English 9CT

Poetry into Film

Course Policies and Procedures
Spring 2015
T/TH: 1:15PM-3:05PM; Lathrop 190
Office Hours: T/TH: 12:15PM-1:15PM / 3:15PM-4:15PM

Instructor: Keith Ekiss

Email: kekiss@stanford.edu
Office: Margaret Jacks (Bldg 460-210)

Art is what looking takes you to. Mary Jo Bang

What is the relationship between poetry and film? Can these distinct forms speak to, and even enhance, one
another? How can we translate or adapt the verbal medium of poetry to the visual medium of film? In this unique
class, youll make short films based on both published and student-authored poems. From script to screen, youll
work in small teams to experience all aspects of a poetry-film production. Youll read poetry, discuss strategies for
adapting poems into film, storyboard, and visually design each production before filming, editing, and screening
the film for class. As such, the course will serve as an introduction to both poetry and digital filmmaking. In this
course, our scripts will be poems and well find imaginative ways to bring poetry alive through film.
Required Texts
A Book of Luminous Things. Ed. Czeslaw Milosz (Mariner Books, 1998).
Shot by Shot: A Practical Guide to Filmmaking (Pittsburg Filmmakers, Fourth Edition).
Course Packet (available from CopyAmerica)
Requirements
Assignments: You will complete three collaborative films along with a number of exercises designed to introduce
you to a wide range of interpretative strategies for turning poetry into film. Additionally, you will complete a
number of in-class and take-home assignments that will introduce you to a variety of approaches to poetry and
visual thinking.
For all written assignments, please use a 12-point font. On each assignment, include your name, assignment
number (e.g., Script #1), the pieces title (all pieces must be titled), and the date. Assignments may NOT be
submitted via e-mail.
**You will receive a grade of C for any assignment submitted after the due date, unless we have made other
arrangements prior to the assignments deadline.
Participation: Since this is a hands-on, collaborative class, thoughtful, regular participation will be a key
component of your success. I expect you to approach this class with a sense of excitement and open-mindedness as
we explore the intersections between poetry and film. You will work together in small teams to create short films
and the emphasis will be on cooperation, effort, and creativity. You will also complete a series of writing exercises
designed to develop your abilities with poetry and scripting. Lastly, youll be expected to engage closely with the
readings and films in the course, bringing your ideas and observations to each class.
Readings: All students must attend a minimum of three readings or Stanford film screenings over the course of the
term. As an alternative to a reading or screening, you can substitute a visit to Poets House or an Art of Writing
seminar. Please do not take notes during the events. A list of events is located on the Creative Writing web site:
http://www.stanford.edu/group/creativewriting/events.html
ABSENCES: Attendance and participation is absolutely critical to your success in this course. You will be
granted two unexcused absences for the duration of the semester. Notification should be given to the instructor
in advance for any absences. Additional absences will drop your final grade by one full letter grade for each
session missed.
EGL-9CT, Poetry into Film

TARDINESS: If you must come late for any reason during the quarter (or request to leave early), please let me
know as soon as possible. If you are more than five minutes late to class without prior permission, this will count
as an unexcused absence. Frequent tardiness within 5 minutes may count as an absence at the instructors
discretion.
CONFERENCES: My office hours are listed above. If that time is not convenient, I am happy to schedule an
alternative. I may request a conference if I think it would benefit your work or progress. Please reserve e-mail for
simple requests, or minor housekeeping matters.
Grading and Revision: The percentages of contribution to your final grade are as follows:
Participation and Feedback
Exercises and Scripts
Film #1 (Student Project)
Film #2 (Found Footage)
Film #3 (Student Project)
Reading / Film attendance

20%
20%
15%
15%
20%
10%

Paper work: You will receive a lot of paper in this course: hand-outs, poems, scripts, student writing, and critiques
from your fellow students. Be prepared to get organized and consider purchasing a file folder or binder. Do not
discard any of your work during the quarter.
Disability Support: Students who may need an academic accommodation based on the impact of a disability must
initiate the request with the Student Disability Resource Center (SDRC) located within the Office of Accessible
Education (OAE). SDRC staff will evaluate the request with required documentation, recommend reasonable
accommodations, and prepare an Accommodation Letter for faculty dated in the current quarter in which the
request is being made. Students should contact the SDRC as soon as possible since timely notice is needed to
coordinate accommodations. The OAE is located at 563 Salvatierra Walk (phone: 723-1066, 723-1067 TTY).
Academic Integrity: For questions regarding proper classroom and student conduct, please refer to the Stanford
Student Honor Code.

EGL-9CT, Poetry into Film