Syllabus

Course Objectives	Required Assignments/Format
Main & Supplementary Texts	PowerPoint Printing of Handouts
Profile & Course Web Sites	Draft & Final Paper Grading
Required Screenings	Threaded Conversations Grading
Attendance Policy	Grading Scale & Overall Evaluation
Academic Honor Code	Electronic Policies & Copyright
ADA Statement	Spam, Jokes, & Chain Letters
Gordon Rule	Miscellaneous Technology Resources

Course Objectives [top]

This course aims to accomplish the following:

1. to examine how film language creates an interaction between filmmaker and spectator;
2. to analyze how categories of gender, race, class sexuality, and other factors have been ideologically constructed through avenues such as commercial film;
   
3. to develop a vocabulary for how film creates a "politics of the gaze"-that is, focusing on the issues of whose view or story is authorized or not, and on what grounds;
   
4. to examine how all of the aforementioned factors work together in narrative and popular film;
   
5. to introduce the student to several theoretical approaches in film criticism
   
6. to examine the nature of genre, with a particular focus on horror in Frankenstein films initially, to branch out into hybrid genres (horror comedies, science fiction horror, science fiction and comedic horror), and finally to end a look at gothic motifs, characteristic of horror, that are visible in depictions of serial killers, vampires, and Nazis.

Main Texts [top]

You are not required to purchase any of these books as they are available online. No profit is being made through their use in my class.

Books marked with * are available as scanned material via Blackboard's course shell, under Course Library; if you wish to buy your own copies, go to Bill's Bookstore or purchase copies from amazon or any other online dealer.

Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein (New York, New York: Penguin Books, 1992) ISBN: 0-14-043362-7 (Other editions are fine as well.) *

Rushing, Janice and Frentz, Thomas. Projecting the Shadow (Chicago and London: University of Chicago Press, 1995) ISBN: 0-226-73167-7

Picart, C.J.S. and David Frank, Frames of Evil: The Holocaust as Horror in American Film (Carbondale, S.C.: Southern Illinois University Press, 2007),

Picart, Caroline J.S. The Cinematic Rebirths of Frankenstein: Universal, Hammer and Beyond. Westport, CT and London: Praeger, October 2001. ISBN: 0-275-97363-8 *

Picart, Caroline J.S. Remaking the Frankenstein Myth on Film: Between Laughter and Horror (SUNY Press, 2003). ISBN: 0791457702 *

Picart, C.J.S. and David Frank. Frames of Evil: The Holocaust as Horror in American Film (Southern Illinois University Press, 2006) *


Picart, C.J.S. and McKahan, J.G. "Sadomasochism, Sexual Torture, and the Holocaust Film: From Misogyny to Homoeroticism and Homophobia in Apt Pupil," Jump Cut, published, July 2002 (online at: http://www.ejumpcut.org/archive/jc45.2002/picart/). [Link opens in a new browser window]

Picart, C.J.S. and Greek, C. "The Compulsions of Serial Killers as Vampires: Toward a Gothic Criminology," Journal of Criminal Justice and Popular Culture, published, Vol 10.1, 2003: 39-68. (online at: http://www.albany.edu/scj/jcjpc/vol10is1/picart.html). [Link opens in a new browser window]

Or:Picart, C.J.S. and Greek, C. "The Compulsions of Real/Reel Serial Killers and Vampires: Toward a Gothic Criminology," Monsters In and Among Us (Fairleigh Dickinson University Press, 2007

Supplementary Texts [top]

Not required to be bought, but they would greatly enhance the main texts. These texts are useful for reports and final papers, but you will not be directly tested on their content. The reasons why they are included are because they give a broader view of the field, and because the main texts begin with concise summaries of them.

Picart, Caroline Joan (Kay), Frank Smoot and Jayne Blodgett, The Frankenstein Film Sourcebook. Greenwood Press, 2001. ISBN: 0-313-31350-4 (May be Used Throughout the First 10 Weeks of the Course as a Supplementary Text)

Rushing, Janice and Frentz, Thomas. Projecting the Shadow (Chicago and London: University of Chicago Press, 1995) ISBN: 0-226-73167-7 >

Clover, Carol. Men, Women and Chainsaws (Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 1992) ISBN: 0-691-00620-2

Carroll, Noël. "Ethnicity, Race, and Monstrosity: The Rhetorics of Horror and Humor." Beauty Matters. Ed. Peg Zeglin Brand. Bloomington: Indiana UP, 2000. 37-53.

Carroll, Noël. The Philosophy of Horror, or, Paradoxes of the Heart. New York: Routledge, 1990.

Berenstein, Rhona J. Attack of the Leading Ladies: Gender, Sexuality, and Spectatorship in Classic Horror Cinema. New York: Columbia University Press, 1996.

Benshoff, Harry. "Defining the Monster Queer in the Classical Hollywood Horror Film" Monsters in the Closet: Homosexuality and the Horror Film. Oxford and New York: Manchester University Press, 1997.

Loshitzky, Yosefa. ed., Spielberg's Holocaust: Critical Perspectives on Schindler's List (Bloomington and Indianapolis: Indiana University Press, 1997). May be Used as a Supplementary Text from Weeks 11-14.

Ingebretsen, Edward J. At Stake: Monsters and the Rhetoric of Fear in Public Culture (Chicago and London: The University of Chicago Press, 2001).

Student Profile [top]

What kind of student are you? (.ppt file; 92K).

Course Web Sites [top]

The website, http://www.carolinekaypicart.com/filmgenres/ is a purely virtual version of ENG 3310-01, a companion to the text, provides a backbone of lectures that will enhance the understanding of how the materials flow together.

This course will employ principally a lecture and discussion format, and will integrate the effective use of technology (e.g., Blackboard, powerpoint, videos, when relevant). To fulfill the requirements of this course, you should sign up for a garnet or mailer account by going to:

http://register.acns.fsu.edu/CARS/studentreg.html
[link opens a new browser window]

If you already have a garnet or mailer account, and are registered properly for the course, you can go to http://campus.fsu.edu/ [note: a new browser window will open] and log into ENG 3310 section 1. Using your garnet or mailer user name and password, you should be able to access all information on the course that is available via the Blackboard shell.

Note that to fulfill the requirements necessary to not only pass, but do well in the course, you will need to learn the essentials of Blackboard as soon as possible.

To view these streamed clips, you must download RealPlayer, and it is highly recommended that you use on campus computer facilities, especially those at the Oglesby Union and the basement (not the first floor) of Strozier Library. A password to access these will be given to you by your instructor. Under all circumstances, do not pass on this password to anyone. The penalties for passing this on to anyone unauthorized to have access to it are of the most severe type, ranging from litigation to expulsion. The FERPA (Family Educational Right of Privacy Act), which is on the Provost's website, protects the confidentiality of students' grades; thus, to absolutely ensure that this rule be kept, as well as standards of objectivity be held, students will be given code numbers starting on the second week of class. All students must identify themselves, on their quizzes, papers, or any other requirements, using this code number.

Required Screenings [top]

All Students are required to watch the films to be discussed in this class, and to learn the necessary technological skills (Blackboard, powerpoint, the use of the english3 site, the use of the teacher's console for reports); for your convenience, the following training times and location have been reserved: Screenings and Tech Training: 6:45-9:30 PM T, WMS 13. All technological training and film viewing is required, and counts towards attendance.

To go to the Blackboard shell, click on http://campus.fsu.edu/ [note: a new browser window will open] and log into ENG 3310 section 1, using your garnet or mailer user name and password.

In addition, streamed online clips illustrating film form or technique, and key thematic elements of the films, are available at:

http://www.fsu.edu/~video/hum3321/ or http://www.criminology.fsu.edu/crimefilm/syllabus.htm
[links open in a new browser window]

The password will be announced in class. As mentioned earlier, passing on this password to anyone unauthorized leaves the person responsible for the leak open to punishments ranging from expulsion to law suits.

Attendance Policy [top]

Students are encouraged to attend every class in order to benefit from the lecture as well as the class discussion. However, if class must be missed, a legitimate reason (illness, etc.), with proper documentation, must be presented to the instructor.

Note that there is no make-up work for classes missed; requirements due then must be submitted on time, or ahead, through e-mail. My e-mail is:

kpicart@fsu.edu

According to university policy, students who accumulate more than two weeks' worth of absences are in danger of failing (that's six MWF classes or two meetings, since this class meets once a week); those who are involved with university-sanctioned events (inclusive of, but not limited to athletics, band, ROTC, academic honor societies, and nursing) may not be counted absent on days scheduled as service work for the university. To be excused on such days, obtain a signed statement on FSU letterhead, authorizing such a schedule of projected absences, from your advisor, by the second week of classes. This is the student's responsibility; without such a document, those absences will be counted.

Documented illnesses (get an authorized note from your physician or Thagard) will also be counted as excused absences. In all these cases, however, the students are still held responsible for work due that day and for all material covered, inclusive of class announcements or if necessary, changes to the course calendar; if a major requirement is due, such as a final paper, it is the student's responsibility to get the paper to the instructor either ahead of time, or on the day itself, through e-mail (see above). No late work is acceptable.

Academic Honor Code [top]

The Florida State University General Bulletin contains an Honor Code that is repeated verbatim in the Student Handbook. You are responsible for knowing and conforming to it; in addition to the information listed in the Handbook, you are also cautioned that:

1. If you take material that is not yours, from any source (inclusive of websites), and copy it into anything you submit, you are obligated to provide a footnote, endnote or parenthetical reference and works cited list at the end of the paper.
   
2. Material that is lifted verbatim from other texts must be placed in quotation marks or, in the case of anything longer than three sentences, blocked quotes, indicating its source, as in item # 1 above.
   
3. Material that is paraphrased must also be documented as in item # 1.
   
4. Persons who violate the Honor Code and any of the items above in any requirement, whether minor or major, will receive an "F" for the course.
   

Keep these in mind when you write your final papers. Remember that cheating constitutes adequate justification for expulsion. When you use a source (and your final paper will require at least three sources discussed in class, and three new sources, in addition to one required film and one new film, from a collection of sources, such as books, articles, newpapers, web sources), these should be cited properly, either as direct quotes, or as paraphrased material. You may use either the APA, MLA or Chicago Manual of Style for citations, as long as you are consistent throughout the paper.

Thus, contrary to students' beliefs, plagiarism isn't just a little thing. Any time you take someone else's words, ideas or concepts, you must cite your source and give credit to the actual author. This is especially true for anything you pick from
the web. Knowing the appropriate citation for your material is your responsibility.

Failure to cite your sources and give credit to the original author will be punishable to the extent your FSU Student Handbook provides for plagiarism. This can lead all the way up to expulsion from Florida State University. When in doubt, cite your source! For further information on plagiarism and the honor code, see: http://www.fsu.edu/Books/Student-Handbook/codes/honor.html [link opens a new browser window].

ADA Statement [top]

Students with documented disabilities needing academic accommodations should, in the first week of class: 1.) register with and provide documentation to the Student Disability Resource Center (SDRC) and 2.) bring an authorized letter from SDRC to the professor, indicating the need for academic accommodations, if necessary. This and all other class materials are available in alternative format, upon request. The instructors will do everything they can to ensure fairness to everyone in class.

For further information, refer to: http://www.fsu.edu/~staffair/dean/StudentDisability/index.html
[link opens a new browser window]

Gordon Rule Requirement [top]

Also, since this course is considered a Gordon Rule class, students must obtain a C- or better in order to pass the Gordon Rule requirement. For further information on these university policies, refer to the handbook at http://www.fsu.edu/Books/Student-Handbook. [link opens a new browser window]

Required Assignments/Format [top]

This course will employ a lecture and discussion format. Students are required to come in, having read the required texts for the day, in order to present and defend their opinions, as well as critique those of others and pose clarificatory questions; thus skills of listening and oral argumentation are very much part of the course design.

After a number of sessions handled by Dr. Picart, the duty of giving a brief summary and critique of some of the assigned texts for the day, and of generating discussion, using a powerpoint format, along other activities, such as small group discussions, will be rotated among the students. Students giving powerpoint presentations are required to e-mail their presentations to me (kpicart@fsu.edu) 24 hours before they are due to report. On the day of the presentations, the presenters are required to come in with a diskette version (just in case something goes wrong with the web) and two hard copies of the powerpoints in "hand-out" format. AGAIN, NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED. Ideally, as well, your work on your powerpoint presentation should help you create your draft and final papers, which form the final requirements of the course.

The 30 minute student powerpoints should feature:

1. the aims of the particular class session
   
2. key terms/concepts and examples of them, featuring specific clips
   
3. a class outline, including an estimate of time allocations
   
4. an interactive activity, which is usually a student edition powerpoint presentation that may incorporate a game, small group work, acting a skit, etc.
   
5. guide questions for discussion

On the day of the presentation itself, come in with one powerpoint hand-out copy (see below for instructions) to submit to me. Keep another copy for yourself to use as a point of reference as you report.

The items outlined above comprise the criteria for the evaluation of your work for this component, which comprises 20% of the total mark, with each component above equally weighted. Posting these powerpoint presentations is a prerequisite to getting full credit. 20% of your total grade will come from this presentation. There are NO exceptions to this rule; you may switch teams (provided there are teams) and dates if you tell me ahead of time, and work out arrangements with each other. I will make sign-up arrangements available during the second week so you may think about which session/s you would like to sign up for, and with whom (if group arrangements are possible)..

In order to save on ink and paper, you may print out a "hand-out" version. Instructions for this are listed below. If it is easier for you, just print out an ordinary copy of the powerpoint presentation and photocopy it to save ink.

Powerpoint Printing of Hand-Out Copies of Powerpoint Presentations [top]

Here are the instructions for the best way to print out PowerPoint presentations:

I. From the web
(You must have the PowerPoint program installed in your computer to do it this way)

1. Use Netscape to get to http://campus.fsu.edu/ [link opens a new browser window]
   
2. After you log in and get to the course webpage, click to External Links.
   
3. Click on the PowerPoint presentation you would like to print out.
   
4. A window will open to ask if you would like to "save it to disk" or "run from the current location". For convenience's sake, click "run from current location." This will download and transfer the presentation to the PowerPoint program on your computer.
   
5. Go to "File" on the menu. Scroll down to "Print".
   
6. When the print menu pops up.
   
   • You can choose from "slides". This will print each slide on a full page.
     
   • To save paper, you can choose to print as "handouts". On a section on the right, you can choose how many slides you would like on each page.
     
   • Also, there are checklist options at the bottom, I recommend clicking "pure black and white" for clearer pictures on a black and white printer.
     
   • When you are finished, click the "OK" button.
     

II. From the PowerPoint Program

1. Click on the "my computer" icon.
   
2. Click on the icon representing where your file is saved (for example, if the PowerPoint presentation you wish to open is on your disk, click A:)
   
3. Click on the file in order to open.
   
4. Go to "File" on the menu. Scroll down to "Print". When the print menu pops up.
   • You can choose from "slides". This will print each slide on a full page.
     
   • To save paper, you can choose to print as "handouts". On a section on the right, you can choose how many slides you would like on each page.
     
   • Also, there are checklist options, I recommend clicking "pure black and white" for clearer pictures on a black and white printer.
     When you are finished, click the "OK" button.

Draft and Final Paper Grading Criteria [top]

Note: Your final essay grade will be based on the following criteria. Each category will be compiled of whole points, no partial points will be given. All of these criteria are equally weighted. Thus, each criterion is worth 20 points.

1. Spelling Mechanics Structural Detail: These essays are to consist of 3-4 pages, typewritten in a standard format (MLA, APA, Chicago or any other standard format so long as the usage is consistent), double-spaced, with 11 point font and 1 inch margins. You must confer film credits (http://us.imbd.com)and spell the characters' and actors' names correctly. Your essay must have a clear thesis, which is to be followed by a series of arguments that support your thesis, using specific examples from the film and readings.
2. Examples of Cultural Theory (quality and quantity): The essay must make reference to and apply ideas found in at least two required texts listed above, two movies we have used in class, one movie that we have not used in class, two supplementary texts, as listed above, and one article from the Supplementary Bibliography, which can be accessed on the Reference page of http://www.carolinekaypicart.com/humfilm (Only Frankenstein films are relevant here). You must illustrate the interrelations of class, race, gender and sexuality. One practical approach to the paper might be to read the articles and sum up their main points. Once you have command of the ideas presented in the articles, watch the film. In this way, you will have a theoretical basis/perspective before viewing the film and will be more aware of certain interpretations and questions that can be raised while you watch the film.
3. Examples of Film Form (quality and quantity): Explain fully in detail how film content (story and plot) and film form (mode of narration/genre conventions) inform your thesis. You should ask, for example, what is the thematic material or ideology of class, race, gender or sexuality in the selected film and how does the form of the film interact with, or enunciate, this theme or ideology? How does the filmmaker attempt to express ideas and elicit emotional responses from spectators, using genre conventions? In what ways does the film you have chosen to write about "address" an implied spectator by reference to codes of class, race, gender or sexuality through film form (subjectivity, point of view editing, close-up, angle, lighting, reaction shots). Be sure to take abbreviated notes while watching the films for later reference. You might also rent a copy of your selected film in order to review its content and form in detail.
4. Synthesis of Cultural Theory and Film Form: Evaluates the overall synthesis of ideas derived from the theories presented in the course readings and their relationship to the formal structuring of the selected film, with an eye to genre conventions.
5. Quality and Creativity of Thesis and Arguments: Be specific in your arguments and try to avoid obvious or far-reaching statements. Creativity is assessed by your ability to often put unrelated ideas into a single conceptual framework and back these up with adequate and compelling proof.
   

Note: One film, discussed in class, with one new film is required. So are 6 sources: three from within class, and three that are new. These should be specified, on the front cover sheet, in bibliographic form, with the required texts being distinct from the new or supplementary texts. An abstract of at most 100 words is also required, as is an effective title. Failure to comply with any of the formal requirements stated above (including font size and margin spaces) results in a two point deduction, per infraction.

Threaded Conversations Grading Criteria [top]

In order to receive any grade higher than 40 points on a 100 point scale, the student must meet the word limits set, which is between 250 to 500 words. At the top of the post, kindly indicate the word count. To check your word count, in MSWORD use "Tools" -> "Word Count" and look at the number after 'words.'

93-100 points
The student shows detailed comprehension of the question and the material and provides a very clear argumentation. Proper English grammar and spelling are essential for this grade.

87-92 points
The student shows detailed comprehension of the question and the material and provides for the most part a very clear argumentation. Proper English grammar and spelling are essential.

80-86 points
The student shows detailed comprehension of the question and the material and provides a good argumentation. Very few spelling or grammar errors may occur.

73-79 points
The student shows average comprehension of the question and the material. There are either minor argumentation or spelling or grammar errors in the writing.

67-72 points
The student shows either problems with the comprehension of the question and/or the material and at times lacks adequate argumentation. Spelling/grammar errors may also be frequently present.

60-66 points
The student shows problems with the comprehension of the question and the material and lacks proper argumentation. Spelling and grammar errors are frequently present. There may also be a large amount of wordiness.

00-59 points
The student meets any of the following criteria:

• word count too low (compare the required word count set by your instructor(s)).
  
• not answering the question provided (i.e. writing about everything else, but the question asked).
  
• student has no grasp of the material.
  
• excessive spelling and grammar errors, including--but not limited to--frequent incomplete sentences. You have access to a free writing center on campus if you need help in improving your English.
  
• Student is caught plagiarizing: automatic 00 for that assignment. Further consequences may follow!
  
• 00 points for not turning in an assignment on time.
  

Grading Scale [top]

Overall Evaluation [top]

Policies on Electronic Communication and Access to Information [top]

The FSU internal networks and connections to the National Information Infrastructure provide a wide range of facilities for communication between individuals and for disseminating information and ideas. Electronic communication and information resources will be increasingly important to University faculty, staff, and students. The University supports open access to electronic communication and information, as follows:

• Members of the University community may freely communicate and access information on electronic networks.
  
• Material accessible to the FSU community through networks and materials disseminated from FSU should not be restricted on the basis of its content, nor because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to its creation (note: obscenity is not protected by the First Amendment). University administrators, faculty, and staff should challenge any attempts to censor electronic information sources. Members of the University community should use information resources responsibly and considerately, in accordance with the following guidelines:
  
  • The computing and network resources of the University may not be used to impersonate another person or misrepresent authorization to act on behalf of others or the University.
    
  • The computing and network resources of the University may not be used to harass another person. Users should not transmit to others or display images, sounds, or messages that might be perceived by a reasonable person as, or have been identified as, harassing. (See the University policies on sexual harassment and the Student Conduct Codes, section 9.c.3.)

Owners of computer accounts are responsible for all use of the accounts. They should follow guidelines to prevent unauthorized use by others, and report intrusions to the system administrators. The University cannot guarantee that, in all instances, copies of critical data will be retained on University systems. It is ultimately the responsibility of computer users to obtain secure, backup copies of essential files for disaster recovery.

VIOLATIONS: Violations of computer and network policy as outlined in this document will be considered on a case-by-case basis according to established policies; determinations may include denial of access privileges. In all instances, measures will be taken to protect the system; however, due-process rights of everyone involved will be observed in all cases. Users are reminded that some uses of the network are governed by the University Honor Code, local, State, or Federal laws.

APPROVED BY FACULTY SENATE, APRIL 12, 1995

Technology, Education, and Copyright Harmonization Act of 2001 [top]

Relevant to the use of streamed material online

Revises Federal copyright law to extend the exemption from infringement liability for instructional broadcasting to digital distance learning or distance education. Excludes from such exemption (thus subjecting to infringement liability) any work produced or marketed primarily for performance or display that is given by means of a copy of phonorecord that is not lawfully made and acquired and the transmitting government body or accredited nonprofit educational institution knew or had reasons to believe was not lawfully made and acquired. Allows under specified conditions the performance and display of reasonable and limited portions of any copyrighted work in an amount comparable to that which is typically displayed in the course of a live classroom session, by or in the course of transmission.

Regarding Spam/Jokes/Chain Letters [top]

Please note that anything that is inappropriate to say face-to-face in class is generally inappropriate to distribute on the web course. Also the mailing lists should not be used for anything but communicating within the class environment. Inappropriate behavior of this kind will result in severe consequences as outlined in the FSU Student Handbook (email abuse punishment can range from revoking your computer access to expulsion in severe cases). Refer to:

http://www.fsu.edu/Books/Student-Handbook/codes/honor.html
[link opens a new browser window]

For more on Email Abuse, also see:

http://www.acns.fsu.edu/docs/policy.html
[link opens a new browser window]

If you feel that some course-relevant information should be made available to the entire class, email the instructor(s) with a request to post on the announcement board. The instructor(s) will make the decision of appropriateness.

Miscellaneous Technology Resources [top]

Technical Support
If you run into any technological difficulties, please contact (in addition to your assigned instructors and mentorees):

1. http://us.fsu.edu [link opens a new browser window] or call 644-8502 for live technological support;
   
2. a. http://training.us.fsu.edu/course_handouts/html.pdf (particularly the section on page 21 of the pdf file).
   b. http://hotwired.lycos.com/webmonkey/reference/html_cheatsheet/index.html (HTML reference sheet - link opens a new browser window) in order to learn how to boldface, underline, italicize, etc. in your threaded conversation posts.
   

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