English 2263: Introduction to Film (Recitation)

Instructor: Jacinta Yanders

Email: yanders.1@osu.edu Office: Denney Hall 569
Office Hours: Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 2:30pm-4:00pm

About the Class: In this class, we’ll take a deep dive into the class readings, the viewings, and any
other relevant content. Throughout the semester, we’ll build our collective film knowledge and
continuously apply the concepts being explored in the lecture section to the films being watched.
Our work will likely take many shapes in this class with each component coming together to ensure
that everybody has a solid foundation in film studies by the end of the semester.

Classroom Community: It’s our collective responsibility to foster an atmosphere of dignity,

respect, appreciation of diversity, and positive regard for all members of the class. While no one
amongst us is perfect, and we’re all learning, in this this classroom, we will endeavor to work
against racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, religious intolerance, ageism, and ableism.
Though the classroom should be a forum for the exchange of diverse and conflicting ideas and
rigorous, sometimes passionate debate, any attempt to silence or to denigrate class members will
not be tolerated.

And please avoid the following at all costs:

Attendance/Tardiness: Being present in class each week is a necessity. Missing more than three
classes (lectures and/or recitations) will result in the loss of a fraction of a letter grade for each
subsequent class missed. I will take attendance at the beginning of each recitation meeting. If you
are not present when your name is called, you will be marked as absent. If you come to class late, it
is your responsibility to check in with me at the end of class. If you choose not to do so, the absence
will remain on the record and will not be removed later.

Participation: In addition to being physically present, it’s important to be mentally present, active,
and engaged each week. Class time provides us with an opportunity to explore the material and to
consider any thoughts or questions that you have. While I do understand that not everybody will
wish to speak aloud in large group discussion, please note that there are a variety of ways in which
you can demonstrate your engagement in the class. Refer to the chart below for further guidance on
how participation will be assessed:

Grade Description
E Excessively and/or frequently tardy/absent. Unprepared for class. Actively disruptive
and/or disrespectful behavior that makes it difficult for the class to accomplish its
learning objectives.
D Only present in body (e.g. websurfing, doing homework for other classes, checking
email, chatting online or in class about topics unrelated to the class, texting, etc.). In-
class behavior that shows serious unpreparedness and a lack of engagement with the
course. Coming to class without the required materials for active participation.
C Present in mind and body, but only passively participating. Being prepared and
attentive, but not adding to class exploration of material.
B Present in mind and body, and actively participating with positive contributions to the
learning environment (e.g. engaged, relevant questions and comments during class
discussions, a willingness to share and talk about written work, proactive assistance
for fellow group members, incorporating the week's readings into comments,
performing well on pop quizzes, etc.).
A Present in mind and body, and provides meaningful contributions to the learning
environment. What generally distinguishes an A from a B is the depth and quality of
engagement with the intellectual tasks of the class.

Conferences: In a few weeks, each of you will be required to meet with me in my office for a short
conference. More information about this will be forthcoming.

About Office Hours: It has often been my experience that students will not, for whatever reason,
take advantage of office hours. So here’s a short list of why you should:
 One-on-one attention
 Get answers to burning questions
 Assistance with areas in which you’re struggling
 Gain an understanding of what you’re doing well in the class
 Connect with your professor

Readings and Viewings: In the words of Nike, “Just do it.”

Assignments/Grading: Please refer to the lecture syllabus for a breakdown of assignments and
grades.