Each -ISM (N.) Project is defined by the convergence of three integral components:
Each student in the -ISM (N.) Video Project becomes a member of a video production team in order to create a documentary video. The group selects the focus of the video, the style of the piece, the setting, the camera angles, and are the decision makers in the editing room. The choices which must be made must be decided upon by the student group--who all come to the process from a diversity of experiences. And these experiences--affected by racial, cultural, gender, sexual, class and other identities--strongly affect the decisions made and the process by which these decisions are made. Students must learn to negotiate these differences in order to achieve the agreed upon goal--the video documentary. This process mirrors the experience of functioning and thriving successfully in an increasingly diverse society.
WHY VIDEO?
Video directly engages learners through the same medium from which
their generation gets most of its information, including information
about difference and power. -ISM (N.) puts videocameras in the hands
of students so they can tell their own stories about diversity
issues. Students can use videos to document personal experiences with
diversity and to witness the experiences of their peers. Student
videos also provide stories to which students and instructors can
connect to broader theoretical and historical lessons about diversity
issues.
As students develop their videos,
they are required to negotiate, share power, compromise, articulate
their interests, and understand other peoples' point-of-view in order
to achieve an agreed-upon outcome. This group process, together with
theoretical text and discussion, helps students combine knowledge
with practice. As a result, they learn civic skills necessary for
working together across lines of difference. Students also become
more alert observers and creators of media and information about
people different than themselves.
Most people just talk about diversity, -ISM (N.) students engage and practice diversity.