The Walls We Build
February 26, 2009 by Dave
The podcast starts off the story of Sam Slavin describing the video montage that he and Usef participated in at Parkland College. I would have that video start the documentary with the voice over of our narrator. As we are told about how much he fears Muslims, video of Muslim students could be used as the backdrop of the narrative and then move into seeing Sam talk about Muslims. As he spoke about his time in Iraq, I couldn’t stop thinking about what he looked like while he was talking.
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Useful Links: Combat to College and Mr Valenzuela
February 26, 2009 by Tyler
So I read the Combat to College article. I focused on the segment dealing with Ismael Valenzuela. He sort of reminded me of myself. I related to how he was afraid of the downward spiral if he didn’t go to college right away
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The Devil in me and the Angel I Found
February 25, 2009 by Matt
I think this is an interesting story, but I think it would be hard to tell.
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A change of heart? (Please read)
February 24, 2009 by Heather
I was looking/hoping for some suggestions on what follows. For several reasons my second topic proposal has fell through. To replace it, I came up with a new idea last night and submitted it to Nathan and Dr. Moody
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The Devil in Me
February 24, 2009 by Heather
To tell the story of Sam and the Muslim Association I would begin with an interview of Sam describing himself before he enlisted in the Army. I would supplement this interview with photos of him at Purdue and interviews with his parents.
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I like this group of people…
February 23, 2009 by Tyler
I like this class. I mean yes making a film interests me especially since I’m a veteran. But I’m referring to the people there in the class.
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Signs: The Seed Is Planted By Sandi Austin
February 23, 2009 by Dave
In Sandi Austins clever little sarcastic narrative, she really sums up her unability to think past the tip of her nose when she recounts her trip through the airport. “Of course I’m thinking there is nothing in there besides the projector I had to carry for work. The agent reaches in and pulls out a bottle of Jason’s Deli water. I smile, laugh a little, and apologize. I’m sure she feels successful ... job well done. That is one less water bottle on the plane!”
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Help: Thoughts Needed
February 17, 2009 by Dave
I need some feedback. I feel like I am on the right path with this idea but some outside comments/thoughts would help me put into words the theme I am visualizing in my mind.
Read more »STUDENT BLOGS
The course utilized a blog both to continue the discussion outside the classroom, and to provide training for the students in blogging, video compression, and video sharing.
Students used the blog to post reflections and ideas, to share and comment on the video assignments, and to respond to each other's posts.
Contributors
Media
The film "Land of Confusion" was presented in class by the film's director, Jeremy Zerechak, a Penn State grad. Zerechak discussed filmmaking with the students and answered questions about his film. A number of the students wrote responses to the film on the blog. Watch a trailer of the film.
A number of posts also reference a This American Life episode entitled "The Devil in Me." Students in the class were asked to listen to the veteran-related portion of this radio program and to write a post about how they would tell the story visually. Listen to the story.