Film as a Research Tool
7.5 credits
How can we think in terms of film, and how can we publish our research as film?
Digital forms of publication are becoming increasingly common; digital archives, websites and interactive exhibitions complement writing when research is disseminated and made accessible. The video essay, where research is presented in the form of a film, is part of this development. It is primarily distributed through YouTube and Vimeo, but also at conferences, exhibitions and in digital journals. This course gives students an opportunity to try out the video essay as a publication form for their own research.
The video essay moves between science, artistic research, academic publication forms and artistic practice. It starts out from existing audio-visual material as its object of study, and combines different sources as a basis for scientific or essayistic reflection. Most video essays are compilation films of passages taken from feature films, complemented by integrated spoken or written commentary. These films can take different forms, with differing degrees of scientificity. So far, the video essay has been a rather isolated phenomenon within the subject field of film studies. Through this course, we will broaden its utility, and open it up for other disciplines.
This course is unique in Sweden. It has been developed by Linnaeus University, and is offered in collaboration with Valand Academy in Gothenburg. As a result of this collaboration, the student gets the chance to create their own video essay based on their own research. Teachers from Linnaeus University and Valand Academy contribute with their knowledge about film history, their expertise in film pedagogy and their competence as supervisors of artistic research.
The course will be online with one meeting from Valand in Gothenburg. The meeting will by hybrid: online and on location for those who want to travel.
Those who do not hold a bachelor’s degree in a subject within the arts and humanities, need to send a project description (one A4 page with the required title PROJEKTBESKRIVNING VIDEOESSÄ) to subject coordinator Anders Åberg (anders.aberg@lnu.se). Project descriptions that do not have the required title will not be considered. Do not forget to include your name and social security number with your project description.
Distance – study where you are
Perhaps you would like to study in the Swedish mountains, in a big city, or at home close to family? Many of our programmes and courses are offered in distance format.
Studying at a distance can be done in different ways, either entirely without physical gatherings or with only a few gatherings on campus or at one of our learning centres. The common denominator is that a large part of your studies takes place online. You communicate with the teacher and other students through a learning platform that includes discussion forums, opportunities for group work, and digital meetings. In many cases, you will also have access to recorded lectures via the learning platform.
The benefit of distance studies is the flexibility, something that is valuable if you want to be free to decide when and where you want to study. Some compulsory elements on you course or programme may take place during office hours, even though they are online.
Växjö – the student city with a living campus
Just south of Växjö’s city centre you will find Linnaeus University’s campus. In Växjö, many students choose to live on campus.
Here you will have five minutes’ walking distance to friends, restaurants, lecture rooms, gym, grocery store, the University Library, nature trails, and student pubs. If you live in another part of Växjö, you can quickly get to the university by bus or bicycle.
With its 90 000 inhabitants, Växjö is one of the fastest growing cities in Sweden. Here you will find the famous Småland entrepreneurship spirit and a lot of companies, for instance within the IT industry – perfect for when you are looking for an internship position or a job. Växjö is also a picturesque city where you are always close to forests and water.
Build your own degree
Did you know that you can combine single-subject courses to build your own degree? In this way, you can design your own degree based on your interests and the career you are aiming for. This does not apply to all courses so make sure to check with a study counsellor at the faculty. Learn more about how you can build your own degree and become unique on the labour market.