Learning Outcomes

Required Text(s) & Materials

Primary Textbook: Bordwell, David, and Kristin Thompson. Film History: An Introduction.

2nd ed., McGraw-Hill, 2002.

All other readings are available on the UB Learns course page as attachments or links. You will find them in weekly modules in Course Documents. You are required to complete all of the readings in each module.

Course Requirements and Grading Policy

Agenda: For each module, you are responsible for viewing the film/s and doing the readings listed, as well as reviewing the slides listed on the course schedule and available in Each Module’s folder on the course homepage. Finally, you will participate in class through in-class discussions and written assignments submitted in UB Learns. *Follow the assignment schedule below. Late submissions will receive a point deduction or no credit. No AI tools is allowed in this course and all assignments.*

You must complete and submit your work before the deadline. Late submissions will receive a point deduction or no credit, depending on how late they are.

I understand that technical issues can occur. However, I strongly recommend submitting assignments at least one day early to avoid potential problems . If you experience issues with UBLearns, you are responsible for contacting UBIT to resolve the issue .

AI Use Policy:

The use of AI tools is strictly prohibited in this course and in all assignments. This includes, but is not limited to, ChatGPT, DeepSeek, and other generative AI tools. All written work must be completed entirely by you.

First violation of this policy will result in no credit for the assignment.

Second violation will result in failure of the course.

Viewings: You are responsible for viewing all of the films for each module . Some of the sources are free and widely available online or through the UB libraries webpage, but please be aware that you are responsible for finding and renting a few films not available through UB. Film links will be posted in weekly modules .

Attendance: Attendance will be recorded during the mid-class break of each class session .

Attendance accounts for 20% of your final grade.

Students are allowed two unexcused absences without penalty. In addition, students may have up to two excused absences, you need to email me at least a few hours in advance and explain the reason for the absence .

Any additional absences will be recorded and may negatively affect your final grade. More than 15 absences will result in failure of the course.

Course Assignments and Grading:

You will write Eight Weekly/Biweekly Responses of 700 一 800 words, which are each worth 10% of your final grade. Please closely follow the assignment schedule. (For example, if the assignment is due within Module 2, your writing need to closely related to the content including films, readings and lectures of Module 2) All written assignments must address the course readings and films and employ the appropriate film vocabulary discussed in class .

Grading Rubric: Please be advised that your assignments will be graded on the following criteria:

(25 pts.) Understanding of the readings and in-class discussion: The post responds to the  prompt and shows that the author has synthesized the readings and in-class discussion . Please cite the readings properly or mention the content of the readings.

(25 pts.) Engagement with the films: The post shows in-depth analysis and responds fluently to the weekly films by providing specific examples to support the author’s stance .

(20 pts.) Proper use of film terms: The response uses terminology appropriate to film, such as long shot, mise-en-scène, and parallel editing. Additionally, the post refers to characters and places by name and names directors, actors, and film release years .

(20 pts.) Organization and elegance of expression: The response has an overall point to make and sentences stay on topic . Paragraphs stay on topic . In other words, the response is focused.

Also, it shows creativity of expression . Sentence structure varies within paragraphs to achieve various effects. The prose contributes to the persuasive appeals of the post. The writing seems natural and thoughts appear to flow into each other.

(10 pts.) Following the conventions of edited written English: The response uses proper vocabulary, sentence structure, and additional conventions of edited written English (such as verb forms and tenses, correct capitalization, punctuation, and spelling) . There are few to zero grammatical errors that get in the way of the author’s purpose or the reader’s understanding.

Additionally, All sources must be properly cited. Please use a recognized citation format, such as MLA, APA, or Chicago.

Grading Chart