Part I
Student: Hi, I was wondering if I could talk with you about the assignment in the film theory class.
Professor: Of course, Jill.
Student: It seems that pretty much everyone else in the class gets what they are supposed to be doing, but I’m not so sure.
Professor: Well, the class is for students who are really serious about film. You must have taken film courses before.
Student: Yeah, in high school, film appreciation.
Professor: Hmmm… I wouldn’t think that would be enough. Did you concentrate mainly on form or content?
Student: Oh, definitely content. We’d watch, say Lord of the Flies, and then discuss it.
Professor: Oh, that approach, treating film as literature, ignoring what makes it unique.
Student: I liked it, though.
哦，那种方法，将电影视为文学，而忽略了它的独特之处。
1. serious|ˈsɪəriəs|
adj. sincere about sth; not joking or meant as a joke 当真的；认真的
E.g.: He's really serious about Penny and wants to get engaged.
他对彭尼的确是认真的，他想跟她订婚。
2. film appreciation
'Film Appreciation' is a humble attempt to make you aware of the potential of cinema and empower the artist and audience aiming towards a more enriching experience. 电影鉴赏
E.g.: The main courses: Literature of Film, Film Appreciation, Drama Appreciation etc.
开设相关课程有: 《电影文学》、《电影欣赏》、《戏剧欣赏》等。
3. approach|əˈprəʊtʃ|
noun. a way of dealing with sb/sth; a way of doing or thinking about sth such as a problem or a task （待人接物或思考问题的）方式，方法，态度
E.g.:The school has decided to adopt a different approach to discipline.
学校决定采取另外一种方式解决纪律问题。
Part II
Professor: Sure, but that kind of class. Well, I’m not surprised that you are feeling a little lost. You know, we have two introductory courses that are supposed to be taken before you get to my course, one in film art, techniques, technical stuff and another in film history. So students in the class you are in should be pretty far along in film studies. In fact, usually the system blocks anyone trying to sign up for a class they shouldn’t be taking, who hasn’t taken the courses you are required to do first as prerequisites.
Student: Well, I did have a problem with that but I discussed it with one of your office staff, and she gave me permission.
Professor: Of course. No matter how many times I tell them, they just keep on… Well, for your own good, I’d really suggest dropping back and starting at the usual place.
Student: Yes. But I’ve already been in this class for 4 weeks. I’d hate to just drop it now especially since I find it so different, so interesting.
事实上，系统通常会阻止任何试图报名参加他们不应该参加的课程的人，这些人还没有完成那些预先必须完成的课程。
1. along|əˈlɔ:ŋ|
adv. at or to an advanced point 到相当的程度
E.g.: The morning was well along when we arrived. [=it was late in the morning when we arrived]
我们到的时候已经快上午了。
2. block |blɒk|
verb. to stop sb from going somewhere or seeing sth by standing in front of them or in their way 堵住（某人的路等）；挡住（某人的视线等）
E.g.: One of the guards moved to block her path.
一名守卫走过去挡住她的路。
3. prerequisite |ˌpri:ˈrekwəzɪt|
noun. (formal) something that must exist or happen before sth else can happen or be done 先决条件；前提；必备条件
E.g.: A degree is an essential prerequisite for employment at this level.
学位是做这级工作必备的先决条件。
Part III
Professor: I guess so. Frankly I can’t believe you’ve lasted this long. These are pretty in-depth theories we’ve been discussing and you’ve been doing OK so far, I guess. But still, the program’s been designed to progress through certain stages. Like any other professional training we build on pervious knowledge.
Student: Then maybe you could recommend some extra reading I can do to catch up?
Professor: Well, are you intending to study film as your main concentration?
Student: No, no. I am just interested. I’m actually in marketing, but there seems to be a connection.
Professor: Oh… well, in… in that case, if you’re taking the course just out of interest, I mean I still highly recommend signing up for the introductory courses at some point, but in the meantime, there is no harm I guess in trying to keep up with this class. The interest is clearly there. Eh, instead of any extra reading just now though, you could view some of the old introductory lectures. We have them on video. That would give you a better handle on the subject. It’s still a pretty tall order, and we will be moving right along, so you will really need to stay on top of it.
Student: OK, I’ve been warned. Now, could I tell you about my idea for the assignment?
在这种情况下，如果你只是出于兴趣参加这个课程，我的意思是我仍然强烈建议你在某个时候注册去上介绍性课程，但与此同时，我认为尝试跟上现在这个课程也并没有什么坏处。
1. in-depth
adj. very thorough and detailed 彻底的；深入详尽的
E.g.: an in-depth discussion/study
深入彻底的讨论 / 研究
2. progress|ˈprəʊgres|
verb. to improve or develop over a period of time; to make progress 进步；改进；进展
E.g.: The course allows students to progress at their own speed.
本课程允许学生按各自的速度学习。
3. give sb a handle on sth
(informal) to give sb enough facts or knowledge for them to be able to deal with sth （使）弄懂，理解，明白
E.g.: I can give you a better handle on these sales figures.
我可以帮你搞懂这些销售数字。
4. a tall order
(informal) to be very difficult to do 难办的事情;棘手的问题
E.g.: Financing your studies may seem like a tall order, but there is plenty of help available.
学费的筹措可能看似一个大难题，好在你可以获得许多帮助。
5. on top of
in control of (something): doing the things that are needed to deal with (something) 设法驾驭；处理
E.g.: How will I ever get on top of all this work?
我究竟怎样才处理得了这么多的工作？
