I am very pleased that I am once again able to present my film class to yet another group of students. I've taught the class many times over 20 years, and it never fails to energize me. This group, hopefully, will be another winner. The level of discussion and interest in the first film is encouraging. I'm a bit disappointed that about half the class has not yet created their blogs It seems like a simple matter to me, but I guess people have their reasons.
The geography of the class is less than ideal, as well. This idea of having the desks facing one another is absurd. Everyone has to turn to the left or right to watch the film or to listen to me, either of which will make up a majority of the class. I can't say it helps with group cohesion, either, since we have 9 people sitting over there, and 11 over here, with a big space -- and Michelle -- between them. I am not overjoyed with everyone sitting in the back, either, but I resist the obvious solution, which is to simply insist upon a forward migration.
I am currently debating whether to begin showing our next film, or spending the next two days introducing Existentialism, which will be the over-arching theme of the class. I lean toward the former, but I won't be able to finish in two days. I hate to continue a film after a hiatus of 10 days. You may comment.
I think it would be best to move forward with Existentialism. The topic has always fascinated me. Starting fresh with a new film after the break would be better so as to not be left off so abruptly.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kristin! Starting a new film would only serve to draw us in and cut us off. I would much prefer coming into class and having you interrupt the film with your insightful commentary than have the mind-melting effects of the break erase my initial thoughts on the film. But what does it matter anyway? We're dead tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Kristin and Adam I think that it's just too long of a break to start a new movie now. I'm enjoying the class discussions of existentialism and I look forward to learning more about it.
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