appropriate for the film in question, and not supported by appropriate evidence from the film.  Part III Keyword Syllabus: principles of film form; film genres; elements of narrative; mise-en-scène; cinematography; acting; editing; sound; film history