Sample Syllabi

Kelly Wittenberg, MFA

Associate Professor of Cinema

Introduction to Video Production

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course introduces the basic technical aspects of digital video production. It is the first production course for Theatre/Cinema majors, and also required for majors in Animation (Art Department), and Convergent Media (Journalism). Students learn hands-on how to use video cameras and non-linear editing software within a project-based approach. Aesthetics, theory, and media literacy are incorporated through lecture and clip examples. Critical thinking is emphasized during critique of student projects. Class size is limited to 15 students. Equipment and Lab Fee.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: Video field production and non-linear post-production comprise the core hands-on activities. Moving picture history, theory, and criticism will also be surveyed in order to develop a context within which to produce and evaluate several video projects.

COURSE OUTCOMES: You will be expected to demonstrate technical proficiency on digital video production equipment and a working knowledge of the Final Cut Pro non-linear editing system. The incorporation of theoretical and aesthetic concepts introduced in class is expected in the realization of your projects. The ability to communicate your new expertise in video production/post-production will be demonstrated by the successful completion of a written exam and active participation in class discussion/critique.

REQUIRED TEXTS:

The Focal Easy Guide to Final Cut Pro X by Rick Young

The Filmmaker’s Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide for the Digital Age (4th Edition) by Steven Ascher and Edward Pincus

REQUIRED MATERIALS: LABEL EVERYTHING WITH YOUR NAME!

External Hard Drive

Miscellaneous supplies as needed per project

GRADING PERCENTAGES:

Assignment #1 – Photographic Sequence: 20%

Assignment #2 – Music Video: 20%

Assignment #3 – Convey the Impossible: 20%

Midterm Exam – Written Exam: 20%

Final Project – Self Portrait: 20%

GRADING STANDARDS: An equal emphasis will be placed on your understanding of the concepts of motion picture aesthetics and criticism introduced in class as well as your technical proficiency and personal effort toward your own creativity. Projects are due as scheduled. Late work is unacceptable. If you are having problems, do not wait until the last minute to ask for help.

A Excellent. Takes problems beyond the assignment to a personal solution, in the form of ambition, creativity, and complexity. Evidence of critical and creative thinking combined with technical skills.

B Good. Goes beyond the assignments but may be deficient in technical skills or imagination.

C Average. Follows assignments and turns them in on time.

D Passing. Deficient. Misses the conceptual or technical level expected.

F Failure. Does not follow instructions, fails to complete assignments.

PROJECTS: There will be an emphasis on the communication of original ideas and personal creativity in the realization of your work for this class. You will be expected to speak thoughtfully about your reasons behind the content you choose for your work.

NO MOVIE TRAILERS

NO VIDEOS ABOUT HANGING OUT IN THE DORM

NO PLAYING WITH GUNS

NO REENACTMENTS OF YOUR FAVORITE GANGSTER OR KUNG FU MOVIE

ATTENDANCE POLICY: Students are expected to attend all class sessions. You will be given an excused absence when acting as an official representative of the university, provided you give prior written verification from the faculty/staff supervisor of the event. Students missing more than 15 minutes of a class session by arriving late or departing early will be considered absent.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: Under all circumstances, students are expected to be honest in their dealings with faculty, administrative staff, and fellow students. In speaking with members of the college community, students must give an accurate representation of the facts at hand. In class assignments, students must submit work that fairly and accurately reflects their level of accomplishment. Any work that is not a product of the student’s own effort is considered dishonest. Students may not submit the same work for more than one class. A student may be suspended or expelled for academic dishonesty. Please refer to the Student Handbook for additional information regarding the policy on academic dishonesty.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: If you have been diagnosed with a disability or if you suspect that you may have a disability that has never been diagnosed and would like to find out what services may be available, please visit the Office of Disability Services (ODS) in Eder Hall, room 203N or visit the ODS website at http://www.missouriwestern.edu/ds/ as soon as possible. This syllabus, as well as all other printed or electronic materials, can be made available in alternative/accessible formats if requested with sufficient prior notice. Missouri Western is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.

 

C  O  U  R  S  E      S  C  H  E  D  U  L  E

Kelly Wittenberg, MFA

Associate Professor of Cinema

Film Theory & Criticism

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Examination of various approaches to film theory and criticism including formal aspects of cinema, tools for stylistic analysis, and ideological implications of film.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: In this course, students will explore more than a century of classic thought and writing about film. Readings from pioneers in film theory–including Eisenstein, Arnheim, Kracauer, and Bazin–combined with contemporary scholarly thought will provide a broad survey of both historical and theoretical viewpoints on the subject. Students will learn to develop critical thinking skills through written assignments that combine readings from film theory with a new understanding of visual language.

REQUIRED TEXTS:

Doing Film Studies: A Subject Guide for Students by Sarah Casey Benyahia and Claire Mortimer

The Major Film Theories: An Introduction by J. Dudley Andrew

Handouts (paper or online) as assigned

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

Spiral Bound Notebook Clearly Labeled with Your Name

GRADING PERCENTAGES:

Attitude, Attendance and Participation: 10%

Written Film Notes: 20%

Midterm Presentation: 30%

Written Essay Final: 40%

GRADING STANDARDS: Assignments are due as scheduled. Late work is unacceptable. If you are having problems, do not wait until the last minute to ask for help.

A Excellent. Takes problems beyond the assignment to a personal solution, in the form of ambition, creativity, and complexity. Evidence of critical and creative thinking combined with technical skills.

B Good. Goes beyond the assignments but may be deficient in technical skills or imagination.

C Average. Follows assignments and turns them in on time.

D Passing. Deficient. Misses the conceptual or technical level expected.

F Failure. Does not follow instructions, fails to complete assignments.

ATTENDANCE POLICY: Students are expected to attend all class sessions. You will be given an excused absence when acting as an official representative of the university, provided you give prior written verification from the faculty/staff supervisor of the event. Students missing more than 15 minutes of a class session by arriving late or departing early will be considered absent.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: Under all circumstances, students are expected to be honest in their dealings with faculty, administrative staff, and fellow students. In speaking with members of the college community, students must give an accurate representation of the facts at hand. In class assignments, students must submit work that fairly and accurately reflects their level of accomplishment. Any work that is not a product of the student’s own effort is considered dishonest. Students may not submit the same work for more than one class. A student may be suspended or expelled for academic dishonesty. Please refer to the Student Handbook for additional information regarding the policy on academic dishonesty.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: If you have been diagnosed with a disability or if you suspect that you may have a disability that has never been diagnosed and would like to find out what services may be available, please visit the Office of Disability Services (ODS) in Eder Hall, room 203N or visit the ODS website at http://www.missouriwestern.edu/ds/ as soon as possible. This syllabus, as well as all other printed or electronic materials, can be made available in alternative/accessible formats if requested with sufficient prior notice. Missouri Western is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.

 

C  O  U  R  S  E      S  C  H  E  D  U  L  E

Kelly Wittenberg, MFA

Associate Professor of Cinema

Scriptwriting

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Through the practice of screenwriting, students will learn how to represent in words not only story, but also sound design, editing, visual design, and other parameters of media making. Students will discover how core narrative concepts of character, structure, plot, theme and tone interact within existing and emerging media and explore how to utilize these concepts to express their personal vision, creativity, and voice.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: This course is designed to supply students with the tools to expand and enrich their appreciation of all aspects of filmmaking and screenwriting in particular. Students will fine-tune the ability to both provide and receive constructive criticism within a supportive atmosphere of collaboration.

COURSE OUTCOMES: Students gain a working knowledge of professional screenplay format through practical work toward the ability to translate one’s visual ideas into written form. Through a structured process of writing and revision, students will complete an original eight to twelve page short script suitable for use as a production project and/or entry into screenplay competitions.

REQUIRED TEXTS:

Writing Short Films (2nd Edition) by Linda J. Cowgill

The Screenwriter’s Bible: A Complete Guide to Writing, Formatting, and Selling Your Script (5th Edition) by David Trottier

SUGGESTED TEXTS: 

How Not to Make a Short Film: Secrets From a Sundance Programmer by Roberta Monroe

Swimming Upstream: A Lifesaving Guide to Short Film Distribution by Sharon Badal

REQUIRED MATERIALS: 

External Hard Drive or other device to save and protect your work

Access to Printer prior to scheduled class time

Printer Paper to print your written work

COPIES of each draft of your script for students to use for table readings during class

REQUIRED SOFTWARE:         

FINAL DRAFT, CELTX, or similar screenwriting program

GRADING PERCENTAGES:

Class Participation: 25%

Writing Exercises: 25%

Final Draft of Screenplay: 40%

Final Draft of Premise (Log Line) and Synopsis: 10%

GRADING STANDARDS: An equal emphasis will be placed on your understanding of the concepts of motion picture aesthetics and criticism introduced in class as well as your technical proficiency and personal effort toward your own creativity. Projects are due as scheduled. Late work is unacceptable. If you are having problems, do not wait until the last minute to ask for help.

A Excellent. Takes problems beyond the assignment to a personal solution, in the form of ambition, creativity, and complexity. Evidence of critical and creative thinking combined with technical skills.

B Good. Goes beyond the assignments but may be deficient in technical skills or imagination.

C Average. Follows assignments and turns them in on time.

D Passing. Deficient. Misses the conceptual or technical level expected.

F Failure. Does not follow instructions, fails to complete assignments.

CLASS PARTICIPATION: Class discussion and script workshop are a significant portion of the learning experience and your grade. Active participation includes reading the textbook assignments and handouts as shown in the syllabus prior to class discussion. Coming to class on time with the required materials (ex. enough copies of your script for everyone in the class), turning in assignments on time in the correct format, and active listening to your classmates’ work when it is presented in workshop, are expected. Active listening during presentation of your classmates’ work is demonstrated by your ability to critique the work courteously with comments that are relevant to the material. Making jokes or sarcastic comments to garner attention or get a quick laugh will be considered destructive to the collaborative environment and will not be tolerated. Active participation in workshop includes expanding your own ability to receive constructive criticism with a mind open to revisions. Failure to attend class on a day you are scheduled for workshop, and/or avoiding active consideration of suggested revisions to your work will result in a deduction of up to one full grade for overall class participation.

PROJECTS: There will be an emphasis on the communication of original ideas and personal creativity in the realization of your work for this class. You will be expected to speak thoughtfully about your reasons behind the content you choose for your work.

ATTENDANCE POLICY: Students are expected to attend all class sessions. You will be given an excused absence when acting as an official representative of the university, provided you give prior written verification from the faculty/staff supervisor of the event. Students missing more than 15 minutes of a class session by arriving late or departing early will be considered absent.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: Under all circumstances, students are expected to be honest in their dealings with faculty, administrative staff, and fellow students. In speaking with members of the college community, students must give an accurate representation of the facts at hand. In class assignments, students must submit work that fairly and accurately reflects their level of accomplishment. Any work that is not a product of the student’s own effort is considered dishonest. Students may not submit the same work for more than one class. A student may be suspended or expelled for academic dishonesty. Please refer to the Student Handbook for additional information regarding the policy on academic dishonesty.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: If you have been diagnosed with a disability or if you suspect that you may have a disability that has never been diagnosed and would like to find out what services may be available, please visit the Office of Disability Services (ODS) in Eder Hall, room 203N or visit the ODS website at http://www.missouriwestern.edu/ds/ as soon as possible. This syllabus, as well as all other printed or electronic materials, can be made available in alternative/accessible formats if requested with sufficient prior notice. Missouri Western is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.

 

C  O  U  R  S  E      S  C  H  E  D  U  L  E