American Film History II Prof.

Eileen White
SP 472 ewhite@qcc.cuny.edu
Monday 1:00PM – 5:10PM H125
Library, Room 14

Prerequisite: BE-112 (or 205) and 122 (or 226)

Course Objectives: American Film History II is a course introducing the fundamental

principles and aesthetics of filmed communication with emphasis on analyzing various
techniques used throughout the history of the filmed image to determine how the elements
of form and style function dynamically to construct meaning.

Required Text: Understanding Movies, Eleventh Edition by Louis Giannetti

Grading: Class Participation & Attendance: 10%

Quizzes: 10%
Mid-term Exam: 40%
Final: 40%

Attendance: Unexcused absences exceeding four (4) classes may result in a final grade
being lowered one letter grade.

Extra Credit: You may do a written research/analysis assignment of at least 5 pages for
extra credit. All written work must be hand-passed to me. Please remember that all formal
written work must be proofread. If material is not proofread for grammar and spelling, your
grade will be affected. All written work must be typed and double-spaced in 12 point type in
Times or Arial font with your name, class and e-mail address in the upper left corner. Any
occurrence of plagiarism will get you an “F” on the assignment and will affect your
final grade in the course.

Exams: There will be two exams in this course: a Mid-Term and a Final. These are required
to receive a grade. No “Incomplete” grades will be given.

Class Participation: A portion of your grade is also based on class participation, which will
be measured through participation in discussions. You will also be expected to have
completed the assigned reading for each class.

Screenings: You may not “like” every movie we see but please keep an open mind. We are
watching these films for a reason and, though they may be entertaining or not in your
opinion, you will be expected to examine them as you would any piece of data you come
across – with a critical eye.

Academic Integrity:

Academic honesty and integrity are taken very seriously. Plagiarism, fabrication of sources
and/or facts and academic misconduct including any act to gain an undue academic benefit
for oneself or to cause academic harm to another will not be tolerated. If you are found to
have violated any of the college policies on academic integrity, you will receive an “F” for the
assignment or, in more serious cases, an “F” for the course. If you have questions or
concerns about ethical conduct, please consult your instructor or the college’s Academic
Integrity Policy (found in college handouts displayed in various campus locations, the
college catalogue, the Student Handbook and the college website at
http://www.qcc.cuny.edu/Governance/policy_procedure.asp).
Please note: All dates, screenings and assignments are subject to change. Course
presentations can be access on Blackboard through the QCC website or on the class
blog, http://qccfilmhistory.blogspot.com/

1/26
Introduction to Course
Cinematography
Viewing: Visions of Light
Assigned reading: Chapter 1 of
Understanding Movies
3/23
Acting
Viewing: Michael Caine on Acting in Film
Viewing: On the Waterfront
Assigned reading: Chapter 7

2/2 3/30
Photography Drama
Viewing: The Third Man Viewing: All About Eve
Assigned reading: Chapter 2 Assigned reading: Chapter 8

2/9 4/6
Mise en Scéne Story & Genre
Viewing: Rosemary’s Baby Viewing: The Searchers
Assigned reading: Chapter 3 Assigned reading: Chapter 9

2/16 – No Classes 4/20

2/23 Writing
Movement Viewing: Casablanca
Viewing: Goodfellas Assigned reading: Chapter 10 & 11
Assigned reading: Chapter 4 Spring Recess: 4/8-4/17

3/2 4/27
Editing Ideology & Critique
Viewing: Breathless Viewing: Network
Assigned reading: Chapter 5 Assigned reading: Chapter 12

3/9 5/4
Sound Synthesis & Review
Viewing: A Clockwork Orange Viewing: Citizen Kane
Assigned reading: Chapters 6 Extra Credit Due

3/16 5/11
Mid-term Exam Final Exam
Viewing: Detour