COURSES

Developing Community-Based Documentaries (U08 4210/L12 4210)

This course explores the tools and techniques of producing community-based documentaries. We begin by learning basic video production skills including camera work, interviewing and digital editing. Working in teams, students then produce a 20-minute documentary on a topic of their choice within the realm of education, social justice, or the urban experience. Throughout the course the urban environment is investigated first-hand to understand social issues and give voice to those in the community. This course challenges students to explore themselves and their surroundings in order to produce videos of personal meaning and social importance.

Click here for clips of student projects.

Excerpts from student evaluations:

“I have gained more from start to finish in this class than in any other."

"The hands-on experience of filming, editing and producing films are those which I will continue to incorporate in my life and future work."

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Documenting American Lives (U89 361/L98 3610/L53 3601)

This course explores the techniques of storytelling through the use of personal history. Topics include race, gender, class, and the dismantling of discourses that attempt to portray a singular American experience. We begin by exploring various types of documentary film, from its early use in ethnography to the innovative work of modern-day storytellers. We then explore aspects of story development, from pre- to post-production. As a final project, students create a short video that puts into practice the theories discussed throughout the course.

Click here for clips of student projects.

Excerpts from student evaluations:

“I enjoyed making my film. I knew nothing about filming or editing…I feel very good about having had this course.”

“(This was an) opportunity to do hands-on film production instead of simply reading
about it.”

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Media Literacy for In-Service Teachers (U08 4580)

This course allows in-service teachers to develop a technological foundation in video production (videography), post-production (digital editing), and challenges them to produce a short documentary as a final project. Working in groups of two, students develop, shoot and edit a 15-minute documentary on a social issue of importance to them. The range of topics is wide, but projects could explore homelessness in St Louis, inequities in the educational system, or the impact of gun violence on adolescents. The course also explores strategies to integrate media education into the K-12 curriculum.

Click here for clips of student projects.

Excerpts from student evaluations:

“This is such a relevant topic in education today, and it isn't offered from any other course available at Wash U. I would highly recommend it to other educators."

"I signed up for your documentary class to move out of my comfort zone and work on a project that would challenge me.  That it certainly did!!!  I have never taken a more challenging and rewarding course at Washington University!”

"Thanks for your sense of humor, insightful facilitation of discussion, and for a singularly unique opportunity to better myself as a teacher and as a person."

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Media Literacy Practicum (U08 4581)

This course allows in-service teachers to work directly with elementary and secondary students to teach them skills in video production and critical media analysis. The core of the practicum is a two-week workshop entitled: “Video Production Workshop: Your View, Your Voice, Your Film.” Under the guidance of the in-service teachers, students learn how to research, shoot and edit a 10-minute documentary on a social issue that has direct relevance on their lives. Teachers meet for one week prior to the workshop to set goals and develop strategy. They meet for one week after the workshop to evaluate the success of the program and to define concrete ways to bring media literacy into their own instruction.

Click here for clips of student projects.

Excerpts from student evaluations:

"This was a wonderful experience. I learned so much through this process and found it very beneficial to fuse the skills I learned in the first course with my skills as a teacher."

"I feel so fortunate to have been part of this workshop. New doors have been opened and the possibilities are very exciting."