Welcome to FILM 1310, an introduction to the critical study of film. While you should read the course syllabus in its entirety, here are a few important items:

1. Just as you would be required to read several books, plays, and/or short stories in a literature course, you will be required to screen several feature-length films in FILM 1310. I will inform you now that most of the required films are NOT readily available at local video stores or on YouTube. Consequently, you will need to seek out the films in the many other ways explained on the syllabus. NOTE: All films are considered required texts, and in order to excel in this course, you WILL need to screen them.
2. Students should be prepared to devote at least 4 HOURS PER WEEK to this class (2 hrs. for screening films, 2 hrs. for completing reading/content). If this does not sound like something you can or are willing to do, you might think twice about taking this course.
3. FILM 1310 is NOT a “learn at your own pace” course. There are hard deadlines for quizzes, exams, and participation, and they will be enforced just as they would off-line. For example, the weekly course content, which you will NOT submit to me, will be available from 8:00 AM every Monday until 11:00 PM every Sunday.
4. Despite the lack of a formal classroom setting, you are required to engage with the material and with each other via Twitter and if necessary, the communication tools available on WebCT 4. All communication from the instructor will be posted via Twitter and/or email. Please bear all this in mind and give serious consideration to whether you are willing, able and suited to do the work required for a distance learning course.
5. Finally, please keep an open mind. If you do not enjoy a film, rather than criticizing it, figure out why it is being shown and what elements you can appreciate about it. This is what critical thinking is all about.

As mentioned in #3 above, this week’s content is available and will be until 11:00 PM next Sunday. Okay, if you’re ready, let’s begin with the content for Week 1: Intro and Form.

As always, if you have questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. And again, welcome to the class!

Dr. Marshall