Spring 2008
Course Description
This class will study cinematic representations of September 11, 2001, and their subsequent reverberations in American culture. The magnitude of the terror attacks seemed to defy expression, yet many initially observed that they “were like something out of a movie.” Our traditional forms of representation—film, television, internet, and print—have struggled to make sense of the of the day’s events in historical and geopolitical context. Movies can provide creative, entertaining, and illuminating insights into national consciousness, trauma, and anxiety. Movies also often provide space for mourning, understanding, exploration, catharsis, and conversation where none other exists. To that end, we will examine international, Hollywood, and independent perspectives of the day that some describe as the day that “changed everything.” We will explore the nature of this change, its multiplicity of narratives, and its impact on the past 6 years.
Course Objectives
- To develop a critical understanding of basic film elements and concepts of film studies.
- To explore modes of cinematic, political, media, and commercial discourse.
- To develop analytical and critical thinking skills about post-9/11 cultural narratives.
- To develop a strong learning community within the classroom by treating each other with respect. This includes listening attentively, thinking rigorously, and speaking and responding with kindness.
Required Texts
Chomsky, Noam. 9-11. New York: Open Media, 2001.
Okerstrom, Dennis. Peace, War, and Terrorism. New York: Longman, 2006.
Film Viewing Requirement
Movies constitute the texts of our courses, and you are required to watch films out of class. The course film lab will be on Mondays from 6:30-9:30 in Bate 1016 and is the best way to ensure you have watched the required film by Tuesday. If you cannot make a screening due to an emergency or wish to review any of the films, they will be put on 3-hour reserve at the Joyner Library circulation desk on Thursdays following the screening. You will need to check out the films and watch them in the library—bring your own headphones!
How to Take Notes on Films: record 1) the complete title; 2) release year; 3) director; 4) writer(s) (and novel upon which the film is based, if applicable); 5) editor(s); 6) director (2) of photography; producer(s); 8) character names (and actors who play them); 9) the credit sequence as it will often contain parts of the film necessary for comprehension; 10) a general plot-line; and 11) scenes and dialogue that strike you as significant. Note: for 1-8 above, you can double-check your notes at www.imdb.com (the Internet Movie Database). Also, you may need to watch films more than once in order to capture specific scenes and dialogues you may have missed. Your goal is to be able to discuss specifics.
Course Conduct and Expectations
All beepers and cell phones must be turned off in class. Class meetings will consist of a combination of lecture, discussion, and analysis of readings and films. Lectures will represent a wide range of supplemental materials and class readings. Thus some of the material addressed in class will not be covered in your textbook. Because much of the class is interactive, it is essential that you come to class having carefully read the assigned readings and prepared to discuss them. I seek to provide a classroom in which all individuals are comfortable contributing their thoughts, questions, viewpoints, and ideas. To that end, it is important to respect the diverse backgrounds of other classmates.
Attendance and Tardiness Policy
You are expected to arrive at class ON TIME, stay the duration of the class, and actively participate in class discussions. It is of the utmost importance that you attend EVERY CLASS. Therefore, the attendance policy will be strictly enforced. You are allowed three absences. After four absences, your final grade will drop 5% for every missed class. If you know that that you will have to miss more than three classes, even if for legitimate reasons, you should consider dropping this course. Likewise, arriving to class more than 10 minutes late or leaving more than 10 minutes early will counted as a “late” (yes I do keep track of this). After 4 “lates” your final grade will drop 5% for every additional “late” you accrue.
You are responsible for the grade you earn in this class. The number points you earn determines your grade. If at any time you would like to discus your progress in this course, please come talk to me.
A=403-450 B=356-402 C=313-355 D=268-354 F=267 and below
ASSIGNMENT SPECIFICS
Film Presentations and Reviews
Groupwork: Timeline
More information about the critical essay and final exam will be given later in the semester.
Homework, Quizzes, and Class Participation:
The most rewarding classes are the ones in which everyone has the confidence and motivation to speak freely. Poor classroom communities are dominated by a few people. The best way I can assess your comprehension of the subject matter is by your direct participation. Every day I will ask you questions about the reading/viewing materials. Use your notes to answer them out loud. As you read, record key terms and define them in your own words, look up unfamiliar terms, and jot down questions about confusing passages. Note where you have seen examples of film elements in movies you have seen. If you have different answers than the first person to answer, speak up!
As we get closer to paper deadlines, these questions will take the form of research inquiries that I will assign as homework at random unless I have some idea of your research interests. I will be suggesting possible academic sources as I assign questions. So the easiest way to write about things and receive personalized research assistance for what you’re interested in is to share your own perspectives.
Late Work Policy
You must complete all assignments and exams as scheduled. I will not accept late or make-up work unless I have approved your reason for missing the deadline in advance and/or you provide me official documentation that verifies an emergency situation for you. Late work will receive a significant point deduction.
Academic Integrity
Cheating is defined as copying someone else’s work through direct quotation or paraphrasing without citing the original author. Cheating is also paying someone else to do your work. Please refer to the ECU Student Handbook for more information on ECU’s policy on academic honesty. I will strictly enforce this policy.
Special Assistance:
It is my hope that you will succeed in this course. If you have any special needs you wish to alert me to, please come see me during my office hours or set up an appointment. ECU seeks to comply fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Students requesting accommodations based on a disability must be registered with the Department for Disability Support Services located in Shay 138. (252) 737-1016.
Emergency Weather
In the event of a weather emergency, you may access information from ECU emergency notices (www.ecu.edu/alert) or the ECU emergency information hotline (252-328-0062).
Semester Calendar
This syllabus is a written contractual agreement between us. I reserve the right to revise the schedule to meet the class’s needs and to alert you to changes via email. However, I will never move deadlines earlier. Click on each month for schedule specifics.
January
February
March
April
