Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Summer Semester 2026

THEA 1023 - Section 30I/300 - Introduction to Film (Online)

THEA 1023-30I

Course: THEA 1023-30I
Credits: 3
Term: Summer Semester 2026
Department: TA
CRN: 20768

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. NOTE-This is the first course towards the completion of a Film and Screen Studies Minor or Film Production Major. (Summer) There are no pre-requisites for this course.

Required Texts

Looking at Movies: An Introduction to Film. 8th Edition. By Dave Monahan. New York: Norton, ISBN: 978-1-324-08799-1. Good News! This is an Inclusive Access class, so everyone is able to save money and grab the EBook Version (with all video features included) Click on “Modules” found on the Left Column. Click on “Required Text Ebook Link” and “Open Link In New Window.” You will see the Ebook and Video features all there for your usage!

IMPORTANT: You will need access to a computer or other device with access to the Internet. GOOGLE CHROME is the preferred browser-it is user friendly with KULTURA, SUU's media app. The Mac web browser SAFARI, WILL NOT STREAM OUR FILMS.
REQUIRED FILM SCREENINGS
The following films should be personally viewed at the top of each week, they are scheduled for analysis and online discussion. All are available throughout the summer semester, 24/7, on Canvas. Again, You will need access to a computer or other device with access to the Internet.

We will be streaming the following films:
1. Casablanca (1942), Directed by Michael Curtiz
2. The Wild Robot (2024), Directed by Chris Sanders
3. Back to the Future (1985), Directed by Robert Zemeckis
4. Lady Bird (2018), Directed by Greta Gerwig
5. Cinema Paradiso (1988), Directed by Guiseppe Tornatore
6. La La Land (2016), Directed by Damien Chazelle
7. The Godfather (1972), Directed by Francis Ford Coppola
8. Jaws (1975), Directed by Steven Spielberg
9. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), Directed by George Miller
10. Hugo (2011), Directed by Martin Scorsese
11. A MYSTERY MOVIE!
Representative films have been carefully chosen based on their quality, and have been most effective in the teaching of this course. Some of the films shown as part of this course may be rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America. Every film in this class was hand-picked by the instructor because it is recognized universally as a film of great substance and importance, and films that represent multiple genres and styles. Some films may contain mild sexual content and/or brief nudity; violence; and/or mature language. They are not intended to shock, offend, or challenge any belief system; they have been chosen because they are recognized industry-wide as remarkable and significant films, representative of the highest achievements in the craft, and works of art. Students are required to view all films and be ready to respond to them in our discussion thread. All that said, if there is an R rated title you feel you are unable to enjoy or process, for any reason, please notify the instructor and they will gladly provide an alternate film selection for your needs.

Learning Outcomes

Successful students who complete this course will demonstrate competency in the following SUU, College of Performing & Visual Arts, and Film & Screen Studies program learning outcomes. These outcomes will be reinforced through instruction, at home practice, and formative assessment. Students’ efforts will be carefully assessed via a number of interrelated assignments, quizzes, and projects, as indicated below.

1. Identify, describe, and compare the structural features of film using medium-specific critical language.
2. Analyze cinematic texts and narratives from various cultures and historical periods to recognize and value different human perspectives and experiences.
3. Demonstrate an intermediate knowledge of all elements of filmmaking.

Assessment is through the following:
1. Discussion Thread Response Entries, Quizzes, and Written Film Review Paper.
2. Online Film Screenings, Textbook Chapter Reading, Discussion Thread Response Entries and Written Film Review Paper.
3. Discussion Thread Response Entries, Quizzes, Written Film Review Paper, and Final Exam. 

As you may see, above Outcomes/Assessments are in line with, or succeed, SUU's required 1000 level course learning outcomes:
  • Display an introductory understanding of disciplinary content;
  • Demonstrate a beginning ability to present, interpret, and evaluate data in order to develop arguments and make sound judgments;
  • Develop a beginning ability to evaluate approaches for problem solving within the context of the course’s subject matter.

Course Requirements

Quizzes: [40% of course grade] Throughout the summer course you will take a series of open-book quizzes on the chapter assigned each week. Quizzes may consist of multiple choice, true or false, visual recognition, and/or essay questions.

Discussion Thread Response Entries: [35% of course grade] NOTE: COPYLEAKS plagiarism application/detector is used for this course, so please make sure the work is your own. All students will participate in weekly discussion responses of the films/chapter elements being studied, and sharing comments respectfully in the thread. RESPONSES ARE OPEN MONDAYS THRU SATURDAYS ONLY. Each Response Entry MUST consist of at least THREE (3) Paragraphs (FOUR (4) sentences per paragraph, TWELVE (12) full, meaningful or relevant sentences = TWELVE (12) possible points.

Film Review: [15% of course grade] NOTE: COPYLEAKS plagiarism application/detector is used for this course, so please make sure the work is your own.
Students will compose a 1000-word (double-spaced) critical film review of ANY FILM OF YOUR CHOOSING (go out and treat yourself to one, rent one, stream one, from any year, and write about it!). Your review must employ close reading, filmic analysis, and the cinematic principles studied in the course. Consult example reviews from RogerEbert.com, Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Variety, or from reputable reviewers such as Leonard Maltin and Roger Ebert. Final papers MUST be uploaded to Canvas in .PDF or .DOCX format ONLY.

Final Exam: [10% of course grade]
Based on the reading and/or movies screened throughout the course.

Course Outline

2026 SUMMER COURSE SCHEDULE
(Please Note: The schedule is very reading intensive, so don’t put it off or you’ll fall behind quickly. IMPORTANT: Quizzes open up on prescribed weeks, and stay open until the last day of the course, Sunday, August 16th. This means you will have more time to take them if you begin to feel yourself falling behind a little on your reading. It happens, so relax.)
PLEASE READ THIS SCHEDULE CAREFULLY AND REFER TO IT OFTEN!

Week 1–Monday-Saturday, May 11-16

Monday – Saturday (Preparation Week!)
We will use the full week to check in with each other and say “Hi.” To start, click “Discussions,” on margin to the left, go to “CHECK IN HERE!” thread and say “Hi!” PLEASE CHECK-IN FOR SUU'S COMMENCED ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT PURPOSES!

Monday-Saturday
Reading Assignment – LAM Introduction/Chapter 1 “Looking At Movies” 

Thursday-Saturday
Discussion/Response Entries – for class related business and to address any questions before we begin the course together, i.e. and be sure we all have the required textbook to work from (and read Chapter 1: Introduction), that we understand the schedule of the course (when assignments are due, etc.), and anything else that needs covering. 

Online Quiz On LAM Chapter 1

Week 2–Monday-Saturday, May 18-23

Monday-Wednesday
Reading AssignmentLAM Chapter 2: “Principles of Film Form”
Film Viewing #1
CASABLANCA (1942)

Thursday-Saturday
Discussion/Response Entries – for CASABLANCA/Principles of Film Form
Online Quiz On
LAM Chapter 2

Week 3–Monday-Saturday, May 25-30

Monday – MAY 25, HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!
Monday-Wednesday
Film Viewing #2 – THE WILD ROBOT (2024)
Reading Assignment – LAM Chapter 3: “Documentary, Experimental, and Animated Movies” 

Thursday-Saturday
Discussion/Response Entries – for THE WILD ROBOT/Documentary, Experimental, and Animated Movies
Online Quiz On
LAM Chapter 3

Week 4–Monday-Saturday, June 1-6

Monday-Wednesday
Film Viewing #3 BACK TO THE FUTURE (1985)
Reading Assignment – LAM Chapter 4: “Types of Movies” 

Thursday-Saturday
Discussion/Response Entries – for BACK TO THE FUTURE/Movie Genres
Online Quiz On
LAM Chapter 4

Week 5–Monday-Saturday, June 8-13

Monday-Wednesday
Film Viewing #4 LADY BIRD (2017)
Reading Assignment – LAM Chapter 5: “Elements of Narrative”

Thursday-Saturday
Discussion/Response Entries – for LADY BIRD/Elements of Narrative
Online Quiz On
LAM Chapter 5

Week 6–Monday-Saturday, June 15-20

Monday – JUNE 15th, HAPPY JUNETEENTH!
Monday-Wednesday
Film Viewing #5 CINEMA PARADISO (1988)
Reading Assignment – LAM Chapter 6: “Mise-en-Scene”

Thursday-Saturday
Discussion/Response Entries – for CINEMA PARADISO/Mise-en-Scene
Online Quiz On
LAM Chapter 6

Week 7–Monday-Saturday, June 22 - June 27

Monday-Wednesday
Film Viewing #6 LA LA LAND (2016)
Reading Assignment – LAM Chapter 7: “Cinematography”

Thursday-Saturday
Discussion/Response Entries – for LA LA LAND/Cinematography
Online Quiz On
LAM Chapter 7

Week 8–Monday-Saturday, June 29-July 4

MIDSUMMER BREAK!

Saturday – JULY 4th, HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY! 
(also a fun movie to watch!)

Monday – Saturday – BREAK WEEK!
NOTE: Start thinking about your FILM REVIEW this week! See a movie playing at a local theatre. See it using some of the techniques you’ve learned in the first 7 weeks of the course. Start to formulate how you will write your REVIEW, what elements of the filmmaking process you will focus on, begin writing an outline, formulating ideas for analysis, etc.

Let this Information Sheet guide you: Film Review Assignment Sheet.pdf

WISHING YOU ALL A HAPPY AND SAFE HOLIDAY WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY!

Week 9–Monday-Saturday, July 6-11

Monday-Wednesday
Film Viewing #7 – THE GODFATHER (1972)
Reading Assignment – LAM Chapter 8: “Acting”

Thursday-Saturday
Discussion/Response Entries – for THE GODFATHER/Acting
Online Quiz On
LAM Chapter 8

Week 10–Monday-Saturday, July 13-18

Monday-Wednesday
Film Viewing #8 JAWS (1975)
Reading Assignment – LAM Chapter 9: “Editing”

Thursday-Saturday
Discussion/Response Entries – for JAWS/Editing
Online Quiz
LAM Chapter 9

Week 11–Monday-Saturday, July 20-25

Friday– JULY 24th, HAPPY PIONEER DAY!
Monday-Wednesday
Film Viewing #9 MAD MAX: FURY ROAD (2015)
Reading Assignment – LAM Chapter 10: “Sound” 

Thursday-Saturday
Discussion/Response Entries – for MAD MAX: FURY ROAD/Sound
Online Quiz On
LAM Chapter 10

Week 12–Monday-Saturday, July  27-August 1

Monday-Wednesday
Film Viewing #10 HUGO (2011)
Reading Assignment – LAM Chapter 11: “Film History”

Thursday-Saturday
Discussion/Response Entries – for HUGO/Film History
Online Quiz On
LAM Chapter 11

Week 13–Monday-Saturday, August 3-8

Monday-Wednesday
Film Viewing #11 A MYSTERY MOVIE!
Reading Assignment – LAM Chapter 12: “How the Movies Are Made”

Thursday-Saturday
Discussion/Response Entries – for MYSTERY MOVIE (EXTRA CREDIT!)
Online Quiz On
LAM Chapter 12

Week 14–Monday-Saturday, August 10-15

Monday – Saturday
Take this week to finish any chapter reading you've missed!
COMPLETE ALL ONLINE QUIZZES.
FINISH UP YOUR REVIEW PAPERS.

Sunday, August 16

FINAL DAY OF THE COURSE!

NOTE: The above schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.

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

Attendance: Attendance is not required, we're online; however, those wishing to get the most learning out of the online edition will be most active in the Discussion Threads, especially with their Response Entries. Responses for each film screened will be open on the Discussion Thread, Mondays thru Saturdays. DON'T FORGET TO JOIN THE DISCUSSION EACH WEEK-THIS IS THE ONE ASSIGNMENT YOU CANNOT MAKE UP AT THE END OF THE SEMESTER. Remember: Response entries are 35% of your grade!

Class Decorum and Behavior:
Online students should stay in contact and engage respectfully in discussions. You are expected to watch the films and be prepared to discuss them in our online discussions. Anything posted MUST BE thoughtful, mindful, and respectful to others on the thread.

Grading: Grading will be as precise and by the book, with as little subjectivity as possible.  However, we are human beings, and your attendance, initiative, enthusiasm, and willingness to explore unfamiliar ground will go a long way in the determination of your final grade. At the end of the semester, grades will be averaged and weighted as indicated above, and students’ final grades will be determined based on SUU Canvas grading percentages rubric.

Attendance Policy

This is an Online Course, no Attendance Policy applies. Students are asked to complete the course on their own time in the comfort of their own personal space.

Course Fees

No Fee for this course.

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.