ClassInfo

DC 110 Foundations of Cinema for Majors

Patrick Wimp

Spring 2018-2019
Class number: 35982
Section number: 602
Tu 1:30PM - 4:45PM
CDM 00924 Loop Campus

Summary

This course will examine the craft, technology, and aesthetic principles of media production. Drawing heavily on a wide array of historical examples, the course will examine the many expressive strategies potentially usable in the creation of moving image art forms: the importance of story and controlling ideas, storytelling with images, the basics of composition and editing, and an examination of narrative, documentary, and experimental approaches. In addition to analyzing the works of others, students will also produce their own projects thus, putting theory into practice.

This for majors section of the course will focus on establishing a strong basic knowledge of filmmaking and film literacy. We will screen multiple critically acclaimed films and students will be expected to analyze and discuss the merits of these films.



Grading

Participation - 20%
Project I - 15%
Mid-term Exam - 20%
Film Analysis - 15%
Final Project - 30%


COURSE OBJECTIVES

Examine cinematic techniques in the art of storytelling. 


Identify the relationship between theory and practice in the filmmaking process. 


Integrate the aesthetic principles of visual design, style, and film form in the 
creation of multiple projects.


Employ film language in the analysis of short and feature length cinema



Course Policies

Attendance
Each weeks class consists of lectures, screenings, and performances; attendance is mandatory. All absences will result in a reduction of the participation grade.

Projects & Assignments
Projects will be assigned throughout the course. Please be prepared to screen or turn in the projects at the beginning of class on the date they are due.

Late Assignments
Late assignments will not be accepted without prior consent of the instructor. If a student anticipates missing a class, the assignment must be delivered to the instructor before the start of the class in which it is due. All absences without university approved documentation will be considered unexcused.

Digital Cinema Cage
Please be advised of the DC cage rules and hours. Check-ins occur between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM Monday through Saturday, and check-outs take place from 2:00PM - 9:30PM.

Grade Penalties and Fines for Late Return of Equipment
DO NOT RETURN EQUIPMENT LATE. It impacts fellow students and DC classes. Failure to pay fines within seven days will result in a grade deduction equal to 5% of the final grade.


Plagiarism
Plagiarism on assignments or cheating on tests are serious offenses and earn the student a failing grade for the class. There are no exceptions to this rule. If you are in doubt about the definitions of plagiarism, consult your student handbook.

Content Changes
Depending on time factors, the assignments projected for the term may require alteration or rescheduling.

Food Policy
No food or beverages are allowed in the classroom.

Sexual Harassment
The policy as specified in the student handbook will be adhered to in this class.
NO LAPTOPS or TABLETS.


COURSE INTRODUCTION

90-MINUTE FILM HISTORY

STORY, SCREENPLAY AND DRAMATIC STRUCTURE
MIS-EN-SCENE
PROJECT I and MIDTERM ASSIGNED CINEMATOGRAPHY BASICS
EDITING BASICS
PRODUCTION: ON SET ROLES

SCREEN: TBD MID-TERM EXAM

SCREEN PROJECT I GENRE - INTRODUCTION

NARRATIVE FILMMAKING - LECTURE AND SCREENING: TBD

ASSIGN - Narrative Analysis CINEMATOGRAPHY PART 2: TECHNICAL INTRO

SCREENING: TBD SOUND
GENRE - SHORT FORM VIDEO
ASSIGN - FINAL PROJECT PRODUCTION DESIGN

SCREEN: TBD VISUAL EFFECTS

SCREENING: TBD

EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

FINAL PROJECT DUE in FINALS WEEK

School policies:

Changes to Syllabus

This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.

Online Course Evaluations

Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation. Students complete the evaluation online in CampusConnect.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

This course will be subject to the university's academic integrity policy. More information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/ If you have any questions be sure to consult with your professor.

All students are expected to abide by the University's Academic Integrity Policy which prohibits cheating and other misconduct in student coursework. Publicly sharing or posting online any prior or current materials from this course (including exam questions or answers), is considered to be providing unauthorized assistance prohibited by the policy. Both students who share/post and students who access or use such materials are considered to be cheating under the Policy and will be subject to sanctions for violations of Academic Integrity.

Academic Policies

All students are required to manage their class schedules each term in accordance with the deadlines for enrolling and withdrawing as indicated in the University Academic Calendar. Information on enrollment, withdrawal, grading and incompletes can be found at http://www.cdm.depaul.edu/Current%20Students/Pages/PoliciesandProcedures.aspx.

Students with Disabilities

Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.
To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at:
Lewis Center 1420, 25 East Jackson Blvd.
Phone number: (312)362-8002
Fax: (312)362-6544
TTY: (773)325.7296