History of Film
Modality: MDC Live
Lectures: Tuesday 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Professor Agustin Gonzalez
Office: North Campus Room 2235
Best way to reach me: Agonza29@mdc.edu *
*If you reach me with a question answered in the syllabus, I will reply with a link to the syllabus.
Office Hours
Monday and Wednesday - 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Thursday - 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Remote Only)
Office hours help students seek clarification and support on assignments, discussions, lectures, and projects. Office hours are not, however, a substitute for missed classes. Though these are my official office hours, the remote environment affords me much additional flexibility throughout the week; if these hours do not work, please contact me, and I would be happy to accommodate you at a different time.
You can schedule an appointment using the following Calendly link: Schedule an appointment
I am here to help you and support you. Please talk to me should you have problems keeping up with the class.
Course Description and Competencies
An introductory level course in the history of the narrative feature-length motion picture, emphasizing American and European films.
Competency 1: The student will be able to identify and discuss major films in the medium's history.
Competency 2: The student will be able to identify and discuss major film movements in the U.S. and Europe.
Competency 3: The student will be able to critique films within their historical and cultural contexts.
Through the academic disciplines and co-curricular activities, MDC provides multiple, varied, and intentional learning experiences to facilitate the acquisition of fundamental knowledge and skills. MDC's Ten Learning Outcomes foster effective citizenship and life-long learning.
In addition to the competencies listed above, this class will require that you:
Learning Outcome 1: Communicate effectively using listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
Learning Outcome 5: Demonstrate knowledge of diverse cultures, including global and historical perspectives.
Learning Outcome 9: Demonstrate an appreciation for aesthetics and creative activities.
Textbook
A History of Film by Agustin Gonzalez
Our textbook for this class is an online learning resource, and it is mandatory. The reading and in-book exercises are part of your grade and weekly assignments. You will have two weeks to purchase the book before you have weekly deadlines for reading and in-book exercises. The faster you purchase it, the sooner you can catch up with the material.
If you have Sharkpack, you should have received a code for the book in your email and can ignore the instructions below.
There are two ways to purchase the textbook.
You can purchase the access code directly from the MDC bookstore.
Or
You can purchase access directly from the publisher.
OPTION 1: Purchase Access Code From MDC Bookstore (North or Kendall).
Once you have a code from the bookstore, visit the publishers website: GRL Content
On the landing page you can register your code at the prompt pictured.
You will then be prompted to create an account. Make sure that you select the correct course section. To remind you, this course meets: Thursdays 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM.
This option is more expensive, but it is covered by Financial Aid if you qualify.
I strongly suggest that if you take this option that you go to the bookstore at North Campus in person. Do not order online as it is not particularly efficient.
OPTION 2: Purchase Book Directly from the Publisher.
Visit the publishers website: GRL Content
On the landing page you can begin the purchasing process at the prompt pictured.
You will then be prompted to create an account. Make sure that you select the correct course section. To remind you, this course meets: Thursdays 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM.
This option is cheaper, but Financial Aid will not cover the purchase.
OPTION 3: You Are Repeating This Course.
If you have previously purchased the textbook and are repeating the course, please follow the instructions in the pdf at this link: PDF Instruction Link
Technology
For this class you are required to have a computer with an internet connection in order to access Canvas and your textbook.
Attendance
Attendance is mandatory.
Generally, absences in 3 or more classes result in a course failure.
Course Withdrawal
It is your responsibility to withdraw from the course. However, I reserve the right to withdraw students from the course if:
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They are absent more than three times before the last day to withdraw from courses with a “W” grade per the Academic Calendar
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They have not completed the majority of the required work before before the last day to withdraw from courses with a “W” grade per the Academic Calendar
Students who meet the above criteria will receive an email stating that they will be withdrawn from the course.
Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. If students are suspected of classroom cheating, plagiarism, or otherwise misrepresenting their work, they will be subject to procedural due process as laid out in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, the following:
• cheating on an examination;
• receiving help from others in work to be submitted, if contrary to the stated rules of the course;
• plagiarizing; that is, the taking and claiming as one's own the ideas, writings, or work of another, without citing the sources;
• submitting work from another course unless permitted by the instructor;
• stealing examinations or course materials;
• falsifying records;
• assisting anyone to do any of the above.
Disability Statement
Students who have a disability that might affect their performance in the class are encouraged to contact Access Services in confidence as soon as possible. The office will aid in appropriate accommodations for the student. This is in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Please inform me during the first week of classes if you need special accommodations due to a disability that might otherwise affect your performance in our class.
Success In This Class
Book Checkpoints and Quizzes: Complete all exercises and quizzes every week. It will help you study for the exams, and it will help you accumulate points to buffer your grade.
Tests: Do not underestimate them. Reading and being prepared is essential, even when they are at home and open book. Please do not leave them for the last minute.
Watching screenings: Be curious! You will be challenged to watch films you probably have not in this class. Watch and learn. It is the easiest thing that will be asked of you and what will add the most value.
Being on time for the lecture: Taking notes is essential. My lectures are outlines of the material you will need to know. I start lectures at class start time, and I tend to go off-book.
Weekly Assignment #1: Screenings
This term, we'll be exploring films on a weekly basis. I will provide access to these films through Canvas, and you can view them via the Kanopy or Swank library databases. To log into the library, simply use the same information you use to access your school email account. If you have any questions or encounter any difficulties, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Weekly Assignment #2: Textbook Activities
This term, your textbook will be a vital resource, filled with activities and quizzes designed to enhance your understanding and preparation for this course. Here's how it will work:
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Weekly Assignments: Each chapter contains activities and quizzes that need to be completed by the start of class every week. (Note: The first three chapters will have a three-week grace period.)
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Varied Activities: Be prepared to engage with different types of activities, including some short-answer questions that may require some thoughtful consideration.
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Preparation for Exams: These activities are not just tasks but key tools to prepare you for the course examinations.
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Quizzes and Checkpoints: While quizzes will give you three attempts for the right answers, checkpoints allow unlimited tries. Correct answers are essential for earning points.
The total points you can accumulate for these assignments are as follows:
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Quizzes: 120 points, making up 100% of this portion of your grade.
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Checkpoints: 29 points, serving as extra credit and potentially adding up to 10% of your final class grade.
Keep in mind that although only the quizzes directly impact your grade, both quizzes and checkpoints are valuable tools for your review for the midterm and final. I strongly recommend making the most of them.
Due Time: All textbook activities are due before the start of class every week.
Exams: A Midterm and a Final
During the course, you'll be taking both a midterm and a final exam. These assessments will cover material from your textbook and lectures and will be administered through Blackboard. Note that the final exam will not include cumulative content from the entire course.
Exam Timing and Completion:
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Duration: Each exam is timed at 1.5 hours and includes an auto-complete feature. Once you begin the exam, it must be completed within this time frame. Each exam is taken directly on Canvas and can be accessed through the modules.
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Availability: The exams will be accessible on exam day. Please refer to the schedule below for specifics.
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Preparation: While textbooks and notes are permissible during the exams, please be mindful of the time limit and prepare accordingly.
Responsibilities and Accommodations:
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Timely Completion: It's your responsibility to complete the exams within the specified time and date. Late submissions will not be accepted.
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Class Cancellation on Exam Days: There will be no class sessions on the days the exams are due.
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Extra Time Accommodations: If you require additional time, please provide the necessary ACCESS services documentation, and arrangements can be made.
These examinations are a critical part of your assessment in this course. Please approach them with the diligence and preparation they require, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further clarification.
On my various syllabi you will find pictures and trailers for the films that defined my love of cinema. Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) by Wes Craven introduced me to horror in my youth and held a strange fascination in my imagination. Craven touched on deeply rooted cultural fears in his films. In the Elm Street and Scream series he explored how the the sins of the parents are visited on children. Through Freddy, Craven comments on our national past time of leaving problems unresolved for future generations to either manage or be haunted by. Just watch the news an you'll know what Elm Street is trying to tell you.
Term Calendar
Grading
Textbook Quizzes 25%
Midterm 30%
Final 30%
Attendance 15%
Extra Credit textbook Checkpoints 10% Possible
January 6- Introduction to the course & Era of Discovery
Chapter 1 Lecture
Due by Class Start Time: Read and complete Chapter 1 activities, including quiz. (Extended Deadline of February 3)
January 13 - Ending the Era of Discovery
Chapter 2 Lecture
Due by Class Start Time: Read and complete Chapter 2 activities, including quiz. (Extended Deadline of February 3)
Due by Class Start Time: Watch Hugo.
January 20 - Two Visions of a Country
Chapter 3 Lecture
Due by Class Start Time: Read and complete Chapter 3 Activities, including quiz. (Extended Deadline of February 3)
Due by Class Start Time: Watch Birth of a Movement.
January 27 - German Film from War to War
Chapter 4 Lecture
Due by Class Start Time: Read and complete Chapter 4 Activities, including quiz. (Extended Deadline of February 3)
Due by Class Start Time: Watch Metropolis
February 3 - Revolutionary Soviet Cinema
Chapter 5 Lecture
Due by Class Start Time: Read and complete Chapter 5 Activities, including quiz.
Due by Class Start Time: Watch The Cutting Edge
February 10 - Laughter is the Best Medicine
Chapter 6 Lecture
Due by Class Start Time: Read and complete Chapter 6 Activities, including quiz.
Due by Class Start Time: Watch City Lights
February 17 - Midterm (No Class)
The exam will open at 3:00 PM and close at 5:30 PM. Once you open it, you will have 1.5 hours to complete it.
February 24 - A New Power Structure Emerges
Chapter 7 Lecture
Due by Class Start Time: Read and complete Chapter 7 activities, including quiz.
Due by Class Start Time: Watch Sunset Boulevard
March 3 - Warner Brothers and The Transition to Sound
Chapter 8 Lecture
Due by Class Start Time: Read and complete Chapter 8 activities, including quiz.
Due by Class Start Time: Watch Singing in the Rain
March 10 - Disney/Dali
March 17 - The Minor Studios
Chapter 9 Lecture
Due by Class Start Time: Read and complete Chapter 9 activities, including quiz.
Due by Class Start Time: Watch Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
March 24 - Spring Break (No Class)
March 31 - The End of The Golden Age
Chapter 10 Lecture
Due by Class Start Time: Read and complete Chapter 10 activities, including quiz.
Due by Class Start Time: Watch Citizen Kane
April 7 - Oppositional Cinemas & Theory
Chapter 11 Lecture
Due by Class Start Time: Read and complete Chapter 11 activities, including quiz.
Due by Class Start Time: Watch 400 Blows
April 14 - Miami Film Festival
April 21 - The Modern Era
Chapter 12 Lecture
Due by Class Start Time: Read and complete Chapter 12 activities, including quiz.
Due by Class Start Time: Watch Guess Who's Coming to Dinner
April 28 - Final Exam (No Class)
Exam will open at 3:00 PM and Close at 5:30 PM. Once you open it you will have 1.5 hours to complete it.
Resources
Library: Nine libraries and several statewide resources comprise the Learning Resources at Miami Dade College, providing a stimulating learning environment that enhances the classroom experience through various services such as in-person tutoring, information literacy instruction, and informative workshops. Link to Library Website
Virtual Tutoring: Learning Resources offers students and faculty a wide array of supplemental assistance to ensure academic success Link to Virtual Tutoring.
Single Stop: Single Stop offers students a wide array of services, including public benefits screening, financial coaching, individual counseling, tax preparation, access to a food pantry, and various other services. All of our services are free to Miami Dade College students and their immediate family members. Link to Single Stop Website.
Mental Health Counseling: Counselors are available on campus during the day and after-hours throughout the week, including Saturdays. Students may receive up to 10 free hour-long sessions where they can speak confidentially with a licensed counselor. Sessions during the day may be held in person (on campus), by phone, or virtually. When filling out the form, please select either daytime or after-hours counseling. Link to Mental Health Counseling Website.
SEDT Academic Advisors: Even as I am available to advise you on classes, SEDT offers in-depth academic planning through our two counselors.
James Van Voris: jvanvori@mdc.edu
He can also be reached at 305-237-1696