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Bridgewater State College
Department of Communication Studies

COMM 399-W01 Topic: Egyptian Cinema

Fall 2009
Online Course
http://plato.bridgew.edu

Contact Information
Dr. Jabbar Al-Obaidi

Maxwell Library Room 215K

508-531-2187 Office

508-531-1425 Fax

jalobaidi@bridgew.edu

Office Hours

Monday          9:30-11:00am
Tuesday         1:15-2:15pm
Wednesday    9:30-11:30pm           

Course Description

This course intends to study the history and development of the Iranian film since 1950s. It focuses on the cultural and sociopolitical content of representative films and the literatures associated with the film industry in the country.  From the 1950s to the present, Iran has produced hundreds of films and Iranian filmmakers have received an impressive number of awards at prestigious international festivals such as Berlin, Cannes, Havana, Moscow, Toronto, and Venice. The Iranian cinema has been instrumental in constructing, defining, and presenting national identity. Students will examine and study its archetypes, ethnic makeup, symbols, myths, regional and social diversity, and national character.

Required Textbooks

1.      Viola Shafik, Arab Cinema: History and Cultural Identity(New Revised Edition), 2007.

2.      Viola Shafik, Popular Egyptian Cinema: Gender, Class, and Nation, 2007.

Course Objectives

-Examine the history and development of film in Egypt by screening representative films made by Egyptian filmmakers.

-Develop critical skills in the area of writing film analysis and critique.

-Explore film theories as related to cultural identity, social affairs, political controversies, and critical studies.

 

Expected Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to

- Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge in the area of International film studies using Egypt as a case study.
- Appreciate and understand the main film theories and criticism in film making in general , and the relationships of film as a form of expression to national identity and culture.
- Show an ability of conducting a research and evaluate methods appropriate to the area film study.

-Understand and appreciate the relationships between gender, class, and nation as expressed by filmmakers.

Statement of Acknowledgment 
Please copy and paste this statement on the Discussion Board:
(MUST DO Immediately]

I-------- --(your first and last names) hereby acknowledged that I have read the syllabus for COMM399 and understand the policies of the course and the assignments required for it. I, also, understand that this is an online course, and it is my responsibility to comply with the policies and deadlines set for the course and as reflected by the syllabus.  I understand that to get three credits for this course, I must submit all assignments on time and as scheduled by the instructor.

Your Name: (First)----------------------and (Last)----------------Date:     /    /2009

Technology

To succeed in this course, students need:

-Dependable access to an Internet-connected computer with web browser and word-processing program.

 -Bridgewater State College e-mail must be active, and that is checked on a daily basis.
- Note:  Please address me as Dr. or Professor Al-Obaidi when sending an email message.
-Basic computer literacy or willingness to learn blackboard.
- Check the announcements on blackboard every single day. Read the assigned materials, post your statements, and watch the assigned films as scheduled. Online films will be unavailable after the deadline. Sorry, I have no control over the screening system.
-Students may have to attend a Blackboard Quick Start session during the first week of classes. Please call 508-531-2555 and ask for assistance. 
-It is not my responsibility if you do not have a reliable computer or an access to the Internet, and a valid email address.
-Mac’s users may encounter problems with blackboard and word document.  Please test  the software and programs on your system to make sure they are compatible and operational.

Policies and Guidelines

COMM 399-W01 is a web-based course. This means that 100% of the instructions and information occur online.
Attendance: There will be no physical meetings.  Email is the only way of communication during the duration of this course.
-The great benefit of this course is that if you follow the instructions, it allows you the flexibility to do most course work at a time that fits your schedule.   
-You are required to screen assigned films as scheduled. NO EXCEPTION.
-You are fully responsible to do the homework and assignments as scheduled for every week.

 

Important Notes
1.  You will not get credits for this course unless you complete all assignments. Sorry, there will be no exception! It is a contract between both of us. I will ask you to drop (withdraw) the course if I determine that your contributions and performance are inadequate and not helping you to get credits for this course.

2. I reserve the right to amend, alter and/or make changes in the area of assignments and/or the deadlines as I see fit to enhance your education, and facilitate the learning process in this course. It is your responsibility to check the course announcements on blackboard to get the latest information about your assignments.

Weekly Deadlines
Our educational week starts on Monday and ends on Friday at 12:00 midnight.
Discussion Board: Weekly 600-word. Due on Wednesday at 11:00PM.
Chapters’ Reviews:  Weekly assignment due on Monday at 11:00PM.
Film Review and critique: Due on Friday before or at 12:00PM (Midnight).
Film Screening: You can watch the assigned film or films from Saturday through Thursday every week. You will screen one or two films per week. You must watch assigned films so that you will be able to write a critique paper about the film or films.
Note: Some Exceptions will occur because of holidays and other factors. Please pay close attention to the weekly class event and blackboard announcements.
More Details
Weekly Papers:  You are asked to write three pages to analyze and comment on the assigned film. If two films were assigned for the week, then, you are asked to write five pages to analyze and comment on the assigned film. Film review must be submitted on Friday before or at 12:00PM (Midnight). YES: NO EXCEPTIONS AND NO EXCUSES.  Late work will not be accepted or considered for credit. Please understand that there is no room for any extension. You will post your paper on your individual folder. (Communication, Group Pages; Your Name,

Chapters’ Reviews: You will have to read each assigned chapter (s) and write a detailed review of the content and the main points covered by the chapter.  You should relate the materials to the films reviewed in class. You will post your paper on your individual folder. Reviews due on Monday at 11:00PM.

Discussion Board Postings:  Weekly 600-word. Due on Wednesday at 11:00PM.  You are required to write 600-word addressing a statement or question posted on the discussion board. In addition, to the textbooks, you are asked to find two additional sources to backup your comments and argument. Please use MLA style to document your reference.  Wikipedia is not acceptable as a source for this purpose. Most postings on the Discussion Board due on Wednesday at 11:00pm. Some exceptions may occur. Please read the syllabus and pay close attention to the course event. Students are expected to be able to discuss the information contained in the assigned reading during on the individual file as a signed. 

Online Film Screening

* Assigned films are posted on the assignment section of blackboard. Film screenings must be completed as scheduled.  Points to  be discussed:
-Story and theme(s):Sum up the story and theme of the film
-Characters in terms of gender, class, politics, religion, and personal relationships in the film.

-Director’s philosophy and approach. (search the Internet for this purpose and cite your sources)

-Cultural ,social, religious, and political issues

-Controversies in the film

-Cinematic language: camera movements, editing, lighting, music, sound effects, dialogue, and filming style.

-Critical findings and short conclusion.

-Learning points from the film or the films.

*Film review and critique and related papers must be submitted on Friday before or at 12:00PM (Midnight).
* You have to make a time for film screening and writing before the deadline. NO NEGOTIATION/No excuse.

Sources and  documentation: Cite your references by using MLA style. Please visit the following link and learn how to use an in-text citations and the work-cited forms.
http://www.bridgew.edu.libserv-prd.bridgew.edu/Library/pdf/mla_style.pdf
*Don’t copy and paste from other sources and always properly cite your sources. Don’t generalize or make a quick judgment.  Be a good reader, critical analyst, free thinker, and participative learner.

 

Final  Paper

Topic: You will choose three films from the collection of five Egyptian films and write a comparative and descriptive paper.

Number of Pages:  Five pages, 1.5 line spacing, Arial 12 point, no cover page, and write your name on the left upper corner. Title of the paper must appear at the center of the first page. You will have to submit the exact numbers of required pages (No more and no less). Do not try to manipulate the format such as playing around with the line numbers, margins, spacing, and indentation to change the page layout so that it looks like as if you have satisfied the required number of pages. Remember to insert the page numbers. You will post your FINAL PAPER on your individual folder. Students will have to use at least  six sources of which three  must be from scholarly journals.

Sources: In addition to textbooks and films, students must use five additional scholarly sources. Primary and secondary sources must be used in each of the written assignments, and all sources must be credited in the body of the text and in the list of works cited. Failure to credit sources--accurately, partially, or totally--constitutes plagiarism. This will result in failing the class, and administrative action against the student.

Academic Policies: Specific policies for this course supplement general academic policies of BSC. Any breach of the academic integrity policy will be regarded as a serious offense carrying a minimum penalty of a zero on the assigned work. Other consequences may apply as well.

Evacuation and Grading Policy

- Again, you must complete ALL assignments to pass the course. NO EXCEPTIONS! YOU WILL RECEIVE ZERO CREDIT IF YOU FAILED TO COMPLETE ALL ASSIGNMENTS REGRADLESS OF WHAT YOU HAVE PREVIOUSLY DONE OR THE TOTAL POINTS ACCUMULATED. IT IS AN INTIGRATED AND FULL EDUCATIONAL PACKAGE AND HAS NO ROOM FOR PICK AND CHOOSE ALTERNATIVE.
- School’s grading system is observed and as follows:

A — Superior; B — Good; C — Satisfactory; D — Poor; F — Failure.

Film Screenings Online
Note:  The language of the films is Arabic with English Subtitles. Some subtitles are hard burned into the picture and sometimes fall too low on the screen where they are cut off by the bottom of the screen. Sometimes, they are white and difficult to read on light backgrounds. You will have to show great degree of endurance in watching foreign films with subtitles, and to pay a closer attention to the film storyline.

*Pending availability, class will screen some of the following films. Links for films will be made available as scheduled. NO exception. A sever reduction in grade will occur if you knowingly violate this requirement. For specific information; please review the weekly assignments in the course event.

-The Other (PN1995.9.F67 A34132 2004): http://webcaster.bridgew.edu/ramgen/other.rm

-The Yacoubian Building (PN1997.2 .Y336 2007): http://webcaster.bridgew.edu/ramgen/yacoubianbuilding.rm

-Kilometre Zero (PN1995.9.C55 K55 2008): http://webcaster.bridgew.edu/ramgen/kilometrezero.rm

-The Emigrant (PN1995.9.F67 E45 2004): http://webcaster.bridgew.edu/ramgen/emigrant.rm

-The Closed Doors (PN1997.2 .C568 2007): http://webcaster.bridgew.edu/ramgen/closeddoors.rm

-Terrorism and the Kebab

- Nasser 56

-Autre PN1995.9.F67 A34132 2004

-Beggars and Noblemen

-Days of Democracy

-Lemon Tree

-Planting of Girls

-The Violin

Course Events

Week  1 ( Sept 2-4)

Course Orientation. Read class syllabus; familiarize yourself with instructions and                policies.

*Write four pages (EXCEPTIONAL DUE DATE) Due Friday: 9/4 at 11:00 PM.
Egypt: location, people, religion, culture, politics, art, and film. Paper one consists of three closely related parts and as follows:
Part one: Location, boarders, history, and geopolitical importance. 
Part two: Egyptian people, religion, and culture.
Part three: Political regime and current issues.
*Note: Cite your references in MLA style. Do not copy and paste from other sources.
*Post on your individual folder.

Week 2 (Sept 8-11)
Read and review Ch. 1 in (Arab Cinema) and write a detailed and critical review of the assigned chapters. Report due on Tuesday, Sept 8 at 11:00PM. Length of the paper depends on the length and number of assigned chapters. Post on your individual folder.
* Discussion Board: Post no less than 600- word on the Discussion Board answering questions or elaborating on the weekly statement. Due on Wednesday, Sept 9 at 11:00PM. 
* Film Screening: The Other. Write a film review and critique of three pages. See the abovementioned guidelines.  Due on Friday, Sept  11 at 12:00 midnight.
*Note:  Cite your references in MLA style. Do not copy and paste from other sources.

 

Week 3 (Sept 14-18)

Read and review Ch. 1 in (Popular Egyptian Cinema)and write a detailed and critical review of the assigned chapters. Reviews due on Monday, Sept 14 at 11:00PM. Length of the paper depends on the length and number of assigned chapters. Post on your individual folder.
* Discussion Board: Post no less than 600- word on the Discussion Board answering questions or elaborating on the weekly statement. Due on Wednesday, Sept 15 at 11:00PM. 
* Film Screening: Emigrant. Write a film review and critique of three pages. See the abovementioned guidelines. Due on Friday, Sept 18 at 12:00 midnight.
*Note:  Cite your references in MLA style. Do not copy and paste from other sources.

 

Week 4 (Sept 21-25)

Read and review Ch. 2 in (Arab  Cinema) and write a detailed and critical review of the assigned chapters. Reviews due on Monday, Sept 21 at 11:00PM. Length of the paper depends on the length and number of assigned chapters. Post on your individual folder.
* Discussion Board: Post no less than 600- word on the Discussion Board answering questions or elaborating on the weekly statement. Due on Wednesday, Sept 22 at 11:00PM. 
* Film Screening: The Yacoubian Building. Write a film review and critique of three pages. See the abovementioned guidelines. Due on Friday, Sept  25 at 12:00 midnight.
*Note:  Cite your references in MLA style. Do not copy and paste from other sources.

 

Week 6 (Sept 28-30) & (Oct 1-2)

Read and review Ch. 2 in (Popular Egyptian Cinema) and write a detailed and critical review of the assigned chapters. Reviews due on Monday, Sept 28 at 11:00PM. Length of the paper depends on the length and number of assigned chapters. Post on your individual folder.
* Discussion Board: Post no less than 600- word on the Discussion Board answering questions or elaborating on the weekly statement. Due on Wednesday, Sept 30 at 11:00PM. 
* Film Screening: The Closed Doors. Write a film review and critique of three pages. See the abovementioned guidelines. Due on Friday, Oct 2 at 12:00 midnight.
*Note:  Cite your references in MLA style. Do not copy and paste from other sources.

 

Week 6 (Oct 5-9)

Read and review Ch. 6 in (Popular Egyptian Cinema) and write a detailed and critical review of the assigned chapters. Reviews due on Monday, Oct 5 at 11:00PM. Length of the paper depends on the length and number of assigned chapters. Post on your individual folder.
* Discussion Board: Post no less than 600- word on the Discussion Board answering questions or elaborating on the weekly statement. Due on Wednesday, Oct 7 at 11:00PM. 
* Film Screening: -Kilometer Zero. Write a film review and critique of three pages. See the abovementioned guidelines. Due on Friday, Oct 9 at 12:00 midnight.
*Note:  Cite your references in MLA style. Do not copy and paste from other sources.

 

Week 7 (Oct 13-16)

Read and review Ch. 4 in (Popular Egyptian Cinema) and write a detailed and critical review of the assigned chapters. Reviews due on Tuesday, Oct 13 at 11:00PM. Length of the paper depends on the length and number of assigned chapters. Post on your individual folder.
* Discussion Board: Post no less than 600- word on the Discussion Board answering questions or elaborating on the weekly statement. Due on Wednesday, Oct 14 at 11:00PM. 
* Film Screening: Terrorism and the Kebab. Write a film review and critique of three pages. See the abovementioned guidelines. Due on Friday, Oct 16 at 12:00 midnight.
*Note:  Cite your references in MLA style. Do not copy and paste from other sources.

 

Week 8 (Oct 19-23)

Read and review Ch. 3 in (Arab Cinema) and write a detailed and critical review of the assigned chapters. Reviews due on Tuesday, Oct 19 at 11:00PM. Length of the paper depends on the length and number of assigned chapters. Post on your individual folder.
* Discussion Board: Post no less than 600- word on the Discussion Board answering questions or elaborating on the weekly statement. Due on Wednesday, Oct 21 at 11:00PM. 
* Film Screening: Nasser 56. Write a film review and critique of three pages. See the abovementioned guidelines. Due on Friday, Oct 23 at 12:00 midnight.
*Note:  Cite your references in MLA style. Do not copy and paste from other sources.

 

Week 9 (Oct 26-30)

Read and review Ch. 5 in (Popular Egyptian Cinema) and write a detailed and critical review of the assigned chapters. Reviews due on Tuesday, Oct 19 at 11:00PM. Length of the paper depends on the length and number of assigned chapters. Post on your individual folder.
* Discussion Board: Post no less than 600- word on the Discussion Board answering questions or elaborating on the weekly statement. Due on Wednesday, Oct 21 at 11:00PM. 
* Film Screening: Beggars and Noblemen. Write a film review and critique of three pages. See the abovementioned guidelines. Due on Friday, Oct 23 at 12:00 midnight.
*Note:  Cite your references in MLA style. Do not copy and paste from other sources.

 

Week 10 (Nov2-6)

Read and review Ch. 3 in (Popular Egyptian Cinema) and write a detailed and critical review of the assigned chapters. Reviews due on Monday, Nov 2 at 11:00PM. Length of the paper depends on the length and number of assigned chapters. Post on your individual folder.
* Discussion Board: Post no less than 600- word on the Discussion Board answering questions or elaborating on the weekly statement. Due on Wednesday, Nov 4 at 11:00PM. 
* Film Screening: When a Women Sings. Write a film review and critique of three pages. See the abovementioned guidelines. Due on Friday, Nov 6 at 12:00 midnight.
*Note:  Cite your references in MLA style. Do not copy and paste from other sources.

 

Week 11(Nov 9-13)

Read and review Ch. 5 in (Arab  Cinema) and write a detailed and critical review of the assigned chapters. Reviews due on Monday, Nov 2 at 11:00PM. Length of the paper depends on the length and number of assigned chapters. Post on your individual folder.
* Discussion Board: Post no less than 600- word on the Discussion Board answering questions or elaborating on the weekly statement. Due on Wednesday, Nov 4 at 11:00PM. 
* Film Screening: Cairo As Seen by Chahine . Write a film review and critique of three pages. See the abovementioned guidelines. Due on Friday, Nov 6 at 12:00 midnight.
*Note:  Cite your references in MLA style. Do not copy and paste from other sources.

 

Week 12 (Nov 23-30)

Read and review Ch. 4 in (Arab  Cinema) and write a detailed and critical review of the assigned chapters. Reviews due on Monday, Nov 23 at 11:00PM. Length of the paper depends on the length and number of assigned chapters. Post on your individual folder.
* Discussion Board: Post no less than 600- word on the Discussion Board answering questions or elaborating on the weekly statement. Due on Wednesday, Nov 4 at 3:00PM(EXCEPTION/Thanksgiving). 
*No film screening.
*Note:  Cite your references in MLA style. Do not copy and paste from other sources.

 

Week 13 (Dec 1-4)

Read and review Ch. 3 in (Popular Egyptian Cinema) and write a detailed and critical review of the assigned chapters. Reviews due on Tuesday, Dec 1 at 11:00PM. Length of the paper depends on the length and number of assigned chapters. Post on your individual folder.
* Discussion Board: Post no less than 600- word on the Discussion Board answering questions or elaborating on the weekly statement. Due on Wednesday, Dec 2 at 11:00PM. 
* Film Screening: Lemon Tree. Write a film review and critique of three pages. See the abovementioned guidelines. Due on Friday, Dec 4 at 12:00 midnight.
*Note:  Cite your references in MLA style. Do not copy and paste from other sources.

 

Week 14 (Dec 7-11)

Final Paper DUE on Friday, Dec 11 at 12 midnight.(NO EXCEPTION)

Screen the following films and write a comparative and descriptive paper of five pages. 

-Autre PN1995.9.F67 A34132 2004

-Days of Democracy

-Planting of Girls

-The Violin

Five pages, 1.5 line spacing, Arial 12 point, no cover page, and write your name on the left upper corner. Title of the paper must appear at the center of the first page. You will have to submit the exact numbers of required pages (No more and no less). Do not try to manipulate the format such as playing around with the line numbers, margins, spacing, and indentation to change the page layout so that it looks like as if you have satisfied the required number of pages. Remember to insert the page numbers. You will post your FINAL PAPER on your individual folder. Students will have to use at least  six sources of which three  must be from scholarly journals.

Thanks