Understanding Mass Media

Parent Guide

Film as Literature will allow the student to study the motion picture as a literary medium.  The primary focus of the course will be the critical review and analysis of the motion picture with applications of critical film theory.  Supplementing this study, the student will also have the opportunity to learn about the historical evolution and development of the motion picture, and be involved in hands-on experience in communicating using the visual medium of video.

One vital component of this course will be the study of the film through screening of selected motion pictures that demonstrate the highest qualities of both literary and visual technique.  This aspect of the course will be accomplished with both screenings of full-length motion pictures as well as abbreviated clips from works demonstrating excellence in craftsmanship.  The following is a listing of the complete, full-length motion pictures may be part of the in-class activities:

Broken Blossoms 1919 Bonnie and Clyde 1967
Nosferatu 1922 Cabinet of Dr. Caligari 1920
It Happened One Night 1934 Whatever Happened to Baby Jane 1962
Some Like It Hot 1959 Meet Me in St. Louis 1944
Cabaret 1972 Amadeus 1984
Double Indemnity 1944 Psycho 1960
Sunset Boulevard 1950 Casablanca 1942
Citizen Kane 1941 The Elephant Man 1980
Rashomon 1951 Dr. Strangelove 1964
American Graffiti 1973 Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid 1969
Singing in the Rain 1952

The Graduate 1967

At no time will any screening material exceed District policies concerning R rated materials.

Students who are absent on days in which full-length motion pictures are screened as part of the class

activities will be required to access those films at their own time and expense in order to make up required viewing assignments.  Film screenings may not be repeated NOR are the videos available for students to borrow for home viewing.

If any film appearing on this list is considered unsuitable material for your child to view, please provide me with a written request to excuse your child from the in-class screening, and an alternate assignment will be provided.

For more information concerning this course, ask your child for the Course Syllabus, which will be available beginning Wednesday, January 8, after registration.

Feel free to contact me:

Randy Thomas
South High School/Room 225
303-698-6100  voice mail 21460
Randal_Thomas@dpsk12.org

Mr. Thomas's Syllabus Page

The English Faculty Page

The Reading and Writing Center Page