Course Syllabus Professor: Burk Foster

CJUS 401 Office: Mouton 226

"The American Prison in Film" Telephone: 482-6172

University of Louisiana--Lafayette Office Hours: TR 1:00-3:00

Fall 2003 W 10:00-12:00 and 1:00-3:00

e-mail: burk@louisiana.edu

I. Course Objectives

1. To review the changing depiction of the American prison in major American motion pictures over time.

2. To identify dominant themes in prison films as a genre.

3. To consider the reality of the images of prison inmates and staff and the prison social environment as portrayed in these films.

4. To assess the impact prison films have had on the public's view of prisons, the legal system and public policy.

II. Texts and Reading Materials

There are no textbooks for this course, but handouts may be distributed from time to time.

III. Outline

A separate outline of films scheduled by date is provided.

IV. Grading

1. Quizzes. Immediately after each film. 50 points each, counting in sets of two. Maximum of five sets (which would be the ten highest quiz grades), worth 100 points each, or 500 points total.

2. Comparative paper. Discussing, comparing, and ranking the films shown in class this semester. For full credit, you must discuss at least 12 of the 13 films. The paper must be at least 10 to 12 double-spaced typewritten or computer-printed pages long (2,500 to 4,000 words). At some point in the paper, you must provide a ranking of the films in order of preference, from most-favored to least-favored. The paper is worth 200 points. It is due in class on November 18.

3. Weekly film reports. At the end of each class, students will be given a one-page form containing questions about the film. This report form is to be completed and returned at the beginning of the next class period, when the film will be discussed in class. Each of these reports is worth 20 points. The ten highest film report grades will be counted to total 200 points.

4. Class participation. As described below. 100 points.

5. Optional papers. You may do one or both of the following optional papers for extra credit to replace another 100-point grade:

a. "One More Movie" report worth 100 points. You would write an essay of about 750 to 1,000 typewritten or computer-printed words about another American prison film not used in class this semester; you would be arguing its merits as a film to be used next time. Due in class on November 4.

b. "Concept" paper. A short term paper (4 to 6 double-spaced typewritten or computer-printed pages) related to one or more of the prison films used in this class. It is worth 100 points. The paper could deal with the book on which the film is based, the historical setting of the film, the character on which it was based, the film's critical or social significance, or other elements related to a particular film on our viewing list. The concept must be approved in advance by the professor. The paper is due in class on November 11.

6. Final exam. A comprehensive exam, partly take-home and partly in-class, that combines discussion and essay questions. It is worth 100 points.

For the course, the maximum perfect score is 1,000 points. Letter grades will be calculated at the end of the course according to this scale:

A = 900-1,000

B = 800-899

C = 700-799

D = 600-699

F = Below 600

Class Participation. The class participation grade is worth 100 points. Seventy-five points come from class attendance. Roll will be taken every day. For every day you miss, you lose ten points; for every day you come into class late (after one warning), you lose five points. Keep track. The other 25 points are discretionary with the professor. These points are earned by taking an active part in class discussions; they are not given automatically for being alive and present in the classroom. The professor also has the discretion to take away up to 25 points for disruptive classroom conduct--particularly talking to other people while class is going on, sleeping, leaving class early, or annoying cell phone habits. The rule is: if it is discourteous and disrespectful, your professor notices it and may take points away. To earn an "A" (90+) for class participation, you would need to be in class just about every day, on time, frequently take part in class discussions, and avoid inappropriate behaviors.

V. Class Policies

1. Because this course is all about material presented in class, students must attend class regularly. Do not take this class unless you expect to be able to attend every class meeting. Roll will be taken each class day.

2. For class attendance, an excused absence is one of two types:

a. University business. Taking part in a University-sponsored event, such as a field trip, athletic event, or some other kind of scheduled activity beneficial to students.

b. Personal business. Sickness, family emergency, work, or other personal problem that prevents class attendance.

For either type of absence to be excused, the student must present the professor with written documentation signed by higher authority (coach, employer, doctor, professor, dean of students office, etc.) verifying the reason for the absence. Any absence without documentation is considered unexcused. For this class, no more than one absence can be fully excused; any beyond one will be taken into consideration in calculating the class participation grade.

3. If you come to class, arrive on time and plan to stay for the whole period. Avoid being late for class, and do not plan to leave early, unless by prior arrangement with the professor.

4. Do your own work.

5. Because quizzes are based on films shown in class, no make-up quizzes will be given. Period.

6. Do not ask to borrow my films. If you miss one in class, either track it down yourself or don't watch it.

7. Emergency evacuation procedures. Any students who anticipate needing emergency assistance of any sort, including assistance in evacuating the building, should identify themselves to the professor.