Professor
Denise Mann
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Most Helpful Review
Fall 2024 - This class did not thoroughly explore the history of American motion pictures. It focused minimally on the historical inventions and techniques used to craft films and how these evolved over time. Instead, the course emphasized racial and social justice issues, which may seem irrelevant to students aiming for a career in the film industry, whether on or off the set. However, if you are interested in writing film analyses comparing old and new films, this class might be suitable for you. Despite this, I felt the course did not live up to its title. The assignments were straightforward but time-consuming. Lecture notes were mostly useless, except for occasional citation references needed for the midterm and final, both of which were take-home exams. To succeed in these assignments, completing the required readings, including recommended ones, is essential. The grading was based on quizzes and pop quizzes (each free response), the midterm, a research paper, the final, and lecture/discussion attendance. All of these 5 categories are worth 20% each. I had Scott as my TA, who was personable and facilitated engaging discussion sections. He answered so many questions on assignments and course content. I highly recommend him for his lenient approach to participation and somewhat lenient grading. Professor Mann, however, was less favorable. She consistently arrived late to lectures and required us to write extensive, laborious paragraphs off of the slides since they weren't posted. Although the screenings were enjoyable, her presentation style was overly focused on "woke" content. Overall, this course is decent, but it did not provide me with relevant knowledge for someone aspiring to enter the film industry. It's an easy A-course if you keep up with the assignments. You shouldn't get anything less than an A-.
Fall 2024 - This class did not thoroughly explore the history of American motion pictures. It focused minimally on the historical inventions and techniques used to craft films and how these evolved over time. Instead, the course emphasized racial and social justice issues, which may seem irrelevant to students aiming for a career in the film industry, whether on or off the set. However, if you are interested in writing film analyses comparing old and new films, this class might be suitable for you. Despite this, I felt the course did not live up to its title. The assignments were straightforward but time-consuming. Lecture notes were mostly useless, except for occasional citation references needed for the midterm and final, both of which were take-home exams. To succeed in these assignments, completing the required readings, including recommended ones, is essential. The grading was based on quizzes and pop quizzes (each free response), the midterm, a research paper, the final, and lecture/discussion attendance. All of these 5 categories are worth 20% each. I had Scott as my TA, who was personable and facilitated engaging discussion sections. He answered so many questions on assignments and course content. I highly recommend him for his lenient approach to participation and somewhat lenient grading. Professor Mann, however, was less favorable. She consistently arrived late to lectures and required us to write extensive, laborious paragraphs off of the slides since they weren't posted. Although the screenings were enjoyable, her presentation style was overly focused on "woke" content. Overall, this course is decent, but it did not provide me with relevant knowledge for someone aspiring to enter the film industry. It's an easy A-course if you keep up with the assignments. You shouldn't get anything less than an A-.
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Most Helpful Review
Spring 2019 - Good class if you're interested in learning about current trends in the industry. The assignments are: take home midterm, script coverage, final paper, in class final exam. There is no homework but there are weekly readings. Professor Mann likes to advise students on their careers whether it be producing, directing, or writing, which is an added bonus. I am selling the Course Reader for $5. It is $10 at the UCLA store. Text me at **********
Spring 2019 - Good class if you're interested in learning about current trends in the industry. The assignments are: take home midterm, script coverage, final paper, in class final exam. There is no homework but there are weekly readings. Professor Mann likes to advise students on their careers whether it be producing, directing, or writing, which is an added bonus. I am selling the Course Reader for $5. It is $10 at the UCLA store. Text me at **********
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