Film/ComS 121 Media Aesthetics
Instructor: Jenny Stark
Office: Mend 5012
E-mail: jenstark@csus.edu
Monday 10:30-11:30 & Wednesday 10:30-12:30

Writing Assignment Example (with comments)

Grade Explanations

Note: By the third week of class SACCT will be set up, so you can turn your writing assignments in there.

Description:
Overview and analysis of the primary aesthetic tools used to create messages in video and film. The basic properties of light, color, area, space, shape, sound, time and motion are defined and discussed as they relate to media production. Introduces students to the concepts and vocabulary necessary for effectively conceiving, producing or criticizing mediated messages.

Text: Film an Introduction: William H. Phillips

Supplies: Internet connection, access to SAC CT
access to Netflix and Hulu Plus
or other alternatives like Amazon Instant Watch, Youtube (in some cases) or Itunes.
Access to Powerpoint

GOALS:
A greater understanding of the technical tools used by films and television.
A developed awareness of messages that are being communicated through films.
An enhanced ability to analyze films.

Questions and Writing Assignments (45)
Final Paper (15)
Midterm 20
Final 20

Week 1
1/28
Introduction to Course and Syllabus

1/30
Read Chapter 1: Mise en Scene11-59
Intro to Mise en Scene

Watch Imitation of Life

Week 2 Chapter 1: Mise en Scene11-59
2/4
Lecture Mise en Scene PPT

2/6
Lecture Mise en Scene
2/6 QUESTIONS 1 MISE EN SCENE DUE (1)
Imitation of Life Questions Due (1)
Writing Assignment: Feature Film Scene Analysis (given)
Writing Assignment 1(Introduction)

Week 3 Chapter 2 Cinematography 61-107
Rules of the Game

2/11
Lecture on Cinematography
Power Point Presentation on Cinematography
Powerpoint Presentation on Rules of the Game
DUE: Questions on Rules of the Game: Complete Sentences in short essay format
Questions 2: Complete Sentences in short essay format except
when specified otherwise

2/13
WorkshopWriting Assignment 1(Revision Due 2/14 SAC CT)
Writing Assignment 2 Given

Week 4 Chapter 3 Editing 113-156

2/18
Questions for Chapter 3 Editing (2) DUE
Lecture on Cinematography Continued Cinematography 61-107
Lecture on Editing Powerpoint Presentation on Editing and Sound

2/20
Workshop Writing Assignment 2 Mise en Scene(Revision Due 2/21)
Writing Assignment 3 (Cinematography)Given

Week 5 Editing Continued and Chapter 4 Sound 157-189
Raging Bull

2/25
Editing and Sound Lecture Continued
Powerpoint Presentation on Editing and Sound

2/27
Workshop Writing Assignment 3
Writing Assignment 4 (Editing) Given

Week 7

3/11
CONTINUED LECTURES
MIDTERM REVIEW

3/13
WORKSHOP WRITING ASSIGNMENT 5 Revision Due 3/14

Week 9

3/18 MIDTERM EXAM

3/20 LECTURE TYPES OF FICTIONAL FILMS 307-351
WATCH "M"

Week 10

Spring Break

Week 11

4/1 LECTURE TYPES OF FICTIONAL FILMS 307-351 PPT
Questions: Types of Fictional Films DUE
Questions: "M" DUE

4/3 INTRO TO ALTERNATIVES TO FICTIONAL FILMS

Documentary
Watch SALESMAN

Experimental Narrative
Article about La Jetee
Watch La Jetee

Experimental Non-Narrative
Watch Outer Space (This film has a strobe effect, so if you are sensitive to that you may want to play it with the lights on)
Read article about Outer Space

Week 13 204-282 Sources and Components of Fictional Films PPT

4/15
Questions for Sources and Components of Fictional Films DUE
Questions about The Apartment Due
Lecture: Questions for Sources and Components of Fictional Films

4/17
Writing Workshop
Watch the first episode of Orange is the New Black

Week 14 Film and Contexts 439-493

4/22
Questions for Film and Contexts Due
Questions for Orange is the New Black Due
Short Reading about OitNB from my favorite bloggers
Lecture Film and Contexts

4/24
Lecture Film and Contexts

Choice of films: Mud, Blue Valentine, Restrepo or The Truman Show

Week 15 Film and Meaning 503-551

In response to a prior lecture:
A complete list of films that are considered Magical Realism

4/29
Questions for Film and Meaning Due
Lecture Film and Meaning

4/27
Final Paper/Conclusion Given

Week 16 Film and Meaning Continued

5/6 Film/Meaning
Questions for Truman Show, Mud, Restrepo or Blue Valentine due
please enter responses
on Sac CT for Truman Show Questions)
Lecture on Film and Meaning (You will discuss the meaning of
one of the films you watched.)

5/8
Writing Workshop/ Conclusion Revision Due 5/9

Week 17

5/13 Final Paper/Conclusion Workshop

5/15 Final Exam Review (Final Paper Due before midnight)