If you love watching movies for more than just the entertainment or appreciate the techniques in cinematography and atmosphere used in your favorite films, then I bring good news. Dr. Bomberger is teaching the “Art of Film” class on Wednesdays and Fridays from 1:25 PM to 2:45 PM in Palumbo 3020D in the Spring! Details pertaining to the specifics of the credit hours and further not discussed here can be found by emailing Dr. Bomberger with a request for the syllabus. Movies are easily the most generally engaged form of art other than music, and can be utilized in many different ways, and have become a cornerstone of holiday spirit in many households. Whether it be fulfilling the Halloween mood with a showing of The Lighthouse with your friends or the annual ritual of watching Elf in December, they can be complementary to any setting.

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The Art of Film class touches on the elements required for creating a film: this does not merely mean equipment used but instead camera placement, cinematography, shadow use and deliberately placed, slight details that add to the overall experience. A more famous example of this is the technique used in the movie The Thing where the cinematographer had a faint glint of light shine in the character’s eyes that were still human. The traditional paths of film through history, cinema’s milestones in diversity and boldness in commentary of all spectrums will also be discussed in this class. The diversity of film through various cultures and through time can be included in that as well, and how incorporations of each in differing cultures can complement rather than distract from one another. In this class you will watch films, one once every week or every two weeks, and will involve critical analysis of films.

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Taking notes in this case will only aid your experience in enjoying a movie and being efficient in this class. Oral presentations will also be incorporated, the presentations themselves being informal analysis of movie scenes and formal, research-oriented oral presentations on the films you will watch. Class discussion will be common as expected in a class like this, as well as small group work in between the lectures. Discussions of informal scene analysis, journaling and group activities will be based upon groups

established at the beginning, continuing over the course of the semester. The assignments you will complete will be through the group you are assigned in, adding a level of engagement. As for the scene analysis itself, you will take notes on lines of dialogue that you find interesting or great writing, unique shots, etc. The goal of the analysis is to build your analytical skills rather than research and summary, and will be completed through discussion board posts on Blackboard. The parameters for these posts are to be your own words, well labeled and in essay format. They are to be detailed posts of at least 200 words and over one hundred words for the follow up-post, and have a good degree in flexibility as far as formality is concerned. Be courteous of classmates and feel free to post more than what is required as it may increase the total grade of the forum if new ideas are contributed to the discussion.

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All in all, Dr. B’s Art of Film class will allow you to expand your worldview by watching films you may not be familiar with. It will challenge you to analyze the details of these films both in content as well as in stylistic filming choices. You will also have the privilege of participating in discussion with students who share your love of movies. This class will allow you to come challenge yourself, connect with peers, enjoy movies, and grow your appreciation for the art of film!

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