The Art of Editing

Abstract

The "Invisible City" course brings together documentary cinema, urban studies, landscape architecture, and community-based social issues. Students will look at urban space visually and become directly involved in learning about social issues and topics around various neighborhoods in Hong Kong through making their own micro-movies. Specific skills students will learn include qualitative and ethnographic research methods; critical thinking and analysis around practical issues; creative thinking in relation to urban processes; basic short film making; and the ability to integrate theoretical concerns and real-world problems. The course will focus on looking at what is above and below official narratives of the city, lost and hidden histories, and parts of the city that are under threat. The course will be structured around outings into various neighborhoods where students will make contact with community members directly and learn through experiential pedagogy.