English 2370: American Independent Cinema
Instructor: Matthew Henry
Office: C 208     Phone: 238-6080
e-mail: mah8420@dcccd.edu

See the Course Calendar for:  

Course Description:
This course is designed as an introduction to the American Independent film movement of the 1980s and 1990s. It does not require any prior knowledge of or experience with film studies. Among other things, we will discuss how the so-called "indie" movement first developed, how independent films work in opposition to the Hollywood studio tradition, and how this has altered the ways in which we now view films. Our guide on this journey will be the book Spike, Mike, Slackers and Dykes (1996), an informative tour of the evolution of recent American independent cinema.
 

Films for Course:

NOTE: The material contained in many of the films for this course is of an explicit nature. If you are easily offended by harsh language or by explicit depictions of nudity, sexuality and violence, you might reconsider enrolling in this course.

Each film will be screened in class. Please refer to the Course Calendar for relevant dates. You may also want to review the films on your own outside of class. Most are readily available at local video outlets; the library has some of the films; and I have copies that I can loan to you.

Examinations
There will be two examinations in this course: a mid-term and a final. The mid-term will test your knowledge of the material up to that point in the course. The final exam will cover material taken up in class since the mid-term. It will not be comprehensive for the entire semester. Each exam will pose questions about the formal elements of film and about strategies for doing interpretive readings of film. More detailed information will be provided as the test times approach.

Response Papers
During the semester, you will be responsible for submitting responses to the films and related readings. Over the course of the semester, we will view 14 films. You are required to submit a total of 12 response papers. The are worth 25 points each, for a total of 300 points toward the final grade. Paper length should be 2-3 pages, typewritten (12 point font or smaller).

The response papers are intended to gauge your level of involvement with the texts and to see how your critical viewing and reading skills develop during the course. The response papers will ask you to look at both the content of the film and the formal elements. That is, to discuss what is being presented as well as how it is being presented. The responses should show that you have carefully thought about the films and read the texts and reflected upon these in a meaningful way. We will also make use of the responses during class, so be prepared to share your work and ideas. Response papers are due at the beginning of class, prior to the lecture/ discussion on the class day following a film screening. Note: there is no make-up for missing an assignment.

You will also complete a research project for this class. The project will require you to choose a director from among those presented in class and then research his/her place in American film. Among other things, you will provide biographical information, a brief overview of the director's career, a summary of the films he/she has made, and a discussion of the director's place in contemporary cinema. You will also choose one representative film from this director and offer an interpretive analysis based on what you have learned in the course.

Participation:
As part of your participation grade (50 points), I am requiring that you meet with me at least once in my office over the course of the semester. This will give us an opportunity to discuss your progress in the class and address any concerns you may have. I strongly encourage you to make use of my office hours for help with the response papers, preparation for the exam, or whenever you have any questions or concerns.

Attendance:
1. I am on time to class; I expect you to be also. Continued latenesses will be considered as absences.

2. If you are absent, you are responsible for the assignments as listed on the Course Calendar. Assignments are due on the day you return to class, otherwise they will not be accepted.

3. Absences can seriously effect your grade. I understand that there are sometimes extenuating circumstances; if this is the case, speak to me ASAP. Otherwise: Absences will affect your grade at the rate of fifteen points per absence. More than three absences will result in course failure.

***If you are unable to complete the course, it is your responsibility to formally withdraw. Failure to do so will result in your receiving a performance grade, usually an "F". The deadline for dropping a spring semester class with a grade of "W" is April 15th.

Grading:
 

General Expectations:

I expect that you will have done all the readings for any given class and are prepared to talk and/or write about them. As to response papers, I expect that you will have a clean printed copy to submit. Prepare your work in advance and always have a backup disk.

If any student has any special needs due to disabilities, please see me immediately so that arrangements can be made.

Author: Matthew Henry
Last Modified on: 04/03/99
Thanks for visiting. Email me and let me know what you think: mah8420@dcccd.edu