INTRODUCTION TO FILM & VIDEO

August 2010 – May 2011

Instructor: Mr. Patrick Lee Ashcraft (MR. A)
755-7775 or 754-4788 – school
pashcraft@scsk12.org

COURSE OVERVIEW
This course is designed to introduce students to the basics of film, radio and television through
history, theory, criticism, analysis, technique and production. Because of the course’s wide
scope, the instructor is responsible for filtering information and providing students with the best
overview possible. Introduction to Film & Video is a performance-oriented class in which
students will be graded not merely on written assignments and exams but also on their
willingness to participate in class discussions and ability to apply class concepts in practical
homework and various projects.

MEETING SCHEDULE
The class will meet each day of the entire school year in Room C-223. It is CRUCIAL, that
students attend class every day. PLEASE NOTE: In-class film screenings and other classroom
activities make up a large portion of this class. Though I will make arrangements for make-up
work or viewing on an individual basis, it is not my responsibility. That responsibility rests solely
with the student. In-class grades that are missed due to an absence are to be made up; otherwise
the points will be deducted.

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT “FILM & VIDEO”

• “Let’s take Film & Video. My friend told me it’s a joke!” – Wrong! This is an academic
class that requires the same attention as any other class. If you signed up for the class
under this misguided notion, you may want to adopt a new attitude. I take this class
seriously and expect you to do the same. This class involves HARD WORK and
CRITICAL THINKING. You will succeed if you work hard and keep an open mind. I
guarantee it! Be prepared, have fun and participate! The fun is in the work. You will get
out of this class what you put into it.
• “It can’t be that bad. All you do is watch movies.” – Yes, in order to accomplish the
aforementioned goals of the class, we will view a wide variety of films, but that is certainly
not all we do. In addition, keep in mind that we are approaching film from a historical and
theoretical perspective, so don’t expect to be watching too many current blockbusters!
Once again, if you had any of these impressions about Film & Video, lose them now! Get
in the right frame of mind and you’ll have a good experience!

***Finally…it is not a misconception that this class can be interesting, fun and, in some cases,
life changing. If you work hard and succeed in this class, I guarantee it will be one of the best
classes of your high school experience…trust me on this!

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CLASS BLOG

www.filmintellience.blogspot.com

I have designed a blog for this class as a useful resource that can be accessed outside of school. I
keep this blog up-to-date at least twice a week. On this blog you will find a plethora of
information that will be useful to you. Here are a few items you will find on the blog:
- All assignments passed out in class are also posted on the blog.
- Video clips from class, trailers for upcoming movies we will view and additional clips
that relate to the subjects we are discussing.
- Reminders of upcoming tests, film reports and other important projects.
- Important links to film-related websites or articles.

Each students is expected to create a blogger account and become a member of the blog. This
allows you to post questions that you may have about any assignments and I will be able to
respond to those questions. If you are absent you must check the blog. This lets you know what
you have missed in class. There should be no excuse to be clueless about what is going on in class
from a day-to-day basis.

CLASS MATERIALS
Each student should have the following items:
-2 black pens -5 dividers with tabs
-1” 3-ring binder -1 box of tissue
-Agenda Book -1 ream of College Rule paper

Failure to have any of these basic materials in class each day could result in a lowered class
participation grade, which is assessed at the end of each grading period.

GRADING
I grade according to a point system. There are approximately 20 assignments each nine-weeks
that will be graded. These assignments equal 2,000 points total. The point-grade breakdown is
as follows:

2,000 pts – 100 1,680 pts – 84

1,980 pts – 99 1,660 pts – 83
1,960 pts – 98 1,640 pts – 82
1,940 pts – 97 1,620 pts – 81
1,920 pts – 96 1,600 pts – 80
1,900 pts – 95 1,580 pts – 79
1,880 pts – 94 1,560 pts – 78
1,860 pts – 93 1,540 pts – 77

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 1,840 pts – 92 1,520 pts – 76
1,820 pts – 91 1,500 pts – 75
1,800 pts – 90 1,480 pts – 74
1,780 pts – 89 1,460 pts – 73
1,760 pts – 88 1,440 pts – 72
1,740 pts – 87 1,420 pts – 71
1,720 pts – 86 1,400 pts – 70
1,700 pts – 85 1,380 pts – 69

GRADING POLICIES
1) Homework is designed as a reinforcement of skills and concepts that have already been
taught in class. It will be assigned at the discretion of the instructor and must be
completed by all enrolled students. Additionally, journal assignments designed for
personal reaction and reflection are assigned weekly.
2) For each day an assignment is late 10 points will be deducted.
*Any exceptions to this policy will clearly be stated by Mr. A when the assignment is
given.
3) Students who are absent on a day when homework is assigned will be allowed one extra
day per each class missed. Make-up work is solely the responsibility of the student.
4) All assignments (homework, tests, reports and special projects) should reflect the
student’s own work. There will be “zero tolerance” for academic dishonesty. If any
student is caught cheating (as determined by the instructor) s/he will receive no credit
for that homework/test/project. A written reprimand will go in the student’s file, which
will be sent to the vice-principal if the instructor deems further disciplinary action
necessary. This includes plagiarism. Plagiarism goes on your permanent record and stays
with you throughout high school!
5) All homework assignments, tests, reports and special projects will be assigned number
and letter grades in accordance with the Shelby County Schools grading scale:
A………….100-93
B………….92-85
C………….84-75
D…………74-70
F………….Below 70

FILM REPORTS
Each student is required to view two films outside of class during each nine-week period.
Students will then write a report about the film. During some grading periods, students will be
asked to view a film currently in theatres, films according to specific genres or themes and
selections from the American Film Institute’s Top 100 List (2007.) During the second
semester, one of the assigned film reports will be an oral report presented to the class. All movie
choices must be approved by the student’s parent(s). Though rarely put in this position, the
instructor reserves the right to reject any film selection. Students will have the option of viewing
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certain films at home or after school on pre-assigned dates depending on the film report topic. I
will provide an outline and sample film reports/reviews to aid students in the completion of this
assignment. This is a mandatory assignment and must be completed in order for the student to
pass the 9-weeks. Film reports count as 200 points each and are a major part of the grade.

FILM PROJECTS
In addition to merely studying and discussing films, we will be making several of our own films in
class on Super 8 Film Stock as well as digital video and producing our own radio and television
shows. These projects will correlate with lessons we have studied in class. These will be group
projects and graded not on individual basis, but the group as a whole. These projects are often
considered the highlights of the year.

There is a $40 fee for these projects, as stated in the course description. The due date for
this fee will be later in the semester. If special financial needs exist, we will address those
issues on an individual basis.

TESTS
Tests are given after each film unit. There are approximately 6 or 7 tests each semester. The tests
come from notes taken in class and the films viewed in class. Therefore, if a student is absent and
make-up work is not completed, the test grade may be negatively impacted. Reviews will be given
the day before the test is taken. Tests count as 200 points each and are a major part of the grade.

QUIZZES
A five-question quiz is given the same day after a film selection is viewed in class. These are worth
25 points. Again these quizzes will have to be made up in the event of an absence. Otherwise, the
points will be deducted.

NOTE TAKING
There is a tremendous amount of note taking in the class. There is no textbook for this subject!
Consider the films viewed in class and the notes you take to be your textbook. You may become
tired of note taking, but it will be more useful than any textbook you will read about film in this
phase of the learning process.

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND EXTRA CREDIT

Film & Video students have a variety of excellent opportunities to get involved in GHS’s
esteemed Fine Arts Department. Each 9-weeks, students must log a total of 3 after-school hours.
I will make students aware of these opportunities and make clear which activities will/will not
count toward this requirement. 3 co-curricular hours count as 300 points and are a major part of
the grade. The grading scale is as follows:

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 3 hours – 300 points
2 hours – 200 points
1 hour – 100 points
0 hours – 0 points

These hours are required. I will keep a record of these hours. I must sign-off on each activity, in
order to receive credit. Students are advised to keep up with this assignment and not wait until
the very end of the 9-weeks to put in their hours. Involvement in other extra-curricular activities
will not be accepted as an excuse for failure to complete these hours.

***Students can receive EXTRA CREDIT for completing more than 3 co-curricular fine arts
hours and also for doing extra work/activities that I will go over as the semester progresses.

OUT OF CLASS SCREENINGS

Occasionally, I have special screenings on Saturdays at various movie theaters in the Memphis
area. The purpose of this is to see more films we are simply not able to fit into the school year.
Some screenings are optional, but highly encouraged. Other screenings will be mandatory for all
students, but plenty of advanced notice will be given so all students can make accommodations.
These are school-sponsored activities equivalent to field trips. All school rules apply. However,
these outings will be very fun, laid back and enjoyable. Have a good time!

EXTRA CREDIT

There are many opportunities to gain extra credit in this class. I love extra credit! I will let you
know of these opportunities as the school-year progresses. If you have an idea for extra credit,
make sure to get approval before proceeding with it. Any extra points will be applied at the end of
the 9-weeks in which the activity was completed.

CLASS FUNDRAISERS

There are two major class fundraisers that we will take part in this year. Each of these fundraisers
go directly to the Fine Arts Department and allow our class to buy additional equipment and
materials that make for a better learning environment.

1. In the first semester, students are required to sell two coupon books worth $25 each.
These books will be distributed to the students in the first week of class. The class who
sells the most coupon books will receive a pizza or breakfast party!

2. In the second semester, students are required to sell $50 worth of advertising for our
musical program. Film & Video is considered a Theatre Arts class and this fundraiser is

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 crucial to ensure a successful production. Film & Video students have the opportunity to
work on the musical in a variety of capacities including acting, technical work or even
video work (as we tape our performances.) The class who sells the most coupon books
will receive a pizza or breakfast party!

GHS-TV (GERMANTOWN COMMUNITY TELEVISION)

We have a $3 million dollar television facility on our campus that is entirely student operated by
our advanced film students. Our class has the opportunity to create our own television show in
the second semester. This depends on class behavior throughout the year. This is a privilege that
is earned by the students. Work hard and follow classroom policies and you will get the chance to
have a fun and rewarding experience using professional equipment.

6 CLASS RULES

I have 6 rules for this class that are strictly enforced:

1) Be in your seat on time with materials ready. This means you are in your seat before the
bell rings. You will immediately get out several sheets of paper and begin bell-work.
2) Don’t do homework from another class. This makes me very angry! I hate seeing
biology, algebra and other text books in my class. This is film and video!
3) Don’t sleep in class. If you sleep in class you are missing important notes, films or other
information. Sleeping in class will result in a lowered participation grade.
4) Don’t pack up until the bell rings or I give you permission. I have a short amount of time
with you every day. I utilize every minute. This really ticks me off!
5) Don’t talk while I am talking. Raise your hand if you have a question and show courtesy
to me by not talking while I am.
6) Be open-minded and respect every individual to the class. Every student in this class is
different. Various opinions, views, beliefs, tastes and the like are present throughout the
world. Keep an open-mind with all individuals around you and what you are being
taught. Respect is defined as showing honor, a sense of worth or consideration towards
others. Care for the others around you.

THE BASEBALL DISCIPLINE POLICY

I employ a “3 strike” discipline policy in my classroom. A substantial violation of one of the
above stated 6 rules or any other behavior that the instructor deems inappropriate will result in
your receiving Strike One. This is a warning to be followed by a one-on-one conference with the
instructor. If that same behavior occurs again, I will issue a Strike Two, which will entail a phone
call home. At that point, you will receive no higher than an “N” in conduct for that nine-weeks.
Strike 3 will be an automatic trip to your grade level principal and a “U” in conduct. 3 strikes and
you’re out! More minor infractions will be documented and will affect your class participation

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grade. Your strike “slate” will be cleaned at the end of every nine-week period as you step up to
the plate.

TEACHER PLEDGE
I pledge to treat all students equally to the best of my ability. I pledge to give each student fair and
equal opportunities, favoring no one student. I promise to treat each student courteously and
respectfully. I will strive to recognize the uniqueness and character of each student in my
classroom. I will endeavor to make my classes highly informative, entertaining and creative. I
pledge to instruct students in the most positive dynamic manner possible.

I pledge to give any student a chance to speak for him/herself in an appropriate setting. If a
behavior is clearly a violation of a school or county rule, I reserve the right to take appropriate
disciplinary action immediately. If the rule infraction presents danger to the teacher, another
student or the student him/herself, I will refer the student directly to the appropriate assistant
principal.

Above all, I pledge to run a disciplined, orderly classroom that is an effective learning
environment for all students.

GENERAL COURSE OUTLINE

I. Film
a) Introduction to Film
b) First Filmmakers – The Silent Era
c) Types of Shots
d) Russian Montage/German Expressionism
e) Golden Age of Comedy
f) Citizen Kane
g) Exploring Genres (Gangster/Horror/ Western)
h) The Hollywood Musical
i) Documentary Films
j) Animated & Experimental Films / Special Effects and CGI
k) Hollywood Musicals
l) Film & Video Projects
II. Radio/Television
a) Radio History
b) Class Radio Show
c) Television History
d) Technical Television…how TV “works”
e) “Quiz Show” Scandals
f) Early Classic Television Shows
g) Shooting Techniques
h) Television Production/Class Television Show

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Lastly, this is a unique course with different teaching/learning techniques and a variety of
“hands-on” evaluations. However, despite its uniqueness, this is very much an academic course.
All students are encouraged to enjoy the class, while taking it seriously and treating it equal to all
others. I pledge to treat all students fairly and give each student an equal opportunity to learn and
prosper in my classroom. If any student has special needs of which I should be aware, please get
in touch with me in the first week of school, so that I can accommodate appropriately. I am
looking forward to a great year and am confident that it will be, if we all work together!!!

Sincerely,

Mr. Patrick Lee Ashcraft (MR. A)

*Please sign, detach and return the last page (page 9) to Mr. A no later than Thursday, August
12th. This counts as one of your first homework assignments. The course syllabus should remain
in your folder for reference throughout the school year.

Shelby County Schools offers educational opportunities

without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex or disability.

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I have thoroughly read the 2010-11 Germantown High School Introduction to Film & Video
syllabus and have a clear understanding of the instructor’s expectations and the requirements for
making a passing grade in this course.

I also understand that it is my responsibility to monitor all films my child will watch for written
critiques for the 2010-11. By signing this form I approve all films my child watches outside of
this class.

Student Name: _____________________________ Class Period: _____________

Student Signature: __________________________ Date: ________________

Student Cell Phone Number: ________________________________

Student E-mail: _______________________________________

Parent Name: ______________________________

Parent Signature: ___________________________ Date: ________________

Parent Cell Phone Number: ________________________________

Parent E-mail: _______________________________________