Course Syllabus

 

BIS 261A: INTRODUCTION TO FILM STUDIES

Line Number 10546

SUMMER 2020

PROF. DAVID S. GOLDSTEIN [link removed]

[email address removed]

Use this web-based form [linked to a Google form] to contact me with or without identifying yourself.

Online office hours*: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.; and by appointment

Click here [link removed] for a .pdf version of this syllabus

* Note: Office hours are meant to help you achieve all of the course learning goals by helping you understand the course material. I encourage you to (virtually) meet with me! Online office hours will be conducted by Zoom videoconference (but you can turn the video off if you want). I will provide links each week.

This is a distance learning course. It is 100 percent online. The course is asynchronous (you will never have to be online at a certain time) but it is not self-paced. You will need to keep up with weekly work.

Special note: UW faculty and staff are sensitive to additional COVID-19-related hardships that students face in addition to the challenges they have always faced. Please contact me if I can assist you as a problem-solving partner. You can find additional information here: uwb.edu/coronavirus.

Class Description

This course introduces students to the fundamental skills and pleasures of film studies. As our class Ebook says:

For most of us most of the time, movies are a break from our daily obligations--a form of escape, entertainment, and pleasure. Motion pictures had been popular for 50 years before even most filmmakers, much less scholars, considered movies worthy of serious study. But motion pictures are much more than entertainment. The movies we see shape the way we view the world around us and our place in that world. Moreover, a close analysis of any particular movie can tell us a great deal about the artist, society, or industry that created it. Surely any art form with that kind of influence and insight is worth understanding on the deepest possible level. (3)

Student Learning Goals

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Define and use basic terminology of film language and theory;
2. Explain how cinematic technology has evolved;
3. Independently and collaboratively analyze formal elements of films and the meaning they help create;
4. Identify the key themes and techniques of films and articulate them in writing.

General Method of Instruction

This course involves significant reading and viewing in an online textbook with interactive media, and weekly online discussions. Homework will entail reading, watching films, and writing an analytical paper.

Note: I recommend using a computer to do work for this course. The Canvas app does not present Canvas courses in the correct order. If you do access this Canvas course on a mobile device, though, always click on the "Home" button and then scroll down to the module you need. Do not use the links below that button ("Syllabus," "Modules," etc.)

See UW Bothell Information Technologies' web site for students engaging in online learning: uwb.edu/it/student-continuity.

Recommended Preparation

Previous coursework in any form of textual analysis would be helpful but not necessary.

Potential Costs

Course text (required):

• • Barsam, Eric and Dave Monahan. Looking at Movies: An Introduction to Film, 6th ed. Norton, 2019 (978-0-393-67472-9). By Wednesday, Jun. 24, at 8:00 p.m., please purchase 360-day access to the eBook directly from the publisher ($39.95 [reduced from the previous edition!]) here: EBook and Registration [link removed]. You will be able to succeed in this course only if you have access to these online materials. Do not buy any other edition of the book. If you purchase a paper copy of the textbook (not recommended), make sure it is the sixth edition, and note that you will need to pay about $20 for 360-day access to the student site materials that augment the textbook. Access is included, however, if you purchase 360-day access to the eBook as recommended. Do not purchase the access if you buy the eBook. Also, do not purchase access to InQuizitive. It is included with your access to the eBook. If you will be outside the U.S. during this course, please contact me as soon as possible. This Ebook link will not work outside the U.S. but there is a way to get access. I will help you!
  • All of the films you are required to watch are available on reserve in the Campus Library (for free, of course, but you will have to watch them in the library; you will be unable to borrow them) and almost all of them stream for free over the Internet if you use your UW NetID. If you prefer to stream them at home, you might need to pay a rental charge for most of them, usually around $3.00 or $4.00. Please budget for them. Feel free to organize watch parties to share streaming costs for any films that do not stream for free.

Class Assignments and Grading

This course uses "specifications grading." Research* shows that this approach reduces student anxiety about grades, reduces time wasted on assignments by students who have higher priorities than this course, and enables students to focus on learning more than on grades.

*See, for example, teachinginhighered.com/podcast/specifications-grading/.

Here is how it works:

You decide what grade you want to achieve, and then you do everything required for that grade at a satisfactory level. If you do not meet all the requirements for the grade you were aiming for, you get the grade below that, if you have met all of those requirements.

You need to do a lot of work (and learn a lot) to get a 4.0. However, you do not have to get a perfect score on everything. Instead, you have to reach a fairly high level of achievement (around what I would consider a B or better) on everything. You will get feedback as the course progresses so you will know how you are doing.

However, note that falling below the 2.8 level will result in a 0.0 for the course. It is not hard to reach the 2.8 level, but there is no passing grade below 2.8 for this course.

Here is what is required for each grade. You need to meet all of the requirements to achieve that grade:

Table of Assignments

Grade Goal	Academic Integrity	InQuizitive Games	Quizzes (80%+ to pass each)	Discussion Board Posts/ Responses	Scene Analysis	Peer Feedback	Extra Chapter (Ch. 9), if needed
4.0	✔	7	7	9 + 9	✔	✔	✔
3.4	✔	6	6	7 + 7	✔	✔
2.8	✔	5	5	6 + 6

Details:

• 4.0
  • Strict adherence to academic integrity (including no cheating, no plagiarism, no dishonesty)
  • InQuizitive: Reach target score on seven games (unlimited re-takes until deadline)
  • Passing score (80 percent or higher) on at least seven quizzes
  • At least one or two satisfactory original comments and one or two satisfactory peer responses per week (some weeks have one question; some weeks have two questions) for at least eight weeks
  • Passing score on scene analysis
  • Passing score on peer feedback for two classmates’ scene analyses
  • Two additional discussion board posts (total of nine)
• 3.4
  • Strict adherence to academic integrity (including no cheating, no plagiarism, no dishonesty)
  • InQuizitive: Reach target score on at least six games (unlimited re-takes until deadline)
  • Passing score (80 percent or higher) on at least six quizzes
  • At least one or two satisfactory original comments and one or two satisfactory peer responses per week (some weeks have one question; some weeks have two questions) for at least seven weeks
  • Passing score on scene analysis
  • Passing score on peer feedback for two classmates’ scene analyses
• 2.8
  • Strict adherence to academic integrity (including no cheating, no plagiarism, no dishonesty)
  • InQuizitive: Reach target score on at least five games (unlimited re-takes until deadline)
  • Passing score (80 percent or higher) on at least five quizzes
  • At least one or two satisfactory original comments and one or two satisfactory peer responses per week (some weeks have one question; some weeks have two questions) for at least six weeks

Weekly work (put this on your calendar!):

Table of Weekly Work

Sunday (6:00 a.m.)	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday (8:00 p.m.)	Thursday (8:00 p.m.)	Friday (8:00 p.m.)	Saturday (8:00 p.m.)
Weekly modules open. Start reading and working!	Recommended: Read the EBook chapter and watch the week's film (before 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday).	Recommended: Read the EBook chapter and watch the week's film (before 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday).	Finish reading assigned chapter in Ebook. Post original response in discussion board.	Reach target score on the week's InQuizitive game.		Complete the week's quiz. Post response to classmate's discussion board post (or your respondent post if it is your group's respondent week).

 

I acknowledge that this grading system is unfamiliar to most students. I will gladly answer your questions about it.

Policies

• Religious accommodation: It is the policy of the University of Washington to reasonably accommodate students’ religious observances in accordance with RCW 28B.137.010. The law requires that educational institutions must develop policies to accommodate student absences to allow students to take holidays for reasons of faith or conscience or for organized activities conducted under the auspices of a religious denomination, church, or religious organization, so that students’ grades are not adversely impacted by the absences. The law also requires that UW post information about its policy on its website, and that faculty include the policy or a link to the policy in course or program syllabi.

  Faculty must reasonably accommodate students who, due to the observance of religious holidays, expect to be absent or endure a significant hardship during certain days of the course or program. “Reasonably accommodate” is defined as coordinating with the student on scheduling examinations or other activities necessary for completion of the program and includes rescheduling examinations or activities or offering different times for examinations or activities.

  Any student seeking reasonable accommodations must provide written notice through the Office of the University Registrar Religious Accommodations request process within the first two weeks of the beginning of the course, of the specific dates of absence due to religious accommodation. The OUR administers this process on behalf of the provost.

• Academic Integrity: I insist on academic integrity. You are responsible for understanding all aspects of University regulations regarding academic integrity. Breaches of academic integrity, including but not limited to cheating (e.g., copying another person's work or obtaining examination answers in a dishonest manner) and plagiarism (i.e., using another person's words or ideas without proper acknowledgment), whether intentional or accidental, will result in a zero for the assignment or examination; additional sanctions may be imposed by the University administration. Note that American rules regarding plagiarism might differ markedly from those in other countries. For excellent ideas on citing other people's ideas and words to avoid plagiarism, read this short document from Purdue OWL: Avoiding Plagiarism - Purdue OWL. Also, for assignments submitted in Canvas for which plagiarism detection is turned on, keep in mind that plagiarism detection applications are one tool for helping to identify plagiarism, but the are not perfect because they do not have in their databases every source ever published. You are responsible for catching your own quotation and citation problems. You can find more information in the University Handbook and on this Academic Integrity page here in Canvas. I will help you any way I can so you can succeed while maintaining academic integrity. I truly want you to do well. Visit my online office hours often!
• Respect for Diversity
  
  • Diverse backgrounds, embodiments and experiences are essential to the critical thinking endeavor at the heart of university education. In IAS and at UW Bothell, students are expected to:
    • respect individual differences which may include, but are not limited to: age, cultural background, disability, ethnicity, family status, gender presentation, immigration status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and veteran status;
    • engage respectfully in discussion of diverse worldviews and ideologies embedded in course readings, presentations, and artifacts, including those course materials that are at odds with personal beliefs and values.
  • Reflection Room (UW1-007): This room is an open use space for all members of the UW Bothell community who seek quiet time for meditation, reflection, or prayer. No reservations are needed to utilize this space. Please follow the guidelines listed in the room regarding the expectations of the space.
  • Gender-neutral restrooms are located in the ARC; Discovery Hall, the Beardslee Building, and Husky Village.
  • Diversity Center (UW1-173): The Diversity Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Its mission is to advocate for and collaborate with others to support a safe and inclusive campus community where resources will promote equity and social justice for all students, advocate and support students through education, and foster student success to marginalized and underrepresented communities at the University. The Diversity Center is by students and for students. To learn more or make a reservation for space, visit their website, e-mail uwbdiv@uw.edu, or call (425) 352-5030.
  • Access and Accommodations: Your experience in this class is important to me. It is the policy and practice of the University of Washington to create inclusive and accessible learning environments consistent with federal and state law. If you have already established accommodations with Disability Resources for Students (DRS), please activate your accommodations via myDRS so we can discuss how they will be implemented in this course.

    If you have not yet established services through DRS, but have a temporary health condition or permanent disability that requires accommodations (conditions include but are not limited to: mental health, attention-related, learning, vision, hearing, physical or health impacts), contact DRS directly to set up an Access Plan. DRS facilitates the interactive process that establishes reasonable accommodations. Contact DRS at uwbdrs@uw.edu. 

  • For Our Veterans: Welcome! We at UW Bothell understand that the transition into civilian life can be challenging for our veteran students and we have many resources for any who may want to reach out for guidance or assistance. This includes our Vet Corp Navigator through the WDVA and our Student Veterans Association (SVA). Please contact Veteran Services at 425.352.5307 or rosal@uw.edu. For those of you needing more URGENT support, please call The Suicide Prevention Hotline 1.800.273.8255 or connect with the UW Bothell CARE Team.

• Parenting Student Resources
  • Students who are parents or guardians are encouraged to take advantage of the resources provided on campus, which include the Parent Union at UW Bothell, the Child Care Assistance Program, priority access at Bright Horizons Bothell and Bothell KinderCare, back-up/sick care at Bright Horizons, and lactation rooms and baby changing stations on campus. For more information, please visit the campus's web page for students who are parents, or contact the Parent Union online.

  • Lactation and baby-changing facilities: Lactation stations can be found in UW1-128, UW2-336, Husky Hall 1419, and Beardslee Crossing 102 U. These stations are available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and can be reserved online. Baby changing stations are located in DISC-050, UW2-L2 washrooms, UW1-L1 washrooms, and LB1 and LB2-L1 washrooms. For additional resources available for parents, please visit the Parent Union.

• Inclement Weather
  • Although this class is fully online, you might have other classes that meet on campus. Please check if the campus may be closed due to weather. Information on suspension of operations will be made public and available through the media. Students can learn of campus operations status from the website or by calling the Campus Information Hotline at 425-352-3333. You may also sign up with an alert system that will contact you via email or text message if classes are canceled. For more information on the alert process, please see the UW Alert web page. Class activities will be rescheduled as needed.
• Student Support Services
  • Campus Library: 425-352-5340
  • Writing and Communication Center (WaCC): available to help students online. They work with students on Zoom (phone and video) and e-mail. They help all students become stronger, more confident, and more independent writers and students. To make an appointment, or for more information about the WaCC, their peer consultants, resources, and hours, please visit their web page, or e-mail them at uwbwacc@uw.edu.
  • Quantitative Skills Center, 425-352-3170
  • Career Services, 425-352-3706
  • Student Counseling Services, 425-352-3183
  • DACA and undocumented student resources: For information about emergency funding, resources, and quick links for Undocumented and DACA students, please visit the DACA student web page.
  • Survivor advocacy and support (UW1-080C; 425-352-3851): The University of Washington offers free advocacy and support for students and employees affected by sexual assault, relationship violence, domestic violence, stalking, sexual harassment and other related experiences. For more information, visit the support web page.
  • Bias incidents: To report a concern or incident motivated by biases based on race, gender, gender identity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or ethnicity, please go to the Public Care Report page and select “Bias Support Team” as the recipient of the report.
  • CARE Team: The UW Bothell Consultation, Assessment, Response and Education (CARE) Team is a confidential resource for the entire campus community when there are concerns about a student’s well-being. Their purpose is to provide proactive and supportive consultation, assessment, response, and education regarding students who may be at risk or in distress. To reach the CARE Team, call (425) 352-SAFE (7233). To learn more, visit the web site.
  • Husky Pantry: Husky Pantry is a resource for all UW Bothell students who might be between paychecks or just need some extra resources to get through the week or month. It is a food pantry that can be accessed by any student, housing resident, or non-resident who is facing food insecurity. To learn more about the Husky Pantry or to make a donation, visit their web site. The Husky Pantry has two locations:
    • Husky Village Community Center can be accessed 24/7 by asking the Community Assistance (CA) at the front desk to open it during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Saturday, 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.) or by calling the Resident Assistant (RA) on duty at 206-245-5536 after hours. If you have any questions you can also email Residential Life at uwbhvcc@uw.edu.
    • Student Diversity Center, UW1-173. Here the Husky Pantry is open during Center hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Center is closed Saturday and Sunday. To access, ask the Student Assistant at the front desk to open the pantry for your use. Use of the Husky Food Pantry is anonymous; they record only what food is taken. 
• I try to provide meaningful assignments designed to help you achieve the course learning goals, and I use my professional judgment, honed over more than twenty-five years of teaching, to assess your achievements. I do not offer extra credit, which I believe can be unfair to students who have more obligations outside the course. Instead, I offer as much support and assistance as I can for the work that is assigned to everyone.
• Late work: Because the pace of the quarter system is brisk, because I need to treat all students equally, and because learning to meet deadlines is an important academic skill, I generally do not accept late work except as noted, with only rare exceptions for extraordinary circumstances.

• For Victim-Survivors of Sexual and Relationship Violence: We believe you. We support you. Navigating school after, or in the midst of, a traumatic experience can be challenging. Title IX provides legal protections to support survivors of sexual and relationship violence (referred to as sexual misconduct in UW code) accessing higher education. You deserve to feel supported while on campus, whatever that looks like for you. If you need support, on- or off-campus, consider talking with our free, confidential specially-trained Victim Advocate or counselors in the Counseling Center. If you experience class-related challenges, please let me know to whatever degree you feel comfortable. I will do my best to work with you. I’m also happy to meet with the Advocate present or work with DRS if you are eligible (see below). Though I am not an expert and may not know the perfect thing to say/do, I want you to know that you deserve to be here and to pursue an education just as much as any other student. 

  • Victim Advocate: Specializes in serving students who have experienced sexual violence, relationship violence, or stalking – if you aren’t sure if your experience falls into these categories but you’re looking for support related to relationships and/or sexual experiences, the advocate is available to you. Located in UW1-080; 425-352-3183 or uwbvae@uw.edu. 
  • Counseling Center: Located in UW1-080; 425-352-3183.
  • Disability Resources for Students (DRS): For students who have been diagnosed with anxiety, PTSD, depression or other mental health condition, you may also consider reaching out to the Disability Resources for Students office at 425.352.5307 or rosal@uw.edu​.
  You can find additional resources here: “Support for Survivors of Sexual and Relationship Violence."
• A personal note about my own mental health (reading this page is not required; content note: mental health disclosures)
• No class activity or person may be audio- or video-recorded without written permission from all involved individuals.
• Additional Policies
• Land acknowledgment: I gratefully and respectfully acknowledge that this course and this campus are on unceded lands traditionally occupied by the Willow (Sammamish) people, one group among the Coast Salish people.

Communication

• Make sure that your UW e-mail account is switched on, which you can do at MyUW.
• Starting no later than the second class meeting, you are required to check your e-mail account at least three times a week (i.e., do not let more than two days pass without checking) and to read all messages except the ones marked "Opt." in the subject line, which are optional. Note that you can check University e-mail accounts anywhere you have access to the World Wide Web, including public libraries, by using the links on MyUW.
• Important: If you do not usually use your UW e-mail account, immediately have it forwarded to one that you check regularly by following the simple directions at MyUW. As noted in your Student Handbook, the University and I have only your official UW e-mail address and will send all mail to it, so you will miss important messages if you do not have them forwarded to an account you check regularly.
• Also important: Some bulk messages, like from class discussion lists, go into the junk e-mail folders of some students because their e-mail application thinks it is spam. To avoid this problem, you should regularly check your junk e-mail folder because the University of Washington sends important information to students via bulk e-mail that might look like junk mail to your e-mail client.
• If you have questions or concerns about e-mail, you can contact the UW Bothell Information Technologies help desk at uwbit@uw.edu.
• I usually respond to e-mail messages between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on regular school days. Please be patient.

Class Schedule

The best way to keep up with the course is to check the week's Canvas module. Some homework assignments (including readings) will not appear in your Canvas calendar.

Click on the Modules link at left (on a computer--might not be visible on a mobile device) for the schedule of readings and assignments. The Modules section has more detail than the schedule shown below.