Instructor Greeting
Welcome to THEA 1023 — Introduction to Film Studies.
I guess I should have known that I was destined for the arts when I began writing plays when I was seven and directing classmates when I was eight. But I didn't. It was so natural to me. After acting in high school, and being nominated as a Sterling Scholar in Speech and Dramatic Arts, I earned a BA in Theatre and Cinematic Arts at Brigham Young University (where I was nominated for Best Supporting Actress). Later I earned a MA in Theatre and Media Arts, also at BYU.
In between working on my degrees, I was the director of the Stansbury Park Community Theatre and the Wee Willie Winkie Children's Theatre, the Performing Arts Director for Tooele County, an actor and teacher for the regional Theatre 138 and writer for the Miss Tooele County Miss America Pageant. My screenplay for a short dramatic film won a Crystal Heart Award at the Heartland Film Festival, as well as CINE and TELLY awards. I have written several screenplays, as well as taught Writing for Stage and Screen. I was hired by a novelist to write a screen adaptation for one of his fantasy books. I have also written in other categories of fiction such as a picture book and a children’s fantasy novel.
I love teaching and feel the best way for students to learn is if the teacher is enthusiastic about the subject. I feel that tests should be straightforward--students are paying teachers to teach them, not trick them. Students should be treated fairly. Conversely, I appreciate when students follow the rules and not try to bend them. Mutual respect is more productive than arguing. My happiest teaching experiences are when students excel and get the top grades. I would like to invite you to do your best so you can reap the rewards. I'm not a fan of busy work--we are all too busy in our lives to spin our wheels. The assignments are chosen to help you learn--pay careful attention to the specifics of each assignment, follow the guidelines and you will succeed in this class.
THEA 1023 is designed as a fun way to learn about film. Be sure to watch all the film clips. They help illustrate concepts that are important for you to learn, and aid in getting higher scores on quizzes and written responses. Some extra credit is worked into the class to help cover technical problems that sometimes arise in an online course.
This class is designed to help students expand their enjoyment of the motion picture experience by developing abilities to analyze and interpret motion picture artistry. This process will involve an in-depth study of the elements of film. There will be a mixture of older and newer films, drama and comedy, and different genres — each chosen to illustrate the lesson information in an easily accessible manner to facilitate the students in their written responses.
Overall Course Goals
- Develop appreciation for and understanding of film as an art form.
- Develop critical thinking while viewing films.
- Develop critical evaluation through written responses.
Educational Background
BA BYU in Theatre and Cinematic Arts
MA BYU in Film and Theatre Arts
Contact Information and Procedures
Instructor: Jill Robinson
Email: Canvas Inbox (Preferred)
Office Phone: 801.863.5355 (Fall and Spring Only. Not on campus during Summer)
Office Hours: By Appointment
Virtual Office Hours: T/Th 10pm-Midnight
I will reply to emails through the course inbox within one business day, excluding weekends. (Emails received on Friday afternoons will be responded to by the following Monday.) The only exception would be if I’m out of town for a symposium/lecture series and would not have access to a computer. This happens infrequently and usually only for a few days. I will let students know if this is ever the case.
Please limit your email correspondence to personal circumstances or grades. Please check the "Students Helping Students" or "Comments/Questions for Instructor" discussions for everything else. If I have pertinent information, I may post a general announcement to the class.
I usually grade assignments within the week following the submission. I write comments giving feedback if there are problems in the paper. Check this feedback to avoid repeating the same mistakes on subsequent papers.
The discussion board is set up for students to ask general questions of other students. Never ask about quiz questions through the discussion board. This could result in disciplinary action.
Student Responsibilities
Students are expected to perform in accordance with The Student Rights and Responsibilities Code - Policy 541 http://www.uvu.edu/policies/officialpolicy/policies/show/policyid/172
Students are to:
- Start class the first week of the term.
- Set aside regular time each week to "attend" class online; plan ahead and stay on task.
- Learn to use and navigate Canvas through the tutorial and contact the Help Desk (See UVU Policies & Services menu to your left) if you have any problems with "technology-related" aspects of the course.
- Submit assignments only in .doc, .docx, and .rtf documents.
- Learn and use the communication tools in the online course to be present and meaningfully participate.
- Be accountable for course requirements, including course content, video and audio clips, discussions, reflective papers, and quizzes. The extra credit final is optional.
- Complete all assignments on time as defined in the Course Schedule. I will accept early work, but not late work.
- Check instructor feedback on reflective papers to avoid repeating the same mistakes on subsequent papers.
- Do not ask the teacher for a quiz reset; plan enough time to finish the quiz on your first attempt.
- Abide by ethical standards. Your work must be your own.
Instructor Responsibilities
Instructor will:
- Maintain an active presence in the course.
- Respond to emails within ONE business day. (Emails received after midnight MST will be responded to by noon on the following Monday.) If I’m out of town for a symposium/lecture series and do not have access to a computer, I will let students know in advance.
- If multiple emails are received regarding the same question or concern, I may respond with an Announcement to the entire class.
- Usually grade assignments within the week following the submission.
- Write comments giving feedback if there are problems in the paper. A student should check this feedback to avoid repeating the same mistakes on subsequent papers.
- Will accept early work, but will not accept late work. If you have a medical emergency that affects the submission of your assignments, I will only accept a doctor’s note as an excuse for lateness.
- Help guide and facilitate students through course material to provide an effective learning experience.
-- To get started in the course, click the "modules" button on the left and read through the course information materials at the top of the page. Or, click on "home" to return to the home page.--