HUMS 250 (Section 905, Schedule #28354)
Virginia Commonwealth University
Fall 2013
M 4-6:40pm :: B024 Hibbs
Prof. David Golumbia
Office: 324D Hibbs Hall
Fall 2013 Office Hours: Tues 1-3:30pm
This course aims to introduce you to some of the formal elements of film—the building blocks of motion pictures—that are at the heart of any close or detailed analysis of cinema. As such the course aims to increase your “visual” literacy and make you more savvy analysts of moving images more generally. You should also gain a more well-developed technical and critical vocabulary with which to talk and write about the films and other visual media you watch. We will watch and analyze scenes, some shorts, and three feature-length films drawn from both the American and world cinemas. Our main focus will be the formal elements of film and their relationship with film contents, but we will also spend some time touching on major trends, issues, figures, and works in film history. Overall, this course should help you think, talk and write more effectively about your viewing and make you more confident and knowledgeable about the moving image in all its forms and media. Course requirements include two short-answer exams, a short film analysis paper, a final exam, class attendance (almost all the material for the class is conveyed via lecture), and preparing for class by doing the assigned readings and viewings beforehand.
Books to Purchase (available at bookstore, but you are encouraged to acquire used copies of these editions)
Evaluation will be based on written exercises and course participation as follows:
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Important Dates
Important dates for the Fall 2013 semester are available at: http://academiccalendars.vcu.edu/ac_fullViewAll.asp?term=Fall+2013VCU Mobile
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Students may attend only those classes for which they have registered. Faculty may not add students to class rosters. Therefore, if students are attending a class for which they have not registered, they must stop attending.Withdrawal from Classes
Before withdrawing from classes, students should consult their instructor as well as other appropriate university offices. Withdrawing from classes may negatively impact a student’s financial aid award and his or her semester charges. To discuss financial aid and the student bill, visit the Student Services Center at 1015 Harris Hall or contact a financial aid counselor at http://www.enrollment.vcu.edu/finaid/contact.htmlStudent Financial Responsibility
Students assume the responsibility of full payment of tuition and fees generated from their registration and all charges for housing and dining services, and other applicable miscellaneous charges.
Week One. Introduction
Labor Day. No Class
Week Two. Mise-en-Scène I
Week Three. Mise-en-Scène II
Week Four. Mise-en-Scène III
Week Five. No class
Week Six. Editing
Week Seven. Sound
Week Eight. Narrative
Week Nine. Screenplays
Week Ten. Filmmakers
Week Eleven. Performance
Week Twelve. Genre
Week Thirteen. Special Effects
Week Fourteen. Animation; Digital Cinema; Non-Narrative Film
Final Exam
Last updated November 28, 2013.