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IB Film Studies

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IB FILM STUDIES SL/HL 1

film reel

PLEASE SEE MY UPDATE REGARDING DISTANCE LEARNING, FOUND INTERNAL LINK HERE

Course Description:

This is the first year of a two-year course that involves the study of international film texts, film theory, and practical exercises in filmmaking and analysis. At the core of the IB film course lies a concern with clarity of understanding, critical thinking, reflective analysis, effective involvement and imaginative synthesis that is achieved through the practical engagement of film. Students are required to create film projects as well as analyze film in writing and via multimedia presentations.

Materials Needed:      Students will be using the same items throughout both 11th and 12th grades

  • SD Card, 32gb minimum, 〜$15 at most supermarkets, electronics or office supply stores. You’ll want one with high transfer speeds (Class 10, U1 or U3) for high quality video
  • 3 Subject notebook, and loose-leaf paper, college ruled (about 40 sheets)
  • Blue or black ink pen and a #2 pencil

Optional for crafting storyboards (according to student preference and experience)

  • Sketchpad Pastels or charcoal pencils

 Expectations:

  1. The course takes a scaffolding approach in that students will learn the basics of film theory and technique before any of the production component sets in. Students are certainly free to explore filmmaking on their own terms, yet must understand that we need to learn to walk before we can run, and running with expensive equipment is highly discouraged.
  2. We will be viewing films, in portions or in their entirety, from various cultures, perspectives, and time periods. Students must understand that much of what they will be viewing will be out of the realm of their current “comfort zone”, and need to keep an objective frame of reference when viewing film. 
  3. When viewing film, students are to remain quiet and attentive. The time for questions, comments, or observations is before or after a viewing, not during.  There will be a section of your notebook dedicated to observations and comments; if you have one while the film is rolling, jot it down!
  4. Students will be following a rigorous schedule, as well as be responsible for creating their own schedules as we move into production phase (more on this later).
  5. Students will take pride in their work, and will take their work seriously. They will also respect the work of others, with the objective of healthy feedback and collaboration in mind. Student work will adhere to IB and RHCSD policies as far as appropriate subject matter and academic honesty (again, more on this later).

Conduct Code:

  • Be punctual: Late work is generally not accepted unless there is a valid and documented excuse. Lateness to class will not be tolerated.
  • Be prepared: Show up each day with the necessary materials, having read the assigned chapter.
  • Be polite: be respectful of the creations of others; remember feedback should be critical, but with a positive goal in mind.
  • Be productive: Work to the very best of your ability.
  • Be positive: This course is not designed to entertain you, though it would please me if you find it to be a whole lot of fun! The purpose of this course is to get you to “read” and analyze film.

COURSE OUTLINE FOR LEVEL 1:

Critical Essays:

  • 12 directed essay responses on feature length films, to be typed and MLA formatted 

Curriculum Units (these culminate in unit tests):

  • Film history, technique, and theory
  • Genres and movements: Western, Biopics, Film Noir, etc.
  • Scene analysis
  • Comparative study
  • Equipment operation
  • Basic production and editing

Midterm Exam: 

  • Director Study Essay

Final Exam:

  • Comparative study of scenes from two culturally diverse films
  • Director for a Day- create production notes, a script, and a storyboard