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: 2013-14

Department: Computer Science and Technology Academy
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: 90-100%
B. Work that is good: 80-89%
C. Work that is satisfactory: 70-79%
D. Work that needs major improvement: 60-69%
F. Work that is unacceptable: 59% and below

Classroom Management Plan
  1. Be in your seat when the tardy bell rings.
  2. Listen carefully to instructions.
  3. No food or drink in the classroom.
  4. Keep your computer area clean and neat. Report any problems with your machine to me before the end of class.
  5. Log out of your computer and tuck your chair in before leaving.
  6. 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.
  7. Use Electronic devices only when given permission to do so.

Behavior Issues: The Countdown of Actions

If a student is violating classroom rules, the following steps will be taken in this order:
  1. Verbal warning.
  2. One-on-one discussion.
  3. The formal sit-down: teacher/student conference and a call home.
  4. Call home with serious talk to parent/guardian.
  5. Meeting with parent/guardian at school.
  6. Disciplinary action with school administrators with possible suspension.

Tardy Policy

  • 1st Tardy: Verbal Warning.
  • Second Tardy: Student calls home to inform parent or guardian that if another tardy occurs during the marking period, the student will have to serve a one hour detention after school.
  • 3rd Tardy: Student must serve the after-school detention. If detention is served, no further consequences (unless another tardy occurs, which results in another detention).
    If detention is not served, student will receive a referral for a one day suspension from school.
  • When the new marking period begins, the slate is wiped clean.