Arts

The arts program at Rivers offers students opportunities to explore a broad range of artistic disciplines and then to pursue one or more areas in depth. The Middle School arts program follows a pre-foundation curriculum in the visual arts and the performing arts. Middle School students must take courses in the visual arts and performing arts. All students in grade 9 will take a year of visual art, drama, or music offerings. Students will then go on to earn additional credits while pursuing their artistic passion in a diverse range of upper-level courses, supporting their creative vision and articulate voice through public exhibition and/or performance. Students in grade 9 must earn 1 foundation-level credit. Offerings include: ● Foundation: Ceramics and Drawing ● Foundation: Photography and Sculpture ● Introduction to Drama ● Intermediate Drama ● Upper School Chamber Ensemble and Upper School Select Chamber Ensembles ● Upper School Chorus and Upper School Select Chorus ● Intermediate Jazz Ensemble and Select I/II Jazz Combos ● Rivers Big Band and Rivers Honors Big Band Aer earning one foundation art credit in 9th grade, students are encouraged to pursue one or more areas in depth in grades 10 through 12. All students must earn at least one additional arts credit prior to graduation. New students entering grade 10 and 11 who have taken courses similar to those offered at Rivers are given credit at the discretion of the department head. All new incoming 10th graders must complete a minimum of 1.5 arts credits at Rivers, and all incoming new 11th graders are required to earn a minimum of 1 art credit at Rivers, which may include foundation-level courses at the discretion of the department head.

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PERFORMING ARTS

The Performing Arts Department, recognizing that the performing arts are at the core of human existence, offers ensembles and classes in a supportive environment that provides for performance-based assessment and process-oriented learning. Students are encouraged to exceed previous levels of achievement, discover self-confidence, develop self-esteem, build self-discipline, and achieve self-awareness. Teachers are models for active learning, risk-taking, and self-expression. Students are taught the arts for the sake of the arts and as a model for all learning. Motivated students are prepared for advanced study. The study of the performing arts is a major component of a well-rounded education. As such, the performing arts at Rivers aim to help students understand how to listen to and interact with other performing artists as well as to express themselves confidently, articulately, and artistically.

MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM OVERVIEW and COURSE LIST

Rivers provides Middle School students with unique opportunities in chorus, instrumental music, drama, and musical theater. Ensemble experiences are a fundamental component of the middle school program and provide opportunities for students to take risks, discover new passions, and collaborate across grade levels toward a common performance goal. New students in the Middle School (all sixth-grade and any new seventh-grade or eighth-grade students) must choose from the following Performing Arts choices: Mixed Chorus, Chamber Ensemble, Big Band, Beginning Jazz Band, Theater Arts (priority given to seventh-grade and eighth-grade students), or Musical Theater. Big Band and Chamber Ensemble require an audition, and Chorus and Musical Theater require a placement interview. Middle School students have the opportunity to receive instruction on a variety of instruments at The Rivers School Conservatory. Lessons typically last 30–45 minutes. Instructors expect students to practice daily. A separate brochure from The Conservatory describes the range of offerings and applicable fees. Private lessons are usually scheduled around sports practices on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday aernoons. All sixth and seventh-grade students learn public speaking skills as part of their humanities curricula, and eighth-grade students are required to write and deliver formal speeches. Students are required to take a drama class during sixth grade. Course offerings for Middle School performing arts are outlined below:

Drama, Grade 6

This course introduces students to the building blocks of theater performance skills through movement, improvisation, and scene work. It is designed to develop imagination, creativity and an ensemble-based experience. The class culminates with the collaborative creation of an original script which is performed for an audience of the students ’ peers. This course is taken during either the first or second semester, in addition to the student’ s Performing Arts block class (see below). During the student’ s Catalog of Courses • THE RIVERS SCHOOL 11

Middle School Courses Meeting During The Performing Arts Class Block

The following courses all meet concurrently during a dedicated Performing Arts class block that occurs three times throughout the week. During this block, all Middle School students participate in one of the courses outlined below for the duration of the school year.

Middle School Chorus

This course is designed to accommodate students with a broad range of prior singing experiences. In this course, students rehearse and perform choral music in unison and multiple parts from diverse traditions and historical periods. As a result, students will develop skills related to ensemble singing, including creative collaboration, blend, intonation, and singing in various languages and styles. Additionally, students will build a holistic understanding of their vocal instrument and develop confidence performing in front of others. Though sight singing and music notation are part of the curriculum, prior experience reading music is not a prerequisite. Students are assessed on their in-class participation, completion of all homework assignments, overall growth and progress, and participation in major concerts. Voice placement for this course occurs in May.

Middle School Chamber Ensemble

This course is designed for students who have achieved an intermediate or advanced level of mastery on a string, wind, or keyboard instrument who are interested in furthering their study and performance of ensemble music selected from the Renaissance through the present day. The development of ensemble playing skills (such as intonation, articulation, style, phrasing, and expression) is emphasized. Students also work in smaller groups with string, wind, and piano specialists to develop individual performance and practice techniques. A broader understanding of music and culture is explored through listening, discussion, projects, and repertoire choices. Students are assessed based on their preparation, in-class participation, written homework, recorded playing assignments, and major performances. The ensemble performs at festivals, school concerts, and other school functions. Students audition for this ensemble in May. Private lessons are required.

Middle School Big Band

This course is designed for students with advanced instrumental experience. Students study a variety of contemporary music styles, improvisation, and theory, and are introduced to standard jazz repertoire as well as jazz arrangements of contemporary repertoire. The ensemble performs at festivals and school concerts. Students audition for this ensemble in May.

Middle School Beginning Jazz Ensemble

This course is offered to students who wish to learn to play the trumpet, trombone, or saxophone as well as beginning guitar, bass, piano, and percussion players. This class is also suitable for students with less than two years of experience on these instruments. Students study rudimentary music reading skills and advance as far as learning to play jazz and blues solos. The class focuses on developing the individual skills of each Catalog of Courses • THE RIVERS SCHOOL 12

student on their chosen instrument with a goal of preparing students to join the Middle School Big Band or a jazz ensemble in the Upper School. Students in this class will perform at one or more of the Rivers School Jazz Concerts during the year, as well as at the Middle School Arts Night in the spring.

Middle School Theater Arts

Students explore the tools of the actor: the body, voice, and emotional and sensory experience. They strive to bring these tools to bear on the work of the actor on stage. Emphasis is placed on the work of the performance ensemble: respect, trust-building, timing, and awareness within the group. The efforts of the individual actor and the work of the ensemble culminate in performances that give students a chance to experience both the rehearsal process and a theatrical event.

Middle School Musical Theater

This course will focus on developing the disciplines of singing, acting, and dancing to create a dynamic musical theater performance. Students will strengthen these elements through Musical Theater repertoire, interpreting songs both musically and dramatically while incorporating staging and choreography. Students will broaden their knowledge of many musical theater styles while exploring various rehearsal tools and techniques in pursuit of an authentic performance. The final performance will include an ensemble scene and song. Musical Theater will be an audition-based course.

UPPER SCHOOL COURSES

Musical Ensemble Courses

Upper School Chamber Ensemble

1 credit Prerequisite: Admission by audition, private lessons This class is for intermediate string and wind instrumentalists who want to improve their technical and ensemble skills and explore a wide variety of music-making. Repertoire will be drawn from the classical European and American traditions as well as including other traditions and genres. Important fundamental skills such as sight-reading, ear training, practice technique, and theory will supplement the ensemble rehearsals. Creative projects and broad music appreciation will also be included as part of students ’ development as well-rounded musicians. Private lessons and intermediate instrumental proficiency is required.

Upper School Select Chamber Ensembles

1 credit Prerequisite: Admission by audition, private lessons This ensemble is for advanced string, wind, and percussion players looking to further their exploration of small group repertoire and to polish ensemble/orchestral playing techniques. Emphasis is placed on performance. Repertoire from a variety of sources, from classical to contemporary, is explored in depth. The string and wind ensembles will occasionally combine to rehearse and perform full orchestra pieces. Students are assessed based on their preparation, in-class participation, written homework, Catalog of Courses • THE RIVERS SCHOOL 13

recorded playing assignments, and major performances. The chamber orchestra performs at Upper School Arts Nights, festivals, competitions, and other school events. Private lessons are required.

Upper School Chorus

1 credit This course is designed for students with some or no prior singing experience who wish to build on the skills developed in Middle School Chorus or discover their voices and the benefits of singing in a mixed ensemble for the first time. The course focuses on strengthening fundamental singing skills, with particular emphasis on blend, intonation, diction, breath, and navigating vocal registers. Music in unison and multiple parts is performed a capella and accompanied. Sight singing is part of the curriculum, but previous experience with music notation is not a prerequisite. Private voice lessons are encouraged but not required. Outside of class, students are expected to maintain a regular practice schedule. Students in this course will be assessed on their overall growth and progress, their completion of any occasional homework assignments, and their active participation in class rehearsals and major performances. Voice placement auditions for this course occur in May.

Upper School Select Chorus

1 credit Prerequisite: Minimum two semester participation in Upper School Chorus or demonstrated ability to read and sight sing music notation. This course is designed for students with significant prior singing experience who wish to build on the skills acquired in the Upper School Chorus. This mixed ensemble performs a wide range of advanced choral repertoire in diverse languages from an array of different cultures and historical periods. Students will develop skills needed for ensemble singing, with particular focus on securing advanced vocal techniques and sight singing in multiple parts. Multi-part repertoire is performed a capella and accompanied. Previous experience with sight singing and music notation is a prerequisite. Private voice lessons are strongly encouraged. Outside of class, students are expected to maintain a regular practice schedule. Students are assessed on their active participation in class, their preparation for and performance in major concerts, and their overall growth and progress as a musician. Voice placement auditions for this course are held in May.

The Rivers Big Band

1 credit Prerequisite: Admission by audition only This band is for intermediate- to advanced-level jazz musicians. Students perform at concerts, school assemblies, competitions, and festivals. Standard big band repertoire is explored. Private lessons are required.

The Rivers Honors Big Band

1 credit Prerequisite: Admission by audition only This band is for the most highly skilled jazz musicians. The Honors Big Band performs the most advanced big band repertoire at concerts, competitions, festivals, and professional jazz venues. Private lessons are required.

The Rivers Select Jazz Combo I/II

1 credit Prerequisite: Admission by audition only Students in this ensemble study and perform works for jazz combo by musicians such as Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, and Herbie Hancock. Emphasis is on developing improvisation skills. Opportunities are available for composition and analysis. Private lessons are required.

Intermediate Jazz Band

1 credit Prerequisite: Recommendation of the instructor This band is for the jazz instrumentalist who has begun serious study but is beyond the elementary stages on their instrument. The ensemble provides opportunities for the study of jazz ensemble performance, improvisation, and jazz theory. Private lessons are recommended.

Private Music Lessons

0.5 credits At The Rivers School Conservatory, there are many opportunities for instrumental instruction and further ensemble involvement. Students in grades 9 through 12 have the opportunity to receive instruction in a variety of instruments. The lessons are typically 45 minutes in duration, though on rare occasions, students may take 60-minute lessons. Instructors expect students to practice daily. Participation in workshops and recitals is required. A separate brochure from The Rivers School Conservatory describes the full range of offerings and the applicable fees.

Drama Courses

Introduction to Drama

0.5 credits Using theater games, body and vocal exercises, and their imagination, students in this introductory class learn the essential habits and skills for dramatic performance. Through improvisation and group work, students practice taking risks and performing as part of an ensemble; through “ open scene ” pair work, students practice character-building, blocking, and dialogue delivery. Finally, students learn the terminology to offer constructive feedback and attend and critique the Nonesuch Players ’ production.

Intermediate Drama

0.5 credits Prerequisite: Introduction to Drama or permission of the instructor Focusing on character development through scene study, students continue their voice and body work to embody and present characters on stage. To this end, students analyze and perform short scenes and ten-minute plays, as well as write and present their own monologues. To further their skills, they are introduced to new acting methods and techniques. Students will attend and critique the Nonesuch Players ’ production and end the course with a public performance.

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VISUAL ARTS

The Visual Arts Department cultivates lifelong appreciation of and involvement in the arts. Art courses are interdisciplinary in nature, and students are encouraged to experiment across a broad range of studio art disciplines (ceramics, drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, and sculpture.) Students explore their own ideas and practice creative problem-solving within the collaborative studio environment while learning how to cra well-resolved artwork. Through active participation, hands-on learning, and critique, students develop imagination, self-confidence, and self-discipline. Utilizing multicultural contemporary and historical art as a reference, students learn how images/objects communicate, enhancing their own visual literacy. Our art studios are places for all students to see themselves represented and where all people ' s contributions are valued. Students are empowered to communicate ideas and perspectives using their preferred means of visual expression. All Visual Arts courses have a materials fee.

MIDDLE SCHOOL COURSES

Visual Arts, Grade 6

This one-semester, process-oriented course uses art to help students make connections and develop their creative problem-solving skills. Students are exposed to a variety of two- and three-dimensional media. Areas of focus include design concepts, drawing, ceramics, painting, textiles, photography, and the study of contemporary artists whose ideas and work inspire creativity. The class works within the sixth-grade theme of water, and assignments are integrated with the broader concepts of the curriculum.

Visual Arts, Grade 7

This one-semester course is an introduction to a variety of two- and three-dimensional media. It is designed to acquaint students with the possibilities and limits of each medium as they discover creative ways to express their feelings and ideas. Students experiment with many processes and keep journals of their discoveries and experiences.

Visual Arts, Grade 8

Students in this year-long course explore the creative potential of drawing, sculpture, and photography. Projects emphasize process as much as product. The aim of this course is to cultivate appreciation and enthusiasm for art as an expressive means of communication. Students are encouraged to take risks and strive beyond their first solutions. By design, projects throughout the year correspond to key elements of the Human Rights Humanities curriculum.

Visual Arts Foundation Program

This Foundation Program consists of two semester-long courses (Foundation: Ceramics and Drawing and Foundation: Photography and Sculpture). These courses can be taken in any order, or in some cases (10th/11th graders meeting certain criteria), students may take one semester as a standalone course by itself without ever taking the other course. All 9th graders (not taking a performing arts ensemble or a drama elective) will take both semesters of the Visual Arts Foundation Program. Within each course, students will work for the first half of the semester with one teacher in one discipline, then switch teachers at the halfway point to work with a different teacher in the course ’ s other discipline. A student taking a full year of Visual Arts Foundation Program will thus be exposed to all four of the core disciplines offered in the Rivers Visual Arts Department, with a quarter of a year ’ s worth of exposure and work in each discipline.

Foundation: Ceramics and Drawing

0.5 credits In the Ceramics portion of this foundation course, students will explore the expressive potential found through working with clay. Three-dimensional design concepts are integrated throughout the course, as students learn the fundamental construction methods of hand-building. In addition, students will learn and experience the process of glazing their work. Students will be exposed to historical and contemporary ceramic artists to inform their own work and process. This half of the Foundation Course will be paired with Drawing, and exciting relationships between the two disciplines will be discovered. In the Drawing portion of this course, students will be introduced to drawing skills and techniques to build their confidence as artists and creative individuals. Students will experience various art-making materials, including graphite, pastels, colored pencils, charcoal, collage, and more. This course ' s ultimate goal is to create artwork that embodies big ideas, pushes creativity, and uncovers students ' interests as artists. Students will explore a variety of contemporary art and artists to inform their work and ideas. Projects are designed to encourage exploration, questioning, and risk-taking while allowing students to develop personal style and point of view.

Foundation: Photography and Sculpture

0.5 credits In the Photography portion of this Foundation course, students will have the opportunity to discover the expressive qualities of “ painting with light” using a variety of tools and materials. Students will utilize the Rivers Print Lab to learn the dynamics of how light and time contribute to the creation of a photographic image. Students will be provided with a Single Lens Reflex Camera and learn how to interpret the light meter and adjust the shutter speed and lens aperture to make thoughtful images. Students will explore several design-based projects, make multiple work prints from each assignment and also complete a final portfolio of select images. In the Sculpture portion of this Foundation course, students will explore the expressive potential of sculpting with wood, wire, plaster, and other mixed media while learning about contemporary artists that relate to the projects. Basic Catalog of Courses • THE RIVERS SCHOOL 18

three-dimensional design concepts will be addressed. Additive and subtractive methods will be used to create abstract, representational, and conceptual projects. This half of the Foundation Course will be paired with Photography, and exciting relationships between the two disciplines will be discovered.

Intermediate and Advanced Courses

Intermediate Ceramics

0.5 credits Prerequisite: Beginning Ceramics or Foundation: Ceramics and Drawing or recommendation of the instructor In this course, students will continue to explore and further develop their creative voice while gaining a deeper understanding of the material, construction methods, and surface design. Students will begin their journey at the potter ’ s wheel, learning the skills necessary to utilize this tool effectively. Initially, functional forms are the primary focus, and students are encouraged to explore surface design, concept development, and the sculptural possibilities of their objects. Once the fundamentals of the wheel have been learned and practiced, students will hone their hand-building skills as they continue their exploration of form (functional and sculptural) and concept development. A balanced emphasis on both process and product is integral to this course.

Intermediate Drawing

0.5 credits Prerequisite: Beginning Drawing or Foundation: Ceramics and Drawing or recommendation of the instructor In this course, students will build on and explore new drawing techniques, materials, and creative concepts while discovering their unique artistic voices. Drawing can be a powerful way to investigate who we are and how we fit into the world around us. This course ' s ultimate goal is for students to figure out how to make their art-making ventures important to them. Through responding to open-ended yet specific prompts, they will have the opportunity to experiment and get closer to finding that answer. A wide range of contemporary art and artists will serve as an inspiration to our work. A full spectrum of 2D materials and mark-making techniques will be explored and developed, including graphite, pastels, colored pencils, charcoal, collage, and more.

Intermediate Photography

0.5 credits Prerequisite: Beginning Photography or Foundation: Photography and Sculpture This course expands on the basic techniques and concepts learned in the Beginning Photography section of the Foundation program. Refinements in camera operation and exposure selection are further explored as students deepen their understanding of essential design elements. The framework of how content, composition, concept, and context relate in the making of photographic images is discussed and will be used as the basis for several projects. Students will continue to deepen their creative vision using the Film SLR Camera and discover further refinements in the printmaking process. Digital tools will also be introduced to provide additional means to support the creative options available to the student artist. Regular homework, primarily Catalog of Courses • THE RIVERS SCHOOL 19

shooting assignments, is followed by lab work and group and individual evaluations. Students will select and complete a portfolio of their best images as a final project.

Intermediate Sculpture

0.5 credits Prerequisite: Beginning Sculpture or Foundation: Photography and Sculpture or recommendation of the instructor Students will deepen their exploration of three-dimensional design concepts introduced in the Beginning Sculpture section of the Foundation program, broadening the range of processes and materials used. Students will learn more complex techniques and integrate form and content in an intentional way. Contemporary and historic artists will continue to be studied as related to pertinent topics. Students will explore where their ideas come from and how they are manifested in the physical form of sculpture. Work outside of class on projects will be required. Emphasis will be placed on process as well as product as students develop their artistic voice.

Painting

0.5 credits Prerequisite: Beginning Drawing or Foundation: Ceramics and Drawing or recommendation of the instructor In this intermediate-level course, students will have the opportunity to explore various painting techniques while developing their unique artistic voice. Through open-ended yet specific prompts, students will have a chance to be creative and make works of art centered around subject matter that interests them. Contemporary artists will serve as a source of inspiration. Acrylic paint is the main focus of this course, but we will also explore watercolor, gouache, and oil paint.

Printmaking

0.5 credits Prerequisite: Beginning Drawing or Foundation: Ceramics and Drawing or recommendation of the instructor Want to make an impression? Become a Printmaker! Originally used as a form of communication, printmaking has helped shape culture in all parts of the world. Printmaking is a process that typically allows artists to make multiple original works of art. In most cases, the artist creates an image on a matrix made out of metal, stone, wood, or other materials. The matrix is then inked, and the inky image is transferred to a piece of paper, oen with a press, to create an original print. This intermediate level course will introduce students to a wide variety of approaches to printmaking. Students will explore monoprinting, block printing (including linoleum blocks and woodcuts), collagraph, and silk screen printing. Students will learn to print by hand and also become skilled in the use of the printing press. Projects will focus on the exploration of art themes through a series of prints and by creating editions.

Advanced Art

0.5 credits Prerequisites: one intermediate-level 2D elective and recommendation of the instructor. This course will explore a contemporary art-making approach, focusing on how best to express ideas through impactful artworks. Students will have the opportunity to create a body of work that connects to their interests and passions. This course ' s Catalog of Courses • THE RIVERS SCHOOL 20

primary goal is to provide an experience that allows student artists the opportunity to focus on a passion, reflect on contemporary artworks, and experience an exploration of visual art topics and materials in depth. There will be demonstrations, presentations, critiques, and feedback, all working to strengthen core skills. An outcome of this class is a cohesive body of work. Some students may wish to include artwork created in this course in a college application portfolio.

Advanced Ceramics

0.5 credits Prerequisites: Intermediate Ceramics and recommendation of the instructor In this course, students will have the opportunity to continue to explore and hone their creative voice and vision for their work. Open-ended prompts for the projects encourage students to create work that is personal, meaningful, and impactful. Methods of construction will be largely self-selected and include hand-building, the potter ’ s wheel, and the 3-D clay printer. This course uses a variety of historical and contemporary ceramic artists to show a range of processes and artwork to provide context for the functional, sculptural, and conceptual work students create. A continued focus on both process and product promotes and fosters a sense of discovery and play while students pursue the creation of a culminating cohesive body of work.

Advanced Photography

0.5 credits Prerequisite: Intermediate Photography and recommendation of the instructor This course allows the motivated student to further explore the tools and cra of photography while cultivating a more refined aesthetic vision. Students will view the artwork of both historical and contemporary artists to consider the diverse spectrum of creative photography. Students will have the opportunity to utilize both analog and digital SLR cameras in this class encouraging the exploration of image making using light, time, tonal range and color. Interpretative printmaking will be explored using darkroom processes, while digital options will include using Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop. Regular homework, primarily self-directed fieldwork, is followed by lab work, editing and critique. Students will cra a substantial portfolio of their best images as a final project.

Advanced Sculpture

0.5 credits Prerequisite: Intermediate Sculpture and recommendation of the instructor Students will continue to deepen their exploration of design principles and materials covered in the Sculpture section of the Foundation program and Intermediate Sculpture course. Advanced Sculpture will begin with assigned projects from which students will be challenged to move into their own individualized sculptural visions. With the guidance of the instructor, students will have the opportunity to work on sculptures for a longer duration than in Beginning or Intermediate, as they deepen their concepts and forms. Knowledge of contemporary and historic artists will continue to be studied as related to pertinent topics. Students will investigate where their ideas come from and how they are manifested in the physical form of sculpture. Work outside of class on projects will be required. Emphasis will be placed on process as well as product as students develop their artistic voice.

Art as A Tool for Social Change

0.5 credits Cross-listed with Interdisciplinary Studies Prerequisites: Intermediate Drawing, and recommendation of the instructor. Art has the power to say what words cannot; it is a universal language we all speak. Throughout history, art in its many forms has been used to build community, share stories, start conversations on difficult topics, and propel social movements forward. As artists in this course, students will have the opportunity to address issues they feel passionate about through creative expression. Students will research and gain inspiration from various contemporary artists while exploring the many ways art-making can intersect with history, math, civics, and identity. Art methods include but are not limited to Relief Printmaking, Screen Printing, Large Scale Graphic Installations, and a Collaborative Zine. The goal of each student' s work will be to engage the Rivers Community to join a conversation. This is a place for all students to see themselves represented, and the contributions of all people are valued.

History of Art I: Global Perspectives on Art in the Ancient World History of Art II: Global Perspectives on Art in the Modern World

0.5 credits (each). Cross-listed with History and Interdisciplinary Studies These courses are principally listed as history courses. Detailed course descriptions may be found in the History Department course listings.

Identity and Reality: Cinematic Production and Critical Studies

0.5 credits. Cross-listed with Interdisciplinary Studies Prerequisite: Foundation: Photography and Sculpture or recommendation of the department Filmmaking is about communicating ideas through audio-visual means. In this IDS course cross-listed with Visual Arts, students practice visual storytelling that is personal and compelling, learning to connect with their audience in impactful and meaningful ways. Notions of diverse identities and the ability to construct varying realities are explored as students consider three essential questions in this course: How are movies and TV shows made, from concept to completion? How might analysis of films and TV help us not only construct but also challenge our notions of identity and reality? and, In what ways does the production of a short film help us access and understand an array of interdisciplinary practices? Through a series of workshops, guest lectures, TV, short film and feature-length screenings, analysis, and hands-on movie production projects, this course emphasizes content development, storytelling strategies, and production skills. These IDS skills are explored in the context of crucial ethical, aesthetic, and social issues, with a particular focus on the relevance and importance of DEI work. In addition to developing, pitching, producing, and presenting their own “ personal story ” in the form of a documentary or fictional short film, students develop their writing and research skills, and learn relevant film history.

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