Topics:

  • Digital Video Editing
  • Using Film for Self-Expression
  • The History of Film
  • Film Composition
  • Script Writing
  • Film

OAKLAND UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT SKYLINE HIGH SCHOOL COURSE SYLLABUS: The Art of Digital Filmmaking SCHOOL YEAR: 2008-09

Department: Business
Instructor: Mr. Frey
Website:www.voxcommunications.com
Grade Level(s) for which course is intended: 11-12
Credit Value: 5.00 Per Semester
Length of Course:1Year
Pre-requisite(s): None

Brief Course Description: This course studies film and filmmaking as a creative art. It is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in the field of video production. Students will learn the vocabulary of film and research and analyze films made by a diverse group of filmmakers. Students will explore the visual language of film from a two-pronged approach: by studying the history of film as an expressive medium, and by learning the process of digital movie making. In addition to studying the style and meaning of a wide variety of film genres, students will engage in the production of their own digital movie portfolios. By engaging in the process of filmmaking, students will develop their own creative expression, thereby strengthening their own understanding of film in a variety of contexts: social, visual, and historical. Students will compare the means by which film communicates meaning, and make informed aesthetic evaluations based on the principles of visual design. By creating original digital film compositions, students will gain insight into the nature of the artist's desire to communicate, and how that communication is both interpreted and influenced by society. Students will analyze the diverse means by which film impacts culture by studying contemporary and historical artists who have used the medium to contribute to cultural life. The combination of studying film and learning the process of filmmaking as an expressive art will give students increased communication competency, enhance creative problem solving strategies, and bring about a wider appreciation of the impact of film in society. This course is eligible for articulation with Peralta College's Multimedia Program and meets the UC Visual and Performing Arts requirement.

Learner Outcomes:
  • Develop an ability to discuss and write about film as a means of self-expression.
  • Demonstrate the ability to research, analyze, and evaluate film from an informed viewpoint.
  • Research the history of film and write about the impact of film on contemporary culture.
  • Produce a portfolio of original digital film projects with a high level of competence.
  • Apply the standards of design to create original works of digital work using modern technology.
  • Appreciate film as a communications medium.
Instructional Practices: The teaching strategies I shall employ for this course begin with lecture/demonstration, followed by hands-on application of the principles discussed. Most assignments are given online via the Internet. Most of the lab work will consist of projects (both individual and group projects). Students will be expected to perform research on a series of technology related topics and to report the results of their projects in both oral presentations and written format. Students are also expected to apply what they learn in the real world through service learning projects in the community.

Text: Film: An Introduction by Phillips

Student Assessment: Since classes in Computer Technology, are by their nature project based and performance based driven, most of the student's work will be graded based on the quality of their projects. However, oral reports, written assignments, group projects, quizzes, tests, and a final examination will also be evaluated in calculating the student's final grade.

Marks:
A. Work that is outstanding and above grade level: 90-100%
B. Work that is good, and above grade level: 80-89%
C. Work that is satisfactory and is grade level: 70-79%
D. Work that needs improvement, below grade level: 60-69%
F. Work that is unsatisfactory, well below grade level: 59% and below

Classroom Management Plan
  1. No food or drink in the classroom.
  2. Go to your assigned seat and log-in as soon as you enter the classroom.
  3. Stay at your seat until dismissed.
  4. Do not answer the door without my authorization.
  5. Do not download software or change the configuration or Desktop of your computer.
  6. Do not install any software on the computer.
  7. Do not visit game sites without my permission.
  8. No chat rooms, or instant messaging.
  9. No candy sales in the room.
  10. CD players, cell phones, pagers, or other electronic devices must be turned off and out of sight in classroom.
  11. Do not use floppy disks without my permission.
  12. Report any problems with your workstation to me before the end of class.
  13. Arrive to class on time.
  14. Cheating on tests or plagiarizing written assignments will result in flunking the assignment, a parent-teacher conference, and disciplinary actions as per the Honor Code of the Skyline Student Handbook.