Drama: Film and Television 12 (History of Film), version 02 (4 credits)

The course consists of four main topic areas— Visual Storytelling and the Grammar of Filmmaking; Early Cinema and the Studio Years; The Transitional Era; and Independent Film and the Rise of the Blockbuster.

Drama: Film and Television 12 (History of Film) has been developed to provide Grade 12 students in BC with a broad understanding of key films in the history of motion pictures, the concepts and techniques central to this history, and opportunities for practical production experience. The course begins with the early development of motion pictures at the turn of the century and leads learners towards an understanding of contemporary cinema, including blockbuster movies. Completion of Drama: Film and Television 12 (History of Film) satisfies the graduation requirements for Fine Arts/Applied Skills in Foundation Studies.

Drama: Film and Television 12 (History of Film) consists of four modules, with a consumable workbook for each module, and four Source Files. This course uses two textbooks titled Understanding Movies (Canadian Edition) and The Spotlight’s On: Careers in Film Television, Radio and the Live Performing Arts and thirteen videos. There are a number of videos* used in this course which, unfortunately, we are unable to stock at this time. Therefore, it is up to the students to rent or borrow a copy of the videos and DVDs, listed at the end, themselves. **Students do not study both The Piano and Double Happiness. They should select one of them to view. It is recommended that students under 18 years of age study Double Happiness. Drama: Film and Television 12 (History of Film) will require students to have access to a VCR/DVD player and video camera.

Module 1: The Basics—Visual Storytelling and the Grammar of Filmmaking

Section 1.1: The Grammar of Filmmaking, Part I
Section 1.2: The Grammar of Filmmaking, Part II
Section 1.3: Narrative Structure
Section 1.4: The Business of Filmmaking

Module 2: Early Silent Film and the Studio Years

Section 2.1: Silent Cinema and the Early Masters
Section 2.2: The Hollywood Studio System
Section 2.3: The Grapes of Wrath and Cinematography
Section 2.4: Orson Welles and Citizen Kane

Module 3: The Transitional Period, 1940 to 1960

Section 3.1: Hollywood and Film Noir
Section 3.2: Hollywood Musicals
Section 3.3: The Western
Section 3.4: Alfred Hitchcock and the Thriller

Module 4: Independent Film and the Rise of the Blockbuster

Section 4.1: Independent Cinema and the New Wave
Section 4.2: The Age of American Independent Filmmakers
Section 4.3: New International Cinema
Section 4.4: Canadian Cinema
There are no tests for this course.
All modules require the use of a VCR and students must have access to a video camera. Access to a tripod is recommended.

The text and resources for this course are:

Understanding Movies
The Spotlights On: Careers in Film, Television, Radio and the Live Performing Arts
Mod 1 Source File
Mod 2 Source File
Mod 3 Source File
Mod 4 Source File
13 Video tapes and 2 DVDs. DES deposit of $30.00 each except for Breathless which is $50.00:
Breathless
Star Wars
Hollywood: The Pioneers
Grapes of Wrath
His Girl Friday
Citizen Kane DVD
*Double Indemnity
Singing in the Rain
The Searchers
Vertigo
Chinatown Video
Chinatown DVD
The Sweet Hereafter
The Piano
Double Happiness

Check with your Distance Education School about a rental form and deposit for these videos *Breathless, Star Wars, Hollywood: The Pioneers, Double Indemnity, The Piano, and Double Happiness are not available at this time. **Students view only one of: The Piano or Double Happiness ***The Piano has scenes of nudity, violence and sexual acts. It is strongly recommended that students under the age of 18 select the video Double Happiness for the lesson.