Recommendations
Background
There are no prerequisites for this course. For all participants, reading comfortably in English at the undergraduate college level is desirable. For those also participating in the writing and responding to blogs, which is recommended, some experience in writing about literature or film is useful.
Making Screen Notes
When taking screen notes, it is customary to use the left-hand side of the page to note the type of camera shot(s) used during a scene. You may want to note that the director is using a wide shot (WS), a medium shot (MS), or a close-up (CS). Many people also indicate important elements like low horizons, high angle shots, two-shots, perfect forms, or an interesting use of the rule of thirds along the left hand side of their notes.
The right hand side of screening notes generally houses observations about the action taking place on the screen. Viewers often use this space to quote lines from the film or note ironies, tragic moments, significant shifts in lighting, and points about the use of settings or costumes.
However you decide to make your notes and whatever you choose to record while watching the film, you will discover that your notes will contain details of the action and screen composition which you will find important when discussing the film in your blog.
Watching Advice
Should you take notes while watching the films for this course? Everyone has their own way of working. I like to watch a film first and then watch it again to take screening notes. For me, screening notes allow me to refresh my memory and remember the details of the film that I have seen. When reading articles or reviews about a film, I prefer to make my notes next to the list of shots that I compile as I watch. Other people, in particular those who don't take extensive notes, prefer to watch the movie close to the moment they will be discussing or writing about the work and prefer to make less extensive notes as they watch. Each person should judge how to best interact with the materials provided for this course.