Writing about the Moving Image

Purpose: to help other instructors teaching the same course

Common Course ID: Writing about the Moving Image (CTVA 349T)
CSU Instructor Open Textbook Adoption Portrait

CTVA 349T - Writing about the Moving Image

Brief Description of course highlights:  “Analyze and persuasively write about the moving image through discussion, peer review, writing revisions and secondary research” (CSUF catalog). Teaching three sections: Classic Films (2 sections) American Television.  This course fulfills the Upper Division Writing Requirement (UDWR) for CTVA majors. It is also required for CTVA minors. 

 Course Prerequisite: Completion of GE Category A2 “Written Communication” (ENGL 100 or ENGL 101 or ESE 100 or equivalent transfer course)

Course Objectives and Learning Goals: 

1. Understand critical concepts about motion image media, explaining ideas focusing on classic films (but with broader implications for all TV and film). Assessed by class participation with weekly “short prompt” writing. 
2. Apply critical constructs of the moving picture, using relevant, accurate, and credible information to demonstrate the implementation of those constructs in classic films (with broader implications for all TV and film). Assessed by a class presentation. 
3. Analyze critical components of motion image content, drawing connections among ideas by comparing and contrasting classic films (with broader implications for all TV and film). Assessed by a midterm essay. 
4. Evaluate critical aspects of moving image content, formulating and supporting an argument that critiques some aspect of classic films (with broader implications for all TV and film). Assessed by a final essay. 

Key challenges faced and how resolved: Syllabus and/or Sample assignment from the course or the adoption:   Working on a very shortened timeline, so finding the time to read and integrate the new materials was challenging.

Student access:  Learning management system- Canvas

Cost Savings:   Estimated student savings: Each section has 22 students, so for the 66 students across three sections there is a total savings of over $4800.

OER/Low Cost Adoption Process

Provide an explanation or what motivated you to use this textbook or OER/Low Cost option. Save students money, incorporate more diverse materials that were a better fit for each section.

How did you find and select the open textbook for this course? Worked one-on-one with the Open Educational Resources librarian and then collaborated with the library's Head of Circulation to make the materials available.
 

What did you change as part of the OER adoption?  Textbook, syllabus, films selected for review 

Teaching and Learning Impact  The course is currently running, so impact is yet to be determined.  

Student Feedback or Participation  The course is currently running, so student feedback is yet to be determined.

Edward Fink
Professor of Cinema and Television Arts College of Communications

California State University Fullerton.  

http://communications.fullerton.edu/faculty/ctva/fink_edward/index.php