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Cinema 121 - History of American Cinema - Gary Peterson

Course:History of American Cinema
Professor:Gary Peterson
Email:gary.peterson@canyons.edu
Format:
  • Online
  • OnlineLive
Course Length:
  • 16 Week

Introduction

Gary Peterson

A historical survey and critical analysis of American motion picture masterpieces.

Course Description

Course Content Outline:

PART ONE: EARLY CINEMA

1. THE INVENTION AND EARLY YEARS OF THE CINEMA, 1880s-1904

2. EXPANSION OF THE CINEMA, 1905-1912

3. NATIONAL CINEMAs, HOLLYWOOD CLASSICISM, AND WORLD WAR I, 1913-1919

PART TWO: THE LATE SILENT ERA, 1919-1929

1. THE LATE SILENT ERA IN HOLLYWOOD, 1920-1928

2. THE HOLLYWOOD STUDIO SYSTEM, 1930-1945

3. LEFTIST, DOCUMENTARY, AND EXPERIMENTAL CINEMA, 1930-1945

PART FOUR: THE POSTWAR ERA, 1946-1960s

1. AMERICAN CINEMA IN THE POSTWAR ERA, 1946-1960 1946/1947/1948

  1. ART CINEMA AND THE IDEA OF AUTHORSHIP

  2. NEW WAVES AND YOUNG CINEMA, 1958-1967

     

  3. DOCUMENTARY AND EXPERIMENTAL CINEMA IN THE POSTWAR ERA,1945-MID-1960s

PART FIVE: THE CONTEMPORARY CINEMA SINCE THE 1960s

  1. HOLLYWOOD'S FALL AND RISE, 1960-1980 1960s: The Film Industry in Recession

  2. DOCUMENTARY AND EXPERIMENTAL FILM SINCE THE LATE 1960s

PART SIX: CINEMA IN THE AGE OF ELECTRONIC MEDIA

1. AMERICAN CINEMA AND THE ENTERTAINMENT ECONOMY: THE 1980s AND AFTER

What to Expect in this Course

  • Evaluate and analyze social, political, philosophical, aesthetic perspectives.

  • Critique outstanding films from different eras of American cinema history to develop

    the students' understanding of the ideas and values which are emphasized through

    cinema graphic techniques.

    • Evaluate film as an art form through a historical and aesthetic appreciation.

Types of Assessments

Exams/Tests/Quizzes
Chapter examinations - a minimum of 7 In class film evaluations - a minimum of 5 Out of class typed film evaluations -a minimum of 4

Textbook Information

Film History, An Introduction by Thompson and Boardwell

Very inexpensive copies of the book can be found online

Other Relevant Course Information

Reading:

Students are required to read chapters from the textbook. For example students will be asked to read a chapter on the Griffith years and The Hollywood Star System.

Writing, Problem Solving or Performance:

These evaluations must be completed on a word processing program and be assigned on a topic that is appropriate for that film. View John Ford's Grapes of Wrath and discuss how the film portrays the problem of farm workers and apply it to today's society. Another assignment

Other:

Papers should be 10-12 pages in length, double-spaced 12 point font. At least ten references are required; three must be films that the students view, three may be internet sources. papers must have a clear thesis because students are required make an assertion about film and argue for that assertion throughout the paper. Some suggested topics: sex in film the anti-war film women in film hippies in film a particular ethnicity or minority in film the angry young man in film musicals any director who made films prior to 1970 film noir the gangster the depiction of children in film censorship in the film industry

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: 10/22/2021 Sub#: 911