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CINEMA-120 - Film Aesthetics - Mindy Johnson

Course:Film Aesthetics
Professor:Mindy Johnson
Email:Mindy.Johnson@canyons.edu
Format:
  • OnlineLive
Course Length:
  • 16 Week

Introduction

profile photo of Mindy Johnson

Hello!  Welcome to our online course for Cinema 120. My name is Mindy Johnson and it is my great privilege to share with you the vibrant world of cinema!  I’m a working professional in the industry, as well as an adjunct professor. I teach a wide range of cinema and animation classes at COC as well as CalArts, Drexel University and various other campuses globally. With a background in television/feature film production and motion picture publicity, I continue my work for a growing list of clients including the Walt Disney Company, AMPAS/Oscars.org, The Walt Disney Family Museum, WNET/American Masters, Stage Nine Productions, SiriusXM Radio and Horipro Entertainment. As an author/historian, I am the leading expert on the history of women in animation and the recipient of the 2019 Film Scholar Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. It is a joy to bring these cutting-edge discoveries into my courses as I continue my research, writing and speaking around the world – online these days.

Course Description

Cinema 120 surveys the motion picture both as a medium of mass communication and as an evolving art form. We’ll be exploring a wide range of films which exemplify the various aspects of cinematic narrative, aesthetics and production methodologies. We’ll examine all aspects of cinematic production and explore leading examples of each discipline – screenwriting, production design, cinematography, acting, editing, sound design/score and cinematic direction. Analysis of representative feature films as to genre, technique, aesthetics, and sociological impact will expand your comprehension and working knowledge of the language and impact of cinema.

What to Expect in this Course

Each week there will be screenings & online class lecture & discussions. Weekly chapter reading will prep you for the forthcoming week’s film screening and discussion. A 1-page typed statement exploring and expressing your individual impressions of each film viewed is to be submitted each week, demonstrating the expansion of critical thinking and the applicable skills of studied examination. There will be a mid-term project/presentation and a final exam culminating the semester.

Types of Assessments

Weekly class attendance & viewing statements - Mid-term Presentations - Final Exam

Textbook Information

LOOKING AT MOVIES - An Introduction to Film by Richard Barsam & Dave Monahan

The text for this course is “Looking at Movies” by Richard Barsam & Dave Monahan (6th Edition) Published by W.W. Norton & Company (New York) 2918. ISBN# 978-0393674699. This text is available at the campus bookstore, online via Amazon, or at other online retailers. I find it easier to have the book as an ongoing resource, but there is a digital version of the text that is available and you can also utilize earlier editions – just be mindful of the various chapter differences. To successfully complete your weekly chapter reading assignments, you will need to have a copy of the text in some version.

Other Relevant Course Information

Students for this course are expected to have a computer, a good web browser (google chrome is best, but others will work), regular access to hi-speed internet and a word processing format such as Microsoft word.doc or docx. Students must also have a Netflix account for additional film viewing.  A Kanopy account which is an online screening service that is free with a LA County Library card is also supportive.  Finally, you’ll need to download ConferZoom onto your computer for our weekly Zoom conference classes.


Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

  • CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
  • CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 10/26/2021 Sub#: 611