History through Film

Instructor: Stephen Federico
Length of Course: 1 Year

Course Description
What important historical lessons are taught in films? What do films get right about history? What do films get wrong about history? How is a film a product of its time? These are all questions we will be asking about the many films we will be viewing and making in History Through Film and Literature. This course will provide the opportunity to view and analyze films and documentaries related to the study and exploration of history. You will also study a historical novel and biographies. Both United States and world history topics will be studied, in addition to familiarizing you with your own role in history.

While viewing and analyzing this material you will be making your own short films based on the work we have covered. However, this is meant to be a “low-tech” approach to film-making with an emphasis on content, not elaborate special effects, sound layering, etc.

Course Readings:

• One Piece of Historical Literature to be decided on
• Historical Biographies

Course Expectations:
You are expected to arrive on time and prepared for class. You need to bring a writing instrument, a notebook, and any required assignments. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to look at the course calendar and to make up any missed assignments. Remember to always contact group members if you are going to be absent. Each unexcused absence lowers your Work Ethic grade by 3%, and two tardies equal an absence. We are sharing this room, please be courteous.

Late Work:
In most cases, if you do not have an assignment completed on time, you will lose your work ethic points for the assignment. If there are no designated work ethic points, then you will be marked down by one grade. After two days on which the class has met, late assignments will no longer be accepted. There are, rarely, exceptions to this rule. Excused absences will not receive a penalty. However, if work was due on the date of your absence, it is expected that the work will be turned in on the day you return to class.

Grading:

• Work Ethic: 20%
• History Curricular Literacy: 25%
• Written Communication: 25%
• Critical Thinking: 15%
• Oral Communication: 10%
• Collaboration: 5%