Teaching Team
Chey Acuna, Dr. Jim Bell, Ivan Cury, Dr. Kelly Madison, Jason Thomas
Curriculum
A series of three consecutive courses made up the -ISM (N.) project at
California State University. First, "Visual Anthropology" emphasized the
ethnographic approach to documenting "isms". In this course, students
explored key theoretical concepts and practical applications of visual
ethnography within the confines of field-work experience. Students
examined various methods of research for visuals and the proper use of
editing techniques. Students received an overview of the variable range
in human behavior through the use of video/film in documenting the role
of people within socio-cultural institutions.
Second, "Documentary Field Production" attempted to teach the students
necessary skills to produce short documentary productions. Furthermore,
the class attempted to focus the students' efforts in video production on
one subject for the entire quarter "diversity and isms" on our campus and
in our community.
Third, as a part of "Independent Study 499: -ISM (N.): Documenting
Diversity & Community" selected students from the first two classes
worked together to improve their individual project, or engage in new
projects based on their fresh insights.
Community Educational Activity
Students and faculty of California State University, Los Angeles will
join together with the Media Image Coalition, to plan and implement a
conference that attempts to contribute to on-going efforts to harness the
power of the mass media towards the goals of human equality,
inclusiveness, understanding and true multiculturalism.
Issues of diversity will be discussed
in the context of media representation. Central themes will
include media image production and
consumption as well as media industry employment of people from
subordinated groups. Student videos from California State's Spring 1996
-ISM (N.) course will be screened along with other video work to help
illustrate and deconstruct the ways in which ideologies are imbedded
within and/or challenged by media messages.
Contact: Kelly Madison, kellymad@aludra.usc.edu
Watch for more details...
Resources Used In Course
Compesi, Ronald J. and Sheriffs, Ronald E. (1994). Video Field Production and Editing (Third Edition). Allyn and Bacon. (Cal)
Reynolds, Debbi. (1995) Black like Who. University of Southern California School of Cinema and Television. (Dartmouth) (Cal)
Student Video Topics
Topics of student videos at California State University, Los Angeles:
stereotypes of Asian Americans in the media ... the influence of the media
on female body image ... separatism ... media images of African American
women ... homophobia ... domestic violence ... sexual
harassment ... anti-Semitism ... police harassment ... white privilege