FILM & SOCIETY

Course No: SOCI-122-01                               Instructor:         Roland Blanchette

Spring Semester 2005                                    Office no:        Brockton—LA 450; Canton—C 104

Classroom: LA 560                                        Office hrs:        Brockton—TTh 11:00-12:00 pm

Class hrs: Wed 6:30-9:30 pm                                                   Canton—MWF 11:00-11:50 am

E-mail: rblanchette@massasoit.mass.edu     Office phone:     508-588-9100: ext 1706

Catalogue Description: An analysis of contemporary and classic films as a reflection of societal values and as a socialization agent shaping societal values. Emphasis of this course will be on films as an instrument for cultural analysis.

Prerequisites: Preparing for College Reading II (ENGL-092), Introductory Writing (ENGL-099), and Fundamentals of Mathematics (MATH-010), or waiver by placement testing results, or departmental approval.           

Teaching Procedures and Attendance: This is primarily a discussion course with a brief lecture to begin each classroom session. Students are expected to attend all regularly scheduled classes. There will be five hours of absences allowed. Do not come to class late; interrupting class by walking into class late or getting up to leave early is rude and will not be tolerated. Tardiness will be considered the same as an absence. Students are also strongly encouraged to actively participate in class discussions; part of the work of this course is to show up ready, eager, and prepared for the class. Students caught cheating will receive an F for the course. Please read the Attendance and Academic Integrity policies printed in the College catalogue.

Academic Credit for the Course: This is a Social Science course; it will satisfy the requirements for a Social Science elective, a Liberal Arts elective, or a General elective. It will NOT satisfy a Humanities elective here at Massasoit. If you have questions about its transferability, come ask me.

Assigned Films: The following films will be shown in their entirety in class. There will be some research and preparation required prior to viewing the films. Since most of class time will be spent viewing the films, doing your homework is crucial. Be advised that this course and the contents of some of these films are intended for adults.

            Rear Window (1954)                          The Station Agent (2003)

            Sweet and Lowdown (1999)               The Big Sleep (1946)

             Whale Rider (2002)                            My Neighbor Totoro (1988)               

            Ride the High Country (1962)            Big Night (1996) 

            Sorcerer (1977)                                  King Kong (1933)

Work for the Course

Reading. Although there is no textbook for this course, there may be assigned readings, sometimes for the class as a whole and sometimes as individual research assignments. All reading must be completed for the class, so that you are ready to be an informed listener and an active participant.

Final Exam. There will be an in-class final exam based on the films, the readings, and the material discussed in class. This will be an opportunity to summarize and demonstrate what you have learned during the semester. Everyone is required to take the exam on the date specified on the Registrar’s final exam schedule.

Writing Assignments. These assignments will be explained in detail during class. The assignments shall be typed, double-spaced, and fastened with one staple in the upper left-hand corner (no covers). The assignments are due on the dates assigned. Late assignments will be penalized.

1. Topical Assignments. There will be a series of one-page papers. You will be asked to write on an assigned topic related to our work on the films.

2. Film Review. You are required to view and report on a film that is in some way related to a film shown in class. You MUST have your topic approved before you begin to write. This will be a significant assignment (6-10 pages), due at the end of the term, that demonstrates your ability to analyze a film and make the connections between the film and our society.

Grades. Grades are based on the following distribution:

            Participation =      20 %               94-100 = A              73-76 = C

            Final Exam =      20 %               90-93  = A-             70-72 = C-

            Assignments =      40 %               87-89  = B+            67-69 = D+

            Film Review =      20 %               83-86  = B               60-66 = D

                                                                  80-82  = B-              -59 = F 

                                                                  77-79  = C+ 

Course Outline

This is a tentative outline of the subjects that will be covered in this course. Dates may be adjusted as the course progresses. A detailed schedule will be handed out every week. You will be given ample time and notice to prepare for the class work and assignments.

Feb 2:            Introduction and Course business. Looking at the Movies.

Feb 9:              Rear Window.

Feb 16:            The Station Agent.

Feb 23:            Sweet and Lowdown.

Mar 2:             The Big Sleep.

Mar 9:             Whale Rider.

Mar 16:           Spring Recess: No classes.

Mar 23:           My Neighbor Totoro.

Mar 30:           Ride the High Country.

Apr 6:             Discussion. The Editor. Art Direction. Animation. Acting. Film music.

Apr 6:            Big Night.

Apr 13:           Sorcerer

Apr 20:           King Kong.

Apr 27           Discussion. Review for Final Exam.

May 4:            Final Exam.