Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Introduction to Film (Face-to-Face)

THEA 1023-03

Course: THEA 1023-03
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: TA
CRN: 30611

Course Description

A look at the Art of Film–how it influences lives and how lives influence the art. Students will view films from many different genres, offer analysis, and gain an appreciation for the many collaborative crafts involved in the filmmaking process. (Fall, Spring, Summer) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Registration Restriction(s): Intensive English Program majors may not enroll General Education Category: Fine Arts

Required Texts

The textbook Looking at Movies - An Introduction to Film (7th Edition) by Dave Monahan and Richard Barsam will automatically be added to your account after class starts. This makes the cost of the text less than half what it would cost in the bookstore.

You will also be required to watch several films. The films will sometimes be accessible here in Canvas. For others you will need access to steaming services and/or you will need to rent them digitally. I will try my best to keep these costs to a minimum.

Required films will mostly be chosen from the list below. Availability of films or other circumstances may require a film(s) not listed here:

The Imitation Game (2014)
  • Director: Morten Tyldum
  • Writers: Graham Moore , Andrew Hodges  (book)
  • Stars: Benedict Cumberbatch , Keira Knightley , Matthew Goode

La La Land (2016)
  • Director: Damien Chazelle
  • Writer: Damien Chazelle
  • Stars: Ryan Gosling , Emma Stone , Rosemarie DeWitt  

Knives Out (2019)
  • Director: Rian Johnson
  • Writers: Rian Johnson
  • Stars: Ana de Armas, Daniel Craig, Chris Evans 

All Quiet on the Western Front (1979)
  • Director: Delbert Mann
  • Writers: Paul Monash  (screenplay), Erich Maria Remarque  (novel)
  • Stars: Richard Thomas , Ernest Borgnine , Donald Pleasence

A Quiet Place (2018)
  • Director: John Krasinski
  • Writers: Bryan Woods  (screenplay by), Scott Beck  (screenplay by) | 3 more credits  »
  • Stars: Emily Blunt , John Krasinski , Millicent Simmonds  

Inception (2010)
  • Director: Christopher Nolan
  • Writer: Christopher Nolan
  • Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio , Joseph Gordon-Levitt , Ellen Page

Hugo (2011)
  • Director: Martin Scorsese
  • Writers: John Logan  (screenplay by), Brian Selznick  (based on the book entitled "The Invention of Hugo Cabret" by)
  • Stars: Asa Butterfield , Chloë Grace Moretz , Christopher Lee  

Rocky (1976)
  • Director: John G. Avildsen
  • Writer: Sylvester Stallone
  • Stars: Sylvester Stallone , Talia Shire , Burt Young

Additional Film Requirement:
You will also be required to select a film from the list of classics below for individual, in-depth preparation for the final exam. The specifics of this will be covered in class as we prepare for the final:

  • Citizen Kane (1941)
  • 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
  • Moonlight (2016)
  • West Side Story (1961 version only)
  • Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)
  • The Sting (1973)
  • Saving Private Ryan (1998)
  • The Godfather (1972)
  • Psycho (1960)
  • One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest (1975)
  • A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)
  • Rashomon (1950)
  • The Wizard of Oz (1939)
  • Barbie (2023)
  • Oppenheimer (2023)

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Identify how film as an art form entertains, educates, and reflects society. (ELO Critical Thinking)
  2. Identify, describe, and compare the structural features of film using accurate critical language that is medium-specific. (ELO Creative Thinking/Communication)
  3. Offer examples of film as historically significant works of art. (ELO Communication)
  4. Analyze cinematic texts through a practiced ability to discriminate thematic elements of film and articulately deconstruct ideas as presented in film. (ELO Critical/Creative Thinking)
  5. Articulate how film can help people recognize and value different human perspectives and experiences. (ELO Communication)

Course Requirements

Topics covered include the following

  • Critical Analysis* 
  • Film Genres*
  • Mise en Scene*
  • Form and Content*
  • Design Elements
  • Editing
  • Sound
  • Acting
  • Film History
*These units will be large and will influence the work we do for all films and in all other units.

Course Assessments
InQuizitives | 1, 3, 4
Assignments | 2, 3, 4
Quizzes | 4
Screening Worksheets | 1, 2, 4, 5

InQuizitives 10 points each
You will have several interactive inquizatives that are are connected to textbook reading. Each one will require a minimum number of questions, but there could be more as you will be able to adjust the assigned value of each question based on your confidence in your ability to answer that question. The inquisitive will continue to adjust and give you questions until you have reached full credit and demonstrated mastery of the topic. 

Viewing Quizzes/Quizzes/Pop Quizzes 3-20 points each
  • Viewing Quizzes: You will have several Viewing Quizzes that will be short quizzes usually with mini clips from the films. These have strict deadlines and cannot be made up or turned in late. No exceptions. They exist to ensure movies have been watched by the specified deadline.
  • Quizzes: You will have quizzes that are not viewing quizzes or inquizatives. The first will be a short one on the syllabus. The others are on required readings and videos.
  • Pop Quizzes: These will be given strictly at my discretion. If tardiness becomes an issue in class, I will begin administering pop quizzes during the first three minutes of class. These cannot be made up or turned in late. If tardiness is not an issue, I may not administer any pop quizzes. :-)

Assignments 10-20 points each
You will have assignments that connect the material covered in a module to the film used in that module. These assignments will take various forms including writing, critical analysis, creativity, and games.

Screening Worksheets 10 points each
You will have several sets of worksheet. These are written assignments where you will use accurate cinematic terminology to articulate and assess information about characters, themes/ideas, and aesthetics/cinematography from films watched in class.

Course Outline

The Introductory Module serves as an orientation to the class, the syllabus, and ensures students have registered their textbook for digital content. To complete this module, students will start by reading the information provided on the module page. Next, they must log in to the digital textbook platform to activate their access. Students will then review the Guide for Effective Note-Taking During Class Discussions to help them succeed in future lessons. Finally, the module concludes with a Syllabus Quiz to reinforce understanding of course policies and expectations. 

In the second module, students will attend class to take notes during the class overview presentation, a process that will span several days. The remainder of the module's content will become accessible only after completing the overview. For those eager to get a head start, Chapter One of the textbook can be read in advance. Following the overview, students will complete a quiz based on the class presentation. As part of the module, they will also explore literary analysis through film, followed by quizzes focused on literary analysis and plot structure. Additionally, students are required to read Chapter One in the textbook. To aid in preparation for the Chapter One InQuizative, optional flashcards are available for review. The module culminates with the Chapter One InQuizative assessment.

Module three provides an in-depth overview of film form. To complete this module, students will begin by watching a relevant film, following the instructions provided in the assignment. After viewing, they will complete a quiz. An in-class discussion will follow, after which students will work on a film worksheet. Additionally, students are required to read Chapter Two of the textbook. Optional flashcards are available to help prepare for the Chapter Two InQuizative assessment. Finally, the module concludes with a short writing and photo assignment focused on All Quiet on the Western Front.

Module four focuses on an overview of film genres. To complete this module, students will begin by watching  a relevant film. After screening the film, students must complete a quiz. An in-class discussion will follow, after which students will finalize their screening notes. Additionally, students are required to read Chapter Three of the textbook. Optional flashcards are available to assist with studying for the Chapter Three InQuizative assessment. The module concludes with a creative storyboard assignment.

Module five centers on cinematography and offers a variety of activities to deepen students' understanding of this fundamental aspect of film. To complete this module, students will start by watching  a relevant film and completing the associated viewing quiz, keeping in mind that late submissions are not allowed. They will then watch selected videos on sound design and take a quiz on the content. Students are required to read Chapter Six in the textbook and can use optional flashcards and shot videos to aid in preparation for the Chapter Six InQuizative assessment. Additional assignments include completing The Imitation Game worksheet and cinematography crossword puzzle. For further study, students can watch a Crash Course video focused on the role of the cinematographer.

Module six delves into mise-en-scène, design, and composition in film. To complete this module, students will begin by watching Inception and taking the viewing quiz. After an in-class discussion, they will complete the Inception worksheet. Students are also required to read Chapter Five of the textbook, with optional flashcards available to assist in studying for the Chapter Five InQuizative assessment. The module wraps up with a creative assignment: designing an Inception-themed meme to apply concepts learned in this module.

Module seven explores the role of sound in film, emphasizing its importance in storytelling and audience engagement. To complete this module, students will watch a relevant film and take the associated viewing quiz. Following an in-class discussion, they will complete a screening worksheet. Students are required to read Chapter Nine of the textbook, with optional flashcards and a series of instructional videos available to deepen their understanding of sound in preparation for the Chapter Nine InQuizative assessment. The module concludes with a creative assignment: completing a Sound Cue Sheet to analyze and apply the concepts of film sound design.

Module eight brings together key concepts from previous modules, focusing on the integration of design, cinematography, and sound.
Students will begin by watching a film celebrated for its mastery of these elements, and completing the viewing quiz. After an in-class discussion, they will work on the screening worksheet. Additionally, students will engage with interactive activities designed to reinforce their understanding. The module concludes with a comprehensive module quiz, which differs from prior assessments as it is not an InQuizative and does not correspond to a textbook chapter.

Module nine focuses on the art of acting in film, offering students a deeper understanding of performance styles and techniques. To complete this module, students will watch a relevant film and take the viewing quiz, which carries more weight than previous quizzes—so timely completion is crucial. Students will then explore acting styles by reading the provided materials and watching informative videos. Additionally, students will read Chapter Seven of the textbook and complete the corresponding InQuizative assessment. Instead of a traditional assignment, the module features videos on the craft of acting, followed by a quiz to assess understanding of the concepts addressed.

Module ten delves into the art and technique of editing, a topic that many students find challenging and a critical component of the final exam. To complete this module, students will watch a relevant film and take the viewing quiz. They will then read Chapter Eight on editing in the textbook and complete the associated InQuizative assessment. Additional learning activities include watching videos and participating in an interactive exercise designed to enhance understanding of editing concepts. Finally, students will watch a Crash Course video on editing and complete a quiz to solidify their grasp of the material. Careful attention to this module is essential for mastering these vital concepts.

The final module offers a reflective and analytical alternative to a traditional test, allowing students to demonstrate their knowledge of film techniques and artistic choices. Instead of a timed exam, students will complete a comprehensive worksheet (covering all major course concepts) and a self-reflection quiz. For the worksheet, students will select one film from a pre-approved list—spanning classics like Citizen Kane and The Wizard of Oz to recent releases like Barbie and Oppenheimer. They will analyze what the filmmakers are doing and, more importantly, why these artistic choices were made. Detailed instructions for the worksheet will be covered in class and provided within the module.

To succeed, students must produce university-quality work with accurate terminology, attention to detail, and error-free writing mechanics. Late submissions will not be accepted due to strict grading deadlines, so students should allocate sufficient time to complete the assignment thoroughly. This final exercise is designed to showcase the knowledge and skills developed throughout the course, offering an engaging and rewarding conclusion to the semester.

At-A-Glance Module Overview

Module 1 – Introduction & Orientation
  • Course overview, syllabus, digital textbook registration.
  • Note-taking guide.
  • Syllabus Quiz.

Module 2 – Class Overview & Literary Analysis
  • Class overview presentation & quiz.
  • Literary analysis & plot structure quizzes.
  • Read Chapter 1 + InQuizative.

Module 3 – Film Form
  • Watch film & quiz.
  • Discussion & worksheet.
  • Read Chapter 2 + InQuizative.
  • Short assignment on All Quiet on the Western Front.

Module 4 – Film Genres
  • Watch film & quiz.
  • Discussion & screening notes.
  • Read Chapter 3 + InQuizative.
  • Creative storyboard.

Module 5 – Cinematography
  • Watch film & quiz.
  • Sound design videos & quiz.
  • Read Chapter 6 + InQuizative.
  • The Imitation Game worksheet.
  • Cinematography crossword.

Module 6 – Mise-en-scène & Design
  • Watch Inception & quiz.
  • Discussion & worksheet.
  • Read Chapter 5 + InQuizative.
  • Creative meme assignment.

Module 7 – Sound in Film
  • Watch film & quiz.
  • Discussion & worksheet.
  • Read Chapter 9 + InQuizative.
  • Sound Cue Sheet assignment.

Module 8 – Integrating Design, Cinematography & Sound
  • Watch film & quiz.
  • Discussion & worksheet.
  • Interactive activities.
  • Comprehensive module quiz.

Module 9 – Acting in Film
  • Watch film & higher-weighted quiz.
  • Acting style readings/videos.
  • Read Chapter 7 + InQuizative.
  • Acting craft videos & quiz.

Module 10 – Editing
  • Watch film & quiz.
  • Read Chapter 8 + InQuizative.
  • Editing videos & interactive exercise.
  • Crash Course video & quiz.

Module 11 – Final Project: Film Analysis
  • Comprehensive worksheet & self-reflection quiz.
  • Select film from approved list.
  • Analyze techniques & artistic choices.
  • University-quality work; no late submissions.

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Late work is generally not be accepted unless you have made arrangements with me prior to the time it is due but I know that "life happens" so I will leave assignments open for a couple days after the due date then they will lock. These are called "buffer days" and you will receiver full credit if things are submitted during this time. Once something is locked, you will not be able to turn it in and will not receive points. Viewing quizzes will not have buffer days.

Attendance Policy

Attendance at all classes is expected. If you are absent more than three times during the semester your grade may be lowered. If you are habitually tardy, your grade may also be lowered. 

It is your responsibility to look at all modules & assignments in a timely manner. There will be due dates for all work. Completion of all work by the assigned due date is expected. If you wait until the day something is due to look at the assignment you will not have time to complete it. 

Course Fees

There are no course fees.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.