Syllabus

1. Analyze individual works of literature and film in terms of the basic elements of narrative structure, including theme, plot, character, setting, conflict, and point of view; compare and contrast the use of these elements between literary and filmic narratives.

2. Assess the purpose and value of narrative literature and film on the individual and cultural level.

3. Analyze the relationship between works of literature and film and the cultural contexts in which they were created.

4. Apply the principles of major literary and cinematic approaches to the analysis of specific works of literature and film.

5. Interpret individual works of literature and film using traditional critical approaches to analysis.

6. Differentiate between key visual elements within a film and examine their relationship to corresponding literary elements.

7. Compare and contrast literature and film as popular media both to each other and to other forms of art.

8. Analyze the considerations involved in translating individual works of narrative literature to film.

9. Analyze the meaning and importance of archetypal images and symbols in both literature and film.

10. Apply both genre and auteur approaches to particular works of literature and film.

11. Evaluate the impact of both past and present technological advances on both literature and film.

This course examines the relationship between film and literature during the twentieth century. Because so many works of literature and films have been the result of social, political, and economic developments in the twentieth century, both a thematic and historic approach will be utilized to analyze selected works.

Giannetti, Louis, Understanding Movies, 9^th edition, Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2002.

Students who wish to withdraw from this course must do so by Friday of Week #8.

Class Participation, Midterm, Term Paper, and Final Exam—each weighted at 25% of Final Grade.

· Apply critical thinking skills in learning, conducting applied research, and defining and solving problems.

· Develop tolerance of ambiguity and mature judgment in exploring intellectual issues.

· Build on intellectual curiosity with fundamental concepts and methods of inquiry form the sciences, social sciences, and humanities to support life-long learning.

· Apply mathematical principles and concepts to problem solving and logical reasoning.

· Use study and direct experience of the humanities and social sciences to develop a clear perspective on the breadth and diversity, as well as the commonality, of human experience.

· Connect general education to the ethical dimensions of issues and to responsible, thoughtful citizenship in a democratic society.

Students are required to attend all classes. Group discussion is an integral part of this course; students will be asked to contribute and ask questions.

Students, faculty, staff, and all other member of the DeVry community are expected to respect diversity, which includes, but is not limited to age, disability, gender, marital status, national origin, race, religion, and sexual orientation. Students engaging in discriminatory behavior will be subject to the consequences established in the Student’s Code of Conduct in the Student Handbook. Student grievances involving charges of discrimination and sexual harassment should be taken to the Student Services Office.

All students are expected to follow the standards of academic integrity and conduct as detailed in the Academic Integrity Policy found in the DeVry Student Handbook. The Policy specifically prohibits dishonest acts, such as copying, plagiarism, and prohibited collaboration. Please review the Policy so that you understand your rights and obligations.

You will do a 12-page research project exploring an approved topic of the student’s choice dealing with film and literature.

October 28, 2003 Theme of the Week: Racism /Ethnic Cleansing
Boys of Brazil (movie)
The Autobiography of Malcolm X (book)
Understanding Movies—chapters 1-2 (pages 1-92)

November 4, 2003 Theme of the Week: Comedy
Monty Python's Holy Grail (movie)
Understanding Movies—chapters 3-4 (pages 93-206)

November 11, 2003                                Theme of the Week: Sci-Fi
            Gattaca (movie)
            Understanding Movies—chapters 5-6 (pages 207-294)

November 18, 2003    MIDTERM    Theme of the Week: The American Dream
          Avalon (movie)
           Understanding Movies—chapter 7 (pages 295-332)

Bookmark this site		Search this site