Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title: EC 262 - Film and Video Editing

Number of Credits: 3
Instructor Name: Garine Torossian
Email Address: gtorossian@aua.am
Term/Year: Spring 2023
Class Schedule: M/W 14:30-15:45
Start/End Date:2024-01-17 / 2023-05-11
Class ID: 7330

Office hours M/W 15:45-16:15

Prerequisites: None

Co-Requisites: None

Course Description
This course offers an in-depth examination of techniques used in film and video editing, as well as the theories behind them. Students will learn the history of film
editing, from the early use of montage by filmmakers like Kuleshov and Eisenstein to contemporary digital editing techniques. Topics covered may include sound
editing, continuity, and establishing shots. Each student will be required to critique and explain their own and each other’s work in classroom discussions and
written assignments.

Required Materials & Mindset

Pen/pencil and paper, laptop & internet connection, camera and editing software, honesty and an open mind. Readings and films will be posted on the Moodle page
and announced weekly.

Subject to change to accommodate student needs.

 Course Syllabus

Schedule & Topics: SUBJECT TO CHANGE (lessons & assignments may be supplemented or amended to address student needs)
Class Topic Reading/Viewing Non-Reading Home Tasks

1 Week One: W. 01/17 Course themes Moodle Journal

2 Week Two: M. 01/22 & W. 01/24 Pudovkin: Constructive montage Moodle Structural Editing Video Exercise

3 Week Three: M. 01/29 & W. 01/31 Eisenstein: montage in theory & practice Moodle

4 Week Four: M. 02/05 & W. 02/07 Screenings & Discussion Moodle

5 Week Five: M. 02/12 & W. 02/14 Surrealism & Creative Geography Moodle Creative Geography Video Exercise

6 Week Six: M. 02/19 & W. 02/21 Screenings & discussion Moodle

7 Week Seven: M. 02/26 & W. 02/28 Vertov: The Camera Eye Moodle Observational Film

8. Week Eight: M. 03/04 & W. 03/06 Holidays

9 Week Nine: M. 03/11 & W. 03/13 Eisenstein & Ozu: transition as metaphor Moodle

10 Week Ten: M. 03/18 & W. 03/20 Screenings & discussion Moodle

11 Week Eleven: M. 03/25 & W.03/27 Screenplay Moodle Screenplay/Treatment

12 Week Twelve: W. 05/01 Mise-en-scene: Emblematic shots Moodle Final Film

13 Week Thirteen: M. 05/06 &W. 05/08 Screening of final projects Final films- feedback and review

Course Syllabus
Student Learning Outcomes:

The following chart shows alignment between course-specific and program student learning outcomes and program goals.
Course-based Program Student Program Goal
Student Learning Outcomes Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:

a. Discuss films and clips, including SLO 2.3 Apply theoretical Goal 2 Equip students
their own, from a critical perspective frameworks to analyze with analytical skills in
rooted in an understanding of film media and other forms of linguistics,
public communications and
language and forms;
discourse. A literary criticism.
b. Discuss and analyze work based on
concepts of cinematic language
and
aesthetics, including viewpoint,
camera angle, lighting, sound,
transitions, pace, flow, score,
subtitles, graphics, and other
effects; c. Discuss the relation of form
and content, identifying the intentions
of the filmmaker and how the medium
is used to persuade, convince or
 manipulate the viewer.

d. Use moving image and sound
to formulate and express
concepts
clearly and compellingly to a target
audience;
SLO 3.2 Tailor
communication to, and
engage in persuasive
communication with,
specific audiences and
media. A
Goal 3 Train students for
careers and advanced
studies in a wide range of
English, Public Relations,
or
Communications fields.

e. Apply the specific purposes, methods

and uses of different cinematic
forms.

f. Communicate a message or idea to a SLO 4.1 Produce and deliver Goal 4 Develop
target audience; written and oral articulate,
g. Apply ethical standards in their presentations, and conscientious leaders
communicate with and problem solvers
treatment of their subjects and
specialists and who are
audience; non-specialists using committed to contributing
h. Solve problems on the spot and appropriate media and to their fields and society.
make effective creative decisions under technology. I
pressure; I SLO 4.2 Think critically
i. Clearly articulate their subject matter and creatively,
and goals before shooting; conceptualizing
real-world problems
j. Work with others as a unit, and
from different
delegate and coordinate creative perspectives. I
duties from pre to post production;
k. Clearly communicate ideas with
their collaborators. SLO 4.3 Work productively
in diverse teams and solve
problems collaboratively. I
Course Structure
Instructor-led class will meet twice per week. Home tasks include viewings, readings, and written and audio-visual assignments (photographic and video). All home
tasks must be completed before the discussion starts.

Method of Evaluation SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Student learning will be evaluated on the basis of the following weighted components:

• Attendance & Participation (20%)

• Class Work (45%: Structural Editing, Creative Geography, Observational Film, Dream Work Screenplay). NOTE: assignments and their weight are subject to
change, depending on learning needs.
• Short Film (35%)

Course Syllabus

Attendance & Participation

Students are expected to attend each class on time and to be present for its entirety. They are expected to come to class prepared, bringing any necessary materials
and notes, and to have completed all required viewings and/or readings. Students are expected to be fully prepared to make presentations when called for as per
assignments and to participate actively in discussions in class and/or in online forums, making meaningful contributions.

Any absence as per the attendance record is final. If a student is unable to attend class, they must provide written notification in advance of the class, stating the
reason why. It is up to the discretion of the lecturer to excuse any absences. Every absence will affect your grade. The final grade will be deducted by 1/3 letter grade
for each unexcused absence (e.g. from A to A-). Thus, a final attendance grade will become a B- with four unexcused absences during the semester, a C+ with five, a
C with six, etc. Any falsification or misrepresentation is a breach of academic honesty and may result in a grade deduction or an F.
Policy on Electronic Devices
Use of smartphones, laptop computers and any other electronic devices are not permitted during class except for in class assignments

Class Work
Students will complete readings and a series of photographic, video and/or writing assignments during the course, individually and/or in groups. Assignments will be
graded as per the instructions and rubric (posted to Moodle).

Observational Film
Students will complete a short observational film without dialogue or narration exploring lessons on montage, framing and sound design to create a character study
and/or to illuminate some aspect of the world and to provide poetic insight into it. The film will express a theme & mood. Films should tell a story purely through
documentary means. They will be expected to show a personal interpretation of everyday life and insight into a character that allows viewers to experience the
ordinary world and the people in it in a new, extraordinary way through the unique perspective of the filmmaker.

Short Film
The course will include a short film assignment directed by each student according to the instructions. The short film project will be based on the student’s original
idea and will tell a fictional story (dramatization) or documentary with a beginning, middle, and end, utilizing the cinematic techniques discussed in the lessons.
Students will be expected to display proficiency in understanding and using these techniques as well as technical proficiency in recording picture and sound. The
film will be uploaded to the student’s online video channel by the due date. Students will be required to prepare and to give presentations throughout the production
process, from pre to post.

Course Syllabus

Students are expected to meet periodically with the instructor in order to solicit guidance and feedback as they develop their projects. Students are
strongly encouraged to attend office hours periodically in order to solicit additional feedback and ask questions as they progress on their research and
writing.

Students will receive feedback through online and class critiques of their work as well as feedback from the instructor. Students are welcome to confer with
the instructor for more individualized feedback.
Grading Scale
Highest Lowest Letter

100.00 % 97.00 % A+

96.99 % 93.00 % A

92.99 % 90.00 % A-

89.99 % 87.00 % B+

86.99 % 83.00 % B

82.99 % 80.00 % B-

79.99 % 77.00 % C+

76.99 % 73.00 % C

72.99 % 70.00 % C-

69.99 % 67.00 % D+

66.99 % 63.00 % D

62.99 % 60.00 % D-

59.99 % 0.00 % F

Library and Media Technology

Students are encouraged to use supplemental online and reference materials available at the library to enhance their overall learning in the course. Students are
encouraged to use audio-visual aids and presentation software as appropriate. If students have any questions or need additional support in using library resources or
technology, they should confer with library staff, ICT, or the instructor. If students have any questions or need additional support in using video production
equipment, they should confer with the instructor.
Late Policy
Late and incomplete assignments will be factored into the overall grade for each of the Rubrics they fall in. Generally a ⅓ of a grade will be deducted for each day
the assignment is late (i.e. from A to A-). The instructor might not penalize the student if the student submits convincing evidence of a medical or other emergency
that made completing the assignment at the scheduled time impossible.

Make-up Procedures
Make-up assignments will be given at the instructor’s discretion. Students must submit convincing evidence of a medical or other emergency that makes completing
an assignment or taking an exam or quiz at the scheduled time impossible.

Policy on Grade Appeal

Students are entitled to appeal grades in line with the university’s Grades Policies policy which is available online at http://policies.aua.am

Standards for Academic Integrity

Students are required to conduct themselves in an academically responsible and ethical manner in line with the Student Code of Ethics. Acts of academic dishonesty
impair the academic integrity of AUA and create an unfair academic advantage for the student involved and other member(s) of the academic community. These acts
are subject to disciplinary measures as prescribed in the AUA Code of Student Ethics http://policies.aua.am/policy/10

The Student Code of Conduct can be found at http://policies.aua.am/policy/101

Any form of cheating, providing misleading information for a postponement/extension on an assignment, unauthorized collaboration, copying of ideas, and
plagiarism or falsifications of any kind are acts of academic dishonesty. All work submitted in class must be your own. Violations will result not only in failing the
assignment involved but in failing the class. Any instance of academic dishonesty will be reported. The instructor will take steps to ensure that all work and
conduct conforms to this standard.

Special Needs:
Students requiring special accommodations for learning should contact the Center for Student Success by the end of the Drop/Add period with such
requests. studentsuccess@aua.am, http://studentsuccess.aua.am/disability-support-services/