FILM171 - American Cinema

Syllabus - Fall 2010

Instructor: William Kelly
Email: wkelly@howardcc.edu
Facebook Group: HCC American Cinema Fall 2010
Mailbox: HPVA 210

Required Materials
Textbook - American Cinema/American Culture 3rd ed. By John Belton

Course Description
• A multidisciplinary study of the complex relationship between American film and American
culture that requires previewing assigned films and reading assigned chapters of the textbook
outside of class, as listed on the course schedule. Class discussions explore the development
of American film both aesthetically and as a manifestation of American culture.
• This course has to be a balance of Film and American Culture. In many ways this course is
an American Film History and Culture course. Due to that, a majority of the films are not
“modern”. A common complaint is we do not watch “current” films. It is assumed that
many students have already seen (or are at least familiar with) many modern or current films,
thus viewing them for class would be unnecessary.
• Some material may be offensive to some viewers.

Course Policies
1. Attendance: Students who attend class regularly usually perform better than those who do
not. If you are unable to attend class it is your responsibility to obtain class notes and other
information from your classmates. The instructor will not provide notes if you miss a class.
2. Lateness is disruptive to the instructor and your classmates. Please be on time.
3. Late Assignments: Will be accepted up to one week late for half credit. No assignments will
be accepted that are more than one week late. If you miss class the assignment is still due,
email the assignment or leave it in my mailbox by the end of class.
4. Plagiarism: Any assignment found to be plagiarized in whole or in part will receive a zero
grade and the issue will be referred to administration.
5. Exam: You must take the exam in the classroom on the date scheduled and at the time
scheduled. You may not make up the final exam if missed. If you know you will miss the
exam, you must contact the instructor in advance to arrange a makeup date.
6. Extra Credit: You may complete up to two extra credit assignments per semester.
7. Classroom Communication: Students are to treat the instructor and classmates with the same
interest and respect they expect for themselves. Some of each class will involve discussion,
students are expected to actively participate in classroom discussion.
8. Written Communication: All written assignments must be typed, double spaced, Times New
Roman, 12 pt font, 1 inch margin all around, black ink, clear copy.
9. Email Communication: Please include your class day(s) in the subject line
10. Electronic Devices: Use of any electronic devices is prohibited in the classroom. Please turn
off your cell phones upon entering the class. If you expect to receive an important call,
 silence your cell phone and please sit near the door. Take the call outside of the room so as
not to disturb the class. If you must text during class, don’t take this class.

I reserve the right to add or alter this syllabus as the need arises. Significant changes will be
provided in writing.

Assignments and Grading

Film Homework Assignments (10) – 20%

Essay – 20%

Exams (2) – 50%

Class Participation – 10%

Extra Credit – 2% each

Overall Grade
90%-100%=A, 80%-89%=B, 70%-79%=C, 60%-69%=D, below 60%=F

Students With Disabilities

Contact Disability Support Services or Student Support Services to request special
accommodations. All accommodations must be documented.