Time Schedule:
John B. Vallier
GEN ST 197
Seattle Campus
Small-group discussion with faculty representing a wide spectrum of academic disciplines. Topics and approaches vary. Instructor may introduce research techniques or findings, concentrate on readings in his/her area of interest, or illustrate problems and alternatives related to the study of a particular academic discipline. Credit/no credit only. Offered: AWSp.
Class description
*Lights, Camera, Criticism!*
What is movie criticism? What does it take write convincing movie criticism? Why do movie critics write and who do they write for? How essential is effective movie criticism--and criticism in general--to the functioning of a fair and just society?
In this seminar students will hone their movie reviewing chops by exploring these questions and by deconstructing examples of both effective and ineffective criticism. These analyses will in turn act as springboards for the students' own weekly critiques. Movies from a broad swath of genres--"adventure" to "zombie"--will be available for critique and will be made available via the UW Libraries Media Center. Student critiques will be published each week to a class blog. A final project will involve the production and recording of a movie criticism podcast or other multimedia work.
Instructor: John Vallier Student learning goals Ability to deconstruct and write convincing movie criticism. A more nuanced understanding of what we mean by the term "criticism". Comfortable with participating in and contributing to discussions in a seminar setting.
General method of instruction Discussion based on class readings, student input, and movie reviewed over the course of the quarter.
Recommended preparation Interest in movies and criticism.
Class assignments and grading Class discussion and participation will account for 80% of the grade.
An assignment at the end of class will account for 20% of the grade.
The information above is intended to be helpful in choosing courses. Because the instructor may further develop his/her plans for this course, its characteristics are subject to change without notice. In most cases, the official course syllabus will be distributed on the first day of class.
Last Update by John B. Vallier
Date: 11/19/2008
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Modified:May 17, 2013