History of Film
Modality: In Person
Lectures: Tuesdays 5:40 PM – 8:10 PM
CANVAS Zoom Synchronous
Professor Agustin Gonzalez
Office: North Campus Room 2235
Best way to reach me: Agonza29@mdc.edu *
*If you reach me with a question answered in the syllabus, I will reply with a link to the syllabus.
Office Hours
Mondays 12 PM - 3 PM (In-Person North or Remote)
Tuesday 5 PM - 8 PM (Remote Only)
Wednesday 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM (In-Person North or Remote)
Thursday 12 PM - 3 PM (In-Person Kendall or Remote)
Office hours help students seek clarification and support on assignments, discussions, lectures, and projects. Office hours are not, however, a substitute for missed classes. Though these are my official office hours, the remote environment affords me much additional flexibility throughout the week; if these hours do not work, please contact me, and I would be happy to accommodate you at a different time.
You can schedule an appointment using the following Calendly link: Schedule an appointment
I am here to help you and support you. Please talk to me should you have problems keeping up with the class.
Course Description and Competencies
An introductory level course in the history of the narrative feature-length motion picture, emphasizing American and European films.
Competency 1: The student will be able to identify and discuss major films in the medium's history.
Competency 2: The student will be able to identify and discuss major film movements in the U.S. and Europe.
Competency 3: The student will be able to critique films within their historical and cultural contexts.
Through the academic disciplines and co-curricular activities, MDC provides multiple, varied, and intentional learning experiences to facilitate the acquisition of fundamental knowledge and skills. MDC's Ten Learning Outcomes foster effective citizenship and life-long learning.
In addition to the competencies listed above, this class will require that you:
Learning Outcome 1: Communicate effectively using listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
Learning Outcome 5: Demonstrate knowledge of diverse cultures, including global and historical perspectives.
Learning Outcome 9: Demonstrate an appreciation for aesthetics and creative activities.
Textbook
A History of Film by Agustin Gonzalez
Our textbook for this class is an online learning resource, and it is mandatory. The reading and in-book exercises are part of your grade and weekly assignments. You will have three weeks to purchase the book before you have weekly deadlines for reading and in-book exercises. The faster you purchase it, the sooner you can catch yourself up with the material.
There are three ways to purchase the textbook.
You can purchase the access code directly from the MDC bookstore.
Or
You can purchase access directly from the publisher.
OPTION 1: Purchase Access Code From MDC Bookstore (North or Kendall).
Once you have a code from the bookstore, visit the publishers website: GRL Content
On the landing page you can register your code at the prompt pictured.
You will then be prompted to create an account. Make sure that you select the correct course section. To remind you, this course meets: Tuesdays 5:40 PM – 8:10 PM.
This option is more expensive, but it is covered by Financial Aid if you qualify.
OPTION 2: Purchase Book Directly from the Publisher.
Visit the publishers website: GRL Content
On the landing page you can begin the purchasing process at the prompt pictured.
You will then be prompted to create an account. Make sure that you select the correct course section. To remind you, this course meets: Tuesdays 5:40 PM – 8:10 PM.
This option is cheaper, but Financial Aid will not cover the purchase.
OPTION 3: You Are Repeating This Course.
If you have previously purchased the textbook and are repeating the course, please follow the instructions in the pdf at this link: PDF Instruction Link
Technology
For this class you are required to have a computer with an internet connection in order to access Canvas and your textbook.
In addition, we will be meeting synchronously every week of the term. Though a camera is not needed, it is appreciated if I could see you every once in a while. A microphone, however, is mandatory.
Attendance
Attendance is mandatory. This class is in person. We will meet weekly on campus.
Generally, absences in 3 or more classes result in a course failure.
Course Withdrawal
It is your responsibility to withdraw from the course. However, I reserve the right to withdraw students from the course if:
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They are absent more than three times before the last day to withdraw from courses with a “W” grade per the Academic Calendar
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They have not completed the majority of the required work before before the last day to withdraw from courses with a “W” grade per the Academic Calendar
Students who meet the above criteria will receive an email stating that they will be withdrawn from the course.
Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. If students are suspected of classroom cheating, plagiarism, or otherwise misrepresenting their work, they will be subject to procedural due process as laid out in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, the following:
• cheating on an examination;
• receiving help from others in work to be submitted, if contrary to the stated rules of the course;
• plagiarizing; that is, the taking and claiming as one's own the ideas, writings, or work of another, without citing the sources;
• submitting work from another course unless permitted by the instructor;
• stealing examinations or course materials;
• falsifying records;
• assisting anyone to do any of the above.
Disability Statement
Students who have a disability that might affect their performance in the class are encouraged to contact Access Services in confidence as soon as possible. The office will aid in appropriate accommodations for the student. This is in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Please inform me during the first week of classes if you need special accommodations due to a disability that might otherwise affect your performance in our class.
Success In This Class
1. Book Checkpoints and Quizzes:
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Weekly Completion: Engage with all exercises and quizzes every week.
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Benefits: These activities not only prepare you for the exams but also allow you to accumulate valuable points to support your overall grade.
2. Tests:
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Preparation: Approach the tests with seriousness and preparation. Even though they may be at home and open book, preparation is key.
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Time Management: Please make a plan to complete them well before the deadline to allow yourself ample time for thoughtful responses.
3. Packback Assignments:
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Responsibility: These assignments are designed for your growth and engagement. Please schedule them into your routine to avoid last-minute rushes.
4. Watching Screenings:
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Curiosity and Learning: This course offers the opportunity to explore films that may be new to you. Embrace the challenge and learn from these screenings.
5. Lecture Attendance:
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Punctuality and Note-Taking: Attend the lectures on time, and take diligent notes. My lectures will outline essential material and may include insights not found in the textbook. Be ready at the class start time, and stay engaged.
Assignment Philosophy
The assignments for this semester are designed to be accessible but will demand consistency and effort. Your success in the highly competitive entertainment industry, where over 2 million Visual & Performing Arts graduates emerge annually in the United States, depends on these principles.
Understanding the Competition:
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Among these graduates, around 60,000 specifically pursue degrees in Film, with many more in hybrid Film & Television programs.
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Your education is an integral part of your preparation for this competitive landscape.
Keys to Success in the Field:
Over your time as a student in this program, you will need to:
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Develop High Literacy: This includes both written and verbal skills in the medium.
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Appreciate All Movies: Cultivate a broad and deep understanding of the genre.
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Build Industry Friendships: Network with peers and professionals for future collaboration.
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Cultivate Impeccable Work Ethic: Be diligent and committed in all endeavors.
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Establish a Reliable Reputation: Prove yourself as someone who consistently delivers quality work.
These foundational qualities will enable you to compete in the industry. While they may not guarantee success, they will pave the way for your pursuit of it.
Course Expectations and Policies:
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No Late Work: Assignments must be submitted on time.
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No Sloppiness: Your work should reflect the standards of the industry.
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No Plagiarism: Originality and integrity are paramount.
I view your work as a reflection of how you're building these essential skills, and as a testament to your ambition for success. I expect the best from you, and I'm here to support you. If life's challenges interfere with your work, please reach out so we can find a way to accommodate your situation.
Weekly Assignment #1: Screenings
This term, we'll be exploring films on a weekly basis. I will provide access to these films through Blackboard, and you can view them via the Kanopy or Swank library databases. To log into the library, simply use the same information you use to access your school email account. If you have any questions or encounter any difficulties, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Weekly Assignment #2: Textbook Activities
This term, your textbook will be a vital resource, filled with activities and quizzes designed to enhance your understanding and preparation for this course. Here's how it will work:
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Weekly Assignments: Each chapter contains activities and quizzes that need to be completed by the start of class every week. (Note: The first three chapters will have a three-week grace period.)
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Varied Activities: Be prepared to engage with different types of activities, including some short-answer questions that may require some thoughtful consideration.
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Preparation for Exams: These activities are not just tasks but key tools to prepare you for the course examinations.
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Quizzes and Checkpoints: While quizzes will give you three attempts for the right answers, checkpoints allow unlimited tries. Correct answers are essential for earning points.
The total points you can accumulate for these assignments are as follows:
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Quizzes: 120 points, making up 100% of this portion of your grade.
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Checkpoints: 29 points, serving as extra credit and potentially adding up to 10% of your final class grade.
Keep in mind that although only the quizzes directly impact your grade, both quizzes and checkpoints are valuable tools for your review for the midterm and final. I strongly recommend making the most of them.
Due Time: All textbook activities are due before the start of class every week.
Weekly Assignments # 3: PACKBACK
Participation in class discussions is an essential component of this course, and we'll be utilizing the Packback Questions platform to facilitate these interactions. This online community encourages curiosity, inviting you to ask open-ended questions and engage in conversations that expand on our class materials and connect them to real-world applications.
Packback Requirements:
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You must create an open-ended question about this week's screening. The question should aim to link the film to the reading you have done in the textbook. It may also address the themes of the film, or you may attempt to link the film to today's cinema.
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The question may not be about the plot of the film.
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After you have done that, you must answer at least one other student's question.
- Respond to 1 conversations with either a response, your agreement, or a counterpoint.
How to Register on Packback (via CANVAS only):
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Access “Packback” within CANVAS to join the community.
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Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your registration.
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Please remember to only access Packback via CANVAS to ensure proper grade synchronization.
Need Assistance with Packback? The Packback Team is readily available to assist with any questions or concerns throughout the semester:
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FAQ: Visit help.packback.co for commonly asked questions.
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Customer Support: For more personalized assistance, email their support team directly at help@packback.co.
Understanding Packback: A Guide to Curiosity-Driven Discussions
Packback serves as a platform for engaging with your course material through questions that truly intrigue you. It's not just about seeking correct answers, but about exploring connections between subjects and real-world applications. This process fosters a deeper understanding of the content.
Creating Quality Packback Posts:
Here are some guidelines to ensure that your posts on Packback are both thoughtful and engaging.
What Makes a Good Packback Question?
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Ask Open-Ended Questions: Seek out questions without a singular "right" answer. Encourage your classmates to think about practical applications and solutions.
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Be Specific: Specificity yields better responses. Instead of general inquiries, present a detailed scenario to provoke more targeted answers.
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Make Connections: Explore connections between different subjects, a technique known as Combinatorial Thinking. This approach often leads to innovative insights.
What Makes a Good Packback Response?
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Write Thoughtfully: Consider each answer as a mini-essay, providing a thesis and supporting it with examples and data.
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Fully Explain Your Ideas: A comprehensive response should extend beyond short answers. Your insights should contribute new value to the collective understanding.
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Incorporate Multimedia: Using the Rich Text Editor, embed images, videos, or sources that enhance your response, make it engaging, and offer additional resources for exploration.
Embrace Your Curiosity
Packback encourages you to think beyond the classroom, connecting ideas and fostering innovation. Make use of these guidelines to spark engaging discussions and contribute to a community driven by curiosity and exploration.
Should you have any questions or need further guidance, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Understanding Your Curiosity Score on Packback
The Curiosity Score is an integral part of the Packback experience, reflecting the quality and depth of your engagement with the platform. It's not only a measure of participation but an indicator of your thoughtful exploration of topics. This score is translated into a weekly grade and consists of the following components:
Curiosity
The Curiosity category includes AI feedback on the effort, interest, and “discuss-ability” of the students’ post, including feedback on:
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If a question is open-ended or closed-ended
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The length and depth of the description
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The repetitiveness of the text
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If their post may be flagged due to Community Guidelines
Credibility
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The Credibility category includes AI feedback on the presence of a cited source. Unsupported opinions don’t make for good answers.
Communication
The Communication category includes AI feedback on how effectively the student is communicating in their post, including feedback on:
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Formatting: Make use of indentations, bolding, underlining, or italicizing portions of your post. It is also helpful to break the post up into paragraphs to engage your classmates even further.
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Question Quality: Make sure your question is open ended. An open-ended question is one that can only be answered by a unique thought or statement in someone’s own words. Unlike a closed-ended question, it cannot be answered in one word, or by yes/no, or through a quick Google search. Your question should be at a good length to balance both specificity and clarity.
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Media: Including images or videos to support the content. You can embed images, animated gifs and videos right into your post. If you can, always include at least one video, image or source with your answer that helps to explain your perspective, make your response more interesting, and provide an additional resource for extra exploration if your response sparks.
Convention
The Convention category does not impact a Curiosity Score to ensure ELL students are not penalized. The Convention category includes AI feedback on:
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Grammar (Grammar does not have a bearing on the curiosity score, to avoid bias against ESL students.)
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Spelling
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Sentence fluency
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Post Language
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Plagiarism (While Plagiarism falls under the “Convention” category of feedback, plagiarism is checked only after submission)
In essence, your Curiosity Score is a multidimensional reflection of the effort, creativity, and intellectual rigor you bring to the Packback community. It motivates you to move beyond basic participation and truly engage with the subject matter.
Flagged Posts and Moderated Posts
Packback is an AI moderated and human supported app. The AI will look for specific red flags. in your posts and take one of two actions if your post violates community standards depending on the severity of the violation.,
In general you should avoid the following:
Questions that are phrased as a statement, not a question
Closed-ended questions
Questions or answers that contain profanity or offensive language
Class-specific questions rather than concept focused
Questions or answers that have no relation to the subject of the class
Duplicates of other questions or answers already posted
Questions or answers that are intended for cheating
Plagiarized questions or answers
AI generated questions or answers
If you do any of these things Packback AI will either Flag your post or Moderate it.
If your post is flagged, your post will remain in the community and you will be able to correct it and repost it.
If your post is moderated, your post will be removed from the community and you will receive an email from the Packback moderator. You will need to work with them to correct your post and resubmit it. It will be marked as not completed until you resubmit it.
Other students can also flag your post if they violate the community guidelines.
Exams: A Midterm and a Final
During the course, you'll be taking both a midterm and a final exam. These assessments will cover material from your textbook and lectures and will be administered through Blackboard. Note that the final exam will not include cumulative content from the entire course.
Exam Timing and Completion:
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Duration: Each exam is timed at 3 hours and includes an auto-complete feature. Once you begin the exam, it must be completed within this time frame.
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Availability: The exams will be accessible on exam day starting at 8:00 AM. Please refer to the schedule below for specifics.
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Preparation: While textbooks and notes are permissible during the exams, please be mindful of the time limit and prepare accordingly.
Responsibilities and Accommodations:
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Timely Completion: It's your responsibility to complete the exams within the specified time and date. Late submissions will not be accepted.
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Class Cancellation on Exam Days: There will be no class sessions on the days the exams are due.
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Extra Time Accommodations: If you require additional time, please provide the necessary ACCESS services documentation, and arrangements can be made.
These examinations are a critical part of your assessment in this course. Please approach them with the diligence and preparation they require, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further clarification.
On my various syllabi you will find pictures and trailers for the films that defined my love of cinema. Dancer in the Dark (2000), directed by Lars Von Trier continues to be my favorite film. It’s difficult and dangerous, misogynistic and melodramatic. It’s also harrowing, and evokes emotions powerfully. Though I do not like Von Trier's antics or opinions, I love his work because he makes me feel strongly about films. Dancer in the Dark is, in many ways literally, an experiment on how movies see and portray the world.
Term Calendar
January 9 - Introduction to the course and Era of Discovery
Chapter 1 Lecture
Due by Class Start Time: Read and complete Chapter 1 activities, including quiz. (Extended Deadline of January 23)
January 16 - Ending the Era of Discovery
Chapter 2 Lecture
Due by Class Start Time: Read and complete Chapter 2 activities, including quiz. (Extended Deadline of January 23)
Due by Class Start Time: Watch Hugo.
Due by Class Start Time: Complete Packback, Question and Answer.
January 23 - Two Visions of a Country
Chapter 3 Lecture
Due by Class Start Time: Read and complete Chapter 3 Activities, including quiz.
Due by Class Start Time: Watch Birth of a Movement.
Due by Class Start Time: Complete Packback, Question and Answer.
January 30 - German Film from War to War and Revolutionary Soviet Cinema
Chapter 4 & 5 Lecture
Due by Class Start Time: Read and complete Chapter 4 & 5 Activities, including quizzes.
Due by Class Start Time: Watch Metropolis
Due by Class Start Time: Watch The Cutting Edge
Due by Class Start Time: Complete Packback, Question and Answer for both films.
February 6 - Laughter is the Best Medicine
Chapter 6 Lecture
Due by Class Start Time: Read and complete Chapter 6 Activities, including quiz.
Due by Class Start Time: Watch City Lights
Due by Class Start Time: Complete Packback, Question and Answer.
February 13 - Midterm opens at 8:00 AM it is due by by 8:10 PM PM (No Class)
February 20- A New Power Structure Emerges
Chapter 7 Lecture
Due by Class Start Time: Read and complete Chapter 7 activities, including quiz.
Due by Class Start Time: Watch Sunset Boulevard
Due by Class Start Time: Complete Packback, Question and Answer.
February 27 - Warner Brothers and The Transition to Sound
Chapter 8 Lecture
Due by Class Start Time: Read and complete Chapter 8 activities, including quiz.
Due by Class Start Time: Watch Singing in the Rain
Due by Class Start Time: Complete Packback, Question and Answer.
March 5 - Disney & Dali
Nothing Due
March 12 - The Minor Studios
Chapter 9 Lecture
Due by Class Start Time: Read and complete Chapter 9 activities, including quiz.
Due by Class Start Time: Watch Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
Due by Class Start Time: Complete Packback, Question and Answer.
March 19 - The End of The Golden Age
Chapter 10 Lecture
Due by Class Start Time: Read and complete Chapter 10 activities, including quiz.
Due by Class Start Time: Watch Citizen Kane
Due by Class Start Time: Complete Packback, Question and Answer.
March 26 - Hitchcock and Theory (No Class, Spring Break)
Watch Film Criticism Lecture
Due by 5:40 PM: Watch North by Northwest
Due by 5:40 PM: Complete Packback, Question and Answer.
April 2 - Oppositional Cinemas
Chapter 11 Lecture
Due by Class Start Time: Read and complete Chapter 11 activities, including quiz.
Due by Class Start Time: Watch 400 Blows
Due by Class Start Time: Complete Packback, Question and Answer.
April 9 - Miami Film Festival ( No Class)
April 16 - The Modern Era
Chapter 12 Lecture
Due by Class Start Time: Read and complete Chapter 12 activities, including quiz.
Due by Class Start Time: Watch Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?
Due by Class Start Time: Complete Packback, Question and Answer.
April 23 - Final exam opens at 8:00 AM due by 8:10 PM
Grading
Packback 20%
Textbook Quizzes 20%
Midterm 29%
Final 29%
Attendance 2%
Extra Credit textbook Checkpoints 10% Possible
Resources
Library: Nine libraries and several statewide resources comprise the Learning Resources at Miami Dade College, providing a stimulating learning environment that enhances the classroom experience through various services such as in-person tutoring, information literacy instruction, and informative workshops. Link to Library Website
Virtual Tutoring: Learning Resources offers students and faculty a wide array of supplemental assistance to ensure academic success Link to Virtual Tutoring.
Single Stop: Single Stop offers students a wide array of services, including public benefits screening, financial coaching, individual counseling, tax preparation, access to a food pantry, and various other services. All of our services are free to Miami Dade College students and their immediate family members. Link to Single Stop Website.
Mental Health Counseling: Counselors are available on campus during the day and after-hours throughout the week, including Saturdays. Students may receive up to 10 free hour-long sessions where they can speak confidentially with a licensed counselor. Sessions during the day may be held in person (on campus), by phone, or virtually. When filling out the form, please select either daytime or after-hours counseling. Link to Mental Health Counseling Website.
SEDT Academic Advisors: Even as I am available to advise you on classes, SEDT offers in-depth academic planning through our two counselors.
James Van Voris: jvanvori@mdc.edu
He can also be reached at 305-237-1696