Film & Television Studies: The Nature Documentary (A)

About FTS 4500 A

Advanced level investigations into the critical study of film and/or television. May be repeated for credit. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Prerequisite: FTS 1400, FTS 1420, or FTS 1430; FTS 2050.

Notes

Prereqs enforced by the system: FTS 2050; FTS 1400, FTS 1420, or FTS 1430; Prereqs: FTS 1300 and 1320 PACE students by permission and override

Section URL

Nature Documentary: Theory and Practice - 94661 FTS 4500

Section Description

Nature documentaries are one of the most popular forms of media viewed by millions around the world. Research has shown that nature documentaries provide positive health outcomes and can motivate viewers to engage in pro-environmental behaviors. Our planet is currently facing a catastrophic loss of biodiversity with the WWF's 2024 Living Planet Report revealing a 73% average decline in monitored vertebrate wildlife populations (mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians) globally between 1970 and 2020. This accelerated biodiversity loss is driven primarily by human-centered activities, including habitat destruction, overexploitation, and climate change, bringing ecosystems to the brink of irreversible tipping points. And, yet we are also currently facing an unprecedented attack on the laws and policies that for decades have protected our environment. In this class, we will be studying a range of very impactful nature documentaries in a variety of media. The purpose of the class is to learn the most effective means of environmental communication in order to educate audiences about the current state of our living planet. Students will use that knowledge to produce their own scientifically grounded and accurate stories about the pressing environmental issues facing Vermonters.

Section Expectation

As part of this class, we will be working with the UVM Community News Service to produce media stories about nature and the environment. Students will work on developing their reporting skills to create nature and environmental stories that are important to our local, Vermont communities.

Important Dates

Courses may be cancelled due to low enrollment. Show your interest by enrolling.

Resources

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