Open to all, this course travels to Iceland for a 12-day journey into the heart of one of the world’s most culturally rich and geologically diverse countries.

Working with Icelandic cultural experts, scientists, and environmentalists, participants will have opportunities to film scientists out at sea studying Baltic currents, explore the mystery behind the ocean’s thermal vents, examine the potential global impact of the country’s recent volcanic eruptions, and summit Iceland’s mountains, valleys, and fjords. With almost 24-hours of daylight in the summer, emphasis of this course will be on capturing footage of the natural world while telling a balanced and compelling story.

The first part of the course will take place in Reykjavik, heading north to the small northern fishing village of Husavik, a 1000-year old town known for its Viking history, whale-watching culture, and Icelandic pony ranches. After spending several days in production on location, we will hike along the coast to Iceland’s remote interior, and will spend several days trekking through the country’s largest national park, bathing in the hot thermal springs, and climbing up the side of a volcano in a tractor. Students will learn the essentials of documentary cinematography, editing, and production, as well as how to use ethnographic fieldwork to conduct social/documentary research and storytelling. Students will complete the course with a short documentary film, produced with a small team. No documentary production experience required/ No prerequisite. Course is open to alumni and faculty. Dates are 6/25/13-7/6/13. This course meets the 7GC Global Study and 7CC Citizenship and Community Service GE’s.

Want to learn more?  We recommend this short video about Iceland.

There will be an informational session for this course on Monday February 18th at 10pm in MKS Room 132. For more information, please contact Professor Sally Rubin (rubin@chapman.edu).