Marlena Chertock
FEB. 24, 2011
For three weeks in Jan. 2011, one Winter Term course went to London to research, learn about and complete a documentary video on immigrant communities in London.
The class, called called London Immigrant Communities through Photographs and Words Winter Term, was in London for more than travel. The students participated in research and an ethnography project about several immigrant communities in London, including the Muslim community, the Asian community and the Bangladeshi community.
The class was taught by Ken Hassell and Safia Swimelar.
Students showcased their video projects Feb. 23 at 6:00 p.m. in the Isabella Cannon Room in the Center for the Arts. The room was filled with students and professors and Leo Lambert was also in attendance.
The films lasted about five to fifteen minutes and included a variety of media, including audio, still photography and video. The students were attempting to represent the members of the community fairly and accurately.
The experience of such a study abroad is unique, according to Hassell.
“(Students are) finding these people on their own and interviewing them and finding out their stories,” he said. “I think it’s really kind of remarkable and a different kind of study abroad. It is an immersion. They’re spending time with these people.”
The experience is exceptional, according to Hassell.
“It’s really what study abroad should be,” he said.
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Professor Hassell talks about the challenges of ethnography
Professor Hassell talks about study abroad experiences
Senior Marlee Belmonte talks about the ethnography expereience