Update 20 July 2009

CyberCinema Students say. . . .

Spring 2009

This is the best online class I have ever taken!

This class has provided a wonderful learning experience for me. It has been my favorite online course thus far because it has been more interactive. I loved how Moodle allowed the students to put a face to their discussion by creating profiles with pictures. It just seemed much more personable and easy to actually have discussions. Often, while using Blackboard, I feel like I am talking to a computer. I really enjoyed the assignments, and did not feel as though I was doing filler work as I do in many other online courses that I have taken. Also, This course was just overall enjoyable because I was able to do something that I really love. This was not just a GE course for me like others, it was a course that I utilized to further my education for my own desired knowledge instead of what the State tells me I need. I can honestly say without hesitation there was nothing in my other online courses that has been better than my learning experience in this class. I feel like this course was exactly like my other online courses only with improvements.

I had another online class this semester, and this class was far better in every way. The Moodle website truly is superior to blackboard, and you made all assignments very clear on a weekly basis. The links, the weblectures, the calendar, and the quizzes were all easily accessible, and unlike my other class, I always knew when assignments were due. This is the best online class I have taken so far.

This was the best online class I’ve ever taken. It was extremely interactive, informative, and fun. Many other online classes are very unorganized and hard to follow, or require you to simply read a book and take quizzes. I feel very fortunate that this class had discussion boards regularly, quizzes, outside film viewing, and polls to further improve the course. I can tell that this course is changed every semester to accommodate these questionnaires, because its current state is very near perfect!

This is probably one of the best online courses I have taken. Normally online classes are so impersonal and disconnected, but I felt like (maybe because of the subject matter) that the interaction in this class created a warmer learning environment.

Each week you mapped out exactly what needs to be done. There wasn't a gray area where I was confused on what needed to be done.  I honestly cant think of other things that were better in other classes.

I liked the interaction in this course much better to the other courses I am enrolled in. I think this learning experience is better than other classes that I have taken online, because I think you give great directions on what you are looking for, and we don’t play the guessing game. You tell us what is expected and we either deliver or we don’t.

I have taken many online classes. However, this has been my favorite thus far. What sets this course apart from others is the way in which it is structured. In previous classes, students would be assigned to participate in discussions, but the questions asked were vague, dull, and didn't require much thought. The responses from students were unprepared, short, distant, and merely written to fulfill a requirement. Yet in this class, the questions were bold, well thought out, and really helped me apply what I was learning by being able to see certain ideas appear live on film.  None of my online classes have been a better learning experience than this one. I was a little jaded with my feelings about Moodle, but once I became comfortable with it, I realized that Moodle is far better than Blackboard or Etudes. I definitely would not change the format of this course. One of the best things about the way in which this class was structured was that at the end of the course I feel like I made 40 friends. The responses were not the same cookie cutter "Oh nice job..blah blah".  Each response was unique and very helpful not only to myself, but to others as well.

The Moodle program grew on me, its a bit hard to get on board if you're used to blackboard or Etudes, but it ends up being the best out of the three. I love this class.

My learning experience in this class has been intriguing. This class definitely had more of a “class” setting type feel to it, when compared to my other ones, using blackboard. This class has really taught me more about elaborating and giving good feedback in the discussions. The fact that Moodle was so easy to use, when messaging or posting a discussion, has helped my learning experience by getting the most out of my online classes.  I don’t think I have had a better online class that this one, thus far, I definitely think Moodle helped with that, as well as having an instructor who, is actually there to communicate to their students.

Ah, the workload. This was by far the most demanding, time consuming course I have taken thus far, by a long shot. Having said that, this was also the most rewarding course I’ve ever had. It was challenging but one thing I would like to say, I never felt like I was being tasked with assignments just for the sake of it. Everything was meaningful and I learned more than I had ever hoped or expected. Furthermore, the support offered by you, Professor Floren was motivating and encouraging to the extent that I found myself wanting to push to give more of myself. In sum, the amount given by me as a student was effectively matched by what you gave as a Professor (at least) and the feeling of that teamwork and partnership in the learning process was something I had never experienced in a class before. . . .Your availability was as much as any student could ask for. You were prompt and reliable and again, always supportive and kind and I greatly appreciated the communication. The only recommendation I have is that you conduct a training on “How to Effectively and Respectfully Communicate With Your Students in an On-Line Course” with other professors. That’s not so much a dig at others as it is a statement on how well you conduct yourself as a professor. . . This class far exceeds my academic experiences thus far (although I feel obligated to preface this is only my 6th or 7th class prior to this semester). I believe what made the difference was what you, the Professor, put into the development of and professional conduct throughout the class. The weblectures as I’ve already stated were incredibly impressive and educational. The learning activities were meaningful and clearly related to the material and learning objectives. You consistently created an environment in which the learning process felt like a partnership between you and the student. You were always available and helpful and you offered genuine support and encouragement. You held high expectations but you also offered endless opportunities for a student to improve and succeed, something I have never seen in a Professor before (at least to that extent). No class has been better than this one.

You have been the most easy-to-reach professor thus far, 53 units later. That is much appreciated. Moodle is such a better, more exciting and organized program than Blackboard. Please continue to teach this class on said program.

You were there for us and really cared about us succeeding in your course. This has been my favorite online class. Your were there for me when I needed you and really cared. . . .  I really think that I learned a great deal about film and have grown as a person due to your class.

The workload is what I expected, It was a fairly large workload but it was necessary in order to understand the different sections we were focusing on. This course was probably one of the more successful courses I've taken online just because of the communication skills and constant assignments that were involved. . . .  This class, like I said previously, was one of the more successful classes I have taken online. I loved Moodle (even though it took some time to get accustomed to it) because of the mere fact that communication was readily available. Other classes on Etudes or on Blackboard make it so hard to communicate not only with other students but with the instructor as well. This Moodle component of MiraCosta has improved greatly since my boyfriend took his History class on here, and he noticed that it was easier to navigate and respond. I think this class also had a very balanced structure, most of my other online classes had random assignment due that were never thought about until they were due the next week, this class had assignment due on a regular basis and Moodle and your emails/announcements reminded the students on a regular basis.   I have learned a lot just purely because of the freedom but also restrictions in the class. Weblectures were great and they helped with other information that we were looking for, there are many links that I will use after this class. I enjoyed reading the discussions and getting input back, I believe the strict deadlines for discussions and replies were needed and it kept us discussing and on top of this particular class. I also enjoy that everything ties together, mind you I will never be able to watch a film just once because of the different aspects we were taught, but I think that's a good thing because I'm looking for different things that I have never seen before and the different underlining themes.

I felt that you did a very fine job in keeping the course educational and yet very fun and loose. No learning factors lost and no fun lost either.

The workload in the class was more then what I expected however, having said that I believe that in terms of the quality of my learning I learned so much and would not change it for the world. I have a NEW appreciation for film and all that is required to make movies. I view films with a more mature, open mindedness that I didn't have prior to this class. I see the value of art design, make up, costumes, it's like I am really "viewing the whole film" not just the actors. . . . I really thought the class worked well, I don't know if other people feel the same way but I really felt that it was a nice an intimate group of people. . . . I learned so much for this class and you enlightened me personally on so many things that I have never given much thought before.

I contacted you numerous times when I needed extra help. For example, when I asked about the theme/films I should use for my unit 2 Exam, you were extremely helpful to me and got back to me right away. You did not just give me a simple yes or no answer, but really took the time to make sure I had all the information I needed and to give me new ideas. I appreciated that greatly. Whenever I had a question, I did not hesitate to ask. In some other courses I have taken, the teachers would just kind of blow me off if I needed help and didn’t really care. I did not get this feeling from you, and I felt you really tried your best to help me fully understand everything. . . .   I think that you are an awesome teacher. I never had to wait long to get replies back from you, and you were on top of everything.

Generally, I prefer courses that are taught in classrooms. However, this was definitely my favorite online class because of the meticulousness that has gone into all explanations and questions asked by you. This is the only online class I’ve taken that provided “Weblectures.”

You were very present, answered questions extremely clearly, always had good advice for us all, and usually answered my questions before I even thought them up! It was very refreshing. (You have been more involved than almost any other teacher I have ever had. The homework is all set out in the assignments section, which is actually rather rare for online classes. Usually I have to search everywhere for what is due that week, and pray I saw everything.

I did contact the professor whenever I had a question or concern. I found you to be prompt and encouraging on every reply. Not just to me, but with anyone who posted a concern.  I like Moodle’s set up, it’s very coherent and expansive. There are so many functions it is capable of performing that I have yet to use them all. I like the fact that it is easy to send and receive messages as well as receive email updates to everything posted in Moodle. . . .  I found this course and History 104 online to be comparable in the ease of use and overall learning experience.

This class has been very different from my other online classes. In my other classes I seemed very separated from the other students. I hardly knew who they were. We did not participate in a forum like we did in this class. I never met any of my fellow film students this semester but leave the class feeling I knew them on a more personal level. We worked together and communicated to each other very often. It is about as personal as a online class can be.

I believe that my Tidepools presentation as part of a joint project . . . was my best achievement. I felt that the collaborative element helped us build a very strong web based on the concepts we learned in the class. Rather than just having small disconnected pieces, the project summed up the whole semester course, with a clear objective in mind. I felt that we did a very good job on the project, editing the final presentation effectively in a manner that tied it all up and helped each section flow into the other, with a broad and cumulative sweep of all concepts.

The Tidepools Project was my favorite assignment in the class because it combined all of the concepts into one interesting activity. I liked that we were able to choose the work we wanted to adapt and that we were really allowed to use our creativity in applying film concepts. Incorporating film concepts into your own film is different than writing about those concepts in a film you screen.

I really liked this assignment because the theme “peace” that we had to analyze really allowed me to incorporate my knowledge from my major “Sociology” and relate it to culture, reality, and society. It was by far my favorite in the class.

I did like being art of the Dream Makers team and thought it was a great way to apply all of the studied film concepts into one project. I also like that we were able to work in partners. Films are obviously not completed by only one person, so working in partners helped make it more of a creative and interesting experience and introduced different ideas to the project other than my own. It also helped that my partner, Austin, was great. I was worried to work with a partner because I usually get paired with deadbeats. So I chose carefully, and he ended up being just as dedicated to the assignment as I was. Not counting the Unit 2 Essay, it was definitely my favorite assignment.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Tidepools Peace film project. I thought it was a wonderful way to be able to express creativity There were many times it was frustrating because my partner and I put a lot of work into it, but we are so thrilled with the outcome and the final project was worth those difficult times. It would probably be safe to say that this was my favorite project in the class. . .  I believe that my best achievement as a film student was the Tidepools project presentation. I say this because it worked all elements of film and this course. We have learned that creating a film never happens with only one person. I have shown with this project that I can work with other while using my newly gained knowledge of film. It is the closest we have come to being in the industry and I think that is the most important thing, to prove that you are on your way to being able to actually do this in your life! I am very proud of the work I put into the project and will stand by my work with my head held high.

The Tidepoolss project was my favorite aspect of this class. I liked the it was completely interactive and that the other students helped to draft your final project.  The Tidepools project I think is my best achievement. I feel very proud of my final project and think it was good. I think I used all the things we learned in class and it showed my learning as whole.

Everything about Tidepools excited me. I was a little confused at first with what we were supposed to do, but the way in which it helped me understand everything I learned from this class is something that I will never forget. I loved the freedom we had to interpret our piece and really make it our own. I thought it was refreshing to hear the positive feedback from my fellow classmates and to see how each one of us grew as a result of this project.

Aside from the Tidepools project, I really enjoyed writing the essays for our exams. My favorite was the Unit Two essay; mine was based around describing the similar themes portrayed between Frozen River (USA, Courtney Hunt, 2008) and Slumdog Millionaire (UK, Danny Boyle and Loveleen Tandan, 2008). I adored both of these films and was happy to write about what I learned from them.

My favorite writing assignment in this class was the Unit 2 Exam. I loved screening and finding a similar theme in the two movies I chose (Synecdoche New York (USA, Charlie Kaufman, 2008) and The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (France/ USA, Julian Schnabel, 2007)). It was exciting for me to look at a particular film concept, such as set design, and see it act so differently within each film. I worked really hard on this assignment and carefully screened each movie twice. I tired to make it as interesting as I possibly could and as detailed as I could. I wanted mine to stand out from others in the class, and it did!

Because of this semester’s Film 101 immersion, I noticed several changes in how I act, react, and interpret information. Firstly, I noticed that my awareness of design choices in many things improved. For instance, I took an English 100 class this semester, and because of taking this film class, I was alert to what each author who’s work we analyzed intended, and what choices were made in creating the work. I was also more alert and able to realize what affect the author had intended. This specific aspect (author analysis) of my critical thinking improved this semester, specifically because of the film class. Secondly, my appreciation of movies both went up and plummeted. I found myself beginning to enjoy movies that I would have previously considered boring or just flat out dumb, while at the same time getting bored of the type of high-action movie that I had previously feasted on. I believe this was because my appreciation of the art of film had increased, and I could almost imagine myself as being part of what I was seeing, because I understood what was happening much more than before. Especially, I began to enjoy older movies, for instance, I re-watched Citizen Kane (USA, Orson Welles, 1941), and was caught up in its beauty, humor, and sadness much more than I had ever before. It is so much easier to appreciate beauty when you can understand it.

I feel like taking this class online helped me get a better feel for what other students had to say. Taking the time and reading through all of their responses to films and projects really let the commentary sink in. I am more aware of how other students think and relate to one another thanks to all of the discussion boards that we have. The Tidepools project also let me open up creatively. It gave me a better understanding for how films work and how to use certain techniques to my advantage. It helped me channel some creative strength and produce a good project. I also think I learned to value other students opinions more. I worked alone on my project so I need classmates help to shape my project. Using their insights and help I feel very proud and accomplished with my final.

One specific change is my appreciation for films. I have always loved them, even odd ones that weren’t blockbuster hits. Now I know why I love them. I have learned exactly what goes into making a film and how every tiny aspect like sound effects and editing can make such an impact on a film. It is nice to be able to pinpoint exactly why I like a particular film instead of saying it was a great film without explaining why. I think I always subconsciously noticed details in films, but this class has taught me how to bring details into the light and analyze them without bias. I see films in a whole new light and I love it. Another change happened in my learning skills. It has been a few years since I was in school, so at the beginning of this course I had a really hard time sitting down and absorbing what I was reading and viewing. But slowly as I was forced to continue on with assignments and readings, I was able to focus more and it took less time for me to read and complete assignments.

Obviously, I have a much greater perception and appreciation of film. Now I can recognize subtleties and details that would have meant nothing to me before. I have a set of film critiquing skills. Along that note, this class enhanced my critiquing skills. I am used to evaluating literary works, but film requires a different approach and manner of thinking. At times it was challenging, forcing me to think in uncomfortable ways. I might complain along the way, but it is classes like this one that take me out of my comfort zone that I end up appreciating the most because they stretch me the most.

I have found that by fully engaging myself in this film class, I have become much more aware and involved in films than I ever was before. By participating in the forums and relating it to specific films, I allowed myself to fully immerse myself in the understanding, appreciation, and awareness of these films. Before this class, I was unable to fully appreciate the astounding nature of diversified films, and studying films allowed me to grow as a student in terms of discussing and applying what I have learned. I am much more aware of how I analyze not only film, but everything in life. Some of the questions in the forums for this class were at times difficult for me to really analyze and provide my own, unique thoughts on. This has helped me to become a more skilled writer as well, because I was constantly urging myself to find the write words to describe how I felt about a film or how it related to a specific topic, etc. The Peace Film Project definitely tested my ability to be creative, it tested a more artistic part of my brain and allowed me to think differently than other classes. I have gained a true appreciation for all films, whether it was one that two a few days to create, or one that took over a year. As the semester went on, this class definitely helped better myself in terms of my time management and study skills. I was tested on whether I could take an online class and the demands it puts on the individual to really set aside their "own" time to complete assignments. This in turn has made me a more effective learner, because I was challenged to complete multiple assignments with true, firm deadlines. I definitely have grown and become a more knowledgeable student, especially in how I view and analyze films.

This class was a great experience. Instead of Introduction to Film this class should be called film appreciation. I felt I learned to appreciate films not just for the entertainment aspect but for all the elements that makes a film. I feel like I can watch a movie and understand what the cinematographer was trying to say in a certain scene, or why was a scene edited a certain way. This make even bad films alot more fun and interesting to watch. I also learned time management skills. I learned to make myself keep up on assignments in film class so I wouldn't fall behind in my other classes. This carried over to all my classes this semester and even into my professional life. Time management has given me the tools to be more responsible. Film class is the funnest class I've ever taken at MiraCosta and I would recommend it to any one. It has so many dimensions and gives you a chance to be creative.

I believe that this class has impacted me in many ways and on many levels. The experience has given me the freedom to open up to my creative side by giving me some specific knowledge and tools I did not have before, but also by giving me more confidence in my abilities. I have never really felt a part of the “creative world” and this class helped changed my identity as an “artist” in even just a subtle way. I feel I am capable of things I did not give myself credit for before. In terms of my visual and auditory literacy, I now watch films with an expanded eye and ear. I see things I didn’t see before, I hear things I didn’t hear before and I am simply overall more attuned to aspects of film that previously had eluded my consciousness. I have gained an increased awareness and acceptance of diverse perspectives and opened up myself to the reality that reality itself is more subjective than I had ever truly realized. While I am in a sense a perfectionist and often looking for the ‘right’ answer, I’ve learned that in the abstract world of film, there really is no “one” way of doing something and to let go of that concrete framework was challenging but freeing for me personally. The class has affected my identity as a student in that I found myself being pushed and challenged as I hadn’t before and I was proud of the work I put into it. Although I have received A’s in the classes I have taken thus far, I have not yet experienced the encouragement and acknowledgment that you so kindly offered. This particularly meant a lot to me as a returning student (I left for the military straight from high school) and so putting my efforts toward my education really means a lot to me now. This class significantly helped strengthen my faith in myself and my abilities. Finally, always having been an avid fan of film, I have gained a much greater, deeper appreciation for the art. I will never call a film “boring” ever again (that strong suggestion was offered in one of the weblectures I believe) and I will never leave a film while the credits are rolling. I now take the time to explore the Special Features section of a DVD and learn all the little things that went into the making of the film and when awards for production design, sound effects and editing are being given, I pay attention in a way I hadn’t before. I now know what the” Prop Master” really does.

This class has changed me in many subtle ways. One change that I have noticed is the way I watch a movie. I do not just sit there and watch the images on the screen anymore; I analyze what is going on. Among many details I try to find significance, symbols, and notice foreshadowing while watching. I tend to understand and appreciate movies as a whole at a much higher level than before. Another change that I have noticed is the fact that I now read the credits. I never did this before, but now I stay through the entire credits not just to be respectful, but because I am interested in who did what and I am always amazed to see how many people went into the making of one film. One other change is that I always find something to appreciate in a film no matter how bad others may say it is. I no longer say things like “that movie sucked” because a lot of work went into it, and there are many other things that I can pay attention to like the lighting, or mise-en-scene. I am so happy with the changes that this course has brought to me.

This class has really changed me a lot. Coming into this class I felt like I didn’t have a creative bone in my body. However, after working with the other Dream Maker members and working alone on the Tidepools project, I really came to find my creativity. I began to have fun creating scenes and developing shots for my film. Once I opened up my mind, it felt like I was a whole new person with new ideas that I had never had before. I have noticed too, in my other college courses, that when we are told to write something, it is a lot easier for me now to just imagine the possible using my creative mind. Something else that I have noticed a change in myself is when I watch movies. I now see myself pointing out the color, the editing styles, the sound effects, and much more. Before this class I would just sit and watch the movie, but now I focus more on understanding the movie and the theme. Occasionally, after the movie is over with, I go online to look up who the director was and what other kinds of movies he or she has directed. I find myself analyzing movies a lot more because of the knowledge I have gained from this class. Even if I don’t want to analyze the movie, I just can’t stop. Understanding movies is now in my nature and is something that I can’t hold back from. I have gained so much knowledge and so many new skills in this class that I would recommend anyone to take this class. It was a very fun course that never had a dull moment.

Since taking this class, I have definitely changed. One major difference I see in myself is that when I am watching films, I verbally say what kind of editing is used, what lighting techniques are shown, etc. I think that I annoy people when I’m doing this, but it is just so much fun because I actually know what I’m talking about and get to express the things I have learned. I honestly do not think I have ever learned so much in a class as I have in this one. Although I did complain about the work load, I think it was very helpful in the long run. Another difference I noticed was that I am not so negative about partnerships anymore. I had mentioned earlier how I usually get partnered with deadbeats, and I end up doing all of the work. With the Tidepools assignment, it helped open up my eyes to partnerships and I saw how good they can actually be. The other day we had assigned groups in my Biology class, and unlike before, I was not upset about it because I had hope that my partners would end up being good (only 1 out of 6 was a deadbeat). Lastly, I have been introduced to the wonderful world of Alfred Hitchcock. I loved North by Northwest and went to Wal-Mart and bought a 4 disc set which includes 20 of his movies. Unfortunately it does not include a movie of his I really like, Shadow of a Doubt (Alfred Hitchcock, USA, 1943). I was flipping through channels, and stopped on the TCM channel. I got really involved in this movie and found out at the end that it was an Alfred Hitchcock film and that a marathon of his movies was playing. It was so exciting! I had no knowledge of this talented filmmaker prior to this class, so I thank you.

I am truly sad to be at the end of this class, and I will remember it for years to come.

Ever since reading the first weblecture about photography, and listening to you explain how if you love learning, and put some effort into loving the subject matter, you will learn and retain more, I have noticed differenced in my perception in a few ways. The first and most obvious change is my movie viewing experience. I look at a film as a piece of art, as opposed to a piece of media created for entertainment. I am now more fully affected by the themes and lessons conveyed in films. Another important change I have noticed is my general ability to love what I’m doing. I have always had a love for films, and found myself loving every moment in the online classroom. I have applied this action to many other aspects of life, and have benefited immensely. A final important change I have discovered is my overall ability to truthfully and accurately analyze an event, situation, or basically anything that I desire to think deeper about. This class required a very large amount of analyzing, which trained me to be a more philosophical person.

Professor Floren, I would just like to thank you for showing us what an online class is supposed to be like. Many times this semester in other classes online I felt stuck and lost because I couldn't get help for a day or two. Every time I had a question you responded immediately and helped me out. I just really appreciate your care and drive to make this an excellent class.

In film, one does not usually have time to pause and assess what one hears, sees, and feels. In this class, we were forced to slow down and truly SEE, and HEAR, and FEEL. In America, as was mentioned several times in the textbook, we want fast, huge, and faster. It is harder for Americans in film to speak about peace or to make something artistic that we will pay the seven to ten dollars to go see. But something I’ve noticed is that writers and directors are still working on the basics of humanity—in action, comedy, drama, and musicals. The contrasts, the closed forms, the dramatic stances and the soundtrack masterpieces are still there. The high key lighting, specific sounds effects, the inner dialog and directorial fiddling is what makes American film so amazing. In foreign films these forms are often more apparent, but in our films they are hidden jewels; this goes for television as well. There are so many film concepts in X-Files; I keep pausing and pointing out this and that to my mom. In one scene, Agent Mulder is in turmoil over his tumultuous emotions, and there are streaks of darkness over his face, emphasizing his torn inner thoughts. Agent Skully, in contrast, is standing to the side, sure of what she believes, and she is in full light. One episode had almost no cuts. It was realistic cutting throughout the whole episode, and I had never noticed that before. I was shocked at how long the scenes were, and how great the acting was in that episode, specifically. I also completely agree with you that peace should be a foundation and a weight in what we see. What other worldly force is as steady or as sturdy? I have actually begun to look for themes in film, knowing that by understanding the point, and looking beyond the acting and explosions, helps us grow from watching films, and takes us beyond simply being entertained.

Thank you for the education you have brought into my life. Film is now something that I am seriously considering as a major. I loved this course and it has really inspired me in all areas of my life. I would have never thought that this course would do so much for me!

I hope you continue to find joy in the work that you do and share your gift of teaching – it is obviously something you are meant to do and you are surely making a great impact on the world, one student at a time. Thanks so much for the experience.

This was a great class, I definitely got a lot more out of this class than I had ever expected. Thank you Gloria, for making that possible.

Thank you the amazing ride.

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What do you think? At any time during the semester, let me know what's working for you, and feel free to make recommendations that will support your learning in this class (film101@miracosta.edu). Wherever possible, I will make changes to improve your learning experience. This course is for you.  

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Fall 2008

I think this class is awesome.

I had never used Moodle before this class, but I thought it was easy enough to navigate. The way you set up the weekly schedules was easy to follow and made your expectations and requirements very clear.

I really enjoyed this class and I think it was very interactive. It was more than I expected, but the curriculum was fun and both Giannetti's and Floren's teachings were informative, yet pleasurable to read. Thanks!

I just wanted to say that taking this class was one of the highlights of my semester. I really learned so much, and it has made me love movies even more. I was privileged to have such fun and enthusiastic classmates, and an instructor that is passionate about what she teaches and her students. I am going to miss all the learning and fun information I have received here!

I have learned a lot in this course. How to communicate with a large group of diverse people. How to juggle my busy busy schedule. And a greater appreciation for film as an art and maybe I can make one some day. It was a lot of fun and everything was so well organized and easy to understand in Moodle.

I have experienced a broadened perspective in several ways. Perhaps most importantly, I feel this course has given me confidence in online learning. This class was did not provide a sterile learning environment; in fact, I felt more stimulated by the class interactions and involvement by Professor Floren than I have felt by several live classroom courses. 

Film 101 has helped me to appreciate the many elements of films. I will never watch another without thinking of its editing style, or the meaning of its character placement, objects in the foreground, lighting and proxemics. For this, I am very grateful to have taken the course. In addition, it has surprised me how interested I’ve been in the thoughts and perspectives of my classmates. I love that the forums have allowed us the opportunity to explore the logic and opinions of so many different individuals. Because we often spoke on the same topics for the same films, it gave me a broadened view of the films, the text and the Weblectures. I was impressed by the true interest and passion for film that was expressed by our class.

This class has done so much for me this semester, and I will probably cherish it the most. Before this semester, I was not able to get through school without dropping almost all of my classes. This class was one of my toughest this semester and it taught me that I have the ability to take challenging courses and last the whole semester. It taught me that I am a creative person, and it taught me that I have self motivation and even when times get tough I can keep going. I think these attributes will be taken with me in everything I do, not just school. I also learned that I need to change up my study habits a bit. Maybe studying for a short amount of time every day rather than a lot 3 or 4 days before would work better for me. Taking an online class was challenging for me. I found that whenever I would get online, I would automatically run to my email or Facebook, but as time went on I got more and more disciplined. I really appreciate all the changes this class has made in my life and I will take it with me forever. Thank you!

I think the Moodle program was easy to use after I got used to it, and it proved to be a class environment that really surrounded us as a class, which is better than just doing something within blackboard its self. I have learned a great deal, and I probably will keep my understanding movies textbook just out of general curiosity and interest for any further questions I have, especially about camera work and set design. Thanks for a fun semester, hope future students will have the same experience we all had.

This class has really been an eye-opening experience in the best sense. Before this class, I was aware of some of the concepts and mediums that we discussed and learned about in depth, but I was not inclined to them and did not take direct, critical, and conceptual notice of them. Knowing what I know now about films has truly changed my views of the cinematic world and even the literary world. To understand a little more how a story, its subtle and flamboyant meanings, its ideas and concepts, its metaphors and motifs, its use of artistic mediums, how all of these contribute to the entire meaning and beyond of what the viewer perceives and understands, is simply a stunning and enlightening experience. I am so much more aware of things that surround me in the real world and the values that they represent, the ideas they promote, and the understanding of myself. I have realized that I think much more critically about things that might have seemed very subtle, irrelevant, or insignificant to me before this class. The activities/assignments in this class really challenged me to apply these changes in my way of thinking. Whenever I read books now, I envision ways that film adaptations could relay this story so that certain key themes and concepts would be effectively portrayed on the film, and the story might take on an entirely new meaning and relevance. I have thoroughly enjoyed this class and I will miss it very much. I have felt engaged in this class in a way that I never thought an online environment could ever promote. I have recommended this class to my friends and family and would readily suggest it to anyone who has a love for movies and a desire to dig deeper into the picture and see what lies beneath.

The Tidepools peace film project was great!  My favorite class assignment for sure!   It helped me put everything together that I've learned in the class and allowed room for creativity.  I was amazed at what my classmates came up with.

This class has taught me so much more than just the techniques of film. It has opened my eyes to the way the world functions (Ideology lessons) and really zoned me in on the different sounds and movements in my life. I am more alert to my surrounding and take things in as though everything is meaningful now, even the little things. I notice the birds singing on a sunny morning and think ‘if I were in a movie right now, this would be a very happy scene’, and I put myself in a good mood. Or if I’ve had not such a great day, I think about what would make people see that I am in a bad mood. Should I pout and where dark clothes and makeup? I almost see my life as an ongoing film that I’m the director of and we need to make changes for whatever situation I’m dealing with. To sum it all up, I am more aware of the way others and myself see my life, and more sensitive to the small things (sounds, backgrounds, clothes) that either make or break the scene.

I analyze everything now. When we're watching movies at home, my family always says "you can tell you're taking film." I tell them the reason behind using certain angles, and shots. I notice more of what’s going on in the film. I know now that everything in the film is there for a reason, from the proxemics of the camera, to the set and costume design. I never realized how much the cinematographer and directors manipulate the viewers through the camera. I also stay for the credits, because now I realize that there are many more people involved then just the actors. I think I have improved with my time management, even though I did get behind, I learned from it.

The biggest change for me was my time management skills. I had truly lacked these skills until I completed Unit 1, and after earning poor grades on the writing and essay assignments, I decided it was time to change my study habits. I knew that I would gain so much more from the class if I were to manage my time better, and from that point on, I did. This newfound skill of time management has been the most beneficial gain from this class because it has helped me in all of my other classes. This course has also made me a better writer and communicator. I am so much better at processing my thoughts and stating them clearly in writing, and I pay more attention to details so that my classmates could understand my analysis. The weekly forum posts both challenged and developed my writing and communication skills, therefore, my experience in other class discussions has been enhanced. These skills are so vital to the success of my college career, and I am so fortunate to have taken Film 101 in my first semester to get me on the right track.

I had never taken an online course before, so I was unaware of what type of commitment I was making! I did learn that I like having a week's (or more) assignments laid out for me to schedule my time accordingly. After a few weeks I realized that I just needed to order my Netflix one or two weeks ahead of time. If I mailed out an old movie when I got home from work Monday evening, I missed the mailman. Then I wouldn't get the movie I needed for the Wednesday discussion until Thursday or Friday by the time Netflix processed and sent it. That was discouraging at first, but taught me how to plan my time more efficiently.

I just wanted to thank you for always being so helpful and for making this class a really good experience.  I think that one thing that has changed about me is that I feel less scared about participating in forums and showing my opinions and thoughts. I am one of those people that gets very nervous in front of others and I think participating in these online forums and getting good reviews from my classmates has really helped me with my confidence. It was so nice of everyone to always leave me nice comments and let me know what a good job I was doing and now I feel more confident and happy. 2. This class also really helped me improve my time management skills. I have to say that I have never given so much time to an online class as I did with this one. The way it was set up really helped me learn how to manage my time better and I feel like I have really changed in that aspect. I noticed that throughout the semester I applied this to all other aspects of my life. This class not only helped me learn the subject of film but it helped me become more confident and more skillful.

I know that this class has changed me even if only in the most subtle of ways. First I have learned to truly appreciate the differences and uniqueness of all movies. I have learned that every movie has something to offer, and every movie offers a story or a lesson to be learned. I have also learned to appreciate all of the different aspects of a movie. I used to look at a movie as a whole, everything was encompassed in to one movie. However, I now know that there are many different aspects of a movie, each are equally important. I have learned to appreciate sound, editing, camera angles, lighting, colors, etc. All of these tiny details help to tell a story in itself, and they were items I previously overlooked as inconsequential. I never realized what kind of impact they had on the viewers, and how critical they are to a movie. Finally, I gained a huge amount of respect for all those involved in movie making. Those who put in the long hours to make sure the sets are perfect, the costumes are detailed, directors, producers, writers. Because of their incredible artistic visions we are able to have movies that touch us in the deepest ways, ways that become a part of who we are. I am really appreciative to all the work they do because one of my favorite pastimes of watching movies wouldn’t be possible without them!

Before this class, a movie was just a movie. I didn’t understand the depth of a film. I always knew that films take a lot of work and manpower, mainly because of the long and what used to be annoying list of names at the end. I never knew how much of that work was based on so many levels of creativity. Learning about the cinematography of film completely blew my mind. I have also learned that it helps to view a film more then once in order to give yourself a greater appreciation for what it is the director is trying to show you. I can definitely say that I have gained some skill in effectively analyzing film. I have a better awareness of the composition of each frame and I’m sure that I will be more skilled in recognizing more, within any given film, as time passes. This class has given me a new pair of glasses and I definitely appreciate the teachings.

Before this class, watching movies was purely about entertainment, or something I could just have on to zone out with. Now, movies are more meaningful. Everything has a purpose. I can just tell that I am much more aware of everything, and I enjoy that feeling. I’m glad for everything this class as taught me.

This class has truly been one of the most enjoyable and enlightening experiences of my life. I plan on carrying my experiences here into my career in commercial advertising – which is where I would ideally like to be. If ever I get the opportunity to film a commercial, I can say that I have some experience. Thank you for your time and understanding, Professor, as well as your always supportive comments. Your advice and encouragement to improve my writing was very helpful and greatly appreciated. Thank you for your lecture on love, I’ve been trying to move in the direction of my loves for a long time now :)

This was a great class. Your course has inspired me to continue and expand my experiences in film studies. Thank you for your fairness and consideration. Peace!

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Spring 2008

I used to think it was easy for the actors, directors, and all the others on set. What I didn't realize is how much work, dedication, and education that goes into each individual film. I never knew what a cinematographer was or that they have a large impact on a film. I never understood sets and how much creativity goes into building the perfect sets. I never realized story lines and never paid attention to how sound could effect my emotions. My changes toward film have been very positive. I've actually changed my thoughts on life. I think that films help us interpret who we are as human beings. I would also like to include I never paid attention to how the directors manage to get every little detail and how the lighting can be just perfect so the image we see is perfection. Film 101 is a great way to open anyone's mind on the power of film.

I think this class opened my eyes to a new way of learning.  I try to be fully aware and open minded when learning new material, but the analysis of films is a different way of learning than I am used to.  My attitude towards film changed in a way that I now appreciate films and filmmakers more. I learned to look for certain things I would otherwise not know how to look for, and some things greatly impress me. Making movies isn't easy, and those who do it well deserve praise. Everybody learns in their own way and it was interesting to read other peoples posts and their drastically different opinions on movies and concepts. I also realized where my main flaws lie in time management and study habits, and if I can master those, I think that everything else will fall into place.

First of all, I want to say thank you for your instruction. I am so glad that I picked this class. It was the most interesting of my classes this semester, and it's a tough task to motivate students online. The most noticeable change that I went through this semester concerned my open-mindedness. As I mentioned above, after Citizen Kane , I am more open to old movies that I had previously sworn off. I didn't dread screening North By Northwest , and really enjoyed that as well. Now I look outside of my genre when I peruse the shelves at the video store. I think that my perception of film has changed as well. I look at it as a variety of elements, not a single unit. There is sight, sound, theme, skill, and immense work behind the camera that I didn't previously consider as deeply. I used to really only consider plot. Now I take pleasure in critiquing a film on much more.

From taking this course I have broadened my appreciation for every film, I now love dissecting the mise en scene, staying for the credits, and picking out the film flaws. I have also come to the understanding that the media (films) not only entertains, but influences and shapes peoples views. I now love films that are not just “new releases” and praised against the wall, I appreciate old, new, and every genre. This class has educated and inspired me to pursue a career in the film industry and although this business is very competitive, I am encouraged to become a cinematographer. I appreciate the personal insight Mrs. Flo gave in her weblectures and the detail Giannetti disclosed in his textbook. I recommend this class to anyone and I am glad I enrolled in it.

This class was truly a challenge for me as an average film viewer. I feel that with all the time demanded for this class, that having a positive attitude helped me the most. It is hard to change habits, and this class challenged me to look more deeply into films. I now notice certain styles and techniques used in film to help change the mood and perception of the audience. Like Orson Welles use of sound, or Ang Lees use of movement. When I watch films that I enjoy, I find myself with a better appreciation of the process that went in to making these films. I even find myself staying for the credits and looking for the names of the cinematographer,director, and other titles. Staying for the credits, I assure you is one thing I never did before I took this class. I'm trying to understand the ideology of the films more, and this is one thing that was the hardest for me to grasp but I am trying to make sense of it with each new film I watch. I would recommend this class to most film buffs experienced or not, for it opens your eyes to the world of film ten fold. Overall, film 101 was a positive learning experience.

Previously, when I would watch a movie, I would look and listen and that's pretty much it. Sure, I would appreciate a nice color scheme, or the way the music added to the scene, but not much more than that. Making myself analyze the different aspects of the movies we were required to screen really forced me to focus on a specific part of a given movie. I found myself analyzing all other movies and TV shows I watched in that week, focusing on the lesson we were covering. Now, I definitely find myself paying much closer attention to the little things that separate good movies from amazing movies. I still think that the mise en scene lesson will stick with me more than any other lesson. As someone who has made a few short movies for school projects, I now want to go back and re-film all those projects, taking into account all that I know now. I can think of specific scenes in my movies that are so boring and could be so much more aesthetically pleasing. I shall continue to use what I learned in this class to appreciate movies in a different light.

This class has also made me a better at discussing things. By knowing the vocabulary, it has helped me to be descriptive and because I know the film material, I am not afraid that I sound foolish. I have confidence in what I say, and know that it is worthy of people hearing. I think knowing about film, it is something everyone can talk about, so I am able to start conversations more often with friends or strangers. Because it is a good communicative tool, I try to watch more movies and I find it relates to a lot of things in everyday life. Many television shows mock the movies that I have seen recently, and often when I watch "Jeopardy," I feel better when I know an answer that is movie related. I think pop culture can be such a handy tool, and film is one of the more important ones.

Firstly, I have changed in my listening manner.  I began to listen to others opinion more carefully than before.  In discussion forum, other classmates' postings remain throughout the semester, so I can go back to their postings when I wanted to read again.  There are so many words, phrases, and ideas that I have never imagined before so that could be ignored.  Since I have learned so many things from my classmates, I began to consider that listening to others' opinion is more important and efficient way to learn and understand the stuffs.  In addition, I acquired the skills to see things from various view points.  It sounds similar to the change I mentioned above, but listening to different opinion made me realized that I need to think more and feel more than one time.  Also, things can be interpreted in different ways.  For example, a movie that I did not find interesting makes others entertained.  I have learned with my nice classmates who have different background and likes and dislikes of movie.  Interacting with them told me a lot and I thank all of them and you, professor!!

I feel my view toward the sacredness of cinema has completely changed. I look at film before as special because specific people made it, or it just worked as a whole, but now, my reasons for seeing a film in such great esteem are much more grounded. I also feel slightly better at responding to other people's analysis or point of view in a critical way. My view that online classes are severely anonymous and without interaction has changed as well. For this class has been an example of quite the opposite!

Moodle is much easier to use than Blackboard.

This class has been very fun and a great learning experience.

Thank you for a great semester!

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What do you think? At any time during the semester, let me know what's working for you, and feel free to make recommendations that will support your learning in this class (film101@miracosta.edu). Wherever possible, I will make changes to improve your learning experience. This course is for you.  

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CyberCinema Students say (1998-2007 archive) . . .

Film 101 Online proved to be a valuable learning experience for me. The text was not so lengthy that you got lost in piles of information. The class itself was very well organized, and I honestly feel the lectures you composed were very thought provoking and well done.

I really enjoyed reading the weblectures (far more than I did Giannetti's text).  These were more interesting, far more personal, and definitely more concise.  My favorites included those on writing, ideology, and theory.  Please continue to use these!

I liked the text. It was easy to follow and well written. Not too simple, but not too hard. I felt the lectures complimented the text very well.  The website was easy to navigate once I got the hang of where everything was. . . .

I think CyberCinema was perfect in that everything was clearly spelled out from the beginning, I knew exactly how much work was still ahead of me and could plan my semester out. Also, the workload was spread out very well because many times a class will have a very light workload throughout the semester, only to overload the student with work in the last 3 weeks or so. I did the same amount of work in this class as any other, but I was able to do it at a steady pace. This class was great, I really enjoyed it.

 I liked Film 101 the best out of all the classes I have taken thus far. This is because of the higher participation by the students in the academic forum combined with the most reliable access to the professor.

One of the goals that I set for myself was to achieve a better understanding of films in general and the language used in discussing films. After the class began I added another goal: finish the class! Not that I wasn’t enjoying myself, but boy was there a lot of work involved! This was my first semester back at Mira Costa since I graduated in 1995. I took three very interesting but difficult classes and I continued to work full time. “What was I thinking?” became a recurring theme around my house. My boyfriend began to joke that the only way he could recognize me now was from the back of my head with the sound of keyboard keys clicking in the background. :-(     I must say, however, that I have not had this much fun in school in a long time.

I wanted to learn the history of films and film making. I learned that and much more. I was able to learn about some of the greatest directors and about the talented actors in the past and present. . . .  I feel like my life was enriched by this course. I take with me an appreciation of the hard work performed by the people in the business

When I first took this class I thought basically, I was just going to be watching movies and then write papers on what I’ve watched. I never really thought I was going to learn as much as I did and in all honestly, I’m really glad I took this class. By doing so, I am now able to sort of get an inside perspective on what the directors and writers are doing while making the film. Everything in a movie is done for some sort of reason and I now feel like I’m part of some special club, because I actually know what’s going on now.

As a direct study, activity, and participation in this class, my expectations about the class began as being able to view films and discuss the social impact they have on society, then changed to what the class was really about and what was to be learned about in each feature of the art. I am in awe of this process and not apathetic to the importance film making has brought to us. I understand myself better as to my choice of which films I view. I love the cinematography of period films. I find that I am more open to watching films that I considered ‘unconventional’ for me. I chose “The Whale Rider” for the gender section of the curriculum and thoroughly loved it for the cultural aspects of the Maori that I never knew. I am more open to exploration and adventure.

I had no idea how much blood, sweat, and tears were put into the making and production of a film. How much thought, art, money and part of oneself is poured into an entire project of a film. I have learned to appreciate the story, sound, editing, acting and ideology behind a movie more than I ever could have before this class. I look at any movie I view in a different light and wonder how it came together and the ideas behind the story. The assignment that shows the highlight of my experience in this class would definitely be from lesson 10. The actual lecture of lesson 10 on ideology and identity really interested and stimulated something in me. So in turn, I was much more interested in the assignment for that chapter.

Throughout Film 101, I have changed in a few different ways. Above all, my perceptions have changed more than anything else. Many of my ideas about how people live and what they struggle with in different cultures were transformed. This change in me came directly from reading in the academic forums. Many of my fellow classmates are from different countries, and their explanations about how people act and what they go through made me go back and re-evaluate what I knew. After viewing “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” (Ang Lee) and reading the forums my perceptions on what women in China had to go through was changed. I had no idea how difficult it was for women such as the characters in that film to make a name for themselves without being silenced by a man. I would have never learned that unless my classmate had explained his knowledge of Asian countries’ standards as he did. I now try to not let pre-conceived notions interfere with what is true. I also feel that my understanding has been altered. I had never thought about the motivation behind making film before, I had just accepted it as art and entertainment. After speaking with other passionate film-lovers and reading about the directors, screenplay writers, actors, and set directors who have devoted their lives to film, I understand that it is more than entertainment. It is what drives them to live and to continue. All of these people are extremely passionate and they seem to know what they love. I now understand that film is more than money and fame, and that many amazingly talented people go unnoticed in the industry. I understand that there is a balance between job and passion in film, and I hope that in my later life I will be able to sustain a balance between job and love as well. Lastly, I am more aware of my surroundings. Not only do I notice more detail in film, but also in life. For some reason learning about lighting and color has really stuck to me, and I have become much more conscious and aware of their presence. I am aware of how people react to sunlight and gray days; how it affects their mood and their energy. I am also more aware of my setting, especially indoors. I look at the shapes and curves in my walls and the color on them, the design on a carpet, how many people are in a room, etc. Generally I am aware less of myself and more of others and environments that go beyond what is directly in front of my face.  I believe that this course was very well organized. The text book, online lectures, Web sites and the assignments all went hand in hand. I guess it's more important to stay more organized online than off-line--students might get lost in cyberspace (:-). The feedback response was faster than I imagined--sometimes I wondered if you have a lap top and you carry it wherever you go. . . .  The one thing that I liked best about cybercinema is the involvement of students in the class. I think I was more involved here than in some of my campus classes.

I had many worries at the beginning of the semester and found myself many times feeling overwhelmed from the change of educational learning. I felt a good deal of pressure with meeting deadlines as well as obtaining the actual movie rentals. Over the course of the first month, many of those feelings minimized, and I found myself more able to enjoy the work and the class. . . .  My mind is much freer to absorb and interpret ideas than it ever was before. . . .   I would suggest to the next group of cyberstudents to hang in there through the first few weeks -- they are always the toughest. After my first few weeks, things simmered down and I started enjoying the assignments.

This was a great and challenging class. I learned a lot about film. I  want to thank you for introducing me to Kurosawa. I love him and his movies!!!!

When you have a computer class, you're at home, everything is right there for you, and it is easy to get spoiled. I found  that the majority of the films were easy to find. And for most of the  time, the films were only 99 cents, and you get to keep the movie for 5 days.  That really beats gas money and childcare when you have to go to campus  twice a week. These classes are the Best!!!! Please don't change your  format for this class. It allows plenty of time for work, great opportunities for extra points. Now that I have completed this class, I must say that I have learned a lot! . . .   I am thrilled! I went to the college yesterday to pay for my music class, on-line, and the personnel there inquired if I had taken any on-line classes before. I said yes, and told them about your class; about the attention that the students received, the fairness of the class, GREAT lectures, and overall how much I enjoyed it.

I'm convinced I rented more movies on a whim while down at Kensington Video than I watched for the class. Between the films suggested by my French teacher and the random distractions I found myself wrapped up in because the jacket intrigued me, I'm surprised I got any of the assignments done at all. These distractions proved to come into use, however. I gave my dreaded ten minute oral presentation in my French class on the films of Francois Truffaut and the theories of Bazin and Godard. Having an idea of what I was saying before attempting to translate it into French helped the event run much smoother. In my English class, I used a documentary as a source (and topic inspiration) for a research paper I wrote on Adrienne Monnier and her Parisian bookshop, La Maison des Amis des Livres. I have to also note the improvement in my ability to access information via the Internet. The amount of exposure has made me very comfortable using it to compile research. I took this class knowing ahead of time that it wouldn't help me fulfill my [particular] general education requirements. I enrolled in it anyway because I knew, if anything, the subject of film would pull me out of my apathetic funk I've feeling towards school for so long. I hoped it would help me cultivate a sense of passion for what I'm doing here in getting this education. Guess what? It worked.  Film is an extraordinary medium. I feel so lucky to know more about it. It will never match my affection for literature, but I now see (with much more clarity than at the onset of the semester) how comparing the two is like comparing apples and oranges. Art is beautiful. Art teaches. I'm in love.

I think the most important part was reviewing the lectures with attention. I used a pencil to mark the important concepts, and then I also wanted to read between lines and sense who Ms. Floren is. I thought that if she cares enough to pour her heart out (which she did generously many times), then we owed it back to her to do the same. I am looking through the (thick) notebook of printouts, and this particular enlightenment happened on page 3 of Lecture One. This paragraph she wrote is entitled “Light and love” and it reads, “we are the stars and the directors of our own films. How they will end, we do not know--but we can find joy in learning about and designing the quantity of light and love we put or will allow into them. . . .” Right there I knew I was going to be fine. After the initial difficulties of being able to understand the technicalities of the web and the geographical location of the video location, I concentrated on the gray area of the brain. . . .  P. S.  I wish this class wasn't over with. . .

The theory of the online class is that it has no set time. For some people, this is perfect. Another advantage to an online course is that it allows a sense of anonymity. This can be quite helpful to students who have a hard time speaking in a normal classroom setting. . . .  Perseverance and time management are of utmost importance. Nuff said.

Before I took this class, I would often judge movies very superficially, in the terms of like or not like, which were mainly judged by the mood that I was in while watching it. I now am aware of the many jobs and the enormous effort it takes to actually create a film, which has helped me now judge movies in a more effective and honest way. I also now understand how every element in film (the costumes, lighting, makeup, set design, filming style, etc.) making helps reiterate the mood, idea or overall feeling of a movie. Everything is there for a reason. B. I want to be an actress and work in both stage and film, and I think that my new-founded knowledge of all of the elements it takes to create a production (such as: costumes, makeup, lighting, set design, etc.) will be extremely useful in furthering my career.

This film class opened up my eyes to many new things in film that I had not realized before. It also showed me what an influence film has on our society. I could see myself working in this field as a career and would like to find ways to do so.

I really enjoyed the class. I did not know I would be having such a good experience in film class. It brought out my creative side. I will miss the class.

I think this class has changed my perception of what is important in film.  I am no longer impressed by flashy trailers and big names actors.  I want to view films that challenge my thinking and my way of life.  This class has also taught me that shorter is not easier.  This class served as a refreshing challenge that reminded me that learning can be both fun and rewarding. 

Thank you for your keen insight and for sharing your wealth of information with us.

Thanks for a stimulating semester and for pushing us over the top for learning the material in the class. I really enjoyed myself (even with all the work you gave us)!

This semester has transformed me into a true film enthusiast. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I will remember you as someone passionate about what she teaches.  I will remember someone who really believes in the importance of teaching--someone who believes in the power of change, compassion, and love.  These aren't subjects most teachers dare to tackle, but you have.  And you have done it in ways that I won't forget.

I have to say this class has been such a pleasure! As much as I moan and complain as to how busy I was this semester I wouldn’t have had it any other way! Thank you so much for a wonderful introduction to CyberCosta! I really want to take more classes on the Internet. (What a wonderful thing this Internet beast is. The possibilities are endless. . . .) However, I do think that a lot of the pleasure of this class came from you. :-) You really seem to love your job. You seem to honestly love to teach and you are exactly the type of instructor I love to take classes from for that exact reason.

You are one of the main reasons that I took this class. I love your teaching style and I think even in CyberCosta your love of teaching comes across.

I really have very much enjoyed your class and do consider it to be one of the best I have had at Mira Costa. You are a DYNAMIC teacher; your style is one that sure did spark my creative side.

I think you are an amazing teacher.  Your use of words and love for film really came through (even off the computer).

My advice.... Get memberships to as many local video stores as you can! You might be surprised by who carries what film. Take advantage of the Library at Mira Costa for the  harder-to-find films. Yes, they have to be back the next day, but they are free and they are on reserve for this class. You might want to call ahead to make sure a film isn’t checked out but even if it is, since films are only one-day rentals at MiraCosta, you know it will be back soon.  Get ahead if you can, but for goodness sakes don’t get behind! You are doomed if you do! Well, maybe not doomed, but it is tough if you get behind.  If nothing else, read ahead. That helps.  Take advantage of your CyberMates.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions and take advice from your fellow Cyber students.  And if all else fails, do the extra credit!

Here's an essay from a former student in Film101 Honors:

When I originally set out on my journey, back in the month of August, I naively envisioned that my adventure would be lackluster as I effortlessly and painlessly sailed through the lucid sea of CyberCinema. How far from the truth that perception would turn out to be. For little did I realize, back then, that numerous beasts would lurk within the depths, patiently anticipating the moment in which to cease and devour me, and sultry sirens would attempt to seduce me. Nor did I realize what fruitful and lustrous lands would await me just over the horizons—and, oh, the treasures that would award my quest!

Back at the beginning of the semester, I innocent picked goals that I believed would be basic to ultimately grasp. At the time, I merely stated that I wanted to have a more complete and well-rounded understanding of cinema and the entire filmmaking process. It seemed simple enough, after all we were only talking about film, for heaven’s sake. How difficult could this be?—I remember asking myself. Boy, what was I thinking? Film, as I soon discovered, is a whole other dimension and world (a deep silver sea, so to speak) that may even be more complicated and diverse than the one we typically call our very own. Nonetheless, I do actually believe that I was remarkably very fruitful in my journey, and I, further, believe I did actually accomplish basic premise of my goals, if I did indeed only begin to delve in film’s immense depths.

As it is, I now have a very broad and somewhat detailed understanding of the filmmaking process. I now, after thoroughly studying and applying the concepts I learned to various films, can articulately discuss and evaluate: the dichotomy of realism and formalism; the various shots, angles, lighting, and color aspects and techniques of photography; the framing, composition and design, territorial spacing, the forms, and proxemic patterns of mise-en-scene; the numerous traditions and schools of thought behind editing, sound, and acting; the depth and importance of drama; the different story narratives; the aspects and variations of genre and myth; the contribution and adaptations of screenwriting; and the various aspects of differing theories and ideologies and their importance to the filmmaking process and unity.

A specific moment that highlights my learning experience, came recently during the Thanksgiving break when I met with my older brother and sister over a couple pints of beer at a nearby pub. As I have mentioned earlier in the semester, my brother is a film major who has worked for Walt Disney as well as Industrial Light and Magic, and my sister is a theater major who now works for the San Francisco Opera. Both of them are well educated when it comes to film, and thus I have rarely delved into a debate on any particular film or concept of cinema with them because I had always felt outmatched. But, upon this outing, I finally was able to flex my educational muscles. We somehow got on the topic of Citizen Kane, and I began to go in to a manic analysis of different techniques that were used within the film. I touched upon the film’s flamboyant visual effects and photography with the startling clashes and abstract patterns that infuse the photographed images with a sense of wild visual exuberance. How, through the use of moving the camera far away Kane’s character, Kane appears distant, remote, and inaccessible as an older man. How, through the use of mise-en-scene, Welles would continually dwarf the character of Susan more and more when compared to the gigantic props that surrounded her, thus symbolizing her shrinking importance in the eyes of Kane. How the film used sound montage in the opera scenes to illustrate Susan’s confusion, terror, exhaustion, and despair. And I even mentioned how I believed that, from a feministic psychoanalytical view, the snow-globe represented a symbolized womb that was suppose to reflect Kane’s Oedipus complex and the unfulfilled castration complex, the term "rosebud" symbolically represents women and sex, and thus the love that Kane was never able to acquire. I must say this did impress both my sister and brother, and my brother even commented that I learned a lot from an undergraduate class. I have to admit that I felt proud, and, if nothing else, I can now participate in verbal karate with my siblings when it comes to analyzing film, when only months ago I wouldn’t have even gotten near the ring.

At first I was going to say, more humorously than anything that Songlian, in Raise The Red Lantern, best mirrors my learning experience in this class because, like Songlian, I often feel that I have been forced into my "marriage" with school and education, and, although I attempt to struggle for my dignity, my fury and resentment just continues to grow until all I am left with is my self-defeating rebellion—and utter insanity. But, all misguided and inappropriate jokes put aside, I truly believe that my learning experience most reflects the character of Rick Deckard (played by Harrison Ford) in Blade Runner. Like myself, Rick Deckard begins his journey very innocently—he merely believes he is doing his job by "retiring replicants." He, at first, believed that he could, basically, effortlessly glide through the day to day routines of his occupation. While he believed the work cut out for him (destroying all of the AWOL Nexus-6 Types) was going to be challenging and somewhat tough, he truly thought he was going to succeed at his goals without too much concern or obstacles. But as he becomes more and more immersed within his work, he realizes that he is actually becoming overwhelmed and quite affected by his occupational matters—both positively and negatively. Ultimately, Rick discovers that his work, or, more accurately, the subjects of his work are not quite what he first thought they were, and he actually begins to understand them better and learn from them. In the end, Rick actually has an epiphany in which he discovers that he actually is an android himself, and this discovery and self-realization seems to free his inner self as that side to him begins to metamorphose and emerge.

Similarly, I began this semester thinking that this Film class was going to be, basically, an effortless learning experience in which I would be challenged from time to time, but nothing that I could not handle with simple ease. As I have already said, that was one of the most misguided assertions that I have probably ever formulated, at least regarding school and education. But this discovery, even though I, like Rick Deckard, became extremely overwhelmed at times, was a most refreshing and pleasant surprise. As time went on in this course, I found myself becoming more and more challenged as I had to continually expand my knowledge of film techniques and apply the new concepts I had just learned onto the concepts I had previously learned—like building blocks. As I learned more about the various techniques of filmmaking, I started to have a better understanding and appreciation for the whole process. While I may have not had as much of an explosive self-realization as Rick Deckard, I have discovered that I truly love cinema and much of its aspects, and I would like to create a career that somehow involves film. Because I still love writing and would still like to pursue a career that involves the written word, I am currently flirting with the idea writing critiques of films (possibly with my wife as a "Husband vs. Wife Perspective"—who knows?). Thus, as Rick ran off with Rachel to pursue his life as an android, I believe I am going to run off and pursue more education within the field of cinema. (Professor Floren, do you have any suggestions?)

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Gloria Floren, Letters Department, MiraCosta College, One Barnard Drive, Oceanside, California 92056. U.S.A.   
Created 04 December 1997. Revised 20 July 2009
Contents Copyright 1997-2009   Gloria L. Floren. All rights reserved.
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