Learning Objectives:
By the end of the unit students will:

• Become skilled and sophisticated interpreters of film.
• Become mini-experts on a variety of films from various directors, eras, origins, and sources.
• Understand provocative cinematic techniques but also the challenging thematic meanings of the required films.
• Comprehend basic film techniques.
• Use specific methods of critical analysis to understand, interpret, and articulate themes seen in the various required films.

• Possible Film Selections!  The films in yellow are the films that I will be showing in class during my unit. The rest of the films are great alternatives or are great additions if you have more time in the unit.  

  M (1931)

  Modern Times (1936)

  Snow White (1937)

  Stagecoach (1939)

  Citizen Kane (1941)

  Rear Window (1954)

  On the Waterfront (1954)

  The Seventh Seal (1956)

  One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)

  Do the Right Thing (1989)

  The Piano (1993)

  Boys Don't Cry (1999)

• CLIP TESTS
  The clip test gauges students’ ability to demonstrate powers of critical analysis through the in-depth study of a brief segment of film. At the conclusion of each class period, students study an instructor selected scene from the day’s film, and students will write a one-page, single-spaced, sentence-outline-format analysis in response to these two questions:

• 1. What kinds of general information (regarding setting, dramatic structure, texture, and thematic meaning) are provided, and how does the scene relate to the whole of the film?
  2. What cinematic techniques (regarding color/light, sound, cinematography, editing, characterization, blocking, etc.) convey meaning in the scene, and to what effect?
  Clip Tests will always be due two days after the clip is shown in class.  This will give students enough time to create concise and thorough answers.
• GROUP PROJECTS  In small groups, students will research and study a film from the provided list below.  It is the groups’ job to decide on a film, watch the film, do the research, collaborate on the wiki, and give a small in-class presentation on their findings.  The wiki must contain all of these elements:
  1. Bulleted release and production data.
  2. A 500-word account of the actual historical events later depicted in the film.
  3. A 500-word discussion of the context surrounding the film, addressing either its production, its reception, or both.
  4. A 500-word interpretive plot summary and critique.
  5. Labeled, formatted images interspersed throughout the text.
  6. A set of working hyperlinks leading to valuable, relevant web resources.
  7. Four or five detailed discussion questions for viewers’ consideration.
  8. (paper only) A typed, single-page, signed memo from each panel member, (1) detailing his or her own contributions to the efforts and (2) summarizing the contributions of the other members.

  The materials will be evaluated on the completeness and clarity of the contents as well as on the purposefulness and professionalism of the presentation.
  The Film Choices Are:

  Bonnie and Clyde	Goodfellas
  Born on the 4th of July	The Hurricane
  Ghandi	Mississippi Burning
  Rudy	Raging Bull
  Billy Elliot	North Country
  Tombstone	Miracle
  Capote	The Pianist
  Good Night, Good Luck	Donnie Brasco
  Amistad	Apollo 13

   

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