The Essay Film is an important tradition within the various genres that constitute the field of Film and Video Art.  Through the element of time it differentiates itself from its literary and photographic antecedents. It borrows selectively from both narrative fiction and documentary - highly subjective and occasionally poetic but without perhaps the burden of truth. The Essay Film is an attmept to dimensionalize our experience of the world and our place in it.  It represents an argument, a meditation, a critical engagement with a place, a time or a subject.  This is a combination seminar/studio course. Through readings, screenings and discussion students will gain an historical perspective on the genre.  The core assignment is for each student to complete a short film (20 minutes max.) in the tradition of the Essay Film.