Spring, 2015

Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies Program

Undergraduate Course, 3.0 Credit Hours

University of Virginia

 

American Directors: Oliver Stone, Steven Spielberg, David Fincher, Martin Scorsese, Robert Altman, Paul Thomas Anderson

 

Robert Kolker

rkolker@virginia.edu

434-982-5252

 

Web Based

Online via Blackboard Collaborate LTI

Wednesdays, 4-6:45

 

Course description:

This course will investigate the work of six of the most interesting and important
contemporary filmmakers. Each one has a unique style and an approach to film
that combines stylistic innovation with a particular cultural vision. Whether examining
contemporary politics, the American gangster, fantasies of space visitors, their films
provoke acclaim and, often, controversy.  

 

Learning Outcomes: Students will gain an understanding of contemporary film through
the close analysis of some of the works of six prominent contemporary directors.
Students will be able to understand how contemporary Hollywood works and how
film reflects the work of culture and the imagination.

 

Textbooks:
If you have never had a film course: Kolker, Film, Form, and Culture, McGraw Hill. (However, this
title is undergoing revisions and may be difficult to find.)
Additional readings are linked on the syllabus.

 

Course Methodology and Requirements (Assessment Components): 
 

The course is run online, seminar style. Attendance is mandatory.

 

Each week, the class will view films as indicated on the syllabus (DVDs are on reserve in Clemons Library
and readily available at most rental outlets). Students will be asked to discuss these films prior to class on
in the Forums. This discussion will constitute part of the grade. For each meeting, there will be a set of
particular questions. These questions will form the basis for team presentations for the week. The teams
will be selected at the beginning of class. Each group within the team will be assigned to one of the
general questions each week and prepare a PowerPoint presentation for the week.
Depending on the size of the class, there will be 4-5 presentations each week.

 

There will be two research papers of approximately 6-8 pages in length. The papers will
analyze one or more of the films by the directors we are studying, including films
not discussed in class. The papers can be on any topic—a close analysis of a
film or films, a study of some historical or cultural issues surrounding the films,
a discussion of influences by our directors on other films —chosen
by the student in consultation with the instructor.

 

Evaluation Standards: The major part of the grade, at least 75%, will be based
on the quality of the two papers. These will be evaluated according to the
development of argument, the quality of the writing and thought, the ability
to reach clear conclusions. The remainder of the grade will be based on
level and quality of participation including contributions to forum discussions,
weekly presentations, and class discussion.

 

 

 

Presentation Groups & Teams
General Questions for Analyzing a Film
What to Look for in a Film
Narrative-Critical Terms
Tips for Writing Film Papers
Twelve Writing Principles
Tips on Using Commas in Your Essays
Citation formats from The Chicago Manual of Style

 

 

                                                                                 Syllabus

 

Purpose Statement: The central purpose of the University of Virginia is to enrich the mind by stimulating and sustaining a spirit of free inquiry directed to understanding the nature of the universe and the role of mankind in it. Activities designed to quicken, discipline, and enlarge the intellectual and creative capacities, as well as the aesthetic and ethical awareness of the members of the University and to record, preserve, and disseminate the results of intellectual discovery and creative endeavor serve this purpose. In fulfilling it, the University places the highest priority on achieving eminence as a center of higher learning.

 

Content and Discourse in Professional Education Courses: Students are expected to discuss issues respectfully and to honor differing points of view. The University and its School of Continuing and Professional Studies do not discriminate in any of their programs, procedures, or practices against any person on the basis of age, citizenship, color, handicap, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era. The University operates equal opportunity and affirmative action programs for faculty, staff, and students. The University of Virginia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Any applicant for admission or employment, or any student who feels discriminated against should contact the University’s Office of Equal Opportunity Programs (EOP).

 

University of Virginia Honor Code: All work should be pledged in the spirit of the Honor System of the University of Virginia. The instructor will indicate which assignments and activities are to be done individually and which permit collaboration. The following pledge should be written out at the end of all quizzes, examinations, individual assignments and papers: “I pledge that I have neither given nor received help on this examination (quiz, assignment, etc.)”. The pledge should be signed by the student. Students should refer to the University Record for more information concerning the Honor Code. The Honor code at the University of Virginia is listed below:

 

Honor Code at UVa

Founded in 1842, the Honor System is one of the University's most cherished institutions. Based on the principle that University students want to be trusted, the Honor System helps create and strengthen a school-wide community of trust.   Students at the University make a commitment not to lie, cheat or steal within Charlottesville, Albemarle County, or where they represent themselves as University students in order to gain the trust of others. Because they have make this commitment, students are trusted by peers, faculty members, administrators, and community residents alike. Students conduct themselves with integrity and are presumed honorable until proven otherwise.  Students are recruited and trained by the Honor Committee to serve as advisors and to provide counsel. Students investigate Honor allegations, assist and support accused students through the Honor process, and work with accused students in their defense at trial. Honor jury panels are similarly comprised entirely of students. While anyone may initiate Honor proceedings, the process is administered entirely by students.   The vitality of the Honor System depends upon the willingness of students to uphold the high standards set by their peers. When a student is formally accused of an Honor offense following investigation, that student may elect to either (1) leave the University, without requesting a trial (in which case that student will be deemed to have admitted guilt, whether or not such an admission is expressly made), or (2) request an Honor trial.

 

Any student found guilty of an Honor offense, or deemed to have admitted guilt after having left without requesting a trial, will be permanently dismissed from the University. The notation "enrollment discontinued" will be placed on the student's transcript, without specific reference to the Honor proceedings. In the case of a student found guilty of an Honor offense following graduation, or deemed to have admitted guilt without requesting a trial after graduation, the General Faculty of the University may undertake proceedings to revoke that student's degree.  The rules of the Honor System apply to any person who was a University student at the time an alleged Honor  offense was committed, so long as a case is initiated within two years thereafter.   Students who enroll at the University benefit from the freedom and security provided by the Honor System; every student must agree to live by and support the spirit of honor.

 

Applicants who are not prepared to embrace this freedom and accept this responsibility should not apply for admission.  This is intended as a brief summary of some important aspects of the University's Honor System. For more information, visit the Honor Committee Web page: www.student.virginia.edu/~honor. 

If you have further questions, please call the Committee at (434) 924-7602. 

 

 

Special Needs: Include the following information for special needs students:

 

“If you are a student with special needs you should let the instructor know within the first week of class. Written documentation will be required. You should also visit the following website to review your rights and responsibilities as a student (http://www.virginia.edu/vpsa/rights.html) and the following website for the Learning Needs and Evaluation Center (http://www.virginia.edu/studenthealth/lnec.html).”