Applications Available to UA Students for Documenting Justice Filmmaking Course

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Applications are now available for the 2011-2012 class of Documenting Justice, a two-semester course in documentary filmmaking that gives University of Alabama students of all majors the opportunity to explore social justice issues in their state or around the world through the creation of nonfiction films.

Applications are due March 11, but early submittal is recommended.

Documenting Justice involves study of film theory, documentary history, nonfiction storytelling techniques and the technical aspects of film production. The program culminates with a public premiere of the films. Past Documenting Justice projects have gone on to film festivals across the country and several have won awards. While the course is designed for non-film majors, those with production experience are also encouraged to apply.

“Documenting Justice is a remarkable opportunity for anyone interested in nonfiction filmmaking and social justice issues,” said Andy Grace, director of Documenting Justice. “The class has consistently produced thought-provoking and compelling documentary films for the past five years. We’re looking forward to our sixth year here at the University, and are excited about meeting another great group of applicants.”

Undergraduate credit for Documenting Justice is available through the telecommunication and film department, the anthropology department, New College and Honor’s College. Credit is available for law students through the department of telecommunication and film.

Two sections of the course are available. Alabama Documenting Justice focuses on issues of justice and injustice in Alabama, and International Documenting Justice, for those who plan to study abroad, allows students to tell social justice themed stories from all corners of the globe. The 2011-2012 class is limited to 20 students (16 in the Alabama course and four in the international section). As applications are received, students will be contacted to schedule an interview with the instructors.

Instructors for the course include Andy Grace, director of Documenting Justice and member of the UA department of telecommunication and film, and Rachel Morgan, adjunct instructor at UA and instructor of radio and television at Lawson State Community College. The course also includes guest lectures from professionals in documentary filmmaking.

Applications are available at cesr.ua.edu and at the UA Center for Ethics & Social Responsibility, located on the first floor of Temple Tutwiler Hall.

Documenting Justice is an initiative of CESR and the department of telecommunication and film.

About the UA Center for Ethics & Social Responsibility: Created in 2005, CESR established university-wide programming supporting the development of projects that nurture social responsibility and reflective, thoughtful citizenship. CESR staff develop – and assist faculty members in developing – service-learning courses designed to enhance academic goals and apply scholarly learning to salient community issues. A central focus of CESR is creating and supporting courses such as Documenting Justice, in which students develop a strong sense of empathy and compassion by learning the personal stories of people outside their immediate spheres.