Download Film Studies 230- Extended Description (1)

FILM 230 Media and the Environment
Students study various media representations of nature, while specifically addressing the ways in
which journalists, activists, filmmakers and artists have responded to global warming and climate
change. Prior to departure students learn about documentary cinema and acquire introductory
filmmaking experience. During their stay in Iceland students attend lectures on media and
climate change, discuss course topics with scholars and artists, and visit diverse sites, including
art museums, geothermal power plants and national parks.
Key course topics include:
Documentary filmmaking: through a selection of relevant film and theoretical texts students will
be introduced to key aspects of the documentary mode, and most importantly work on
their own documentary projects in teams of 4-5 students, where students will draw upon
their respective academic backgrounds and skills
Ecocinema: a concept not limited to documentary as it includes (in its broadest implication) all
films that deal explicitly with the environment
Nature; we will not only consider the representation of nature in film but also in other art forms
and literary works
The environment: in particular students will study the various changes (and threats) facing the
environment, not least climate change
Iceland: while students will certainly gain some overall knowledge of Iceland, including history,
society and culture, the course will focus on the relevance of Iceland in terms of nature
and environment, and consider, for example, the role of natural energy resources,
sustainable agriculture and tourism
GE Credit: ALS-A
Major Credit: Environmental studies
Concentration Credit: Film Studies, Media Studies, Nordic Studies, Environmental Studies
Prerequisites: None
Max enrollment: 20 students
Cost (subject to change): $4,990 plus St. Olaf summer school tuition of $2,800.00 (Includes all
travel costs, lodging, excursions, lectures, presentations, breakfast and a second daily meal;
excludes textbooks and one daily meal)
Scholarship and financial assistance: Limited scholarships are available. Consult with the
Financial Aid office to determine your eligibility for additional financial assistance.
Instructors: Linda Mokdad, Film Studies and English, and Bjorn Nordfjord, Nordic Studies and
English
Course requirements:
1) Students must read/watch all assigned course material and attend all planned class hours,
presentations, lectures and on-site visits that form the course
2) Students must be active participants in their documentary teams and contribute equally and
fully to their projects
3) Students must conclude all course assignments
4) Students must behave on-site in a thoroughly professional manner and adhere to all St. Olaf
College stipulations
Proposed itinerary
Prior to departure: Students will attend a workshop arranged by DiSCO where they will be
introduced to the basic craft of filmmaking, and a couple of other meetings that prepare them for
their visit to Iceland. Students will also be expected to watch a few relevant documentary films
before departure. The stay in Iceland is divided into three parts.
I Reykjavik
May 25th: Departure from MSP airport (direct flight to Keflavik/Reykjavik).
May 26th: Reykjavik orientation.
May 27th: Participation in the Earth 101 conference (devoted to climate change)
May 28th to June 3: Students attend lectures on climate change, documentary filmmaking, media
representation of nature and the specificity of Icelandic nature and its various resources, in
addition to visiting art museums and other relevant sites. During this period students also begin
to prepare and form their own documentary projects.
II “The Circle”: extended visit to sites outside of Reykjavik
During this period students travel around the country in their own bus and visit key natural sites
while considering such important topics as natural preservation, tourism and renewable energy
(including hydropower and geothermal heat). The daily itinerary is as follows:
June 4-6: Departure from Reykjavik and visits to popular tourist destinations Geysir, Gullfoss
waterfall and Thingvellir before traveling along the south coast to the National Park at Skaftafell
where we will lodge nearby for two nights.
June 6-8: Hofn/Hornafjordur in the South-East where in partnership with the local University
Centre students will be introduced to Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier, and the larger context
of glacial retreat and climate change.
June 8-10: During our two day stay at the Eastfjords students will visit both the site of Iceland’s
largest dam at Karahnjukar and the controversial aluminum factory at Reydarfjordur.
June 10-12: During our stay in the North-East we will visit the geothermal power station at
Krafla volcano, Europe’s most powerful waterfall Dettifoss, take in the natural wonders at
Myvatn and Asbyrgi, and go whale watching at Husavik (but whaling constitutes a key
environmental debate in Iceland).
June 12-14: Our final destination is Akureyri, the largest municipal outside of the Reykjavik
area, which students will explore before heading back to the capital and thus concluding “the
circle”.
It is during this second period of the course that students will gather most of their material for
their documentary and develop it into a rough cut.
III Reykjavik
June 15-17: These final days in Reykjavik will be devoted to the conclusion of the documentary
project and other course assignments.
June 18: Return to MSP with a direct flight from Keflavik.
Finally, for those interested we will arrange a reunion during the following fall semester that will
include a screening of the completed documentaries.