In this course we will practice our video editing skills while exploring visual structure and visual language.  Each week we will use a new poem to guide our artistic efforts. Our poems include works by Emily Dickinson, Paul Laurence Dunbar, and William Shakespeare. We will work together to translate the written language of the poem into the visual language of video.  Learners will record themselves reciting a portion of a given poem.  Then use that as one of the sound layers in the film.  The finished product will be a personalized recitation of poetry accompanied by the learners visual translation of the words.

We will discuss the visual components: Line, shape, tone, color, movement, and rhythm.  We will use these components to employ the concepts of Contrast and Affinity to organize our editing projects.

Learners will be instructed through video lectures and demonstrations.  Each week will include a discussion and critique as we work through the editing projects together. A typical week will consist of:

Sunday:         Video lecture and guided editing demonstration posted to classroom
                      Professor will post project files and resources for the week's assignment
                      Weekly discussion topic posted

Wednesday:  Professor will post a quick "Knowledge check" to ensure learners are on track
                      Learners should post their response to the discussion topic by Wednesday 
                     (respond to classmates by Friday)

Friday:           Learners will share completed projects in classroom for discussion and feedback
                     
**Learners can submit questions in the classroom  at anytime during the week.

**There is a secondary option for participation.  In any given week learners can forego editing their own film and instead watch/critique/discuss a film created by the professor. 
 
**Learners can also opt to use my narration instead of their own if they are shy listening to their voice.

Learners should have some familiarity with a video editing software or application.  I will demonstrate using iMovie, however more advanced students are welcome to use programs like Final Cut Pro or Premiere.  I'm happy to offer insight.  Overall, a very simple editing software is all that is needed. Our primary goal is to reshape words into images.  We will also be recording narration in this course.  Any device which allows learners to record their voice is fine.  For example, they could use an iPhone(voice memo app) with headphones and mic attached.