Topics in Latina and Latino Text and Representation (393-0-4)
Topic
Documentary Filmmaking for Social Justice
Instructors
Elvia Mendoza
Crowe Hall, Room 1144
Meeting Info
Kresge Centennial Hall 2-410: Wed 2:00PM - 4:50PM
Overview of class
This course introduces students to documentary film(making) as a site of/for cultural production. Structured around hands-on assignments and classroom exercises, students engage directly with questions of representation, ethics, positionality, knowledge production, voice, and authorship. Supplementing hands-on practice with readings, film screenings, and guest speakers, we will explore the the critical interventions Latina/o, Caribbean, and Latin American filmmakers make in visually confronting histories of imperialism and colonization. Students will apply their learning by working in small groups to produce a short film as their final project. They will learn how to operate a camera, sound, lighting, production/postproduction workflow, and editing, as well as the basics of visually narrating a story. Participation in this class requires a high level of self-motivation and organization. We will also be attending a screening at the Chicago Latino Film Festival in April as a class. This is in addition to our regularly scheduled class. Attendance is mandatory.
Attendance on the first day of class is mandatory.
Class Materials (Required)
Reading assignments will be provided via Canvas and library reserves.
Class Attributes
Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area
Attendance at 1st class mandatory