Looking For America: An Introductory Film Course

Honors First-Year Seminar – HNR 101-004

Fall 2014
Monday/Wednesday/Friday 10:00 – 10:50
Location: HR107

Instructor: Kristin Hornsby Office Location: HR109

Phone: 859.572.5946 Office Hours: MW 1-2, TR 10-10:50
Email: hornsbyk1@nku.edu Or by appointment

Peer Mentor: Elsy Verdugo, verdugoe2@nku.edu

Disclaimer: It is the prerogative of the instructor to adjust the content of this syllabus as deemed
necessary.

Course Description (NKU catalog): Introduction to the NKU Honors Program and the honors style of
learning. Emphasis on active participation, methods of independent student research and creative
projects, collaborative learning.

1. Cross-disciplinary Reasoning
2. Exchanging Ideas
3. Trans-disciplinary Applications
4. Project management/Product Creation

Topical Course Description: Everyone goes to the movies (or downloads them on Netflix), but how often
do we stop and really unpack what we are watching? Looking for America: An Introductory Film Course
will introduce you to basic terminology, techniques, and contributions of the filmmaking process and to
the critical analysis skills necessary to identify how techniques are used to convey particular themes and
meanings. We will focus on American cinema, past and present, watching such films as The Graduate
and American Beauty. We will examine the historical, social, and cultural context of films, the way
various regions are portrayed in films, and the Hollywood movie-making model. Warning: From this
point forward, the movie going experience will be changed for you.

Textbooks
Cinematic Storytelling by Jennifer Van Sijll (2005)
A Writer’s Reference, 7th Edition by Diana Hacker (2010)
Additional reading materials may be provided throughout the semester.

Films (in viewing order)

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986), dir. John Hughes (PG-13)
Genre Films – To Be Assigned
The Graduate (1967), dir. Mike Nichols (PG)
The Birdcage (1996), dir. Mike Nichols (R)
The Descendants (2011), dir. Alexander Payne (R)
In America (2002), dir. Jim Sheridan (R)
Almost Famous (2000), dir. Cameron Crowe (R)
American Beauty (1999), dir. Sam Mendes (R)
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Note: We will watch some of these films in class, others you will be required to screen on your own.
The NKU and Campbell County libraries are great resources for films. Or, you may wish to reserve some
funds for rental/Netflix.

Common Student Learning Objectives

 Familiarity with the NKU Honors Program within the context of the University
 Seminar-style education
 Learn methods of independent student research and creative projects
 Experience in collaborative learning
 Lead a class discussion
 Written, oral and group communication skills

Other Learning Outcomes for this section

 A basic knowledge of film production and terminology
 Learn how to “read,” interpret, understand, and analyze films
 Learn to clearly and confidently respond to films both in writing and verbally
 Enhanced visual and auditory awareness
 Develop/Refine critical thinking, writing, collaboration, and presentation skills

Requirements & Grading

Specific assignment guidelines and criteria will be provided throughout the semester. The final grade
will be determined based on the following criteria:

30% Viewing Responses

Discussion Questions (x6) 10 pts. each
Genre Reflection 20 pts.
Film Review 50 pts.
Conference of Honors Wkst. 20 pts.
20% Mid-Term Paper & Presentation 100 pts.
20% Leading Class Discussion 100 pts.
30% Final Project
Proposal Pass/Fail
Project 100 pts.
Presentation 50 pts.

A Note On Participation: This course is heavily-based in participation and discussion. Students

are expected to prepare for and actively participate in discussion. Participation includes:
Preparedness for the day’s activities
Voluntary participation in discussion and activities
Timely and appropriate comments that engage others
Respectful responses to other students
Use of clear examples from works studied in class & outside references to back opinions
Active listening
You must be present to participate. The instructor reserves the right to raise or lower the final
grade based on the student’s participation throughout the semester.
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Mid-term grades will be posted in myNKU by the deadline established in the Academic Calendar
(http://registrar.nku.edu/academiccalendar.html).

Student Evaluation of Instructor and Course. Northern Kentucky University takes Instructor
Course Evaluations very seriously as an important means of gathering information for the
enhancement of learning opportunities for its students. It is an important responsibility of NKU
students as citizens of the University to participate in the instructor and course evaluation
process. During the two weeks* prior to the end of each semester classes, you will be asked to
reflect upon what you have learned in this course, the extent to which you have invested the
necessary effort to maximize your learning, and the role your instructor has played in the
learning process. It is very important that you complete the online evaluations with thoughtfully
written comments.

Student evaluations of courses and instructors are regarded as strictly confidential. They are not
to the instructor until after final grades are submitted, and extensive precautions are taken to
prevent your comments from being identified as coming from you. Students who complete an
evaluation for a particular course (or opt out of doing so in the evaluation) will be rewarded for
their participation by having access to their course grade as soon as that grade is submitted by
the instructor. On the other hand, any student who does not complete the course evaluation
(or opt out of doing so in the evaluation) should expect to incur a two week delay in access to
his or her course grade beyond the university's official date for grade availability. To complete
online evaluations go to http://eval.nku.edu. Click on "student login" and use the same
USERNAME and PASSWORD as used on campus.

In addition, you should be aware of:

• Evaluations can affect changes in courses. Evaluations without comments are less valuable
and less credible than those filled out thoughtfully. Comments that are expressed well are
more effective than those that are not.
• Positive feedback is just as important as criticism. Moreover, negative evaluations without
any explanation and specifics are not especially useful.
• Once grades are submitted, all evaluations are read not only by the instructor, but also by
the instructor’s department chairperson.
• Evaluations not only provide feedback to your instructor, but also provide information the
department chair for use in performance evaluations. This information affects
reappointments, promotions, salaries, and teaching assignments.

Course Policies

1. ATTENDANCE. No attempt will be made to differentiate between excused and unexcused

absences. This is a seminar course in which each student is required to take an active role in
every discussion. Your attendance and participation are expected. Missed classes and class
discussions cannot be made up. Absences will jeopardize your grade. Understandably
sometimes circumstances beyond our control may affect our attendance. In such cases, consult
with the instructor. More than three absences (two in the case of a TR section) will result in
the lowering of your final grade by ½ of one letter grade (per additional absence).

2. LATE/MAKEUP WORK. No late/makeup work will be accepted. This includes any written
assignment not submitted when that assignment is collected in class or any presentation not
HNR 101-004 Looking For America Fall 2014 | 4

given on the scheduled day at the scheduled time. If you are absent from class for any reason,
your assignment is still due at the scheduled time, even if you are absent on a due date. Work
will not be accepted via email/Blackboard unless specific instructions dictate.

3. READING/WRITING EXPECTATIONS. Students in HNR 101 will complete a substantial amount of

reading and approximately 25-30 pages of writing throughout the semester. Students are
expected to think and respond critically.

4. FILM SELECTIONS are based upon both their relevance to the course and their entertainment
and educational value for students. Some of the assigned films are rated “R” and, as such, may
contain controversial material. These films are a required part of the course and you will be
expected to view, discuss, and write about them. If you feel you cannot fulfill this requirement,
you should seek another Honors course.

5. REGULATIONS OF THE CLASSROOM. Disrespect of any member of the classroom community

will not be tolerated. The instructor reserves the right to dismiss any student who distracts
from classroom learning.

Diversity: We will not discriminate against or criticize members of this classroom community
based on gender, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability or any other such factor. Everyone
is welcome here and should feel safe expressing their thoughts and beliefs.

Cell Phones and Other Distractions: Any distracting device or materials may not be used during
class time. All cell phones, ipods and similar devices must be turned off, and all other materials
must be stored where they will not be a distraction to other students or the instructor. No
texting in class!

Use of Laptops: Students are not permitted to use laptops during class without the permission
of the instructor.

6. COMMUNICATION WITH THE INSTRUCTOR. The Instructor reserves the right to not reply to
any correspondence deemed inappropriate for any reason and will not discuss grades via
email or over the phone. You may communicate with me in person at my office, on paper (use
my mailbox), leave a message on voicemail, or by email (NKU addresses only, please).

Instructor email: I generally check/respond to email twice a day during the week, and I generally
do not check/respond to email on weekends. I will respond to email as quickly as possible (24
hours is a good guideline to know how long to wait before sending a kind inquiry), but if you
have an emergency, you should use all possible channels of communication to get in touch as
immediately as possible.

Student email: NKU email is the primary means through which important information is shared
related to this course. It is imperative that you check email at least once a day. You are
responsible for any and all notifications sent through email.

7. INCLEMENT WEATHER. On rare occasions classes are cancelled due to snow/ice. School
closures are announced on local television and radio stations as well as on the NKU Website and
through Norse Alert.
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8. HONOR CODE. This Student Honor Code [the "Honor Code"] is a commitment by students of
Northern Kentucky University, through their matriculation or continued enrollment at the
University, to adhere to the highest degree of ethical integrity in academic conduct. It is a
commitment individually and collectively that the students of Northern Kentucky University will
not lie, cheat, or plagiarize to gain an academic advantage over fellow students or avoid
academic requirements.

The purpose of the Honor Code is to establish standards of academic conduct for students at
Northern Kentucky University and to provide a procedure that offers basic assurances of
fundamental fairness to any person accused of violations of these rules. Each Northern Kentucky
University student is bound by the provisions of the Honor Code and is presumed to be familiar
with all of its provisions. Students also should aspire to conduct themselves in a manner that is
consistent with the highest degree of ethical integrity in all matters, whether covered in the
Honor Code or not. The success of this commitment begins in the diligence with which students
uphold the letter and the spirit of the Honor Code. Students may view the complete honor code
at http://deanofstudents.nku.edu/policies/student-rights.html#policies.

9. STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES. The University is committed to making reasonable efforts to

assist individuals with disabilities in their efforts to avail themselves of services and programs
offered by the University. To this end, Northern Kentucky University will provide reasonable
accommodations for persons with documented qualifying disabilities. If you have a disability and
feel you need accommodations in this course, you must present a letter to me from the
Disability Programs and Services Office (SU 303), indicating the existence of a disability and the
suggested accommodations. More information can be found at http://disability.nku.edu.

10. WITHDRAWAL POLICY. Please refer to the NKU Undergraduate Catalog Academic Regulations
page (print or online) and the Office of the Registrar website for policies, procedures and dates
regarding withdrawal from the course.

11. CREDIT HOUR POLICY. In accordance with federal policy, NKU defines a credit hour as the
amount of work represented in the achievement of student learning outcomes (verified by
evidence of student achievement) that reasonably approximates one hour (50 minutes) of
classroom instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work. For every
course credit hour, a typical student should expect to spend at least three hours per week of
concentrated attention on course-related work including, but not limited to, class meeting time,
reading, reviewing, organizing notes, studying and completing assignments. At least an
equivalent amount of time is expected for other academic activities such as online courses,
laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work and other academic work leading to the
award of credit hours.

Estimates of the time required for a typical student to complete course expectations are as
follows:
In Class: 37.5 hours
Readings: 16.0 hours
Out-of-class Screenings: 22.0 hours
Assignments: 10.0 hours
Larger Projects: 20.0 hours
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Final Project: 25.0 hours

135.5 hours

Useful Information

NKU Help Desk Information:

Telephone: (859) 572-6911, Location AC 109
Blackboard and Student Help: http://it.nku.edu/itsc/training/bbresourcesstu.php
Email Account: http://it.nku.edu/students/email/index.php

Student Achievement Center: http://sac.nku.edu/index.php

Learning Assistance Programs: http://lap.nku.edu/tutoring/index.php

NKU Writing Center: http://lap.nku.edu/writingcenter/index.php

Health Counseling and Prevention Services: http://hcp.nku.edu/

Useful Websites & Resources

General
AMC Filmsite: http://www.filmsite.org/
The American Film Institute: http://www.afi.com/
The Internet Movie Database: http://www.imdb.com/

Reviews
Roger Ebert: http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/

Scripts
Daily Script: http://dailyscript.com/
Drew’s Script-O-Rama: http://www.script-o-rama.com/

Box Office
Box Office Mojo: http://boxofficemojo.com/

Film Industry Trades

Collider: http://collider.com/
Deadline: http://www.deadline.com/hollywood/
The Hollywood Reporter: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/
Variety: http://www.variety.com/Home/
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Course Schedule

Week 1: Monday, August 18 – Intro to Course; Syllabus

Wednesday, August 20 – Intro (cont’d)
Read: Lopate – The Last Taboo (Blackboard)
Friday, August 22 – Dramatic Structure
Due: 1-Page Film Reviews

Week 2: Monday, August 25 – Finish Dramatic Structure; Writing Reflections & Reviews; Assign
Genre Films
Read: Corrigan – Writing About the Movies (Blackboard)
Wednesday, August 27 – Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Friday, August 29 – Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Week 3: Monday, September 1 – Labor Day; No Class

Wednesday, September 3 – Discuss Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Due: Discussion Questions #1
Friday, September 5 – Genres & Blockbusters
Due: Genre Reflection

Week 4: Monday, September 8 – Genres & Blockbusters

Wednesday, September 10 – Cinematography
Read: Sijll p1-44, 133-208
Friday, September 12 – Research & Writing Techniques; Cinematography
Read: Writers Reference p331-365, 372-388, 429-431

Week 5: Monday, September 15 – The Graduate

Wednesday, September 17 – The Graduate
Due: Mid-Term Film & Topic Choice
Friday, September 19 – The Graduate

Week 6: Monday, September 21 – Discuss The Graduate

Read: Here’s To You, Mr. Nichols
Due: Discussion Questions #2
Wednesday, September 24 – Design
Read: Sijll p213-251
Due: Preliminary Thesis Statement & Bibliography
Friday, September 26 – Design

Week 7: Monday, September 29 – Discuss The Birdcage

Due: Discussion Questions #3
Wednesday, October 1 – Mid-Term Presentations; Intro Project Proposals
Due: Mid-Term Papers
Friday, October 3 – Mid-Term Presentations

Week 8: Monday, October 6 – Mid-Term Presentations

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Wednesday, October 8 – Sound & Music

Friday, October 10 – Sound & Music; Editing
Read: Sijll p45-132, 209-212

Week 9: Monday, October 13 – Fall Break; No Class

Tuesday, October 14 – Fall Break; No Class
Wednesday, October 15 – Discuss Almost Famous
Due: Discussion Questions #4
Project Proposals (via email)
Friday, October 17 – The Descendants; Individual Meetings

Week 10: Monday, October 20 – The Descendants; Individual Meetings

Wednesday, October 22 – The Descendants; Individual Meetings
Friday, October 24 – Discuss The Descendants
Due: Discussion Questions #5

Week 11: Monday, October 27 – Acting

Wednesday, October 29 – Acting; In America
Friday, October 31 – In America

Week 12: Monday, November 3 – In America

Wednesday, November 5 – Discuss In America
Due: Discussion Questions #6
Friday, November 7 – American Beauty

Week 13: Monday, November 10– American Beauty

Wednesday, November 12 -- American Beauty
Friday, November 14 – Discuss American Beauty
Due: Discussion Questions #7

Week 14: Monday, November 17 – Share Film Reviews

Due: Revised Film Review
Wednesday, November 19 – Conference of Honors
Friday, November 21 – Discuss Capstones; Share Film Reviews
Due: Conference of Honors Worksheet

Week 15: Monday, November 24 – Presentations

Due: Final Projects
Wednesday, November 26 – Thanksgiving Holiday (No Class)
Friday, November 29 – Thanksgiving Holiday (No Class)

Week 16: Monday, December 1 – Presentations

Wednesday, December 3 – Presentations
Friday, December 5 -- Presentations

Week 17: Wednesday, December 10 @ 10:10am – Wrap-Up