Professor: Dr. Victoria Ruétalo
Office: 209E
Telephone: 492-6766	Fax: 492-9106	
Email: vruetalo@ualberta.ca	

Time: Thursday 3:00-6:00
Place: HUM 2-42
Office Hours: Thursday 3:00 to 6:00 or by Appointment

Course Pre-Requisites: 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 x Document distributed in class

Course Description and Objectives:

In this course we will study the development of Latin American film and explore the most important periods of film production in the region: the arrival of the cinema and the revolution of sound; the construction of national industries; the resistance of the New Latin American Cinema; and the flourishing of Contemporary and Post-National Cinemas through co-productions. We will review the critical theory relevant to each production period and incorporate discussions and readings connected with film theory in general so that students are familiar with the vocabulary and the theory necessary to perform film analysis and criticism.

Grade Distribution:

Class Participation: Class attendance is important and participation will count for 20% 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. (15%)

Oral Presentation: Each student will present a theoretical film concept or book in class for discussion. Presentations should be clear and brief, lasting only 20 minutes. Since these presentations are important to the overall success of the class, students must demonstrate good preparation and knowledge of the material. Once a presentation is assigned the student is responsible for presenting that material. (15%)

Scene Analysis: Each student will hand in two scene analysis of four to five (4-5) pages each. The purpose of this assignment is to complete a thorough analysis of a chosen scene from a film not discussed in class and to show the role of the scene in the overall movie. The assignment will be due on February 5, 2009 and February 26, 2009. (10% each)

Final Paper: Each student will have to hand in a final paper which combines the original analysis of a contemporary Latin American film in conjunction with one or more theoretical concepts discussed in the course. 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 and application of film theory. The essay will be a minimum length of Twenty (20) typed-written pages, as well as contain bibliography and notes in correct format. The paper will be due on April 9, 2009, at which time will present a brief summary of his/her work. (50%)

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 translation courses should be aware that on-line "translation engines" produce very dubious and unreliable "translations." Students not writing in their native language 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: 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 may be handed in one class-day after the stated deadline without penalty, with 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 Graduate Grading Scale"). The percentage mark resulting from the entire term work and examination then produces the final letter grade for the course.

MLCS Graduate Grading Scale