ENGLISH 382 (FALL 2001)--THE CRITICAL STUDY OF FILM

Dr. Stephen Bluestone

Office hours: Tues/Thurs 9:30-10:40 AM. And by appointment.

Office telephone: 301-4010.

E-mail Bluestone_SE@Mercer.Edu

Texts: Richard Allen (ed.), Alfred Hitchcock: Centenary Essays

Donald Spoto, The Art of Alfred Hitchcock

--------------- The Dark Side of Genius

Ramsey Fowler, Little, Brown Handbook

Louis Giannetti, Understanding Movies (optional)

Supplemental list of titles on reserve in the library. See handout.

In this course we will study the work of Alfred Hitchcock, a major figure in film history. Of particular importance for this class, we will learn to "read" Hitchcock's films just as we would any traditional literary text. We will then learn to make certain distinctions between literary and film forms. We will attempt to put Hitchcock's career in the context of English and American culture, as well as of film history. We will explore the richness and subtlety of the art that has produced these films, while, at the same time, learning something about Hitchcock's own life.

1. Expectations.

Participation and attendance (30%). Students are expected to attend every class and actively contribute to discussion. There are no unexcused absences; attendance will be taken at all classes, and the instructor should be notified by e-mail or telephone or in writing if an absence is unavoidable.

In-class presentations will be assigned on specific essays in the Hitchcock literature. These presentations will graded in terms of preparation, demonstration of knowledge of the material, and insight. The presenters will each lead a half-hour class discussion.

Class contribution takes several forms. Students may ask questions at any point during a discussion; students and teacher may engage in question-and-answer sessions; the class as a whole may engage in open discussion, sharing ideas and attempting as a group to deepen our understanding of the material. Students should work at participating effectively in all these formats. Since this course will emphasize discussion, class preparation is a must and will be an important factor in determining the final grade.

Written work (70%). One major critical paper (with full scholarly format) will be assigned on themes and topics to be discussed; the length of this paper will be between eight and ten pages; shorter papers may also be assigned. The latter may also involve outside readings from the Hitchcock scholarship.

All papers are to be well organized and thoroughly proofread. All corrections and changes indicated by the instructor must be made before the next paper is submitted, otherwise the grade on the following paper will be "F." When a second paper is submitted, it must be accompanied in a plain tab folder by the first paper. When a third paper is submitted, it, too, must be accompanied in the folder by the other papers. And so on. All papers are due at the start of class from the author on the specified due date; papers not handed in on time will be penalized.

Grades on the papers will not necessarily be averaged; much weight will be given to improvement. Each student's written work will be assessed on an individual basis, with emphasis on consistency and the achievement of higher standards as the course proceeds.

Important: Students with learning disabilities that might affect grading in this course are advised to notify the instructor at the start of the semester so that personal arrangements can be made.

About conferences: These will be arranged as needed. I am available to see you on a flexible basis and not necessarily during fixed office hours. Let me know in advance, and we can arrange appointments.

2. Course schedule and locations.

All campus class meetings, unless otherwise noted, will be held in Stetson 158. Required non-class film screenings will take place at times to be announced. It is your responsibility to be aware of the times and dates involved. These will be given in class as well as on a separate course schedule.