>RE: video/film debate, another angle > >Now that the debate on using video to teach film seems to be simmering down, >I'd >like to ask a related question. I sometimes show entire films in my classes, >then go over parts of them again with students to analyze more closely. A >colleague in my dept. says he never shows entire films in class, because it >eats >up too much class time. He has students find the video and view it outside, >then bring it into class and point out parts (and explain the rest) for other >students. While my colleague teaches more history of film courses, and mine >focus on fewer films, I'm thinking of adopting/adapting his technique. > >Any success stories, other techniques, or strong views on showing entire films >vs. certain parts in class? Personally, although it does indeed take up a *lot* of time to show entire films in class, I try to do it as much as possible. My reasoning? Simple. I have had some of the best discussions of my entire teaching experience immediately following a film screening, when students are still emotionally and intellectually engaged with what has just taken place on the screen. In addition, I feel that their watching the films as a community keeps them on their toes more, and helps them interact better (e.g., their oft repeated, "hey did anybody notice..."). In addition, I often ask students if there are any specific bits that they would like to see again to discuss in the following class session. Then, I find the cue numbers and replay the scenes on video, which allows me to review a large number of clips if need be (of course, with laser disc, this could be accomplished easily then and there...) I'm a proponent of spending as much class time with the film as possible, for the sake of student and student/teacher interaction. ************ Kristine J. Butler Department of French and Italian University of Minnesota "To dissect is a form of revenge." -Gustave Flaubert ---- To signoff SCREEN-L, e-mail [log in to unmask] and put SIGNOFF SCREEN-L in the message. Problems? Contact [log in to unmask]