Film criticism, film scholarship, filmmaking?from its inception at the turn of the millennium the video essay in its many forms offers an expanding array of creative, intellectual, and scholarly means of self-expression. In this graduate seminar, we will create videographic essays in film scholarship. What is possible when the mode of enquiry departs from the printed word and inhabits the form of the media it examines? Making a videographic essay is much like making a film, often with similarities to documentary and the essay film.

Interdepartmental Film Studies is happy to sponsor the Visiting Professors Series. The program regularly hosts award-winning international filmmakers and film scholars who offer classes in screenwriting, directing, cinematography, the video essay, and other key areas of filmmaking and film scholarship. Students have an unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience and enrich their portfolios. Enrollment priority is give to BDIC/Film majors and Film Certificate students.

We will view, analyze, and discuss films by modern documentary masters such as Michael Moore ("Sicko"), Chris Paine, ("Revenge of the Electric Car"), Seth Gordon ("The King of Kong - A Fistful of Quarters"), Pamela Yates ("Granito") and many others to further the understanding of the documentary craft and art from a filmmaker's perspective. Students will also do preproduction (research and treatment) for their own short documentary, along with shorter hands-on exercises in writing narration, interview techniques, etc.

We will view, analyze, and discuss films by modern documentary masters such as Michael Moore ("Sicko"), Chris Paine, ("Revenge of the Electric Car"), Seth Gordon ("The King of Kong - A Fistful of Quarters"), Pamela Yates ("Granito") and many others to further the understanding of the documentary craft and art from a filmmaker's perspective. Students will also do preproduction (research and treatment) for their own short documentary, along with shorter hands-on exercises in writing narration, interview techniques, etc.