Course Syllabus

Course Syllabus

 

Black Cinema from the USA & around the world (3 credits)

CMLT / AADS / WGS / LIBS

Indiana University Northwest

Department of Minority Studies

Dr. Scooter Pégram

Autumn Second 8-week Session 2025

 

PLEASE READ ALL OF ME!! Yes, I may be a bit long, but I am very important!! Knowledge is power!

 

COURSE INSTRUCTOR: 

My name is Dr. Scooter Pégram. Nice to meet you! You can reach me at any time via a variety of mediums. You can e-mail me (spegram@iu.edu), you can call or text message me anytime, including at night (773-717-6487, via WhatsApp only throughout the summer session if I am overseas, I will alert you when I am back in North America when you can text me normally). You can also find me across social media, should you be interested, you can learn about me here, and here as well. 

 

Please read this before messaging any of your professors in any class, take a look at this: https://medium.com/@lportwoodstacer/how-to-email-your-professor-without-being-annoying-af-cf64ae0e4087 

 

Required Reading and Visual Materials:

Please make sure that you understand this bit of information:

1. Please PRINT THIS LIST of cinematic techniques and elements, as you will use them in discussion questions, weekend formal written assignments, and you will also be given a Midterm Exam that will cover many of them

2. There is NO BOOK for this course. That said, you are required to subscribe to popular streaming sources (e.g. Netflix, Prime, Hulu) if you are not already there, and from time to time you may have to pay to rent a movie if it is unavailable on the aforementioned streaming servers due to licensing problems, etc. We do the best that we can to find movies on streaming sites, but things can (and often do) change from time to time based on the agreements that studios and production houses have with servers.  

 

Course Description:

This class will introduce students to Black Cinema from the United States and around the world. In doing so, our course will explore the historical, social and cultural significance of Black Cinema, from its origins during the silent era until the contemporary movies of today. As we move along during our cinematic journey, we will focus on filmmakers and actors of African descent and explore specific movie genres and various performers, by using all of them to survey basic topics in understanding film studies and how to “read” a movie. Our class aims to deepen and strengthen an overall understanding of the impact of historical events and key filmic technological advancements in Black Cinema. As the class covers a lot of ground geographically and thematically, we will take a broad view by including movies that have been important to the public discourse about Black existence in the United States, Brazil, the Caribbean, France, and the African continent. Now, let's watch some good movies!

 

WGS (Women's and Gender Studies) STUDENTS, PLEASE NOTE: Students who are enrolled in this class under Women’s and Gender Studies must concentrate on issues relating to women and/or gender for the final self-selected paper/critique. 

 

Critical Points:

 

Please note that the films are mandatory. All assigned movies will be the primary subject matter of our class, so high quality screenings viewed each assigned day are important; Do not rely on having seen these films when they were first released or even last month, since we will be approaching them from very different perspectives now, under a critical lens. 

 

Our analysis of the films in our course will not be writing intensive, but it will be screening intensive—meaning that we will watch many movies each week outside of class on your own. To allow us the most time to watch and talk about these films, course readings will be fairly light (there is no official book for this class) and there is no midterm or final exam about which to worry. Your main task is to get ready to watch and analyse many films!

 

Course Office Hours:

100% online, but I can meet you on Zoom or any messaging service 24/7!!!

 

Learning Outcomes:

 

At the end of this course, students will be able to.......

 

• Demonstrate knowledge of the historical and technological development of film as an art form and cinema as a cultural product.

 

• Demonstrate knowledge of film-making of all types as a craft and a collaborative process.

 

• Demonstrate in critical essays and oral presentations, an ability to analyse, interpret, and critique films by using the critical vocabulary and methodologies of the discipline.

 

• Demonstrate knowledge of Black, African, and Caribbean cinema as a means of deepening an understanding of diverse African Diasporic cultures around the world.

 

• Understand how film making is a practice that uses a means of storytelling, non-fiction narrative, as well as formal, technical and stylistic experimentation.

 

• Understand the professional requirements of all technical and creative roles involved in film production and post-production.

 

• Understand how global Black Cinema often adopts distinctive modes of self-representation and performance and how these representations persist across time and through different genres of filmmaking.

 

• Analyse and understand how historical and cultural events in the United States, Brazil, France, the Caribbean, and the African continent produced fundamental changes filmmaking from that period onwards.

 

• ADDITIONAL NOTE: In this class, students can expect to write regularly during the semester, complete substantial writing projects, and receive feedback to help you improve their writing, analysis, and critical thinking skills. Students will always have the opportunity to revise assignments, and to learn how to become better scholars. Therefore, students should expect a substantial portion of your grade to come from written work and critical analysis.

 

Course Readings:

There are NO TEXTBOOKS assigned for this course. Instead, the readings shown below this sentence should be referenced and used throughout the semester. To do your best, please become familiar with the following items: 

 

1. Six Elements of Style in Film Making: How Directors Tell a Story

 

2. Please read this article, and also read and print this one. 

 

3. Please read this overview of the history of cinema

 

4. How to "read" a film, video tutorial: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Y8LHRk6z44 

 

In addition, there will be brief readings assigned to each module of the course. These short selections will consist of online resources, journal articles, and other things that relate to the thematic subject matter of each module. Most of the assigned readings in the class are short and on point.

 

Course Assignments are as follows:

 

Discussion Questions:

There will be discussion questions in this course, all shown within the course modules. Each module will contain at least one discussion question, and it must be answered by its scheduled due date. Students are responsible for making sure that all work is completed on time (and yes, discussion questions can be answered as soon as they are accessible in the modules, so early submissions are welcome). The subject matter for each discussion question will vary, as will the format and/or design. All discussion questions will not be particularly long, and students are encouraged to converse and debate with one another in the spirit of congeniality.

Some discussion questions will be exactly that, subjects to discuss openly with the class, whilst others will ask you to submit your answer directly to the professor. Please make sure to read the directions to each discussion question carefully before submitting your answer. All discussion questions will be schedule on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

 

PLEASE NOTE: Make sure to consult the guidelines for submitting discussion questions here, and they are also shown below.

 

Guidelines for all Discussion Questions

 

Writing Assignments "Take Two":

There will be several writing assignments scheduled for every second module (around 3-4 in total), all of which must be completed by their marked due dates. These assignments are deep analysis and they should be treated formally, and taken seriously, and your friendly professor will help make you a writing champion! The assigned critiques will contain questions that will ask students to respond to the subject matter that is shown in each week's module (as written in the instructions for the assignment). As you write your compositions, please make sure to follow the directions on how to write a film paper, as listed on this sheet, also shown below. The grading rubric that I will use to evaluate your assignments can be found here, and also below. Formal essays and written assignments when assigned will always be due on Sundays.

 

How to write a film paper.doc

 

Grading Rubric for Writing Assignments.docx

 

Important Style/Grammar Guidelines for ALL Written Assignments (aside from DQs)

 

Furthermore, students MUST follow the course's writing style guidelines in all of their written assignments. The style guidelines for the course can be found on the document links shown below:

 

General Writing Tips for College.docx

 

Style-sheet Film Critiques.docx

 

Take a look at this information too. 

 

More about the formal writing expectations for the Sunday assignments: PLEASE READ THIS!

There is a good deal more writing required in an online class because students cannot respond to assignments or discussions orally like they do in a traditional classroom. This, added with the belief that online classes are less formal and our culture’s addiction to “text speak” can all do irreparable damage to your final grade if you are not careful.   What students need to understand is that no matter what they write for the class, the quality of writing makes an impression on their professor. Think about it. Your professor probably may never meet you. Your first impression is your writing. Academic writing is required for all online classes, and a good professor will spell it all out the expected grammar and mechanics in the syllabus or the assignment rubrics. An online class is not the place to disregard all writing conventions or standards. You are not texting friends, tweeting or writing a thank you card to Grandma. You must uphold scholarly quality, and be mindful of formal writing standards to be successful when taking classes online, no matter what the subject or discipline.    

 

Quizzes, PlayPosit videos, Midterm:

There may a midterm on film theoretical and practical terms and it must be completed by the scheduled date. This short exam will consist of matching and short answer questions. Please get on the internet and look up and become familiar with the terms shown on this study guide, which is also shown below. Quizzes and PlayPosit videos may pop up when/if needed. 

 

Midterm Study Guide (Film Terms).docx

 

You can look up film terminology by perusing helpful websites like this one: www.filmsite.org/filmterms.html 

 

There will also be quizzes based on the lesson or posted readings for each subject module. The quizzes are designed to make sure that you have read through whatever materials are posted since they will be necessary for you to have a better understanding of the films that you are about to watch. 

 

Self-Selected Final PowerPoint Critique or Student Research Conference:

Students will prepare a PowerPoint research critique on a subject of their choosing as it deals with a subject relevant to Black Cinema. This is a formal assignment and should be treated as such. Students are invited and encouraged to view other films (in addition to the ones screened in class) to help formulate their projects. 

 

STUDENTS WHO CHOOSE TO PRESENT THEIR IDEA AT THE COAS STUDENT RESEARCH CONFERENCE WILL RECEIVE EXTRA POINTS

 

Summary of Requirements:

 

Discussion Questions will be principally due on either Tuesdays or Thursdays (with few exceptions). The more formal Written Assignments will be due on Sundays. 

Remember always to check your calendar to be sure, and also check for course Announcements. 

 

Statement and Rules with respect to use of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.):

• In this class, the expectations for the use/non-use of AI vary depending on the assignment. It is crucial to follow the specific guidelines for each assignment to maintain academic integrity. If you use generative AI in a manner that is not authorized for the assignment, it will constitute academic misconduct; there will be an academic sanction, and the incident will be reported.
• You should be aware that all large language models (which are the basis of Generative AI) have a tendency to make up facts, create fake citations, produce inaccurate information, or generate biased or offensive content. You are responsible for any inaccurate, biased, offensive, or otherwise unethical content you submit regardless of whether it originally comes from you or a Generative AI platform.
• All Generative AI tools must be appropriately acknowledged and cited. The disclosure of use of Generative AI for spelling and grammar checkers is not necessary, but all other uses require proper acknowledgment and citation. (see example below)
  • APA Citation: OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT (September 1 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat
• The use of Generative AI tools without disclosure will be considered plagiarism and/or cheating and will be reported to the Dean of Students (Office of Student Conduct) and handled according to university policies. Sanctions for academic misconduct in this course may include a failing grade on the assignment, a reduction in your final course grade, or a failing grade in the course, among other possibilities. If you have any questions about the acceptable use of Generative AI tools, please consult with me prior to submitting your work. 
• With the understanding of the limitations and necessary acknowledgments, you are encouraged to use Generative AI for brainstorming or to organize your ideas. Using Generative AI to enhance learning is an emerging skill and it is to your advantage to learn how to use it well. Generative AI can be a valuable tool for complementing human decisions, but it is not a replacement for critical thinking.
• Please be aware that instructors have different policies on the appropriate use of Artificial Intelligence. The above policy applies only to this class. It is your responsibility to check with each of your other instructors if ever you are unsure about what constitutes academic honesty in their courses.

Online "Attendance" and Participation Policy:

 

This is a eight-week course. Each week you will be required to participate by completing readings, answering discussion questions, and finishing an assignment. All required work for the class is listed in the modules, and it is your responsibility to participate by keeping up with the films and tasks within each module. You are expected to complete all assignments on each module on time, by the listed due date of each particular task. You are expected to participate by logging into the online course page several times during the week to see new announcements, check messages, and view any pertinent discussion postings.

 

Late assignments may, or may not be accepted (with penalty if accepted), at the discretion of the professor.

 

 

Some Further Course Specifics:

 

Participation: Excused online absences and/or late work will not be granted, other than exceptions as determined by the instructor and programme supervisor. Examples of these very few exceptions include: an incredibly personal illness (and not the flu, etc), the very serious illness of a dependent, the death or funeral of an immediate family member, required attendance at an official university activity, pigs flying, a nuclear explosion, another Great Chicago Fire, a hurricane in Northwest Indiana, an attack of killer locusts or monkeys in Northwest Indiana, the next Black Plague, or a Cubs vs. White Sox World Series Final. To be classified as “excused,” the absence must be documented authoritatively (for example, the very serious illness as denoted above must be documented by a doctor’s note). PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: Excused absences or consistent late work may keep you from being automatically withdrawn from the course, but you will NOT receive participation points on the days you miss class, under any circumstance.

NOTE: Please review the attendance policy as set forth by the university (it is available online or in the Bulletin). As per university and departmental policy, students who miss more than 50% of their class meetings and / or who do not attend their enrolled classes during the first four weeks of the fall or spring semesters are subject to administrative withdrawal from their courses, regardless of their class level, grades, or standing. This withdrawal may affect your financial aid and scholarships in future semesters and your good academic standing with the university at large.

In summary: The professor will make learning a positive, relaxing and stimulating activity, and in return, you will participate in all scheduled class activities.

 

Academic Honesty

Academic honesty is expected of all students. Students are responsible for knowing how to maintain academic honesty and for abstaining from cheating, the appearance of cheating, and permitting or assisting in another’s cheating. Students must especially avoid plagiarism. The Indiana University Code of Student Rights defines plagiarism as “presenting someone else’s work, including the work of other students, as one’s own” (http://studentcode.iu.edu/responsibilities/academic-misconduct.html).

 

Plagiarism will not be tolerated. All students must turn in their papers and exams to Canvas. TurnItIn on Canvas will check the submissions for common sentences that could be signs of plagiarism. Plagiarism on a paper or an exam will result in a score of zero. If you are uncertain about whether your writing crosses the line into plagiarism, please contact your instructor.

 

Academic integrity: As noted in the IU and IUN Bulletin and Catalogue, any student who is dishonest in any academic work and in any way is liable to receive a wide variety of sanctions and / or punishments. Simply put, you are here at university to learn, so please make sure that the work that you do turn in is all your own. For more information, please see: http://www.iu.edu/~code/code/responsibilities/academic

 

Additional Course Policies

 

Right to Accommodation for Individuals with Disabilities

Indiana University is committed to creating a learning environment and academic community that promotes educational opportunities for all individuals, including those with disabilities. Course directors are asked to make reasonable accommodations, upon request by the student or the university, for such disabilities. It is the responsibility of students with documented physical or learning disabilities seeking accommodation to notify their course directors and the relevant campus office that deals with such cases in a timely manner concerning the need for such accommodation. Indiana University will make reasonable accommodations for access to programs, services, and facilities as outlined by applicable state and federal laws.

 

Campus support office:

Student Support Services location: Hawthorn Hall 29, 219-980-6798
Student Support Services online: www.iun.edu/~supportn

 

IU Northwest Attendance and Course Commitment Policy

This course has been approved to enforce the IU Northwest Attendance and Course Commitment Policy and the full text of this policy is available at http://www.iun.edu/registrar/attendance-policies.htm.

 

As a student in this course, you are expected to attend scheduled class meetings and actively participate in all class activities. Students who miss the first week of the semester or who do not attend 50% of the scheduled class meetings before the end of the fourth week of the semester may be subject to administrative withdrawal. Regardless of attendance, students who do not actively participate in this class by not submitting a majority of their assignments by the posted due date are subject to administrative withdrawal. Students who are administratively withdrawn from this class after the fourth week will not be eligible for a tuition refund. Administrative withdrawals may have an impact on the student’s financial aid awards and visa status.

 

IU FLAGS (Student Performance Early Alert System)

This semester I will be using IU’s Early Alert System to provide real-time feedback on your performance in this course. I will be entering data on factors such as your class attendance, participation, and success with coursework, among other things. This information will provide feedback on how you are faring in the course and offer you suggestions on how you might be able to improve your performance. You will be able to access this information in the student center at One.iu. If there is no entry, then no concerns have been reported about your academic performance.

 

SEXUAL MISCONDUCT: IU does not tolerate acts of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment and all forms of sexual violence.  If you have experienced sexual misconduct, or know someone who has, the University can help.  It is important to know that federal regulations and University policy require faculty to promptly report complaints of potential sexual misconduct known to them to their campus Deputy Title IX Co-ordinator(s) to ensure that appropriate measures are taken and resources are made available.  The University will work with you to protect your privacy by sharing information with only those that need to know to ensure the University can respond and assist.  If you are seeking help and would like to speak to someone confidentially, you can make an appointment with a Mental Health Counsellor on campus (contact information available at http://stopsexualviolence.iu.edu/employee/confidential.html).  Find more information about sexual violence, including campus and community resources at http://stopsexualviolence.iu.edu/. 

 

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS OF CLASSROOM BEHAVIOUR: A classroom is analogous to a professional environment. Students are expected to behave professionally so that everyone can engage fully in the educational process. This means that disruptive behaviour during class is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, arguing with the instructor about grades or assignments, arguing with other students, bringing up individual concerns with the instructor in the middle of class, or using language or exhibiting other behaviour that distracts others from engaging fully in the academic enterprise. A student who disrupts the learning environment will be asked to stop the behaviour immediately; if the disruptive behaviour continues, the student will be asked to leave the class session.

 

Everyone needs to read this: https://medium.com/@lportwoodstacer/how-to-email-your-professor-without-being-annoying-af-cf64ae0e4087 

 

If you need help, please do not hesitate to ask! Here is where you can seek it:

 

First, check the day-to-day announcements. If what you need is not there, please ask me! You can find me in my office (Hawthorn 463), by text message or voice (773-717-6487), office phone (219-980-6532), via e-mail (spegram@iun.edu), or on Facebook, or carrier piegon (if you are really savvy). 

 

In addition, Indiana University Northwest has an incredible Counselling Centre that is available for students at NO COST. Find out more here: http://www.iun.edu/counseling-services/ 

 

Academic Success and Achievement Programs:  http://www.iun.edu/academic-success/index.htm

Anderson Library:  http://www.iun.edu/library/

Career Services:  http://www.iun.edu/career-services/

Counseling Services:  http://www.iun.edu/counseling-services/

Financial Information: http://www.iun.edu/financialaid/links/index.htm

Student Advising Center: http://www.iun.edu/student-advising/index.htm  

Student Support Services: http://www.iun.edu/student-support/

Technical Support:  http://www.iun.edu/technology/

Veteran Services:  http://www.iun.edu/veterans/

Writing Center:  http://www.iun.edu/english/writing-center/

 

Course evaluation will be as follows: 

 

Assignments are weighted by group:

Group	Weight
Midterm Exam	5%
Discussion Questions	43%
Final Project	10%
Writing Assignments	40%
Active Online Participation	2%
Total	100%

 

Grade scale for this class:

Letter Grade	Range
A+	100%to99.7%
A	< 99.7%to93%
A-	< 93%to90%
B+	< 90%to87%
B	< 87%to83%
B-	< 83%to80%
C+	< 80%to77%
C	< 77%to73%
C-	< 73%to70%
D+	< 70%to67%
D	< 67%to63%
D-	< 63%to60%
F	< 60%to0%

 

Student Responsibilities for Online Courses:

Online courses provide you with a flexible and convenient way to learn, but that does not mean online learning is easier than in a traditional classroom. Online courses such as this one offer the same opportunities for learning and growth, and the chance to challenge yourself as a student. As an online student you will need to be motivated, dedicated and determined with your studies.

 

The information shown on this page will be helpful for you in terms of this, and all online courses. 

 

Computer Requirements:

As previously mentioned, you are required to subscribe to Netflix and Hulu so that you can access the films that we will be viewing in this course.You are also free to search for films on other websites (such as Amazon Prime) if you wish.

 

Communication and Participation:

• Be willing to communicate with classmates and your professor (i.e. moi) online.

 

• Participate in weekly online activities. You will need to log into your course at least two to three times per week to view announcements, answer the discussion questions, and complete the weekly written assignments.

 

• Complete the writing assignments, and discussion questions by the due dates to allow your professor (i.e. moi) adequate time to review your work and provide feedback.

 

• Contact your instructor with course related questions well in advance of due dates as needed so I can help when and if needed.

 

 

Time Management:

Time management is the most important factor in completing any coursework, especially for online courses. Successful online students have to be very organised in their studies and take responsibility for their own learning. It is VERY IMPORTANT to keep up with the work listed on the modules, and to make sure that your responsibilities and met and the discussion questions and writing assignments are completed and submitted on time.

To do this best, you should determine what time of day you can best focus on your studies. It is very helpful to have a set schedule for studying. If you get into a routine of sitting down at the same time each night or for the same hour each morning, you can ensure that you stay on top of your work and will not fall behind. Routine is key.

 

Balancing Personal Obligations:

Many students choose to take online courses because of the convenience. You may be working full-time or have other obligations this summer. Balancing school and other important aspects of your life can become a juggling act.

The greatest strength of online courses is that you can study around your schedule. It is up to you to find time for your coursework and to make the most of it. When you study, you should try to avoid distractions, such as phone calls or television. This is especially true in a film course, as the movies should have your full attention when you watch them.

 

Study Environment:

A well-lit place that is free from distractions is recommended. If you cannot escape in-home interruptions, you can work on the IU-Northwest campus (and I would be happy to screen all of the course’s films to you on a big screen with good sound). Schedule your designated study time when you can be in a distraction-free environment and your chances for success will increase.

 

Participation:

It is important to take an active part in your online education. Just because you do not see your classmates or instructors face to face does not mean that you cannot interact with them. Online courses are designed to include group discussions and online chats, and students are encouraged to debate with one another and comment on each other’s posts.

 

Netiquette is a set of rules for behaving properly online. Something about cyberspace makes it easy for people to forget that they are interacting with other real people.

 

The following bullet points cover some basics to communicating online:

 

• Be sensitive to the fact that there will be cultural and linguistic backgrounds, as well as different political and religious beliefs, plus just differences in general.

 

• Use good taste when composing your responses in Discussion Forums. Swearing and profanity is also part of being sensitive to your classmates and MUST be avoided. Also consider that slang can be misunderstood or misinterpreted.

 

• Do not use ALL CAPITAL letters when composing your responses as this is considered “shouting” on the Internet and is regarded as impolite or aggressive. It can also be stressful on the eye when trying to read your message.

 

• Be respectful of your others’ views and opinions. Avoid “flaming” (publicly attacking or insulting) them as this can cause hurt feelings and decrease the chances of getting all different types of points of view.

 

• Be careful when using acronyms. If you use an acronym it is best to spell out its meaning first, then put the acronym in parentheses afterward, for example: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). After that you can use the acronym freely throughout your message.

 

• Use good grammar and spelling, and avoid using text messaging shortcuts.

 

 You can also consult Indiana University's rules on Netiquette by following this link.

 

Confused? Lost? Ask me questions!!

Do not be afraid to ask me questions. As an online student there are several ways to get the answers you are seeking. You can always message me for clarification (e-mail, text, Facebook, Canvas, carrier pigeon), just be sure you ask early enough that you can get a response well before any pending deadlines or due dates. You can also turn to your classmates for help. Post questions to the discussion board to benefit from other students’ knowledge and insights.

 

I will always be happy to assist you in whatever way that I can.

 

Get out of it what you put in:

The more effort you put forth in your online courses to comprehend the material the more likely you are to succeed after the course is finished. Extra effort during the course will lead to a better, more lasting experience. Online courses have a lot to offer students who dedicate the time and focus to getting the most out of their courses.

 

That said, I hope that you enjoy this course. Bienvenue / Welcome!!

 

Please Take note of the assignments and their due dates as you see them scheduled. The class progresses module by module, from the beginnings of Black and African Cinema through to the contemporary era whilst analysing several genres along the way. All major genres will be explored. Please see the Modules page to understand the progression of the course. 

 

Bon visionnement (Happy Viewing)!