This course will examine the unique relationship between communication and film from the 1920s (the era of the silent film) through today. Focusing both on U.S. and Global cinemas, the course investigates how the technological, aesthetic, and sociocultural histories of the film have emerged and changed over time. 

The film is a medium of communication. From its early beginnings to its current state, it serves as a platform for communicating both personal and world issues, from every day to global topics. We will examine some of the dominant film movements that utilized and shaped the film as a communication tool through images and sound. World cinema offers a rich language of cultural expression that teaches us about the similarities, differences, and interactions we have with other cultures. Through the study of communication through film, we are able to explore how national cinemas influence each other. 

The course will bring together the insights of communication as it relates to film. Using a historical perspective through viewings, discussions, and study of the critical text, students explore both the way films communicate, and the use of formal and aesthetic elements that formulate communication, paying special attention to the way films express and influence cultural forms, values, and patterns. 

Course Learning Objectives (CLO)

1. Describe the way films influence societies
2. Identify the ways film conventions shape communication styles.
3. Explain critical studies (history, industry, and criticism), production (film, video, digital), and writing.
4. Explain information and analysis in the language of the field.
5. Evaluate and describe a film by completing a written paper

Core Curriculum (Arts Category) Learning Outcomes  (CCLO)
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Explain how movies and film express meanings and how viewers understand the meanings proposed by the films and what the film creators set out to express. 
2. Explain how film functions as a mode of communication that evolves and changes as individuals, societies, and cultures themselves evolve and change.
3. Explain how cinema functions globally as an art and as a business. 

Global Learning Course Outcomes (GLCO)
Upon completion of this course, the student will:

1. Have become aware of the interrelatedness of local, global, international and intercultural issues, trends, and systems as they pertain to communication in film. (Global Awareness)
2. Have acquired the ability to develop a multi-perspective analysis of local, global, international, and communication issues through film. (Global Perspective)
3. Be prepared to engage in local, global, international, and intercultural problem-solving involving communication in film. (Global Engagement).

ACTIVE LEARNING STRATEGIES

Faculty from Communication Arts Department will immerse students with intercultural learning, controversial/ethical discussion topics, and various supplemental materials to help illuminate the issues surrounding intercultural communication.

Following an introduction to the broad issues under consideration, the first third of the course will necessarily devote considerable time toward developing a shared vocabulary and basic level of knowledge in Intercultural Communication that will facilitate the class discussions that will ensue the remainder of the semester. 

This is an online course, which means most (if not all) of the course work will be conducted online. Expectations for performance in an online course are the same for a traditional course. In fact, online courses require a degree of self-motivation, self-discipline, and technology skills which can make these courses more demanding for some students.

Students are expected to:

This is an online course, meaning that all of the course work will be conducted online. Expectations for performance in an online course are the same as for traditional courses; in fact, online courses require a degree of self-motivation, self-discipline, and technology skills that can make them more demanding for some students.

Online courses are not independent study courses. You will be expected to interact online with the professor and your fellow students; to do assignments, and to meet deadlines.

In order to be successful in this fully online course, you will be expected to:

• Purchase the textbook within the first week of class.
• Follow instructions and ask questions when you are uncertain of the course material.
• Create a calendar consisting of the assignments and their respective due dates.
• Access the course daily to check for messages from your instructor.

Please review the FIU's Policies and Netiquette webpage. The policies webpage contains essential information regarding guidelines relevant to all courses at FIU, as well as additional information about acceptable netiquette for online courses.

As a member of the FIU community you are expected to be knowledgeable about the behavioral expectations set forth in the FIU Student Code of Conduct.

Acceptance of Late Assignments

This is an online course that moves quickly. Assignment deadlines you will see on your calendar well in advance. It is your responsibility to submit assignments early if, for example, you have planned a vacation.

All documentation related to medical emergencies must be dated, signed by a licensed medical professional, and contain the licensed medical professional's contact number. I will expect such documentation submitted no later than one week after the assignment's due date in case of emergencies, but no later than 24 hours after the assignment due date in non-emergency situations. No exceptions. Supporting medical documentation is always kept confidential.

The departmental and course policies governing the acceptance of late assignments was adopted for the purpose of ensuring that each student is treated fairly and held to the same objective standards. The department, in adopting the late assignment policy, concluded that it was reasonable for students enrolled in an online class to be responsible for the following:

• to understand and to respect an assignment's posted due date
• to read and to abide by the course policies posted within the syllabus

As such, requests for extensions related to the mismanaging of one's time, unfamiliarity with course policies contained within the syllabus, and/or not following an assignment's posted submission instructions are not compelling reasons for an instructor to grant an extension and will, therefore, be denied.

Once again, the departmental policies and procedures were adopted for the purpose of ensuring that all students in a class are treated fairly and are evaluated using the same objective standards. Your understanding and cooperation are both greatly appreciated.

Policy for Assigning an incomplete "I" Grade
An incomplete grade is a temporary symbol given for work not completed because of serious interruption not caused by the student's own negligence. An incomplete must be made up as quickly as possible, but no later than, two consecutive semesters after the initial taking of the course or it will automatically default to an "F" or the grade that the student earned in the course. There is no extension of the two-semester deadline. The student must not register again for the course to make up the incomplete. Students who have incomplete grades on their records must remove the incomplete 6 by the end of the fourth week of the term in which they plan to graduate. Failure to do so will result in a cancellation of graduation.

An incomplete grade is awarded only if the student has completed most of the course work. If a student misses a significant portion of the course work, he/she should drop the course. If the drop period has ended, the student may petition for a withdrawal—this requires the student to un-enroll in all of their courses for that semester. Incompletes are not to be used because a student took on too many credits and they cannot complete everything that is now required of them.

In such cases where the course instructor determines that it appropriate to award a student a grade of "I" (incomplete), the following steps must be followed.

Using an Official University Form the course instructor will report the following:

• The grade earned by the student to date.
• The missing work and the percentage of the final grade it represents (this requires the details of the specific missing assignment).
• The date the instructor expects the missing work to be submitted or in the case of an examination made up.
• The justification for awarding the grade of "I".
• Have the student sign the form.
• Submit this form to the Department Chair and Dean and maintain a copy for instructor records and provide a copy for the student.
• Upon satisfying the requirements for a grade the instructor will sign off on the form and attach it to the change of grade form she or he will submit.

Academic Misconduct
Florida International University is a community dedicated to generating and imparting knowledge through excellent teaching and research, the rigorous and respectful exchange of ideas, and community service. All students should respect the right of others to have an equitable opportunity to learn and honestly to demonstrate the quality of their learning. Therefore, all students are expected to adhere to a standard of academic conduct, which demonstrates respect for themselves, their fellow students, and the educational mission of the University. All students are deemed by the University to understand that if they are found responsible for academic misconduct, they will be subject to the Academic Misconduct procedures and sanctions, as outlined in the Student Handbook. This Code of Academic Integrity was adopted by the Student Government Association on November 28, 2001, and reflects the values articulated in the Student Code of Standards.

All students are deemed by the university to understand that if they are found responsible for academic misconduct, they will be subject to the Code of Academic Integrity's procedures and sanctions, as outlined in the FIU Student Handbook. Students have the right to due process in all disciplinary situations. For additional information concerning student rights and responsibilities, please contact FIU's Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution. Academic misconduct will not be tolerated in this class. Ignorance of the law is no excuse. Violations 7 of academic integrity will be punished. These violations involve the use of any method or technique enabling you to misrepresent the quality or integrity of any of your university-related work.

University Learning Center
The FIU University Learning Center is available on both campuses to support you. They provide personalized attention tailored to your needs in a user-friendly environment that includes online support. You can get help writing a paper, reading more efficiently and increasing textbook comprehension, or even creating an individualized learning plan. The center is located in GL 120 (305-348-2441) on the main campus and at ACI 160 (305-919-5927) on the Biscayne Bay campus. Find them online here.

Disability Clause
Students with disabilities, as defined by law, have the right to receive needed accommodations if their disabilities make it difficult to perform academic tasks in the usual way or in the allotted time frame. In order to receive accommodation, however, students must register with the Disability Resource Center:

Modesto Maidique Campus, GC 190
Voice: (305) 348-3532
TTY: (305) 348-3852
Fax: (305) 348-3850
Email: drcupgl@fiu.edu

Religious Holidays
The University's policy on religious holy days as stated in the University Catalog and Student Handbook will be followed in this class. Any student may request to be excused from an online class to observe a religious holy day of his or her faith.

One of the greatest barriers to taking an online course is a lack of basic computer literacy. By computer literacy we mean being able to manage and organize computer files efficiently, and learning to use your computer's operating system and software quickly and easily. Keep in mind that this is not a computer literacy course; but students enrolled in online courses are expected to have moderate proficiency using a computer. Please go to the "What's Required" webpage to find out more information on this subject.

Privacy Policy Statements for partners and Vendors

• Canvas
• Microsoft
• Adobe
• Google
• ProctorU
• HonorLock (PDF)
• Turnitin
• NBC Learn
• OpenStax
• Respondus LockDown Browser
• Zoom

Please visit our Technical Requirements webpage for additional information.

The Disability Resource Center collaborates with students, faculty, staff, and community members to create diverse learning environments that are usable, equitable, inclusive and sustainable. The DRC provides FIU students with disabilities the necessary support to successfully complete their education and participate in activities available to all students. If you have a diagnosed disability and plan to utilize academic accommodations, please contact the Center at (305) 348-3532 or visit them at the Graham Center GC 190.

For additional assistance please contact FIU's Disability Resource Center.

Web Accessibility Statements for Partners and Vendors

• Canvas
• Microsoft
• Adobe
• Google
• ProctorU
• HonorLock
• OpenStax
• Turnitin
• NBC Learn
• Adobe Connect
• Respondus LockDown Browser
• Zoom

Please visit our ADA Compliance webpage for additional information about accessibility involving the tools used in this course.

If you are looking for help for yourself or a fellow classmate, Panthers Care encourages you to express any concerns you may come across as it relates to any personal behavior concerns or worries you have, for the classmate’s well-being or yours; you are encouraged to share your concerns with FIU’s Panthers Care website.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers free and confidential help for anxiety, depression, stress, and other concerns that life brings. Professional counselors are available for same-day appointments. Don’t wait to call (305) 348-2277 to set up a time to talk or visit the online self-help portal.

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Please read the weekly calendar carefully. You are fully responsible for completing the assignments by the assigned dates. This requires that you read ahead as some assignments may take you more time and research than others. This course will consist of the following assignments:

Zoom Live Session:

You are expected to attend the live session via Zoom for exam review. Specific dates and times TBD. Attendance is mandatory; however, there are no class points for attending.

Practice Quiz:

The practice quiz is to test your computer. It does not contain questions related to the class. It is available to make sure your computer is set up to take an online course. You receive NO class points for this quiz. You can find the practice quiz in Canvas. It is advised that you take this quiz BEFORE you attempt opening assignments to avoid any technical issues.

Entrance Quiz:

The entrance quiz is located in Canvas in the Week 1 folder and will count as your Weekly Assignment 1. It is based SOLELY on the FAQ doc and the syllabus of the course.

Watch Course Related Videos:

Throughout the course, you will be required to watch various course-related videos located on Canvas or Kanopy. Each one of the videos will help you understand Communication in Film on a deeper level. Tests will include questions that pertain to this material, so it is essential that you take the time to watch them.

Introduction Post:

You will submit a mini 3-4 paragraph autobiography to the discussion board. Your posts are graded using a 10-point scale (10 (A), 5 (C), or 0 (F)). If your post is complete and well-developed, you’ll earn the full 10 points. If your answer does not meet the minimum requirements, you’ll earn 5 points. If you do not post you will earn 0 points. Review the assignment rubric available in the assignment description.

Discussion Posts:

You are required to post items to the course online discussion forum (see the syllabus for how they will be graded) that add value to the topic that is covered that week linking theory to real-world examples. Review the assignment rubric available in the assignment description.

• Find & Post (or post a link to) a movie clip that correlates to Communication in Film (that no one else in the class has posted to the blog yet) related to this week's chapter(s). No two posts can be identical.
• Analyze the clip according to the requirements for the week.
• Make a connection to the readings, videos or recordings for the week. Posts will be made in the Canvas discussion forum.

Exams:

There will be one 50-question exam, a combination of multiple-choice and true/false. No two exams will be alike. Exams are to be completed by 11:55 p.m. on the specified dates. You will have 120 minutes to complete the exam. You have one chance to take the exam, so make sure you are prepared. Closing the exam does not stop your time. 

If you are a client of the Disability Resource Center, I should receive a note about your allowances. 

Movie Clip Reflection Assignments:

Each 1-2-page movie clip reflection will comprise 30 points toward your grade. You will watch films available on Kanopy or Swank (both free streaming services provided by FIU) and provide your reflection based on my prompt. You will need to relate your reflection to the course material for the given week the assignment is in. Be sure to use specific details and cite your textbook and/or external sources. This writing assignment should include four major sections: the Title Page, Abstract, Main Body, and References. Review the assignment rubric available in the assignment description.

All work should be submitted to the Turnitin dropbox on Canvas. Submissions with a 29% originality report or greater will not be accepted for a grade. Please see the syllabus calendar for the weeks the movie clip reflections are due. Each reflection will be submitted to the Assignment Dropbox link within Canvas.

International Film Comparison Paper:

You will need to compare and contrast several film-related topics and develop a multi-perspective analysis of local, global, international, and communication issues throughout the films. You will then write a 3-5 double-spaced page paper (APA format) that analyzes and exposes what you learned from the course about the given films. APA format in the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The paper will be submitted to the Turnitin dropbox on Canvas. Papers/Essays that have a 25% originality report will not be accepted.

As each of these films was directed/written by individuals outside of the United States, some things to consider when writing the paper about the various cultures and countries are (do not be limited by these items and make sure you explain each component you choose in detail):

• Film
• Structure
• Cinematography
• Design
• Editing
• Acting
• Sound
• Genre
• Visual effects
• Etc.

Be sure to write your paper in APA format, citing the text when necessary. APA format in the introduction, body paragraphs and conclusion. The paper will be submitted to the Turnitin dropbox on Canvas. This writing assignment should include four major sections: the Title Page, Abstract, Main Body, and References. All work should be submitted to the Turnitin dropbox on Canvas. Papers/Essays that have a 29% originality report will not be accepted for a grade. Review the assignment rubric available in the assignment description.

**TURNITIN and Grademark

1. Review the detailed written assignment instructions on how to submit your assignments and how to review the comments (feedback) from your professor.
2. All written assignments on Canvas will be run through Turnitin to check for plagiarism. Your submission should not exceed 25% in similarity.
3. Written assignment dropboxes will be available within the Assignments link of the course tools menu on the left-hand side of the page within Canvas, as well as in their respective modules as outlined in the syllabus.
4. Within one week after the assignment's deadline has passed, you will receive written feedback on your assignment.
5. Late submissions will only be accepted for a maximum of 7 days past the due date. For every day an assignment is late, 10% will be deducted from the original point value, with a maximum reduction of 50% on assignments submitted 7 days past the original due date. Please refer to the "Acceptance of Late Assignments" section of the syllabus for more information.

Communication in this course will take place via the Canvas Inbox. Check out the Canvas Conversations Tutorial or Canvas Guide to learn how to communicate with your instructor and peers using Announcements, Discussions, and the Inbox. 

Communication in this course will take place via Canvas course mail. 

Inbox is a private and secure text-based communication system which occurs within a course among its Course members. Users must log on to Canvas to send, receive, or read messages. The Inbox tool is located on the Course Menu, on the left side of the course webpage. It is recommended that students check their messages routinely to ensure up-to-date communication. 

The Email feature is an external communication tool that allows users to send emails to users enrolled within the course. Emails are sent to the students’ FIU email on record. The Email tool is located on the Course Menu, on the left side of the course webpage.

Visit our Writing Resources webpage for more information on professional writing and technical communication skills.

Keep in mind that your discussion forum postings will likely be seen by other members of the course. Care should be taken when determining what to post.

In order to mitigate any issues with your computer and online assessments, it is very important that you take the Practice Quiz from each computer you will be using to take your graded quizzes and exams. Assessments in this course are not compatible with mobile devices and should not be taken through a mobile phone or a tablet. For more information, please review the important information about quizzes page.

All assessments will auto-submit when (1) the timer runs out OR (2) the closing date/time is reached, whichever happens first. For example, if a quiz has a closing time of 5:00 pm but the student begins the exam at 4:55 pm, the student will only have 5 minutes to complete the quiz.

Assessments in this course are not compatible with mobile devices and should not be taken through a mobile phone or a tablet. If you need further assistance please contact FIU Online Support Services.

Zoom is a video conference tool that you can use to interact with your professor and fellow students by sharing screens, chatting, broadcasting live video/audio, and taking part in other interactive online activities. We will be utilizing this tool to conduct assignment and Exam reviews.

Zoom Meetings will be held on the following dates/time:

• To Be Announced

Zoom Test Meeting Room 
Use this link to access the Zoom Test Meeting Room. This meeting room is available to test out the software before joining an actual session.

Reference the provided links to access Zoom student tutorials to learn about the tool, how to access your meeting room, and share your screen.

• Download Zoom.
• Login to Zoom through Desktop Application
• Enable and Test Audio & Webcam.
• Schedule a meeting or Join a Zoom meeting.
• Invite others to join meeting.
• Chat (Professors) - Students look at attendees section for instructions.
• Share My Screen.
• Record a Local Zoom meeting.
• Host Control in Meetings.
• Getting Started with iOS.
• Getting Started with Android.