Instructor: Professor Victoria Ruétalo		
Office: Arts 209-E		 
Telephone: 492-6766	 fax: 492-9106	 
E-mail: vruetalo@ualberta.ca

Time: M,W, F 11:00-11:50   Lab: W 5:00-7:50
Place: DP 4114
Lab: BUS 4-9
Office Hours: W 12:00-1:00 or by Appointmment
Course Website: www.ualberta.ca/~vruetalo

Course Description and Objectives:

This course will focus on key examples of contemporary cinema from both Spain and Spanish America to introduce the analysis of film, the use of film terminology and basic film theory in Spanish. Using a transatlantic approach we will study works that address issues of nationalism and globalization, the construction of gender and sexuality and the role of film in society. Emphasis will be placed on studying films within the cultural and social contexts of their production.

Course Pre-Requisites:

SPAN 300 or 306 or Consent of Department

Course-based Ethics Approval in place regarding all research projects that involve human testing, questionnaires, etc.?

Yes p No x

Community Service Learning component

p Required p Optional x None

Past or Representative Evaluative Course Material available

p Exam registry - Students' Union http://www.su.ualberta.ca/services_and_businesses/services/infolink/exams p See explanations below x Document distributed in class p Other p N/A

Texts:

Grade Distribution:

Class Participation: 

Class attendance is important and participation will count for 10% of the term work. It is to the benefit of the student to attend class prepared to contribute to the class discussion, make comments, and ask questions. This will make the learning experience more enjoyable for all of us. Throughout the semester there will be in-class assignments, group work and discussions. (10%)

Oral Presentations:

Each student and a partner will present 2 class presentations (October 8 and 10, and November 14 and 17, 2008) on an aspect of a film. Presentations should be clear and brief, lasting between 5 and 10 minutes. Since these presentations are important to the overall success of the class, students must demonstrate good preparation and knowledge of the material. (10%)

Midterm:

There will be a 50 min. Midterm exam on October 17, 2008. Each exam will test the student's comprehnsion and grasp of the material as well as the student's ability to take that knowledge and apply it in a discussion of certain related topics. (10%)

Scene Analysis:

Each student will hand in 4 different analysis of scenes of one to two (1-2) pages each. The purpose of this assignment is to complete a thorough analysis of a scene from an assigned film in order to show the role of the scene in the overall movie. A plot summary will NOT be accepted. The analysis should focus on a particular leitmotif, an irony revealed in a significant scene, or a repeated or symbolic cinematographic technique. The main idea should be presented in the form of a thesis with an accompanying clear argument that supports this thesis. Due on October 1, October 24, November 3, and November 24, 2008 (4x10%=40%)

Final Paper:

Each student will have to hand in a final paper which combines the original analysis of a Spanish or Latin American film chosen by the student. The purpose of this paper is to show how the student grapples with the material discussed in class, and his/her ability to take a critical position on a particular issue by doing an in-depth analysis of a film NOT studied in class. The essay will be a minimum length of Eight to Ten (8-10) typed-written pages, as well as contain bibliography and notes in correct format. The paper will be due on the last day of class (December 3, 2008). (30%)

Required Notes:

"Policy about course outlines can be found in Section 23.4(2) of the University Calendar." (GFC 29 SEP 2003). "The University of Alberta is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty. Students are expected to be familiar with these standards regarding academic honesty and to uphold the policies of the University in this respect. Students are particularly urged to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Code of Student Behaviour (online at www.ualberta.ca/secretariat/appeals.htm) and avoid any behaviour which could potentially result in suspicions of cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation of facts and/or participation in an offence. Academic dishonesty is a serious offence and can result in suspension or expulsion from the University." (GFC 29 SEP 2003)

Plagiarism and Cheating:

All students should consult the "Truth-In-Education" handbook or Website (http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/TIE/) regarding the definitions of plagiarism and its consequences when detected. Students involved in language courses and translation courses should be aware that on-line "translation engines" produce very dubious and unreliable "translations." Students in languages courses should be aware that, while seeking the advice of native or expert speakers is often helpful, excessive editorial and creative help in assignments is considered a form of "cheating" that violates the code of student conduct with dire consequences. An instructor or coordinator who is convinced that a student has handed in work that he or she could not possibly reproduce without outside assistance is obliged, out of consideration of fairness to other students, to report the case to the Associate Dean of the Faculty. Before unpleasantness occurs consult http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/TIE/; also discuss this matter with any tutor(s) and with your instructor.

Attendance, Absences, and Missed Grade Components:

Regular daily attendance is essential for optimal performance in a foreign-language course. In cases of potentially excusable absences due to illness or domestic affliction, notify your instructor by e-mail within two days. Regarding absences that may be excusable and procedures for addressing course components missed as a result, consult sections 23.4.2 and 23.4.3 of the University Calendar. Be aware that unexcused absences will result in partial or total loss of the grade for the "attendance and participation" component(s) of a course, as well as for any assignments that are not handed-in or completed as a result.

Policy for Late Assignments:

Students who consult in advance with an instructor regarding contingencies preventing the timely completion of an assignment may, at the discretion of the instructor, be granted an extension. Otherwise, assignments handed in after the stated deadline will receive a 5%-per-class-day penalty assessed for each subsequent class-day of lateness.

Grading:

Marks for assignments, tests, and exams are given in percentages, to which letter grades are also assigned, according to the table below ("MLCS Undergraduate Grading Scale"). The percentage mark resulting from the entire term work and examination then produces the final letter grade for the course.