2012 University Film and Video Association Conference and "Sitcom School" with "The Big Bang Theory."

2012 University Film and Video Association Conference and "Sitcom School" with "The Big Bang Theory."

Grant:
Lecturers' Professional Development Fund (LPDF)
Academic Year:
2011 - 2012 (June 1, 2011 through May 31, 2012)
Funding Requested:
$2,000.00
Project Dates:
-
Applicant(s):
tsarris
Overview of the Project:
I'm seeking Lecturers' Professional Development funding to help with the costs associated with two professional development opportunities taking place in August, 2012: the University Film and Video Association national conference taking place at Columbia College, Chicago, in early August, 2012, and "Sitcom School" in Hollywood, in late August 2012. The UFVA conference consists of four days of workshops, panels, and presentations centered on media production pedagogy. "Sitcom School" will consist of a week spent observing the hit TV situation comedy "Big Bang Theory," directed by University alum Mark Cendrowski. For the past several years, Mr. Cendrowski has been a visiting artist in my SAC 402 class ("Situation Comedy: From Multi-Camera to Single Camera Verite") and has offered to facilitate my week-long visit with the show.
Final Report Fields
Project Objectives:
My objective in attending the University Film and Video Association conference (held at Columbia College in Chicago) was to learn new teaching strategies, new technologies, and new ideas for curriculum development from the sessions conducted by colleagues in Media Production Programs and Departments at peer institutions both nationally and internationally. I had also proposed to spend a week in Hollywood observing the production of the hit situation comedy "Big Bang Theory," but a family emergency meant I was unable to follow through with this part of my plans.
Project Achievements:
The University Film and Video Association conference was an incredibly valuable experience both for its influence on my pedagogy/course development and also for my own creative work. Panels, presentations, and discussions with faculty teaching at peer institutions provided ideas and inspirations I will bring to my teaching and creative work. In addition, from the opening key note address to the final session, the conference addressed larger issues of shaping curriculum in film and video programs. It was instructive and edifying to hear how other institutions are grappling with the same issues my own Department (Screen Arts and Cultures) faces and will continue to address in our own future strategic planning.
Continuation:
Though my proposed "project" period was finite (attending a conference), the influences of the sessions I attended at UFVA will continue well beyond the grant period. From sessions on teaching new software, to sessions on engaging student creativity, to sessions on designing media production courses involving community outreach and engagement, I gained new skills and ideas I hope to implement in my current and future courses.
Dissemination:
I have already shared printed teaching resources from UFVA sessions with colleagues. In addition, other ideas from UFVA sessions will hopefully be integrated into discussion at an upcoming Departmental faculty retreat and in future discussions about Departmental issues and curriculum.
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