Humanities Arts Cultural Stu 0262 - Hist. & Prac. AV Preservation

The moving image is a pervasive presence in current culture but its history is threatened by the instability of its material existence. Digitization alone does not solve the problem of the medium's impermanence but only adds further layers to the medium's ephemerality. This course will give students a practical, theoretical and historical understanding of audio/visual preservation especially around the film-to-digital transition. It will also provide some hands-on experience with film-to-film and digital preservation of moving images. The course will explore issues of A/V preservation by viewing a wide range of works that have been preserved or restored, especially independent films from narrative, documentary and avant-garde cinemas. We will analyze films from historical and theoretical perspectives while considering the issues facing A/V archivists and conservators in preserving them. From a detailed study and critical research of films, students will engage in real preservation efforts and write descriptive and analytical essays. Students must have completed a cinema studies course or a course in film or video production.

Independent Work Writing and Research In this course,students are expected to spend 8 hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time. This may include screenings and labs.