Course Info: HACU-0258

CourseHACU-0258 Recycled Images
Long TitleRecycled Images
Term2015F
Note(s) Instructor Permission Required
Prerequisites Required
Textbook information
Meeting InfoJerome Liebling Center 131 on W from 9:00-11:50
FacultyAbraham Ravett
Capacity16
Available1
Waitlist0
Distribution(s)
Cumulative Skill(s)Independent Work
Multiple Cultural Perspectives
Writing and Research
Additional InfoPrerequisite: 100 level course in Humanities, Arts, Cultural studies, or cinema studies or art history. Students are expected to spend 6 hours weekly in preparation and work outside of class time. lab fee: $65
Description

Recycled Images: "Through the disorderly fund which his knowledge places at his disposal, the allegorist rummages here and there for a particular piece, holds it next to some other piece, and tests to see if it fits together-that meaning with this image or this image with that meaning. The result can never be known before-hand, for there is no natural mediation between the two." (Walter Benjamin) From Esther Shub to Joseph Cornell, from Bruce Conner to Abigail Child, filmmakers have explored the use of recycled images and created "found footage films." The allegorical use of archival and discarded footage has provided both inspiration and raw material allowing image makers to "comment on the status of the image in society or to deconstruct cinematic language."(Jacob Proctor) 

Utilizing a combination of weekly screenings, assigned readings in film history, theory and cultural studies, the course provided an opportunity to engage in a critical dialogue about this evolving genre and supported a forum where participants could actively develop their own found footage projects. Students were required to submit written responses to most of the weekly screenings and corresponding readings, conduct an oral presentation on the work of a visual artist or sound/music composer, and complete a final project that incorporates recycled images. Two personal archives, one the 16mm films and journals of former Hampshire College student Selby Eddy, the other Amos and Marcia Vogel’s home movies, were made available for student’s use.