Most classes will include some combination of lecture, workshop or seminar on the assigned readings, and short screenings. There will be roughly two films per week that you will screen at home.
Screening films at home
You are required to have a comprehensive sources for DVDs (such as Netflix) so you will have immediate access to the assigned films. We will regularly screen excerpts from films and documentaries in class.
Lectures are intended to inform you of central concepts, arguments, disciplinary methods and specific content related to the week’s readings.
Workshops are designed to a.) provide you with practical, hands-on experience and b.) facilitate your developing understanding of texts and films as well as skills of interpretation, analysis and critique. As the work is generative, you will need to collaborate closely with your colleagues.
Seminars will deepen your understanding through close attention to the texts, including identification and interpretation of central and problematic concepts and vocabulary, as well as interpretation and critique of arguments and themes.
General Expectations:
Excellent attendance and full participation on all program activities. If you cannot make a class meeting, you need to let your seminar faculty know in advance—either by phone or e-mail. You’ll also need to contact your triad peers so that they can take notes and fill you in on what you missed.
College-level work. Since the program is focused on reading, writing, screening and critical thinking, you are expected to demonstrate these skills at the college level. Specifically, this means:
• the ability to read, understand, and then summarize texts
• the ability to learn from texts through discussion with others
• the ability to analyze historical film and pursue writing assignments
• the ability to write coherent, focused, correctly punctuated prose
• the ability to develop and defend a thesis
• the ability and commitment to do all of the above reliably
Library: an active Evergreen library account.
Fifth Week Warnings. Students will be informed as early as feasible, and no later than the fifth week, whether they are working at the college level, and if not, what is required in order to elevate skills to the college level work. Email: program faculty will use your Evergreen e-mail exclusively, so make sure you’ve accessed and check your account.
Program Requirements will include:
Students are required to keep an organized portfolio of all assignments. It will be checked mid-quarter turned in on the last day of class in a small expandable file folder. The following sections in the correct order will be included in your portfolio. These are the written requirements of the program:
1. A draft of your self-evaluation
2. Seminar papers or outlines
3. Responses to weekly study questions posted on the website
4. Reading and screening notes (focus on key concepts and terminology, how texts relate to program theme, ideas that you glean from your reading. If you tend to write notes in the margins, it will be necessary to transcribe these notes for the portfolio)
5. Class notes from lectures, workshops, seminars, attendances and other activities
6. Program handouts
7. Mid-quarter paper and final summative paper with annotated bibliography
Evaluation
Your evaluation will be based on the following criteria:
• Successful completion of all program requirements including:
• Adherence to the syllabus and agreements in the covenant
• Excellent attendance, preparation for and participation in class and seminar
• The quality of ideas and the writing in your papers and projects
• Demonstration of acceptable understanding of program content and learning goals
Incomplete status will be granted only for reasons of family crisis, illness, or similar documented emergency. Evaluation conferences will be held at the end of the quarter. Credit is not the same as positive evaluation. Students receive credit for fulfilling minimum requirements and standards. The evaluation is a statement describing the quality of the student’s work. It is possible for a student to receive credit but receive an evaluation that describes poor quality work. It is also possible for a student to attend regularly yet receive no or reduced credit because of unsatisfactory performance.
Access Services. If you are a student with disability who would benefit from support or services to ensure full access to this course, please contact Access Services in Library 2120 in the Student Advising Center, PH: 360-867-6348. In order for your program faculty to make accommodations, we must be informed no later than the second week of the quarter by the student and in writing from Access Services.