Autumn 2015? ?|?? Thursday 9:00am-12:15pm? |?? Cinespace
Instructor: Wendy Roderweiss?
Office: CDM 513
Email: wroder@cdm.depaul.edu
(best way to reach me)
Office hours:?? Thursdays, 12:15-1:45 at Cinespace
Course Management system:
D2L
Type of Instruction:
Lecture/discussion/lab/hands-on events
Sept. 22, 2015 Last day to
drop classes without penalty
Oct. 27, 2015 Last day to
withdraw from AQ2015 classes
This syllabus is subject to
change (Document date 9/2/15)
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Summary of the course and
course goals
This course will be an intensive exploration of the craft,
technologies and aesthetic principles of cinematography and lighting techniques
for motion picture and digital video production. Lectures and in-class
demonstrations will cover film and video formats, film cameras, HD cameras,
exposure, lenses and optics, lighting units, lighting placement, lighting
control, camera support, and camera movement. Class sessions will consist of
lectures, demonstrations, hands-on with cameras and lighting units, exercises,
and screenings of selected film and video clips which demonstrate specific
cinematography and lighting techniques.
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In this class you will learn to operate an HD camera, operate grip
and lighting equipment, and develop your individual aesthetic and visual
storytelling skills through the use of color, movement, composition, focus and
lighting.
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Prerequisites: Production I and Editing I
To be frank, you should not be in this class if you have not taken
these classes.?
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Textbooks and printed
resources
Required Text: Cinematography Theory and Practice by Blain Brown
Second Edition? ISBN-13:?978-0240812090
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Software needed to complete assignments:
Editing platform-Final Cut
Pro 7 (though I encourage you to phase this out), Premiere Pro, or Avid
Quicktime
DVD authoring program
Word processing program
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Course Materials
Portable hard drive for transferring footage
USB Thumb Drive that you will turn assignment #2 in on
Blank DVD-Rs
A pair of leather/suede or vegan alternative gloves for lighting--always bring to class!
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Grading
Class Attendance and Participation 10%
Production Assignment # 1 10%
Production Assignment # 2 25%
Production Assignment # 3 25%
Final Exam 30%
Extra credit opportunities are available please see D2L for details
A = 100-93 A- = 92-90
B+ = 89-88 B = 87-83 B- = 82-80
C+ = 79-78 C = 77-73 C- = 72-70
D+ = 69-68 D = 67-63 D- = 62-60
F = 59-0
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Standards for Achievement:
Grade A:
Student performs in an outstanding way. Student exhibits achievement and
craftsmanship in all work. Design criteria is exceeded and student challenges
him/herself in project design. Student exhibits commitment to expanding ideas,
vocabulary and performance.
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Grade B:
Student performs beyond the requirement of the project. Student exhibits
above average progress and craftsmanship. A design criterion is exceeded.
Student exhibits above average interest in expanding idea, vocabulary, and
performance.
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Grade C:
Criteria of assignment is met, and all requirements are fulfilled.
Student shows average quality work and minimum time and effort on projects.
Student shows moderate interest.
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Grade D:
Student performance is uneven and below average. Requirements for
projects are only partially fulfilled. Minimal interest is shown and
attendance, participation and involvement are inadequate.
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Grade F
Student fails to meet minimum course requirements and shows no interest.
Levels of participation and craftsmanship are extremely poor. Student's
attendance is inadequate.
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Attendance ?
Classes will consist of lecture, screenings, discussion, and creative
exercises. Attendance is mandatory. An absence is defined as not showing up for
class, or arriving more than 15 minutes late, or missing any 15 minute period
during class time.? I take attendance every class.? If you arrive less than 15 minutes late,
and do not hear your name called, make sure you let me know you are present so
I do not mark you absent.? Any
absences will result in a reduction of the attendance/participation grade.? Anyone who misses 3 classes will
automatically drop a letter grade.?
Anyone who misses 4 classes will automatically fail.? However, if you are legitimately sick, I
mean really sick, please stay home.?
We don?t want your evil germs, BUT?Please email me before class
if you are going to miss a session.
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Class Participation?Along
with showing up, you are expected to join in class discussions, critique other
people?s work, and participate in workshops.? Remember, this is your class, you get
more out if you put more in it.? Class
participation and attendance are worth 10% of your total grade.
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Oh, and if I catch you dozing in class you will be subject to an
impromptu oral quiz.
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Assignments and Exercises
? Let me be clear?this is a production class.? That means you must participate in all
productions.? You must be at all of the
shoot, with the camera in your hands at some point in the project.? Failure to do so will lead to a 0 on
that assignment.? Though some pre
and post-production is required, you cannot do that instead of being a part of
the production process.?
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Class Work Assignments must be handed in on time. I will not accept
late work.? Do not use class time to
finalize your projects.? All
assignments are due at the beginning of class, if you come in late with an
assignment it will not be accepted.
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In most cases, the group?s grade on a project will also be your
individual grade for the assignment-- assuming equal work was done by all.? In order to ensure that each group
member is contributing equally, you will turn in a group evaluation form for
each assignment.? This form is
available for download on D2L.? You will
evaluate yourself, and each member of your group for each project.? How you evaluate yourselves and your
group members directly impacts your individual grades.? These forms must be uploaded to D2L when
your assignment is due. ?I do not
want them emailed to me.? Only I
will see them, so be honest.? These
forms are also a way to identify any group dynamic issues that may be
developing.? Please note, if this
form falsely represents work by one or more members of the group it will be
considered an academic integrity violation and must be reported to the
university.? If an evaluation
form does not accompany your assignment your grade will be reduced by at least
one letter grade.
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On your final assignment you may have people outside of the class
crew on the film.? However, the
major roles covered in this class?DP, 1st AC, Gaffer, and Key
Grip, must be held by members of your group.? If you do not perform these roles
yourselves, the whole group will receive a 0 on the assignment.
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Written Assignments: Must
be typed.
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Digital Assignments: All
assignments handed in digitally must have a slate with your name and title of
assignment.
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Special Accommodations:
If you have any special considerations please see the instructor.
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Copy written Material:
You may use copy written material (songs images etc.) for your projects.? However, if you intend to show any of
your pieces outside of class, or submit them to festivals, or DePaul?s online
showcase, you must have all material cleared.? That said, DePaul now has music
licensing available for your films.?
I will post the web address and log in info on d2l under course
materials.
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Once you are logged in, you can search
styles of music or browse the releases. We have access to 250 CDs, or roughly
15,000 tracks within these libraries. Look for tracks with the blue VL icon to
the left of them ? those are within our libraries. You can also check the
box to the right of the words Virtual Library and it should show only those
songs to which we have access. You can then preview and download any files you
want to use.
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BACK UP YOUR WORK:
Failure of computer software and or Hardware will not be accepted as an
extenuating circumstance for late projects or incomplete grades so back up your
work daily.
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Working in Groups ?
For Production Assignments in this course you will be working in groups. A
major component of film production is teamwork. In this course many of you will
be working as a creative team for the first time. Most student teams work very
well together. But sometimes personality conflicts or creative conflicts can
arise. It is your job as a team to work through these conflicts, because if you
don?t, your project will suffer. If things get really difficult you can come to
me and I will help mediate/resolve the situation.? I encourage you to come to me early and
often.? A big part of your success
in this class will be your ability to work with your group.? If there is an issue we need to address
it right away.
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Critiques: Due to limited
class time, not everyone's work will get a full review during class. If you'd
like more feedback, arrange to discuss your work with me during my office
hours. We will view and discuss everyone's final project during the last class.
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Electronic devices?Use
of cell phones and electronic devices in the class is prohibited. Please turn
your phone off before entering class. Mistakes will happen, but repeated
failure to turn your phone off will result in a lowered grade for the class and
confiscation of the device during the class period.? This includes the time that we will be in
workshop.? I will call you out if I
see you on your phone when we are in workshop.? If you are tempted, leave your phone in
the classroom.? The only exception
to this rule is a university-sanctioned reason for using one.
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Course Lectures/Reading
Assignments ? The assigned readings offer an opportunity for
independent learning that supplements the lectures.? Lectures will introduce material not
available in the readings, and the readings will explore concepts not mentioned
in class.? It is not my intention to
overwhelm you with reading, but rather to use the textbook as a way to support
and reinforce the concepts we learn in class.? I will not be giving quizzes so it is up
to you to keep up on the reading.
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Content Changes ?
Depending on time factors, the assignments projected for the term may require
slight alteration or rescheduling.?
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Class Attire--Come
dressed for work.? Certain clothing
is required for production.? You
will be climbing ladders, picking up hot lamps and lifting heavy equipment,
therefore no open toe shoes, NO FLIP FLOPS, and it is recommended that you do
not wear dresses or skirts. ??Always have your work gloves.? If you do not bring them to class you
will regret it.? Trust me.
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The Stage?Our
workshop/Lab time will be held on the production stage.? Let?s take good care of this fantastic
space.? There is no eating or
drinking allowed on the stage.? Wrap
all equipment when finished and return to the designated area.? The entire class will be held
responsible to return the stage to the order it was in when found.? NO STUDENT LEAVES CLASS until the stage
is in the proper condition, even if your group has finished first.
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Guns and Stunts?DePaul
has a very strict policy concerning guns and/or stunts in student
productions.? No guns of any kind
are allowed in a student production unless a proper permit has been obtained by
the City of Chicago, and a police officer is present on your set.? This includes toy guns!? If you have a gun that fires blanks, you
must also have a trained firearm handler on your set.? No live ammunition is ever allowed.? No stunts will be performed without a
licensed stunt coordinator.? If I
see a gun of any kind, or a stunt performed in your film and I have not seen
and signed off on your permits, you will automatically receive a failing grade
for this class.? No exceptions.
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Certificates of
Insurance?If the location you are shooting at requires that you get a
certificate of insurance, or you plan to rent equipment that requires an
insurance cert, please plan WAY ahead.?
The school can provide you with proof of insurance but it takes 2-4
weeks.? I recommend you choose
locations that are not going to call too much attention to your shoot and avoid
having to show the formal paperwork.?
Places to avoid: The CTA, parks and streets.
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Equipment-? Reserve your equipment really far
in advance-especially the c100s.?
There is a high demand for the equipment at this school, and you do not
want to be left shooting with an inferior camera.? Also, this is a Cinematography and
LIGHTING class.? Your 2nd
assignment should exhibit beginning lighting technique and your final projects
must have well planned lighting, appropriate for your piece.? If a light kit is not available, you
must check out individual lights.?
?The cage was out of kits? is not a valid excuse for not lighting your
projects.? Using only ?available
light? for these two assignments will result in a lower grade.
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You may use the stage at Cinespace for your projects, but reserve
EARLY to ensure a location for use.
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Cameras that can be used in this class: C100, Canon 7D, 6D, 60D, JVC
700.? (If you have access to another
camera please see me for approval)
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Class Exercises-- Most Classes
we will split up into larger groups to shoot class exercises.? At the end of each workshop, choose one
member of your group to cut together your work so it can be presented to the
rest of the class the following Class.?
Please bring them as Quicktime files on a flash drive or hard
drive.?
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For your final projects, your group will develop and shoot a short
script.? YOU SHOULD BEGIN WORKING ON
THIS SCRIPT IMMEDIATELY so it is ready for the prep assignments that are due Classes
4 and 8.
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ASSIGNMENT #1--VISUAL STORY TELLING--DUE CLASS 3, 9/24
In your groups, using a digital still camera, shoot a simple STORY
utilizing six (6) pictures ONLY.? Use
only the landscape orientation for your shots (not portrait or vertical).? Emphasis should be on the placement of the
camera (Composition), the rule of thirds, and which shot choices best tell your
story.? Focus and exposure are also
important.? You will be graded down
for out of focus, dark and overexposed images.? You only have six pictures so plan out
your shoot before you begin. Dynamic images are what we are aiming for.? Look back to the composition lecture in
week 1 for details.
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Remember you are telling a story.? This part of the assignment is as
important as the camera work.? This
story should include the elements of traditional narrative story-telling.? I want to see a clear introduction to
the characters and what they want, an introduction to conflict, rising
conflict, climax and resolution.?
Use at least one close-up and one wide shot.? Each shot should progress the story, do
not be redundant.
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CAMERA: Any good still camera-not a point and shoot.? Manual focus/exposure encouraged.
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DELIVERY FORMAT: 6 individual JPEGS, labeled in
sequential order (1-6), and with you?re your group name, Uploaded to D2L.?
?Only one group member needs to
upload the project, but you all have to do a group evaluation form.? Please do not make a QuickTime movie for
this assignment.
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ALSO: Group Evaluation form #1,
uploaded to D2L, for each member of the group.
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OUTLINE OF FINAL SCRIPT DUE?CLASS 4 10/1
1 page synopsis/treatment/outline of script for the final
project.? Basically tell me what the
story is about.? This will help us
determine if your scripts are manageable, or have creative challenges that we
need to work out.? This is part of
your class participation grade.
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DELIVERY FORMAT: Typed-Uploaded to D2L
ASSIGNMENT #2- SHOT SEQUENCE--DUE CLASS 7 10/22
In your groups, rotate crew
positions (Director, DP, Gaffer, etc). You will shoot and edit a short MOS
narrative on the Canon 7D or 6D using all 8 shots listed below.? Do not combine elements, each element is
an individual shot:
1. Woman
at a computer?2. Man cleaning something 3. CD/Record/Ipod playing? 4.
Someone gets something out of a box 5. Light being turned on 6. An article of
clothing is put on 7. Pencil gets sharpened 8. Someone takes off a ring.?
You may add up to three additional shots to the sequence (but only three).
You can
assemble the shots in any order. Be creative with this list, you don?t have to
be literal.? You must also include a visual transition between two
of the shots, and a smooth and motivated dolly shot.?
You will
edit your sequence and you must add music and sound effects. Besides telling an
interesting story, your emphasis should be on lighting technique, exposure,
composition, and camera movement.
CAMERA:
Canon 7D or 6D
DELIVERY
FORMAT: Digital file a usb thumb drive that I will return to you another class
meeting.? Make sure you label the
thumb drive.??
File format: ?.h264
quicktime file, bit rate 5000 kbps, 16x9 aspect ratio (1920x1080 or 1280x720):
10 sec of Slate (Project title, length, date, format, frame rate,
filmmakers)
5 sec of Black
Project
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ALSO: Group Evaluation form #2, uploaded to D2L, for each member of
the group.
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SHOT LIST, OVERHEADS, AND FINAL SCRIPT
DUE?CLASS 8 10/29
As part of your final project grade you must turn in a 3-5 page
script of your final project, a shot list, and overheads for each shot
(uploaded to D2L).? Storyboards are
also a very helpful tool for pre-visualization.? They are not required but
recommended.? I will give feedback
on this part of the assignment via email if I have any questions or concerns.? Please do not give me your originals,
you need these for your shoot.?
Please scan and upload to D2L.
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DELIVERY FORMAT: Typed, drawn, scanned and uploaded to D2L-do not
hand in any paper.
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ASSIGNMENT #3-FINAL PROJECTS? DUE CLASS
11, 11/19
Shoot a 3-5 minute short narrative film in an assigned genre.? We will pick these genres randomly
during class.? This film should be
cinematically stunning, using the visual components and lighting concepts that
we learn about in class, AND tell a coherent story (imagine that).? This project must be edited, and though
dialogue is not required, sync sound is.?? This is not a 3-5 minute music
video.?? Length should be no
more that 5 minutes- This limitation is not absolute, but remember, you have to
have time to edit it and I don?t want you to tackle too big of a project.
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DELIVERY FORMAT: ?2
COPIES (See below for specs)!!!!
Be sure to ?Quality Control? each of your dvds, and keep duplicates
for yourself.? DVDs will not be
returned.
ALSO
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All DVD's must be in cases and labeled clearly with a sharpie and
the following information:
-Your name
-The name of the assignment
-The class number and name you are submitting the assignment for
-The term
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1 DATA DVD (DVD-R) with a
Quicktime file compressed to H.264, Data Rate: 5000mbps
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1 DVD playable in
desktop DVD player:
Please use compressor to encode the file and DVD Studio pro
or Encore to author it.
10 sec of Slate (Project title, length, date, format, frame
rate, filmmakers)
5 sec of Black
Project title
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ALSO: Group Evaluation form #3, uploaded to D2L, for each
member of the group.
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Week 1 9/10
LECTURE:
Getting to know you, me and the syllabus
Film is an illusion
What the course will cover
Cinematographers rule!
Speaking of rules?
Composition rules
Building blocks of scenes
Character Shots
Coverage and how to shoot a scene
Picking groups
WORKSHOP: Camera Tech Canon C100
READING: Writing with Motion Pages 2-12, Visual Language
Pages 14-36, Visual Language Pages 38-52
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Week 2 9/17
WATCH: Plan Scene example: Touch of Evil
LECTURE:
Continuity
Camera movement
Picking final film genres
WORKSHOP:???????????
Camera Movement
READING: Cinematic Continuity Pages 78-102, Camera Movement
Pages 210-226
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Week 3 9/24
ASSIGNMENT #1 DUE
WATCH: Camera Movement exercises
Review and critique some assignments
LECTURE:
Reserve Canon cameras for Assignment #2
Color Theory
Color Temperature
Story boards, overheads and shot lists
WORKSHOP:? Color
temperature demonstration, complimentary and analogous color exercise,
READING: Color Pages 228-244
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Week 4 10/1
SCRIPT OUTLINES DUE
(uploaded to D2L)
WATCH: Color exercises
LECTURE:
Optics-Depth of Field, Lenses, F-stop etc
Exposure
WORKSHOP: Focus/DOF and exposure exercise
AT HOME WATCHING: Canon 7d videos
READING: Language of the Lens Pages 54-66, Exposure Pages 181-208
Optics and Focus Pages 270-286
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Week 5 10/8
WATCH: Focus and DOF Exercises, Visual Transition examples
LECTURE:
Set Operations
Visual Transitions
Set safety
Electricity
Gripology
Lights and lighting
WORKSHOP: Intro to Tools of the trade, 3 point lighting demo
and exercise,
READING: Lighting Basics 104-128, Lighting Sources 130-146
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Week 6 10/15
WATCH: Example of Assignment #2
LECTURE: Genre Lighting
WORKSHOP: Lighting with ratios, How to use a analog light
meter
AT HOME WATCHING: JVC-700 videos
READING: Image Control 246-268
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Week 7 10/22
ASSIGNMENT #2 DUE
WATCH: lighting exercises
LECTURE:
The video signal
Compression
Timecode
The Video camera, ccd chips
Progressive scan and interlace
Aspect ratios
WORKSHOP: Continue lighting exercise from last week
READING: HD Cinematography 148-180
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Week 8 10/29
FINAL PROJECT SCRIPTS,
OVERHEADS, AND SHOT LISTS DUE
WORKSHOP: Lights and lighting-?I can do that?, matching
cinematic lighting
READING: Technical Issues 308-342
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Week 9 11/5
WATCH: lighting exercises from the last two weeks,
Assignment #2
LECTURE: Review for the final
WORKSHOP: None
READING: Set-Operations 288-306 (Many points on the final
exam)
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Week 10 11/12
Final Exam
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Week 11 11/19
FINAL PROJECTS DUE AT
THE START OF CLASS!
We will screen and critique all final projects.? If there is time we will also look at
examples of interesting cinematography techniques not covered in class so
far.? Attendance to this class is Mandatory!? If you are not there you will receive a
0 on your final project and will likely fail the course.
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Course Policies (from the university)
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Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
This course will be subject to the academic integrity policy
passed by faculty. More information can be found? at?
http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/.
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The university and school policy on plagiarism can be
summarized as follows: Students in this course should be aware of the strong
sanctions that can be imposed against someone guilty of plagiarism. If proven,
a charge of plagiarism could result in an automatic F in the course and
possible expulsion. The strongest of sanctions will be imposed on anyone who
submits as his/her own work any assignment which has been prepared by someone
else. If you have any questions or doubts about what plagiarism entails or how
to properly acknowledge source materials be sure to consult the instructor.
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Withdrawal
Students who withdraw from the course do so by using the
Campus Connection system (http://campusconnect.depaul.edu.?? Withdrawals processed via this
system are effective the day on which they are made. Simply ceasing to attend,
or notifying the instructor, or nonpayment of tuition, does not constitute an
official withdrawal from class and will result in academic as well as financial
penalty.
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Retroactive?
Withdrawal
This policy exists to assist students for whom extenuating
circumstances prevented them from meeting the withdrawal deadline.? During their college career students may
be allowed one medical/personal administrative withdrawal and one college
office administrative withdrawal, each for one or more courses in a single
term. Repeated requests will not be considered.? Submitting an appeal for retroactive
withdrawal does not guarantee approval.
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College office appeals for CDM students must be submitted
online via MyCDM. The deadlines for submitting appeals are as follows:
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Autumn Quarter: Last day of the last final exam of the
subsequent winter quarter Winter Quarter: Last day of the last final exam of
the subsequent spring quarter Spring Quarter: Last day of the last final exam
of the subsequent autumn quarter Summer Terms:?? Last day of the last final exam of
the subsequent autumn quarter
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Excused Absence
In order to petition for an excused absence, students who
miss class due to illness or significant personal circumstances should complete
the Absence Notification process through the Dean of Students
office.??
The form can be accessed at http://studentaffairs.depaul.edu/dos/forms.html.?? Students must submit
supporting documentation alongside the form.? The professor reserves the sole right
whether to offer an excused absence and/or academic accommodations for an
excused absence.
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Incomplete
An incomplete grade is a special, temporary grade that may
be assigned by an instructor when unforeseeable circumstances prevent a student
from completing course requirements by the end of the term and when otherwise
the student had a record of satisfactory progress in the course.? CDM policy requires the student to
initiate the request for incomplete grade before the end of the term in which
the course is taken. Prior to submitting the incomplete request, the student
must discuss the circumstances with the instructor.? Students may initiate the incomplete
request process in MyCDM.
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??????? All
incomplete requests must be approved by the instructor of the course and a CDM
Associate Dean.? Only exceptions
cases will receive such approval.
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approved, students are required to complete all remaining course requirement
independently in consultation with the instructor by the deadline indicated on
the incomplete request form.
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default, an incomplete grade will automatically change to a grade of F after
two quarters have elapsed (excluding summer) unless another grade is recorded
by the instructor.
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incomplete grade does NOT grant the student permission to attend the same
course in a future? quarter.
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Students with Disabilities
Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on
the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss
their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.
To ensure that you receive the most appropriate
accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible
in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that
you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at:
Student Center, LPC, Suite #370
Phone? number:
(773)325.1677
Fax:?
(773)325.3720
TTY:?
(773)325.7296
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This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.
Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course
content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The
evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely
separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation.
Students complete the evaluation online in CampusConnect.
This course will be subject to the university's academic integrity policy. More information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/ If you
have any questions be sure to consult with your professor.
All students are expected to abide by the University's Academic Integrity Policy which prohibits cheating and other misconduct in student coursework. Publicly sharing or posting online any prior or current materials from this course (including exam questions or answers), is considered to be providing unauthorized assistance prohibited by the policy. Both students who share/post and students who access or use such materials are considered to be cheating under the Policy and will be subject to sanctions for violations of Academic Integrity.
Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.
To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that
you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at:
Lewis Center 1420, 25 East Jackson Blvd.
Phone number: (312)362-8002
Fax: (312)362-6544
TTY: (773)325.7296