Student-Centered Learning
Film Series Inspires Reflections on Terrorism
“If you could make a film about terrorism, what would you say?”
With this question, Olivier Morel challenges participants in his course “The Representation of Terrorism in European Cinema” to reflect on their own experiences. The course amplifies the students' engagement with the 2006–2007 Nanovic Institute for European Studies’ film series, which focuses on the same theme.
Since 2002, the Nanovic Institute’s film series has showcased a variety of European films that center on a pertinent issue in contemporary society.
A committee comprised of Nanovic Institute staff and faculty chooses each year’s theme. It also invites a prominent academic or film director from Europe or the United States to introduce each film.
The 2006–2007 academic year marks the first time a one-credit class accompanies the series.
“It is important to see things from various perspectives,” says Morel, adjunct instructor of French and a successful journalist. “Each film provides a double message. We learn from the story, and the historical context provides a greater message for society today.”
After each film, the class meets at Reckers, an on-campus restaurant, to discuss it. Morel often invites the screening’s guest speaker to take part in the discussion.
“Having the guest speakers join us gives us an insider’s perspective on the film,” says Afiya Wilkinson, a senior Program of Liberal Studies (PLS) major. “Thanks to them, we are able to analyze the historical context of the film.”
“Professor Morel usually brings in some interesting outside knowledge about political situations or the film’s history that fuels discussion,” says junior Nicholas Houpt, who is majoring in PLS and German.
The intimate atmosphere created during class is a reflection of Morel’s relationship with his students and of the common bond that holds the class together.
“I met Professor Morel last year when he first came to campus with his wife and fellow French professor Alison Rice,” says Michael Barrett, a senior political science and French major. “They’ve had us over as a class for dinner and I am close with them.”
The film series and course concludes on March 29, 2007, with a final symposium titled “Terrorism in Europe: Lessons for the U.S.” U.S. and European experts from academia, politics, cinema, and journalism will attend.
“The students have shared very personal, emotional stories about their understanding and experiences with terrorism in the 21st century,” Morel says. “I have been very touched and amazed at how my students are beginning to put the events of September 11th into words.”
Learn More >>
Nanovic Institute for European Studies
http://www.nd.edu/~nanovic
Department of Romance Languages and Literatures
http://www.nd.edu/~romlang
Nanovic Institute Film Series
http://www.nd.edu/~nanovic/events/films.html
“Terrorism in Europe: Lessons for the U.S.” Symposium
http://www.nd.edu/~nanovic/article3.htm
This piece was contributed by Jane Marie Russell, an intern in the College of Arts and Letters Office of Web Communications and Support. Russell is a senior Political Science major with minors in Latin American Studies and Asian Studies.