Making the Science Documentary
MB&B 140
Spring 2008 not offered
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| Crosslisting:
FILM 140 |
This course is envisioned to teach students the challenges of communicating scientific concepts through visual media by providing training in the production of a scientific documentary. It will be offered to 12 students as a First-Year Initiative course. The course is designed to introduce a core set of scientific concepts and the basics of digital video production and documentary filmmaking. The science topics will center on the cellular and molecular basis of genetic and infectious diseases. In a series of short-paper assignments, students will research the history, epidemiology, molecular basis, current research and therapeutics, and any social aspects related to particular diseases. In complementary sessions, students will be taught technical skills of filmmaking, i.e., use of video production and postproduction equipment, basic elements of film language, and the use of sound; fundamental differences between text-based and visual modes of communication; and models of documentary filmmaking. Screenings of documentaries and discussions of the formal strategies used by filmmakers to tell a story/develop an argument will expose students to various approaches to documentary filmmaking and to the educational, ideological, and ethical issues encountered by the filmmakers. A series of short filmmaking exercises will enable students to practice technical skills and learn to convey scientific information visually. Students will work toward a final project: an 8-minute documentary on a disease that could present current research/therapy, a historical perspective, a biography of a scientist working on the disease, or be an advocacy film making an argument regarding research or treatment. We anticipate that by gaining knowledge in an area of scientific research and observing its portrayal in films, students will understand how concepts are distilled and simplified for visual presentation. They will experience and analyze the powerful visceral impact of moving pictures and, thus, will understand the potential for misrepresentation of facts through oversimplification of concepts and misleading visuals. By producing films themselves, they will gain not only valuable technical skills, but also lessons in critical thinking with respect to moving picture media. |
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Essential Capabilities:
None |
| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
NSM MB&B |
| Course Format: Lecture | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Major Requirement for: (ENVS) |
Major Readings:
Schroeppel, Tom, THE BARE BONES CAMERA COURSE FOR FILM AND VIDEO, Second Edition, revised
Rabiger, Michael, DIRECTING THE DOCUMENTARY, Fourth Edition, Focal Press
Chinas, Daniel, HUMAN BIOLOGY, Fifth Edition, Jones and Bartlett Publishers
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Examinations and Assignments:
4 film making exercises, 4 short written reports, 1 final project |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
Course fee: $30.00 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
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