Topics in Non-fiction Media (377-0-20)

Topic

Essay Film

Instructors

Edgar D Jorge Baralt

Meeting Info

Annie May Swift Hall 219: Wed 12:00PM - 2:50PM

Overview of class

The word essay derives from the French infinitive verb essayer, which translates to "to attempt."
This suggests the essay form is one in which meaning is not fixed and predetermined but
encountered and open. Often, the essayist will work with a theme as a starting point, and no
clear path forward; the creative act becoming a means to find a path, arriving at temporal and
malleable insights rather than illustrating solidified ideas. The essay film is usually associated
with Alexandre Astruc's term camera-stylo which described a new means of writing through
cinema, in which the camera would serve as a pen, creating arguments, meditations and
inquiries. Through screenings, readings, and student's own essay films produced in the class,
we will explore and expand this notion, locating the essayistic beyond the literary toward a
process-oriented filmmaking practice.

Class Materials (Required)

There is no required textbook for this course. Readings will be provided by the instructor as
PDFs or links via Canvas. Regular Cage equipment check-out rules apply. Students will need
their own portable hard drives for editing and access to basic editing software. Students are
welcome to use a drive they've previously used for other classes.
Recommended drive: USB 3, 1TB size or larger, typical price range $50 - $100.

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Students must have completed RTVF 190-0 in order to register for this course (concurrent registration is not allowed)