European Studies

February 28, 2005

Minutes

• Class began and Dr. Reimer informed the class that he would return the tests today, but first he would pass out the assignment that will be due on 3/2/05.
• Dr. Reimer went through the instructions for the assignment in detail, so that everyone would be clear. He then asked if anyone had any questions.
• It was emphasized that our assignment as well as our essays due at the end of the semester are formal papers, and should be treated as such.  He suggested that we keep in mind that the language and vocabulary used is appropriate.
• Avoid slang, colloquialisms, and use the thesauruses carefully.
• He also added that the conclusion should include some new insight that one could only achieve at the end of the paper.  There should be something in the conclusion that is not stated in the thesis.
• Dr. Reimer asked us again if we had any questions, and then proceeded to hand out the exams from last week.
• We then went through the exam, question by question and Dr. Reimer asked those that received the highest number of pints on a particular question to read their response. He told us that we should observe and compare our responses with his, in the event that he overlooked something.
• Example from the terms selected @ 6 pts./each

Convention:  an agreement between the film and the viewer referencing the acceptability of illusionary and fantastical images in film.  For example, in a film, editing is seen by the human mind as being “logical”, although our minds are not fragmented and continuous. 

Close-up: a shot usually concentrating on a relatively small image (maybe a human face).  Not intended to show anything else.  This forces the viewer to focus on nothing but the image that has been magnified. Example: “Breathless” – the last shot that shows Patricia’s face after Michel has died, and she is trying to decipher what his last words to her were.

·        Examples from movie clips: selected @ 6 pts./each

L’eclisse:  The characters in this film are far away from each other and the distance implies unhappiness and hopelessness.  The woman looks away from the man, then continues to walk away from him, symbolizing the breaking of a tie/ an end to the relationship.  The shot of her looking at him through the mirror removes her from the scene, while simultaneously maintains her presence in it.  The fan blowing back and forth is the only consistent action taking place in both of their individual spaces.

Goodbye Franziska:  The music sets the tone of the scene and changes according to the actions taking place.  It is somewhat flirty and light while the man is following her through the park.  It changes to a more religious, organ-like tone when she enters the church.  The music acts as the dialogue and leads the viewer through the events taking place.

• After the exam had been reviewed, Dr. Reimer told us that he would release us early, and he would stay around to answer any questions about our essays.