It's a cliche I know, but don't you wish you could bottle enthusiasm up and share it around? I have taught a group of students for three years, first in my integrated English/ Mechatronics class. And now, in their final year at college. They are an exceptional bunch of teenagers, and what sets them apart is their enthusiasm. They are fully invested in the life of the school. And, they strive for excellence in all they do. Add to that, they are decent human beings, quick to laugh and throw banter around.
That zest for life and enthusiasm to learn is infectious and the result is an engaged, energetic, likable Year 13 class. And their positivity has led to other students in the class upping their game. With that in mind, instead of doing a conventional close viewing standard which requires students to respond critically to significant aspects of visual text(s) through close reading, supported by evidence, we are doing an auteur study.
This is a standard done over about 7 weeks, focusing on one director and two films. To be classified as an "auteur", according to Andrew Sarris, a director must accomplish technical competence in his technique, personal style in terms of how the movie looks and feels, along with interior meaning.
This is quite a time-consuming and technical piece of writing as the students have to closely analyse and compare a director's style over two films.
To pick apart a style, they need to understand camera features and the impact these techniques have on an audience. Essentially they answer the question, What makes a film a Tarantino, or a Hitchcock? for example. This involves making sophisticated, insightful and original interpretations and judgements through a detailed exploration and consideration of significant aspects of the films. Their analysis needs to be both critical and perceptive.
I look forward to introducing this standard to the class and hope that they find it both challenging and engaging. The full resource is linked below.
April 06, 2024
Such a great idea and I absolutely *love* your slide designs in this, Linda! 🤩 Great work!
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