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Pennsylvania College of Technology

School of Business, Arts & Sciences • Department of Composition and Literature

Introduction to Cinema
MCM 152-25 • Spring 2023 • 6:30–9:15 • LEC B2052
Course Description
Study of film as mass media. Includes the international development of cinema as well as the
historical significance of various films. Stresses an understanding of the social, cultural,
political, and aesthetic values communicated by film. Introduces basic elements of movie
making and discusses film criticism. (ART) 3 Credits: 3 Lecture.
Introduction to Cinema satisfies the Art Elective as well as the General Studies Core Elective.
The approach to course material is multidisciplinary.
Required Student Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to
1. Identify historical trends and technological innovations that have dramatically altered the
way films are made.
2. Discuss the history of distributing and presenting movies.
3. Compare and contrast cinema techniques used for narration—mise en scène, camera,
lighting, editing, sound.
4. Detect how films reveal characters—exposition, archetypes, stereotypes, relationships.
5. Analyze the approaches films use to depict physical reality, “Willing suspension of
disbelief,” realism, expressionism.
6. Apply and critique different modes and perspectives of criticism.
7. Evaluate cinematic approaches for informing, persuading, and indoctrinating — reportage,
education, propaganda.
8. Discuss the concept of cinema as a product of change in culture as well as a catalyst for
change in culture.
Instructors
Mark LaVoie, Associate Professor in Speech Communication and Composition
570-320-2400 ext. 7214 • Office: ACC 314C • mxl27@pct.edu
Regular Office Hours: Mon. 1:30–3:30, Wed 5:00–6:00, Thurs. 5:30–6:30, Fri. 10:30–11:30
Additional Office Hours First Week and Scheduling Weeks: Mon. 11:30–12:30 and Fri. 1:00–2:00
Joseph Loehr, Associate Professor in English and Composition and in Mass Media Communication
570-320-2400 ext. 7221 • Office: ACC 314A • jloehr@pct.edu
Regular Office Hours: Mon. 1:30–3:30, Wed 5:00–6:00, Thurs. 5:30–6:30, Fri. 10:30–11:30
Additional Office Hours First Week and Scheduling Weeks: Mon. 11:30–12:30 and Fri. 1:00–2:00
Information Literacy
The Association of College and Research Libraries defines information literacy as “a set of
abilities requiring individuals to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to
locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information” and has established five standards
for recognizing its achievement at the level of student competence such courses as MCM152
strive to achieve. The information literate student
1. determines the nature and extent of the research information needed for class
assignments and homework. (Student Outcome 1, 6, 7 and 8)
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2. learns to access needed research information effectively and efficiently.

(Student Outcome 1, 4, and 7)
3. evaluates research information and its sources critically and incorporates selected
information into his/her knowledge base and value system. (Student Outcome 8)
4. individually or as a member of a group, uses scholarly information effectively to discuss
and write about historical issues and concepts central to the discipline. (Student
Outcomes 1 and 2)
5. identifies key concepts and terms that describe the information need;
6. recognizes that existing information can be combined with original thought,
experimentation, and/or analysis to produce new information.
(Student Outcomes 3, 4, and 6)
Required Text and Online Interactions
Moving Pictures: An Introduction to Cinema by Russell Sharman
A free and open-source introduction to the art and science of moving pictures, offering in-depth
exploration of how cinema communicates, and what, exactly, it is trying to say.
Policies and Procedures
1. All material discussed in class is testable. If you must miss a class, you are responsible for
finding out what material was covered and what assignments are due.
2. Assigned readings are due on the dates scheduled. Since these various references will
provide much background for in-class discussions, you are expected to be thoroughly
familiar with assigned materials.
3. Attendance is required; active classroom participation is expected. Unexcused
tardiness and absenteeism can affect your course grade. Attendance is essential for
learning and skill development. The expectation remains that you attend your
lectures/labs, except when you are sick or have been exposed to someone who is
symptomatic or has tested positive for COVID-19. Therefore, students are not to report to
labs or lectures if they are demonstrating any COVID-19 symptoms or if they are
unvaccinated and exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. If you are
unable to report to lecture/lab due to COVID-19 symptoms or exposure risk, you are to
contact College Health Services and then communicate with me via email, informing me
that you will not be in class. To the extent your health permits, students are required to
stay current with course materials and remain in communication with me. Students will
be permitted to make up missed assignments/exams when taking required precautionary
measures while we all attempt to navigate the pandemic safely. For more detailed
information about the College's attendance policy link to the Attendance Policy.
4. Unless other formats are specifically required, documents must follow standard
manuscript guidelines based on MLA style according to the MLA Handbook, 8th Edition or 9th
Edition, including proper citations for sources. Templates and basic guides will be
provided to reinforce this requirement.
5. You are expected to keep backup copies of all your work throughout the course. You are
responsible for keeping original copies of all work that has been returned with comments
or evaluations.
6. Make-ups for tests and quizzes and due dates for make-ups will be at the instructor's
discretion based on the student's circumstances. Students will be permitted to make up
missed assignments and exams when taking required precautionary measures while we
all attempt to navigate the pandemic safely.
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7. You are welcome to use your electronic device of choice in class for taking notes and
researching material. In fact, you’re encouraged to do so. Any inappropriate use of your
device, however, will result in its use being banned in the classroom.
8. All out-of-class writing assignments must be word-processed and reflect all stages of the
writing process—especially editing and proofreading. These requirements also apply to
all submissions to discussion forums.
9. This course requires you to interact with PLATO (Platform for Teaching and Learning–
Online), Penn College’s online Internet site containing a wide range of services and
information specific to individual classes. It is your responsibility to become skilled in
navigating this course’s site as soon as possible.
10. An R on any assignment indicates the assignment must be reworked before its final grade
will be given. The original work must be included with the rework; the rework must
follow the guidelines for out-of-class writing assignments. Any R not promptly
resubmitted will revert to an F.
11. Typically, your College email will announce if a class has been canceled; a note will also be
posted on the classroom door.
12. Members of this class—including the professor— are expected to strive to
• speak and listen courteously, both in person and online,
• be fair and just in the treatment of others,
• foster and celebrate the diversity in the class,
• promote the exchange of ideas and diverse opinions, and
• take personal responsibility for their choices and actions.
Student Activities
Required Readings and Viewings. Many videos and other instructional materials will be
provided during the course.
Discussions. Participation in discussions will include beginning response threads, reading other
students’ comments, and adding contributing to threads initiated by other students.
Tests, Final Exam. Tests and a comprehensive final exam will consist of multiple-choice, true-false,
fill-in-the-blank, matching items, and developed-paragraph responses.
Grading System and Procedures:
Weight Evaluation
Discussions and Tests ......................... 80% A: 90–100 D: 60–69
Final Exam ................................................ 20% B: 80–89 F < 60
100%
For additional information on definitions and procedures related to the
College's grading system, refer to Grading System.
Academic Fairness Policy/Procedure P/PR 4.23 (Recommended Language)
Students are to be evaluated solely on their academic performance, not on the basis of their
opinions or conduct in matters unrelated to academic standards. Students are protected against
improper/unfair academic evaluation or treatment through the Academic Fairness Policy (P 4.23).
A student who feels unfairly evaluated in an assignment, quiz, exam, or final grade or who feels
that an instructor has infringed upon the student's right verbal expression, has the right of
complaint as provided in the Academic Fairness Complaint Procedure (PR 4.23).
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Academic Success Software (Starfish)

Penn College uses Starfish, a college success and retention program, to help identify students
who may need additional support to achieve academic success. Throughout the semester, you
may receive emails from Starfish regarding your course grades and academic performance. If
you receive one of these alerts (flags), please keep in mind they are meant to help you achieve
success – they do not affect your grade or carry any punitive action. The College has many ways
to support its students, and Starfish is a customizable tool that will help to get you connected to
the services and resources you need. Starfish can be accessed through a direct link on PLATO.
Disability and Access Resources
The Penn College community strives to make all learning experiences as accessible as
possible. Any student, who feels they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a
disability (including mental health, chronic or temporary medical conditions), should contact
me privately to discuss your specific needs. However, determination of your eligibility for
accommodations will be based upon the documentation that you must submit to the Disability
and Access Resources office. Please contact the Disability and Access Resources office at (570)
320-5225, dar@pct.edu, Bush Campus Center, Room 202, to discuss the steps necessary to
coordinate reasonable accommodations.
Academic Honesty and Ethical Computing
Upon admission to Penn College, students make the unqualified commitment to responsible,
ethical academic conduct. Academic dishonesty is contrary to the mission of the College and to
the best interest of its members. Therefore, students are expected to represent themselves,
their work, and the work of others with honesty and integrity as outlined in the College Policy
Statement P 4.45. This policy provides definitions of the different types of academic dishonesty,
which go beyond cheating and plagiarism. Charges of academic dishonesty will be taken
seriously. Students found guilty of academic dishonesty will be subject to action and penalties
as the circumstances justify, including suspension or expulsion from the College. Any staff or
faculty member who believes a student is guilty of academic dishonesty will follow the
complaint procedure (PR 4.45).
Plagiarism Defined
Plagiarism is defined in the Penn College statement on Academic Dishonesty (Academic
Dishonesty Policy, P 4.45) as "using the idea, data, or language of another without specific or
proper acknowledgment." All published and unpublished material, whether in printed or
electronic form, is covered under this definition. This definition applies whether material is
presented orally (for example, in a presentation) or in writing, or if the content includes visual
information (for example, charts, graphs, illustrations). The definition also applies to reusing
one's own work without proper citation—this is known as self-plagiarism. Self-plagiarism
results when a student submits an original work to more than one course (or the same course)
without proper acknowledgment that the work, in large sections or in its entirety, has been
previously submitted. Moreover, submitting a work multiple times in this manner requires
faculty permission. To avoid self-plagiarism, the core of the new work must constitute an
original creation and thus an original contribution to the body of knowledge in a particular field.
Whether deliberate or unintentional, plagiarism is open to the charge of academic dishonesty. As
such, it is imperative that all members of the Penn College community understand the concept of
plagiarism and diligently strive to provide appropriate attribution in all academic contexts.
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Types of Plagiarism
Type 1: failing to correctly credit the original source of ideas integrated into the student-
generated work. All source material must be credited within the text; just listing a source in a
bibliography is not sufficient to avoid plagiarism; and
Type 2: incorporating exact wording of a passage without using quotation marks and correct in-
text citation, endnote/footnote, and reference list. Just listing a source in a bibliography is not
sufficient to avoid plagiarism.
Academic integrity demands due diligence in both understanding and avoiding plagiarism. In
academic work, plagiarism can be avoided by correctly attributing material incorporated into
an assignment to the original source of that material.
During this course, plagiarism will not be tolerated on any assignment. All work that is handed
in must be of your own completion. Be sure to give proper credit to all sources used to complete
the written assignments, both within the text of the assignment and at the end of the assignment.
Please review the College’s policy on plagiarism and academic dishonesty, as it will be strictly
followed. It should be noted that plagiarism is a serious offense and may lead to immediate
failure of the course—even for the first offense.
Academic dishonesty or plagiarism will be subject to disciplinary action according to College
policy. For more information, see the College's web page at Academic Dishonesty Policy and
Complaint Procedure. Simply put: sources of information must be properly credited, no
matter how brief the assignment or trivial the details.
Copyright and Fair Use
The legal and ethical use of intellectual property is the responsibility of everyone using
works created by others. The law provides civil and criminal penalties for copyright
infringement. The copyright and Fair Use Advisory Group (CFUAG) provides general
guidance pertaining to copyright, fair use, and plagiarism. For information, go to the College
portal, select Departments, and then choose Madigan Library. Look for the Copyright and
Fair Use icon on the home page. Alternately, go to http://mypct.pct.edu/copyright. Address
specific questions to CFUAG at mailto:cfuag@pct.edu.
Turnitin™
Penn College is committed to preserving academic integrity as defined in College policies.
Penn College and its faculty members reserve the right to use electronic means to detect and
help prevent the inappropriate use of intellectual property. Students agree that by taking this
course, all assignments are subject to submission to Turnitin for review of textual similarity.
A Dropbox will be set up on P.L.A.T.O. for students to submit their assignments. Once placed
in the Dropbox, the assignment will be submitted to Turnitin. Assignments submitted to
Turnitin will also be included as source documents in Turnitin’s restricted access database
solely for the purpose of identifying sources of material. The terms that apply to Penn
College’s use of Turnitin’s service are described on the Turnitin website.
Tutoring Services
The Tutoring Center, located in the Klump Academic Center, Room 145, provides academic
assistance in math and other technical subjects. Services include
• Walk-in and by-appointment tutoring for math, biology, and chemistry classes
• Walk-in tutoring for a variety of other courses during scheduled hours
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• On-site tutoring in various labs on campus and in the Madigan Library

The Tutoring Center has earned Advanced/Level II Certification from the College Reading &
Learning Association (CRLA).
Classroom Recording
Students may not use recording devices in the classroom, lab, or other venues intended for
instruction without prior permission of the instructor. The instructor may prohibit* the use of
such devices for privacy purposes or when their use would inhibit the free exchange of ideas.
If recording is permitted, all participants (i.e., students or guests) in the session(s) to be
recorded must be given prior notice. The notice should be given at least orally at the beginning
of the first class for which the lectures are recorded. Any participants who object to the
recording based on their own reasonable expectation of privacy should immediately make this
objection known to the instructor*.
* Students with qualifying disabilities may be permitted to record class lectures as a form of
academic accommodation. Students seeking this accommodation can contact Disability
and Access Resources. Instructors are not at liberty to prohibit recordings arranged
through Disability and Access Resources as an accommodation.
If the live course content offered by Professor Loehr in ENL121-25 during the Fall 2022
semester is recorded and made available to the ENL121-25 students within PLATO, the content
will be solely for use by Fall 2022 ENL121-25 students. The content shall not be shared outside
of the ENL121-25 course on PLATO. Any reproduction of course material, in any format
(recorded, word, PDF, PowerPoint, quiz, exams etc.), or sharing of course content is strictly
prohibited. Failure to follow this guideline will be considered academic dishonesty and will be
subject to the academic dishonest policy. Any participants who object to the recording based on
their own reasonable expectation of privacy should immediately make this objection known to
the instructor.
Information contained in the recorded lecture is protected under federal copyright laws and
may not be published or quoted without the express consent of the instructor/lecturer or
participating student, and without giving proper identity and credit. The individual acquires no
intellectual property rights, including copyright protection, by recording the lecture, including
the content recorded.
Class Content and Assignments
Class content and assignments are updated after each class session on the course site on PLATO.

Additional Policies, Procedures, and Expectations

Specific to Spring Semester 2023
Masking guidance is based on the College's review of a variety of metrics, both internal and external
to the institution. Currently, guidance falls into one of two categories:
• Masking Recommended: Indoor masking is recommended for all students and employees.
• Masking Optional: Masking is optional for students, employees, and visitors—regardless of
vaccination status.
The College reserves the right to modify the masking guidance if pandemic metrics change.
Faculty may request that students and other visitors to their office space be masked. Everyone is
encouraged to respect this request. Other meeting modalities may be explored to accommodate a
student’s need if they are unwilling to accommodate the masking request.
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For the most up-to-date guidance on COVID-19, visit the College’s Continuity of Operations Plan,
which is updated regularly.

Notice of Right to Modify

The instructor reserves the right to modify this syllabus regarding course policies and procedures at
any time during the semester with timely notification to enrolled students.

Syllabus Reviewed and Updated 01/08/2023