Presentations 
Students will deliver a five-minute researched presentation on a class film.  On the course schedule, I've noted which presentation types are possible for a given film.  Whatever type of presentation you undertake, you must meet with me to discuss ideas and to develop a research plan.  You must also attend the workshop on cinema studies research methods scheduled for the second week of the quarter.

Electronic Discussion
Students will use the class discussion board to post responses to each film or reading.  To facilitate discussion, I will post questions to which I want you to respond.  Your posting should provide a 200- to 250-word response to a selected question; you may also address your classmates’ ideas as you respond to the question.  The electronic discussion site allows us to extend class discussion and to raise issues for in-class discussions.  Your postings will be graded on a credit/no credit basis, with credit granted to on-time postings that meet the length requirement and demonstrate serious engagement with the discussion questions.

To keep the discussion board manageable, I have divided the class into four groups as follows:

• Group One:  Students with last names A through C
• Group Two:  Students with last names D through H
• Group Three: Students with last names I through P
• Group Four:  Students with last names Q through Z

Clip Analysis Exam 
In the fourth week of the term, you will have a clip-analysis exam.  The exam will consist of three short essays that require you to analyze the narrative form and cinematic techniques at play in selected clips from class films.

Essays
You will write two four-page essays on assigned topics.  I require two drafts of each essay; the second draft receives a grade.  I will give feedback on first drafts, and I will be available to discuss drafts during office hours.  Please submit essays on 8" by 11" paper, paginated, typed and double-spaced, with one-inch margins.  When citing sources, use the MLA documentation style. 

Failure to submit a first draft of each essay will result in a .5 deduction in the final grade for the essay.  Late final drafts will receive a .3 grade deduction per day late, including weekends and holidays.

Participation and Attendance 
Students should come prepared for each class session, with assigned reading completed.  I expect prompt, regular attendance and active participation in discussions of readings and films.  To encourage participation, I will call on students and lead occasional small-group discussion activities.

Policies

Late Policy and Assignment Completion Policy 
Late postings to the electronic discussion board will not receive credit unless you make prior arrangements with me.  Failure to submit a first draft of each essay will result in a .5 deduction in the final grade for the essay.  Late final drafts will receive a .3 grade deduction per day late, including weekends and holidays.  In order to pass the class, you must complete both essays, the presentation, and the clip exam.

Plagiarism Policy
In your electronic postings, presentation, and essays, you may draw upon the ideas and words of other writers.  However, you must make clear to your audience that you are incorporating another’s work by placing quotation marks around exact words and citing the author’s name whenever you quote, summarize or paraphrase.  Failure to credit sources may result in a failing grade for the assignment, a failing grade for the course, or expulsion from the university.