class 1 ~ introduction/film journal assignment description

film journal (10%)
Over the course of the term, students will be asked to keep a journal of informal notes responding to the films seen in the classroom. Journal entries should include the title and release date of the film and the director's name, a section of notes taken during the film and a brief, paragraph-long formal statement summarizing key points.

Notes should consider key images or motifs, narrative themes and any other thoughts that come to mind. while watching the film or during the class discussion following. Students should develop their notes into more carefully structured statements soon after each film is screened, while the film and discussion are still fresh in mind. Consideration should be given to formal and thematic aspects of the films.

homework: please read the linked on-line summary of mise-en-scene.