Friday, July 20, 2012

Welcome to Summer Teachers Institute 2012!

We look forward to having you join us next week for the Advanced Institute, Cinemas of Resistance and Change. Your instructors will be Holen Kahn, Director of Educational Innovation, Theresa Dawson and Yolanda Pividal, JBFC Faculty.

As a way to jump in and prepare for the first day you can take a look at the following reading from Herbert Marcuse and the Subversive Potential of Art (Becker, Carol. The Subversive Imagination, Routledge, 1994). In the afternoon, we will be viewing the film Beasts of the Southern Wild, so please refrain from seeing the film prior to the start of the course! 

During the Advanced Institute you will engage with media that is made with the intention of changing minds or policy as well as works that inadvertently shift public thought. Here are some key themes to consider that we will touch on during the course of the week:

Cinema as window
Cinema as mirror
Modes of production and distribution
Evolving role of audience and author
Cultural zeitgeist
Modes of Resistance

Course Materials and Resources
To create a dynamic interactive experience, we are using Symbaloo as a landing page for the Institute in order to centralize and make easily accessible all of the course content. With Symbaloo we can readily share and link directly to videos and other content as appropriate and when available. Please copy and paste the link into your browser (use the entire link including the equal signs) and save to your favorites. This should be the first place you look to access information during the week:


Some icons on the Symbaloo landing page to familiarize yourself with:

STI Blog Icon:
We are using Blogger again this year to enrich discussion with materials that will deepen subjects explored each day. The main navigation tool bar says “Overview STI 2012,” “Readings,” and “Course Outline,” which as the titles suggest contain the STI 2012 course description, as well as the readings and course outline for the entire week. We will be using the Blogger site to upload additional readings, materials, handouts, and other materials when appropriate. Feel to post comments and inquiries.

Twiddla Icon:
This year, we are introducing an interactive note sharing platform with Twiddla. This tool provides you with the ability to take notes collaboratively with other STI participants in real-time; additionally, there is a chat window which allows you to post questions or comments to feed into the group discussion as it is happening live. Quick tips to access this tool: Use the “EtherPad” option and click “Browse.” This will allow you to write/edit text. This platform works best with IPad or laptops but may give trouble with some smartphones. Also, please keep in mind that while we are planning to provide internet access in the theater, so you are able to use this service with your own device, it is possible that the wireless connection may be spotty at times.

Parking
For directions to the JBFC  Theater (364 Manville Road), click here. You are encouraged to use public transportation (Metro North is located one-minute away from the JBFC Theater and Media Arts Lab), travel independently or carpool (if possible). Metered parking is available for periods of approximately one to three hours. Remember to bring quarters! See map outlining available parking areas. Note to past participants: We will not be providing shuttle service this year.

Schedule
The Institute runs from July 23-27 from 9 am to 3 pm with a break for lunch from 12-12:45 pm, with the exception of an earlier lunch on Monday (11:20 am-12:10 pm) for the screening of Beasts of the Southern Wild. We will be located in Theater 1 on all days except Wednesday, which will be in Theater 2.

Lunch
You are responsible for providing your own lunch. There are a number of delis, cafes and restaurants within walking distance of the JBFC Theater. If you wish to bring your lunch, you are welcome to eat in the Jane Peck Gallery, on the third floor of the JBFC Theater. We will have some coffee and pastries each morning provided by Starbucks. Afternoon soda and popcorn provided by the JBFC.

Course Credit
We will provide you with certification demonstrating your successful completion of the Institute on Friday afternoon. Please remember to sign in every day.

What to Bring
Our expectation is to keep the program interactive and discussion-based. You are welcome to bring materials to take notes, although this is up to your discretion and personal preference.

We are looking forward to a fantastic week with all of you. Many thanks for your interest. If you should have any questions, please feel free to email education@burnsfilmcenter.org.

Best regards,


JBFC Education Department

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