OFFICIAL5 What is the conversation mainly about?

[00:00.00]Narrator: Listen to a conversation between a student and a professor.
[00:04.64]FEMALE STUDENT: Hi. I was wondering if I could talk with you about the assignment in the Film Theory class?
[00:09.40]MALE PROFESSOR: Of course, Jill.
[00:10.34]FEMALE STUDENT: It seems that pretty much everyone else in the class gets what they're supposed to be doing, but I'm not so sure.
[00:16.62]MALE PROFESSOR: Well, the class is for students who are really serious about film. [00:20.88]You must have taken film courses before?
[00:23.71]FEMALE STUDENT: Yeah, in high school, Film Appreciation.
[00:26.85]MALE PROFESSOR: Hmm, I wouldn't think that'd be enough. [00:30.26]Did you concentrate mainly on form, or content?
[00:34.01]FEMALE STUDENT: Oh, definitely content. [00:35.58]We’d watch, say, Lord of the Flies, and then discuss it.
[00:39.66]MALE PROFESSOR: Oh, that approach…treating film as literature, ignoring what makes it unique…
[00:44.89]FEMALE STUDENT: I liked it, though…
[00:46.99]MALE PROFESSOR: Sure, but that kind of class…[00:49.58]well, I'm not surprised you're feeling a little lost. [00:52.19]Y'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. [01:05.26]So students in the class you're in should be pretty far along in film studies. [01:10.39]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're required to do first, as prerequisites.
[01:22.49]FEMALE STUDENT: Well, I did have a problem with that, but I discussed it with one of your office staff and she gave me permission.
[01:28.45]MALE PROFESSOR: Of course. No matter how many times I tell them, they just keep on… [01:34.01]Well, for your own good, I'd really suggest dropping back and starting at the usual place…
[01:41.07]FEMALE STUDENT: Yes, but... I've already been in this class for four weeks! [01:44.49]I'd hate to just drop it now, especially since I find it so different, so interesting.
[01:49.24]MALE PROFESSOR: I guess so—[01:51.06]frankly, I can't believe you've lasted this long! [01:53.97]These are pretty in-depth theories we’ve been discussing, and you've been doing OK so far, I guess. [01:59.99]But, still, the program's been designed to progress through certain stages. [02:04.87]Like any other professional training, we build on previous knowledge.
[02:09.45]FEMALE STUDENT: Then maybe you could recommend some extra reading I can do, to catch up?
[02:13.75]MALE PROFESSOR: Well, are you intending to study film, as your main concentration?
[02:18.07]FEMALE STUDENT: No. No, I—I'm just interested; [02:20.72]I'm actually in marketing, but there seems to be a connection…
[02:23.83]MALE PROFESSOR: Oh, well, in case…if you're taking the course just out of … I mean, I'd still highly recommend signing up for the introductory courses at some point. But in the meantime, there's no harm, I guess, in trying to keep up with this class. [02:39.77]The interest is clearly there. [02:42.09]Uh, instead of any extra reading just now, though, you could view some of the old introductory lectures—[02:49.30]we have 'em on video—[02:50.63]that'd give you a better handle on the subject. [02:53.39]It's still a pretty tall order, and we'll be moving right along, so you'll really need to stay on top of it.
[02:59.41]FEMALE STUDENT: OK, I've been warned. [03:01.76]Now, could I tell you about my idea for the assignment…?